Within the next five years, Baby Boomers are projected to have the largest household growth of any other generation during that same time period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. Let’s take a look at why…
In a recent Merrill Lynch study, “Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices” they surveyed nearly 6,000 adults ages 21 and older about housing.
Crossing the “Freedom Threshold”
Throughout our lives, there are often responsibilities that dictate where we live. Whether being in the best school district for our children, being close to our jobs, or some other factor is preventing a move, the study found that there is a substantial shift that takes place at age 61.
The study refers to this change as “Crossing the Freedom Threshold”. When where you live is no longer determined by responsibilities, but rather a freedom to live wherever you like. (see the chart below)
As one participant in the study stated:
“In retirement, you have the chance to live anywhere you want. Or you can just stay where you are. There hasn’t been another time in life when we’ve had that kind of freedom.”
On the Move
According to the study, “an estimated 4.2 million retirees moved into a new home last year alone.” Two-thirds of retirees say that they are likely to move at least once during retirement.
The top reason to relocate cited was “wanting to be closer to family” at 29%, a close second was “wanting to reduce home expenses”. See the chart below for the top 6 reasons broken down.
Not Every Baby Boomer Downsizes
There is a common misconception that as retirees find themselves with fewer children at home, they will instantly desire a smaller home to maintain. While that may be the case for half of those surveyed, the study found that three in ten decide to actually upsize to a larger home.
Some choose to buy a home in a desirable destination with extra space for large family vacations, reunions, extended visits, or to allow other family members to move in with them.
Because I am a Boomer myself, I recently asked my husband this very question ‘should we downsize . . . when our daughter graduates high school?’ And, his answer was a resounding No. My husband said . . . most people retire to Florida, but we already live here. The reality is, our plans may not coincide. I want to travel sand spend a lot of time wherever our kids choose to be. So I plan on having at least two more homes.
“Retirees often find their homes become places for family to come together and reconnect, particularly during holidays or summer vacations.”
Bottom Line
If your housing needs have changed or are about to change, meet with a local real estate professional in your area who can help with deciding your next step – if you don’t know a professional, I am happy to connect you with a Top Professional in your area. I am in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Connect with me at Debbie@DebbieWysocki.comwww.ISellBeachHouses.com
