Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

The majority of older boomers want a single-story home in which to retire, but that's where some practicalities end on their housing wish list.

That's because adults over 55 tend to gloss over things like universal design features, which builders employ to provide homeowners greater accessibility later in life, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Instead, adults are placing more emphasis on amenities such as in-home washers and dryers and storage space.

The suburbs also are a draw. About one-third want to live outside cities, even though that could put them at a distance from healthcare centers and other critical services. Less than 10 percent said they'd consider a city setting - which is among several choices that could put older adults at a disadvantage as they age.

"The homes consumers say they want may present difficulties for the long term as they age in place," said Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "Aside from recognizing that one-story homes will be best for their later years, customers may be somewhat unrealistic."

They survey - which asked owners and renters about their current homes and the types of homes, communities and features they prefer as they age - also questioned builders about specific features provided in new homes and how much customers are willing to pay for them. In some areas, the results show a distinct split in opinion.

For example, while builders are providing more universal design features - including lever-handle/door knobs, wider doors and hallways and a full bath at the entry level - consumers are moving in a different direction.

Older adults said they want amenities such as non-slip floors, larger medicine cabinets, lower kitchen cabinets and emergency call buttons. However, those features are not as widely included by builders in new homes, according to the survey.

What's Important
On other issues, builders and consumers are generally on the same page. Boomers said they want to be close to community resources like shopping and medical services, and most builders and developers have responded by placing new neighborhoods accordingly.

While housing growth has stalled due to the sagging economy, NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe reminded builders to be increasingly responsive to changes in the 55-plus market so they are prepared once the housing sector regains its strength.

"These surveys were conducted as consumers were watching their savings shrink and as builders were seeing sales grind to a halt," Crowe said. "So this study reflects the very latest in the changing perceptions of what is most important in housing for this age cohort."

One thing builders are more aware of is the need to provide more energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive features. A little over half of buyers said they want EnergyStar-rated homes.

However, some adults tend to balk at paying significantly more for "green" homes that contain features made of out of recycled materials. Only about 12 percent said they would be willing to pay more for such a home.

In fact, the five features rated most important by older adults were: in-home washers and dryers, storage space, windows that open easily, main level master bedrooms and easy-to-use climate controls. High-speed Internet access also was high on the list.

With all those features, it's not surprising that most adults aren't looking to downsize. In fact, most said they'd like their next home to be the same size as their current one.