A survey of consumers and builders, conducted in 2009 by the National Association of HomeBuilders, has yielded a new round of data about housing preferences of the 55+ buyers. This data analysis compared the preferences of the 55 to 64-year-old age group to those of the 65+ age group.
The data showed a strong similarity between the two groups with some exceptions. The younger age group were more interested in technology features while the older group was more interested in a single-story floor plan, and a variety of universal design features.
One surprising result was that the younger group said they want services like home maintenance and repair as part of their next home purchase, along with services usually connected with older homeowners such as housekeeping, onsite health care, and transportation.
All of the services mentioned were more important than the desire for organized social activities.
The chair of the National Association of Home Builders commented on the findings: “Most buyers in this market are looking for an easy-living lifestyle. They would like access to services that will free up their time from inside and outside home maintenance.
The share of households looking for lower-maintenance houseing is growinig larger as baby boomers enter the market for these age groups. And the current financial situation in the country has led to sharply decreased construction of communities that serve these older age groups. Without a change in the availability of capital for development and construction. there could be a shortage of housing for these buyers.