Working well past traditional retirement age has become increasingly common these days.
In fact, the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that of the 62 million people in the U.S. aged 65 and over—about 12 million—are still in the workforce.
And according to a recent AARP survey, 41% of respondents above 50 who are either working or looking for work say their main reason is to afford everyday living costs.
Because of this, motivated older homeowners are shifting their housing and downsizing preferences.
“I’m definitely seeing more seniors working past the traditional retirement age of 65. These individuals are looking for homes in thriving communities close to shopping, dining, and parks that offer a low-maintenance experience,” explains Christina Rordam, real estate agent at Florida Realty Investments in Orlando,FL.
Whether you’re in the market for a home as a working senior or hope to sell your property to one soon, knowing what makes sense for this group of buyers can help you better navigate the market.
What this new wave of “working” seniors is prioritizing in their house hunt
For today’s seniors, downsizing is more about finding the most usable home for their next stage of life, instead of simply a smaller house.
Older adults still want to stay active and productive in their work while reducing the time spent maintaining the home.
“They may still be consulting, managing a business, or working regularly from home so they need a quiet space separated from the rest of the house as well as high-speed internet. A bona fide home office space is more important than ever for them,” says Sander Scott, broker and owner of Net Real Estate, a Traverse City, MI, real estate brokerage specializing in waterfront property, vacant land, and long-term property usability.
Scott also points out that proximity to healthcare, airports, restaurants, community resources, professional services, and even co-working space can be just as—if not more—important to these seniors as the size of the home.
A recent CareScout’s analysis ranked the states where older workers are thriving in 2026, using factors such as rates of age discrimination, labor force participation among older adults, and personal tax rate. For those working into retirement, New Hampshire came in first among the best places for seniors still working to live. Interestingly, the “unretirement map” was dominated by states along the East Coast.
How to make a property more attractive to this group of buyers
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, there are steps you can take to make your property a better fit for older, working buyers.
Focus on convincing buyers that your home supports both continued work and changing physical needs.
“Show how each room can actually be used. If a space can work as a quiet and separate office, make sure to highlight that. If your home offers easy garage access, is low maintenance, or close proximity to services, ‘light up the runway’ for the buyer and make those features clear,” says Scott.
If you’re already upgrading your bathrooms, Rordam recommends adding a large walk-in shower with a bench inside it. Grab bars, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-reach control are also worthwhile.
“If you happen to have a den, consider adding French doors, providing the opportunity to enclose the space as a home office,” adds Rordam.
Also, keep in mind that while smart home technology can be a plus, it can also be an issue if it’s overly complex and involves multiple apps and difficult integrations that these buyers may find frustrating. If you have smart devices, ensure they’re simple to understand and use.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot to make your property more attractive to working seniors. Even better lighting and lever-style door handles can make a big difference they’re likely to appreciate.
Just remember that most of these buyers are asking, “Can I live fully here now and in the future without the property friction?”
If they can step into your home and answer the question with “yes,” you’re in good shape.
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