Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Germany’s specialist senior housing market continues to represent only a small share of residential stock despite demographic trends pointing to increasing demand for age-appropriate housing, according to a webinar hosted by KINGSTONE Real Estate and ImmobilienResearch Vornholz.
The discussion concluded that while an ageing population will increase demand for accessible and care-related housing over the coming decades, most older people continue to remain in their existing homes rather than move into specialist accommodation.
According to Prof. Dr. Günter Vornholz, around 93–95% of senior citizens continue to live in conventional housing. High relocation costs, higher rents for new tenancies and additional service charges are among the main reasons many older households choose to remain in place.
The speakers noted that the senior housing market encompasses a wide range of products, including serviced apartments, assisted living, care homes, accessible housing and multigenerational living concepts, each serving different age groups and levels of care.
Demographic trends also vary by region. While Germany’s baby boomer generation is expected to support demand from younger retirees in the coming years, the strongest long-term growth is anticipated among the oldest age groups, where demand for care-related housing is projected to continue increasing until around 2050.
Regional differences are expected to influence future demand. Areas with ageing populations and the outflow of younger residents may require different housing solutions from larger cities, while medium-sized cities and commuter locations are also expected to see changing housing needs.
The webinar highlighted the importance of upgrading existing housing stock as new residential construction represents only a small proportion of total housing supply. Improvements such as step-free access, accessible bathrooms and adapted layouts could enable many older residents to remain in their homes for longer while reducing future care requirements.
For investors, the participants described senior housing as a long-term investment theme, although they noted that the sector remains fragmented and influenced by regulation, local purchasing power and the availability of care services.
Jean Klijnen, Managing Director of KINGSTONE Real Estate Benelux, said diversified investment strategies combining conventional residential assets with senior housing and care-related properties could provide stable long-term income while addressing the varying housing needs of an ageing population.
The webinar concluded that although specialist senior housing is expected to grow over time, conventional housing will continue to accommodate the majority of older people. Future demand is therefore expected to focus both on expanding specialist housing where appropriate and on adapting existing residential stock to meet the needs of an ageing society.
