Seniors Are Shaping the Renovation Market in 2025

In 2025, the U.S. renovation market is feeling the impact of a powerful force: seniors. Homeowners aged 65 and older are not just staying put, they’re actively investing in making their homes safer, smarter, and more stylish. With equity to spend and clear goals in mind, this demographic is reshaping priorities for contractors, designers, and real estate professionals.

Here’s how—and why—seniors are driving the renovation market forward.

1. Aging in Place Is the New Normal

Over 75% of homeowners aged 65+ say they plan to “age in place” rather than move to a retirement community, according to AARP’s latest Home and Community Preferences Survey.

This desire for independence has created booming demand for practical upgrades, such as:

• Walk-in showers with grab bars and zero-threshold entries
• Wider doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
• Lever-style handles, nonslip flooring, and motion-activated lighting

These aren’t luxury features, they are functional improvements seniors are willing to invest in now, before health or mobility issues force their hand.

2. Older Homes Need Updates—and Seniors Are Investing

According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 80% of homes in the U.S. are more than 20 years old, and nearly 40% are over 50 years old. Many seniors are living in these homes—and updating them.

Key motivators include:

• Modernizing outdated layouts and finishes
• Improving energy efficiency (windows, HVAC, insulation)
• Avoiding deferred maintenance that could hurt resale value

Unlike younger homeowners, many seniors can tap into substantial home equity—often over $250,000—to pay for renovations outright, without relying on financing.

3. Seniors Are the Largest Group of Home Sellers

In 2024, homeowners aged 60 and older represented 51% of all home sellers, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These sellers are often advised to update key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring to appeal to younger buyers.

That’s led to a rise in:

• Pre-listing cosmetic renovations to boost sale price and reduce days on market
• Collaboration with realtors and refresh companies to optimize ROI with $10K–$30K budgets
• Smarter, quicker updates—no full gut remodels, just fresh, market-ready design

Seniors who plan to sell in the next 1–5 years are seeking renovation partners who understand how to improve home value efficiently.

4. Tech and Comfort Are Top Priorities

Today’s retirees are more connected than previous generations. Over 60% of adults aged 65+ own a smartphone, and many are embracing smart home technology that increases safety and convenience.

Popular tech upgrades include:

• Smart doorbells and security cameras
• Programmable thermostats
• Voice-activated lighting and home assistants

Couple that with requests for quieter appliances, better indoor air quality, and low-maintenance materials, and it's clear that comfort + convenience is the sweet spot for this market.

5. Multigenerational Households Are Fueling Renovation Needs

The number of multigenerational households has quadrupled since 1971, with seniors often co-living with adult children or grandchildren. This trend has spurred demand for:

• Guest suites or ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Second kitchens or laundry rooms
• Additional full bathrooms and private entries

For contractors and designers, this presents a niche opportunity to build flexible, future-ready spaces.

RenoVision Tip

Seniors aren’t just aging in place—they’re upgrading in place. Backed by equity, motivated by independence, and influenced by resale value, this generation is transforming the renovation industry in real-time.

If you're a real estate professional, paying attention to this demographic means understanding their priorities:

• Function first—but don’t sacrifice design
• Spend smart—focus on ROI and simplicity
• Make it safe, comfortable, and beautiful

In 2025, seniors aren’t slowing down—they’re setting the pace.