Survey finds lifestyle buyers remain active, but more cautious

Buyers researching lifestyle and master-planned communities are motivated to move, but are carefully comparing communities, amenities and overall value before making a decision, a new report found.

These buyers — not ultra wealthy but financially secure — are looking for resort-style, active-adult and amenity-rich communities. More than 60% of respondents said they expect to pay cash for their next home, with many planning to sell their current home first, according to the Private Communities Registry (PCR) survey of nearly 1,000 prospective buyers.

That gives Realtors® a clear opening: Buyers in this segment are motivated, often financially strong, and looking for help interpreting lifestyle fit, not just home features.

At the same time, uncertainty is rising. While 55% said they plan to buy rather than rent, nearly 38% said they are still unsure, the highest level of indecision recorded in the survey’s five-year tracking history.

Retirement and warm weather remained the top relocation drivers, while nearly two-thirds of respondents said they plan to move to a different state. Beach communities ranked as the most desired location type, followed by lakefront and golf-course communities.

Lifestyle drives relocation decisions for these buyers:

• 75% of respondents prefer single-family homes.
• About 40% are targeting the $250,000 to $500,000 price range, while 34% are looking toward $500,000 to $750,000 properties..
• Nearly 60% prefer homes between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet, reflecting continued demand for “right-sized” living.
• 45% are seeking active-adult or 55+ communities.
• Walking trails, pools and fitness centers ranked among the most sought-after amenities.
• 92% of respondents begin their home search online.
• 21% are already using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews during their home search, while another 39% said they plan to.

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