Investing? It's Wise to Know What Retirees Want 

It's no longer possible (or smart!) to ignore retirees, because their needs are starting to affect the property market. Think about this: 

• Australia's population is aging. 
• The number of retirees will double in the period to 2021. 
• By then, they will represent 11-16% of the population. 
• By 2030, Australians aged 65 or over will number five million. 
• The Baby Boomers are starting to retire NOW. 

Older, But Just As Stroppy 

For decades, this well-educated, active, politically-informed and assertive group has greatly influenced TV, movies and music. Now this huge customer-base will start to want certain things from the property market, either as tenants or investors. These include:

SECURITY ... there is a general fear of violence; they want a secure place to live that they can also lock up, leave and go travelling with peace of mind. 

PRIVACY ... vibrant cities or suburbs are attractive, but home must be a place of peace and privacy. 

FOOD ... as well as wanting to live near good eating places, they want to be able to cook and eat well at home. This group of people almost believe they invented ethnic cuisine. Second-rate kitchens just won't cut the mustard . 

BACKYARD ... they grew up with one, may have had one for their kids. Now, generally, they're over it. The small, low-maintenance private courtyard or balcony looks very attractive. 

SPACE ... is needed for storage, office and computer, a secure place to put the boat or caravan. This huge group's members are not all identical, however. A small proportion has money, but most do not. But they all know exactly what they want, from years of practice!