Adapting To Change

The changing housing desires of the baby boomer demographic are fuelling a new trend in residential development, writes RHIANNON HOYLE.

IT'S a conundrum developers across the nation, and the world, are facing; what will our retirement living projects look like in years to come?

Developers, builders and population experts all admit residential development designs will need to be re-thought to suit cashed-up baby boomers with a distaste for the traditional retirement lifestyle.

Adaptable housing - a buzz word starting to take hold in the industry - is a concept some developers are already trying dabbling in, with Chasecrown Living this month releasing a new residential project aimed directly at the boomer market.

The development, on Beulah Rd at Norwood. will feature six homes with features to assist their ageing occupants This includes rails in the bathroom, a flexible floor plan and raised power points, taps and benches.

Marketing manager Steve Testar said there had already been registrations of interest from boomers in the project.

"These low maintenance and secure properties offer living on the ground floor with smart design towards the baby boomer generation," he said.

Two further bedrooms and a study are located upstairs which, Mr Testar said, would be useful for guests or grandchildren "when the owners don't want to climb the stairs any more". Construction has now begun and is expected to be completed next year.