Here’s what retirees are looking for in a new home

Retirees and those nearing retirement are keeping the housing market alive. The median age of repeat homebuyers is now 61, jumping 25 years since 1981, according to analysis from the National Association of Realtors®.

But as the demographic of buyers has changed, so too have their tastes.

“As we begin to age, we start looking at things from a different perspective—a wiser set of eyes,” says Paul Dashevsky, co-founder of GreatBuildz.

That added wisdom means prioritizing practicality over keeping up with the Joneses. Retirees want more than a white picket fence: They want to maximize their equity by investing in a low-maintenance property in a great community that will allow them to age in place.

What retirees want in a new home

We spoke with builders, real estate agents, and senior care specialists to learn what retirees are looking for in their next home. Here’s what we found:

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A good deal

Baby boomers own $84 trillion worth of real estate wealth, and they want to make the most of it in retirement. One of the chief ways they can do so is to downsize their home, says Karen Holt, global real estate advisor at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Many retirees are downsizing from larger family homes to single-story or low-maintenance properties,” she adds.

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Not only are these properties better suited to the changing accessibility needs of older adults, but they’re often cheaper to buy and maintain.

Those savings allow retirees to make the most of their home sale proceeds and create a financial cushion to fund retirement expenses, travel, healthcare, or hobbies.

Aging-in-place features

“Aging-in-place improvements are crucial for many retirees,” adds Holt. These home modifications use universal design elements to enhance the safety, accessibility, and comfort of a space. 

But adaptive living is more than just a matter of practicality—it’s also a top design trend for 2025, according to Forbes. 

Homeowners of all ages are increasingly incorporating discrete adaptations such as curbless showers, smart lighting systems, and sleek grab bars that complement the home’s aesthetics. 

As more homeowners move less and stay in their homes longer, design experts predict these modifications will soon become standard practice, blending safety with contemporary style.

Low-maintenance properties

By retirement, most homeowners have had enough of maintaining a property: They want to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Likewise, they may not have the same disposable income they once did and opt to not spend on housekeeping services, per AARP’s recommendation.

As such, they’re drawn to durable materials that require little upkeep, and energy-efficient appliances that keep overhead costs down, says Holt.

But don’t mistake low-maintenance with flashy tech, advises Brandon Blakeley, co-founder and chief technology officer of Mirador Living, a platform that connects seniors with senior care.

“Whereas younger buyers might be impressed by flashy superficials like new granite countertops, TOTO toilets, or exotic hardwood floors, retirees who are looking for a new home tend to be much more focused on the ‘peace of mind’ fundamentals of a home,” he says.

These include Energy Star-rated appliances that reduce utility bills and environmental impact, stain-resistant carpeting that requires little maintenance and reduces fall risk, and non-porous countertops that are easy to clean.

Community and convenience

Retirees want ways to enrich their freetime, not waste it. As such, they prioritize communities with proximity to recreational activities, family, and services.

“Neighborhoods with community centers offering recreational options like pickleball courts, swimming pools, and art classes are highly attractive,” says Holt. “Sidewalks for walking and nearby places of worship further enhance the sense of community and accessibility, providing retirees with a well-rounded, engaging lifestyle.”

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These amenities offer more than just leisure activities. They foster social connections and an active lifestyle, both essential for retirees’ physical and mental well-being. Communities designed with convenience in mind can significantly improve retirees’ quality of life by promoting independence and social engagement, critical factors for happiness in retirement.

Retiring? Here’s how to find your dream home

The path to your ideal retirement home begins with careful consideration of your personal needs, finances, and lifestyle goals. 

Start by assessing your budget and clearly defining your priorities—such as location, accessibility, or community features. While it’s ideal to have all of these elements, you may have to sacrifice one for another, so creating a hierarchy of your wants can also be helpful.

Partner with an experienced real estate agent who understands your situation and can streamline your search by finding homes that fit your criteria. Talk with your agent about a financing plan to make sure that you’re able to maximize your equity without sacrificing your desires.

Once you’ve aligned your vision with practical considerations, you’ll be ready to move into your new chapter.

Selling? Here’s how to market your home to retirees

With an older demographic of homebuyers driving the market, it’s worth marketing to this demographic if you’re selling your home in the years ahead. But doing so will require careful consideration: “The key lies in emphasizing real benefits,” says Orlando Penner, owner and operator of South County Sheds.

This approach resonates with retirees who value comfort and convenience more than extravagant features or superficial upgrades. 

Holt agrees with his assessment and suggests taking this practicality one step further by emphasizing location-based conveniences.

“Sellers should also emphasize the proximity of their property to healthcare services, grocery stores, recreational facilities, and community centers. Highlighting local amenities like walking trails, places of worship, and social clubs can make the property even more enticing,” she says.

After all, retirement isn’t just about the home itself; it’s about the lifestyle it supports. By marketing properties as gateways to a vibrant, connected community, sellers can tap into retirees’ desire for an active, fulfilling life in their golden years.