More buyers want homes they can live in for a lifetime. That has implications for the way home builders design homes
Sept. 13, 2024
Image: Jelena Stanojkovic / stock.adobe.com
More homebuyers are searching for places that they can grow old in.
Most people prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, benefiting from familiar surroundings and the associated better health outcomes. According to Kiplinger, this is also appealing to older generations financially, as the cost of nursing home care averages $9,000 per month across the U.S. However, aging in place often requires home renovations to improve safety and make homes more comfortable. Because of this, homebuyers are seeking properties they can stay in for life with minimal renovations. This presents an opportunity for home builders to design homes with future aging needs in mind.
Builders are increasingly thinking about catering to age-in-place needs, too. More Realtors are reporting younger clients who say they want a “feet-first house,” a place where they can live for the rest of their lives. One example of thinking ahead: Some builders are stacking closets on upper and lower floors, to create the space for a future elevator, if one is needed.
