Comprising nearly 29% of America’s population, the 55+ market continues to expand. When they begin their new home search, they know exactly what they want. They will rarely make sacrifices because they feel they’ve earned it after many decades of hard work (and they have!). To satisfy the 55+ market, make sure to consider these features in your active adult community.
STORAGE
Over the years, things tend to pile up and leave you wondering when you acquired all of this stuff! Maybe your children left behind some of their belongings or you acquired some of your parents’ treasured items. Either way, lack of storage is a deal-breaker. One easy solution is to offer a tandem garage with plenty of storage space. This is particularly useful for slab on grade sites or when lot sizes don’t provide room for additional storage square footage inside the home.
DETAILING
Details make a house feel like a home, which is essential to 55+ buyers. They want to personalize a space and make it their own, but they want it to feel charming and inviting even before they get there. Detailed trim and finishes are a huge draw for these buyers. Built-ins add character and storage, an absolute win-win for 55+. Other details could include crown molding, beautiful oak railings and ceiling treatments to tie the spaces together.
LESS IS MORE
55+ buyers are most likely empty nesters or living alone. They focus on themselves and spending time with those they love. By designing the floorplan to have fewer, larger spaces, even smaller homes will feel open and large, with spaces that are ideal for entertaining.
MASTER DOWN, BUT OPTIONS
Ground floor master retreats are a must if you want 55+ buyers to consider living in the home long-term. No need to worry about potential mobility concerns and risks from stairs when everything is comfortably located on the first floor. As an option, offer one suite on the main floor and one on the top floor to demonstrate long-term livability for the resident. This also eliminates worry about overnight guests by providing a separate retreat to maintain privacy. If lots or building configuration dictate second-floor master suites, consider offering an optional elevator. Strategically designed stairs and storage closets can be planned to incorporate the optional elevator without impacting the overall floor plan.
COMMUNITY FOCUS
Many 55+ communities offer homes that are specifically designed to generate a feeling of inclusiveness. At the heart of these developments, clubhouses host many different activities and group events that meet the social needs of residents. Site planning focused on connected walking paths and front porch orientation will generate walkability that further emphasizes the community setting. Residents appreciate being able to pass by their neighbors and say hello. In addition, smaller, low maintenance yards mean less time working and more more time socializing.
