Should I stay or should I go? Housing preferences upon retirement in Germany

摘要

The current debate on demographic change often revolves around seniors (over 65 years old), their housing preferences, and their spatial mobility. Our study asked future retirees between age 50 and 60 whether they intend to keep their current residence or whether they are considering moving to some other place upon retirement. The study applied a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. It was conducted in nine German cities with different spatial structural characteristics. This research contributes to current research as the prospective perspective of potential movers, movers, and non-movers pays close attention as well as the reasons for planning and not planning to move. The analysis of the vast amount of data (140 qualitative interviews and 5500 questionnaires) shows extraordinarily high satisfaction with residents' current housing situation. The results reflect a high attachment with the place of residence and the surrounding neighborhood. The partly high rates of home ownership give reason to expect continuously high levels of remaining in place among future senior citizens. The few potentially mobile ones intend to either move within the region or use their second residences more frequently so that they are likely to live in multiple locations in the future "Aging in place" therefore proves to be the main preference among future seniors in Germany.