Babyboomers seeking community when they look to downsize a little
Homebuyers in the 55-plus age group looking at community title projects have clear values, preferences and attitudes that largely reflect the lifestyle they desire.
The final report from Grey Matter Research and Consulting in the United States show that boomer buyers value the first impression of a community and feeling welcome.
Amenities are also huge draws, the Inman report noted. So clubhouses, pools and walking trails, plus the essentials of proximity to restaurants, shopping, entertainment.
Proximity to medical services also ranks as an important factor, according to research conducted by Hanley Wood, a real estate media firm, and national homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison.
The following are favored design elements and features among boomers:
- Open floor plans
- High ceilings
- Natural light
- Integrated indoor and outdoor space
- Sheltered areas
- Native plants
- Sustainable and energy-efficient technology
- Sufficient storage
The top three factors that influence the purchase of a home are:
- Area/location (50.2 percent)
- Price/affordability (37.4 percent)
- The layout of the home (19 percent)
These factors also led the way for buyers building or shopping for a new home:
- Quality of construction (9 percent)
- Safer neighborhood (8.4 percent)
- Better floor plans (8.2 percent)
- Architecture/overall design (8.1 percent)
The top three most important rooms or areas in a home include:
- Kitchen (82.8 percent)
- Master bedroom (59.2 percent)
- Great room (36 percent)
Baby boomers would prefer a mid-size home rather than a smaller property
The results of these studies will inform the design and development of the entirely customizable “NEXTadventure” model home, which is set to debut at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, in January 2017.