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Housing Decisions of Empty Nesters

The Spatial Analysis and Research Branch is responsible for preparing population projections for use by Victorian government agencies, local government and other stakeholders. A key component of population projections is the choice of where to live made by individuals and households. These choices are often related to a housing choice. One of the major changes facing families will be when the kids finally move out of home. In fact, this may be a long time after they first move out of home, with adult children often returning home and leaving again several times. Nevertheless, when they are finally gone, the parent or parents may be left in a large family home in the suburbs, designed for bringing up children. Will these empty nesters move to the country or the coast or stay in the area where they currently live? Will they downsize to a smaller, newer townhouse? Will they keep the family home so the kids and grandkids can come back to visit? To better understand the housing decisions of empty nesters, the Spatial Analysis and Research Branch of the Department of Sustainability and Environment employed Sweeney Research to conduct a number of focus groups with people who had either just become empty nesters or who are about to become empty nesters. Main findings: Children leaving the parental home marks a time of freedom, spontaneity, time and satisfaction for empty nesters. Nesters don’t see the children departing as being a ‘life stage’ as such, but rather a natural progression, another step forward. There are other events which they believe will trigger real change… retirement, the loss of a partner or financial difficulties are amongst these. This is a transitional time for this generation….children leaving, grandchildren being born, parents dying, retirement looming and old-age knocking. Like any time of change, there comes the fear of the unknown. The real concerns for this generation relate to finances, health and loneliness. Their new roles in life and the redefined structure at home have not necessarily resulted in any spare cash. The progression from child to adult has occurred – many costs associated with raising children diminished well before the children physically moved out. While a number of changes have been brewing over time, 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 – most simply cannot afford it as they would still like a second ‘town’ house and this is well beyond their means.

Empty Nesters enjoying the freedom of not having kids at home Final Report - Sweeney Research Sweeney Empty Nester Report (PDF - 266 Kb) Presentation of background information - DSE DSE Empty Nester Background Presentation (PDF - 274 Kb) Presentation of findings - Sweeney Research Sweeney Empty Nester Presentation (PDF - 828 Kb)