Demographics

55+ Buyer Survey Results

October 13, 2014

Here is a partial summary of the webinar we just did on 55+ buyers. More than 100 people followed up by requesting copies of the presentation. 55+ households are:

  • 52% of current homeowners
 
  • 43% of current households
 
  • 26% of all home buying activity (even though only 3% of them buy a home each year)
 

Those we surveyed (all had registered with a builder, developer, or Zillow so the survey represents those interested in moving) told us the following:

  • 54% said they are not moving today because they can’t find what they are looking for.
 
  • 64% said they are considering buying outside the area where they currently live, and 53% said they are considering staying in their home—so most need some convincing to move.
 
  • 51% said proximity to grandchildren is a key motivator.
 
  • 28% said they are considering owning 2 homes.
 
  • 43% prefer an inner suburb (15–30 minutes from City Core) versus the City Core or a more outlying area.
 
  • 8–11% want attached but 20–25% will consider it.
 
  • 49% want a smaller home, 34% want the same size, and 27% want larger.
 
  • 63% have pets and 22% say they treat them like royalty.
 

The Boomers reported some interesting trends:

  • 41% will accommodate an 18+ year old child.
 
  • 33% are considering accommodating their parent.
 
  • 23% want age-restricted.
 
  • 44% want age-targeted or restricted, compared to 61% of the Silent Generation.
 
  • 77% want single-story.
 

The webinar covers much more, including:

  • Top ten trends
 
  • Design preferences
 
  • Style preferences
 

Building Market Intelligence™

Every week, we deliver analysis to over 40,000 subscribers with our Building Market Intelligence™ newsletter. Subscribe to our weekly BMI newsletters to stay current on pressing topics in the housing industry.

About The Author

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our services or if you would like to speak to one of our experts about we can help your business, please contact Client Relations at clientservices@jbrec.com.

Products and Services Mentioned

Research Membership

Our research services enable our clients to gauge housing market conditions and better align their business and strategic investments in the housing industry. We provide a thoughtful and unique holistic approach of both quantitative and qualitative analysis to help clients make informed housing investment decisions.

Burns Home Builder Survey

Our quarterly residential land survey presents data and sentiment from the top residential land brokers in numerous metros across the country.

Real Estate Consulting

Our experienced team of consultants helps clients make sound housing investment decisions. We thrive on their success and work with many clients over multiple years and numerous projects.

Latest Insights

4 Ways Middle Schoolers Want to Expand Affordable Housing
What Custom Home Architects Want Window Manufacturers to Know
JBREC-Podcast-Banner-86
Value Adding—How Resale Will Survive a Changing Market