Home builder confidence in the 55+ housing market is dim, according to recent research from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

"While we have anecdotal information that some local 55+ markets are beginning to rebound, the third-quarter data show that national conditions for this sector have not yet turned the corner," said NAHB’s Chief Economist David Crowe. "Real improvement won’t happen until we have better employment numbers and consumers who are more confident of keeping their jobs. Those consumers will buy the homes of the 55+ age cohort, so that the mature buyers will be able to move to more appropriate housing."

While home builder confidence is low for 55+ single-family homes, NAHB research did find that multifamily rentals – although at low levels now – are expected to show a greater demand in the near future.