27,000 Australians Are Waiting for Retirement Living - What Does That Mean for You?

This article is part 1 of Downsizing.com.au's New Intelligence Series.

27,000 Australians are waiting for retirement living, what does that mean for you?

If you are thinking about downsizing or moving into retirement living, you are not alone.

The 2025 PwC-RLC Retirement Census recorded 26,825 waitlist registrations across Australia, showing strong demand from older Australians looking for their next home. PwC – RLC Retirement Census - Property Council Australia

But strong demand does not mean you should rush your decision.

In fact, the latest research suggests the opposite: the retirement living decision is becoming more considered, more personal and more focused on long-term value.

Village Guru's consumer research shows that people are moving into retirement living later and increasingly looking for a “forever home” rather than another short-term property move. Many want certainty, simple contracts, lifestyle benefits and confidence that their next home will continue to work for them as their needs change. Village Guru

That means choosing retirement living is about much more than finding a property you like.

You may also want to consider:

How much will you receive from the sale of your current home?

How much capital will you have left after your move?

What ongoing fees will you pay?

What happens when you leave?

Will the home support your lifestyle, independence and future care needs?

These questions are becoming particularly important because retirement living affordability varies significantly by location.

According to the PwC-RLC Census, the average two-bedroom independent living unit represents around 61% of the median house price nationally, but the gap varies considerably between regions.

The broader residential property market also matters, but perhaps not in the way many people think.

Ray White’s market research suggests some older homeowners may wait for greater certainty before selling. However, it also highlights that many older homeowners hold significant equity, and that the difference between the value of the family home and the cost of the replacement home can matter more than modest short-term movements in house prices.

The key message is simple:

You do not need to make your retirement living decision based on headlines about the property market.

Instead, focus on what the move means for your finances, lifestyle and future.

The right retirement home is not simply the cheapest option or the one with the strongest capital-growth story.

It is the one that gives you the best overall outcome for the next stage of your life.

Find your forever home at Downsizing AU - Australia’s leading retirement destination.

Downsizing.com.au presents "New Intelligence Series"

1. 27,000 Australians Are Waiting for Retirement Living - What Does That Mean for You?