I would like information and/or any research regarding purchasing (in
Maryland) an attached home ("villas") in a 55+ active adult community;
is this a good investment.

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Clarification of Question by dce-ga on 03 Jan 2005 14:56 PST

My husband and I have been looking at 55+ adult communities
(w/ammenities, golf, swimming, etc).....We're concerned about resale
value if we should want to sell at a later time.....In MD, prices have
ranged from $400,000 - $600,000+ for an attached style home.....

It depends on the price: $1,000 YES; $900,000,000 MAYBE.

Ask the person selling you this property to give you Sales prices
(Comps) over the last 5 years.  If he doesn't know how to do this,
tell this person the "title company" can provide it.  Then match up
your property with what has sold.  If it's gone up in value then it's
a good deal.

Obviously when you come to sell the property you are selling to a more
limited market. If the US is like the UK, the number of older people
relative to the population, so there would be an increased demand for
55+ accommodation. However, you should check whether the area you are
considering (a) is likely to attract increasing numbers of older
people, and (b) what provisions there is for meeting that demand. If
the area is attractive, but all the land is built up or planning
policies make the development of further communities - which would be
in competition for yours when you come to sell - unlikely, then you
probably have a good long-term investment.

Owain

Sorry, "the number of older people relative to the population *is increasing*"