A 2009 survey (Housing for the 55+ Market—Trends and Insights on boomers and Beyond) by the NAHB and the MetLife Mature Market Institute confirmed assumptions that buyers age 55 and over are seeking smaller homes with a more efficient use of space. This a quite a contradiction to trends of the past decade, which saw a sharp increase in the desire for very large homes now dubbed “McMansions.” The study also showed that buyers in the Boomer market (ages 45-63) have a strong desire for single level living. For those still longing for a multilevel design, the trend is to place the master suite on the main level, a practice that helps ensure they can remain in their homes as they grow older. Conversely, the study also showed that buyers don’t want to give up the niceties typically found in larger scale homes, such as two-car garages and three to four bedrooms. These features are difficult to design into homes of 2,000 square feet or less without sacrificing comfort. Something to keep in mind as you design the log cabin home of your dreams.
