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Demand for retirement living remains strong across Australia, but new industry figures suggest confidence in building more retirement housing is moving in the opposite direction.
The 2025 PwC and Retirement Living Council Retirement Census recorded 26,825 registrations on retirement village waitlists nationally.
The figure does not necessarily represent 26,825 different people because prospective residents can place their names on more than one village waitlist.
At the same time, expectations for future retirement living construction have declined for three consecutive quarters.
The September 2026 Procore and Property Council Industry Sentiment Survey shows the sector's construction activity expectations index has fallen by more than 26 per cent since December 2025.
The index measures industry expectations for construction activity over the next 12 months, rather than the actual number of homes being built.
Nevertheless, the direction is important.
Why it matters for downsizers
Australia's population is aging rapidly while many retirement communities already have waiting lists.
Planning delays, higher construction costs, development feasibility and financing can all affect how quickly new retirement housing reaches the market.
The result is an unusual situation, strong underlying demand for retirement living while confidence in delivering future supply is weakening.
For Australians thinking about downsizing, that makes planning ahead increasingly important.
People often begin searching for a retirement community years before they actually move, and popular villages or locations may have limited availability.
Downsizers can compare retirement villages around Australia on Downsizing.com.au and keep researching well before they are ready to make the move.
Related on Downsizing.com.au
27,000 Australians Are Waiting for Retirement Living: What Does That Mean for You?
Property Search
External sources
Property Council of Australia: Procore and Property Council Industry Sentiment Survey
