Why Single Floor Living Is in High Demand in New Hampshire

If you've been searching for a home in New Hampshire, you may have noticed something: single floor homes can be surprisingly hard to find.

Ranch homes, single-level condos, and other properties offering true one-floor living are increasingly desirable, particularly among buyers who are approaching retirement, downsizing, or simply thinking about how they want to live over the next 10, 20, or 30 years.

And in New Hampshire, demographics are helping drive that demand.

New Hampshire Is Getting Older — and Housing Needs Are Changing

New Hampshire has a growing population of residents age 65 and older, and that shift is influencing what buyers want from their homes.

New Hampshire Housing's statewide housing research has specifically identified the need for a greater variety of smaller and more accessible homes as the state's population ages. Housing professionals interviewed as part of the state's housing-needs research also identified accessible, single-story homes as an important option for seniors looking to downsize.

For many homeowners, the traditional two-story or oversized New England home that worked well while raising a family simply isn't the home they want for retirement.

The priorities begin to change.

Why Buyers Want Single Floor Living

The attraction is pretty simple: ease of living.

With a single-floor home, the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry can all be located on the same level. That eliminates one of the biggest obstacles to remaining in a home long-term — stairs.

But single-floor living isn't only about mobility.

Buyers are often looking for:

• Fewer stairs and easier everyday movement

• A first-floor primary bedroom

• First-floor laundry

• Less house to maintain

• Smaller, more manageable yards

• Easier cleaning and upkeep

• The ability to remain in the home as they get older

• Greater accessibility after an injury or change in mobility

A home that's convenient at 60 can become extremely valuable at 70 or 80.

Downsizing Doesn't Always Mean Going Small

One misconception about downsizing is that everyone wants a tiny house.

That's not necessarily what I see buyers looking for.

Many people still want a garage, a comfortable kitchen, room for guests, outdoor space, storage and enough separation that the house doesn't feel cramped.

What they're often trying to eliminate isn't necessarily square footage — it's inconvenience.

A 1,600-square-foot ranch with a two-car garage may be considerably more appealing to a retiring homeowner than a 1,600-square-foot Colonial where the bedrooms and full bathrooms are upstairs.

That's an important distinction.

Aging in Place Is Becoming Part of the Home-Buying Decision

More homeowners are also thinking about aging in place — choosing a home that could allow them to remain independent longer rather than having to move again later in life.

New Hampshire Housing has highlighted this issue as part of the state's broader housing challenge. Many older Americans want to remain independent and age in place, but the available housing stock doesn't always provide the accessibility needed to make that possible.

That makes features such as single-level living increasingly important.

A home doesn't necessarily need to be designed specifically as senior housing to work well for retirement. A traditional ranch, one-level condo, detached condo, manufactured home, or newer single-story home can potentially provide many of the same advantages.

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Why Single Floor Homes Can Be Difficult to Find in NH

The challenge is supply.

New Hampshire already has a significant housing shortage, and the state's housing inventory doesn't always match what today's buyers are looking for. New Hampshire Housing has identified the aging population and changing household sizes as two factors increasing demand for a broader variety of housing.

That creates competition when desirable single-level properties come on the market.

A good ranch in the right location isn't only competing for traditional homebuyers.

It may attract first-time buyers, downsizers, retirees, people with mobility concerns, empty nesters and buyers who simply prefer the convenience of one-floor living.

That's a pretty large buyer pool chasing a relatively limited style of housing.

What Should You Look for in a Single Floor Home?

If retirement or long-term accessibility is part of your plan, look beyond the words "ranch" or "one-level living" in the listing.

Consider the actual functionality of the property.

Is the laundry on the main floor? Are there steps from the garage into the house? Is there a walk-in shower? Are the hallways and doorways reasonably wide? Could a ramp be added later if necessary? Is the driveway relatively level? How much exterior maintenance will the property require?

Those details can make the difference between a home that's technically one level and a home that's truly easy to live in.

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Thinking About Selling a Single Floor Home?

If you own a ranch, one-level condo, or another property offering true single-floor living, don't underestimate the importance of those features when it comes time to sell.

Terms such as single floor living, first-floor primary bedroom, first-floor laundry, walk-in shower, attached garage, low-maintenance living, and aging in place can speak directly to buyers looking for this type of property.

Single-level living isn't just an architectural style.

For a growing number of New Hampshire buyers, it's part of planning the next stage of their lives.

Search for Single Floor Homes in New Hampshire

Looking for a ranch, single-story home, or property offering one-level living?

Browse available properties offering the convenience of single-floor living throughout New Hampshire.

Search for NH Single Floor Properties Now

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John Moscillo
ReMax Synergy

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