Archive:   Empty Nester Report

Last Updated  21/3/07

New Govt. Survey On 'Empty Nester' Housing Preferences: Most Don't Want A Sea/Tree Change!

(27/7/06 - P)  The Department of Sustainability and Environment's (DSE) Urban and Regional Research Unit has just released results of a survey of 'empty nesters' and it seems, even if the kids have 'flown', they aren't yearning for those jammed-in, double-storey units and retirement villages developers keep proposing, and Council and VCAT keep approving, in Macedon Ranges.

Here's an overview of the report's main thrust, as included in the Department's 'Research Matters' newsletter:

"The reality is that they now have a house with no kids.  The question is - are they ready to move on?  To down-size?  The answer, at this stage, is no.  There are many empty nesters who have decided to remain in the family home.  The reasons essentially revolve around emotional attachment, security and finances.

 

Some are happy to sell up, but invariably want to stay in the same area unless there are compelling reasons to move to another area.  Most can visualise their ideal new home and there is a strong consensus on the key features of their new home. It will be as maintenance free as possible, will be modern, on one level, with a small rear garden, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a main open-plan living area plus a second smaller living area and good security.  For most, an apartment is not in the consideration set, nor is a retirement village.  A 'sea-change' is not on the list for many..."

You can access the full report on the DSE website (www.dse.vic.gov.au), research, urban and regional, demographics, or click

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/dsenres.nsf/childdocs/-4CA023FAC31D9D5CCA256D650016CB01-C70997566F01CABDCA256D6500039059?open to go directly to the report.

MRRA Says:

It will be interesting to see whether these findings penetrate into the minds of decision-makers, or whether they simply cling to current thinking (e.g. can't get enough places for old people and tree changers, we are going to be inundated with them; all older people want small, two-storey units, etc.).  The result of that thinking is often quantity not quality; not providing what people really want/need, and increasingly suburban outcomes as what worked in Melbourne is transferred to Macedon Ranges.   Hmmm, it's a scenario that closely parallels proposals that have been fast-tracked through the approvals process in the guise of creating jobs; fast-tracked to the point where standards, policy and process go out the window, and much of the time, all Macedon Ranges ends up with is another sub-standard, inappropriate development, and often, not many local jobs.  

This latest 'nester' information is relevant (dare we say, at least as relevant as any real estate agents saying give us more, more, more), and should influence how Council and Macedon Ranges' residents look at future housing needs.