Survey shows what over 50's are looking for.

A survey of 1,068 people visiting the Seniors Housing Online website shows what the over 50’s are looking for in a retirement property. Tastes and expectations are changing in the retirement property market now the baby boomers are starting to retire or downsize.

Results show the over 50’s now want larger units: 49.6% say two or more bedrooms is essential and another 35.8% say it is desirable; over 97% want an independent living unit; 78% want it in a community setting with access to facilities such as a community bus, a club house or recreation centre, and a swimming pool, and which is pet friendly (60%).  88% expect a garage or parking space but 85.3% also want to be close to public transport.  While 70.8% say they would prefer to live close to family and friends, a whopping 80.1% say they are prepared to move out of their local area to find the right retirement property and lifestyle.

Many people are not ready to retire from work in their 50’s but they do want to downsize their home and get rid of the mortgage once their kids have grown up. Retirement is changing – more people are transitioning into retirement with part time work, and a significant number of people intend to keep on working indefinitely or even pick up a second career as a volunteer. The focus is more on lifestyle – having the time and money to pursue your interests and do those things you’ve always wanted to do: play sport, get fit, travel, spend more time with friends and family.  Some prefer to move to a different suburb while others are happy to relocate to coastal or regional areas or even interstate to get the lifestyle they want within their budget.

Read more and take the survey - see the article on the Seniors Housing Online News and Information page.