As you approach retirement, your needs for dwelling may change. If you’re nervous about aging in your current home, you may want to buy a house that will suit your retirement lifestyle and changing needs. Below are a few features of a retirement-friendly house to consider.

Buy a House With Retirement-Friendly Features

1. Single Level Living

As you get older, you’ll want to limit the stairs in your home in case they become more challenging for you in the future. Look for a one-story, ranch-style home if possible. If you like a home that has multiple levels, it should have most of your every day needs—like the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and family room—on the first floor, so you won’t need to go up the stairs every day.

2. Space for Hobbies

You’ll be spending more time at home in retirement, so you want it to be a space you can enjoy. Consider looking for a home with a spare room you can use to display your collectibles or transform into an art studio. If you like other activities such as golf, find a neighborhood that has those amenities nearby.

3. Accessible Bathrooms

Bathrooms are common places for falls, so buy a house with an accessible bathroom for safety’s sake. Look for hand rails next to the toilet and in the shower or space where you could install them. A walk-in shower with a wide enough entry for a wheelchair is ideal. Avoid showers and tub combinations that would require stepping over the side of the tub to get in.

4. Larger Spaces

You want your home to have plenty of space if you might be using a wheelchair or walker in the future. Look for larger spaces throughout the home, especially bedrooms and hallways. Hallways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide to provide space to maneuver in a wheelchair.

5. Spare Bedrooms

All that free time during retirement is ideal for visiting with loved ones. Look for spare bedrooms, so you can host guests overnight. This will make your home a desirable place for friends, children, and grandchildren to visit.

Realtor® Mary Vann of Coldwell Banker Gundaker has helped many retirees buy a house in which to spend their golden years. She knows the greater St. Louis, MO, area real estate market and neighborhoods well, so she can provide valuable guidance in your purchase. Visit her website to browse real estate listings, and call (314) 574-3030 to schedule a consultation with this top local real estate agent.