Do older homebuyers prefer dwellings with accessibility and adaptability features? Findings from an exploratory study

Demographic changes have prompted the development of 'age-friendly' housing design standards in several countries, but there has been limited exploration of whether older prospective homebuyers would prefer to purchase homes with accessible and adaptable features. This exploratory study used a stated choice experiment to explore whether prospective homebuyers in England aged 50 and over would prefer homes with accessibility and adaptability attributes. Respondents were significantly more likely to select dwellings with step-free access and adaptable bathrooms than properties without these features and were willing to pay significantly more to purchase them.