Importance of the 55+ Home Buyer

Currently the 55+ home buyer makes up one-third of all households in the United States. By 2022, 55 million households will be over 55 years old. With a large portion of home sales going to 55+ buyers, it is important to understand their needs and desires. Understanding their housing desires and how to provide the amenities to support the lifestyle they want. Improving your 55+ home buyer design strategy will be key to your success.

The first thing to remember is that the 55+ buyer is NOT old. This population is more active and living longer than ever before. They are young at heart and want that to shine through in all aspects of their life, including in their home.

Desires of the 55+ Home Buyer

Because of this younger frame of mind, builders, designers, and marketers have shifted their strategy. They are designing, merchandising, and marketing to the 55+ community in different ways. Today’s 55+ home design is not your grandmother’s house.

Besides a desire to downsize, the 55+ home buyer has many reasons to move. Providing a home design that matches their “retirement” lifestyle makes them even more eager to make a move. These buyers are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives. It’s our responsibility as builders and designers to provide them with their dream in the form of a home.

Design Strategies for the 55+ Home Buyer

When considering features that the 55+ home buyer dreams about, it’s important to keep in mind the following:

•    Build fun, bright spaces that shine but are still warm and welcoming.
•    Embrace casual lifestyle living, while creating a stylish place to relax.
•    Provide plenty of storage – the buyer is downsizing but doesn’t want to throw away memorabilia.
•    Include gourmet kitchens with plenty of room to entertain.
•    Offer a great outdoor living space where buyers can kick back and enjoy leisure time.
•    Make sure your community is close to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
•    Think about including modern flex spaces with multiple uses.
•    Rethink your community amenities (for example, replace the tennis court with a community garden or dog park).
•    Use universal design to maintain a modern aesthetic without making it feel old.
•    Don’t ignore the guest room. This space can be converted to a multitude of uses, as well as an additional place for storage if desired.

Every buyer is different. No two buyers want to exact same features in a home. However, keep in mind the type of lifestyle that your 55+ home buyer wants and apply it to your design. By doing so, you’ll be sure to attract many excited buyers. This is a growing market segment. You don’t want to miss out.

For more 55+ home buyer design ideas and how an interior merchandiser can help, please contact us today. And, be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for all kinds of creative interior design ideas.