Manitoulin Living's Housing Survey Concludes

Manitoulin Living's housing survey has come to a close and the results are being disseminated. The survey polled individuals between the ages of 44 years and up to determine individual’s preference for accommodation and activities on Manitoulin Island and was conducted as a random sample of the Manitoulin Island population achieving 361 completed surveys which provides for better than +/- 5%, nineteen times out of twenty.

The survey, conducted by Veri/Fact Research of Sudbury conducted between August 4, 2007 and August 30, 2007, was specifically designed to gain a better understanding of accommodation needs on Manitoulin. The results will help Manitoulin's communities assess, plan and support future retirement development on the Island.

Some highlights from the survey:

• 54% of respondents suggested they were indeed planning to retire on Manitoulin Island.
• 42% were still undecided.
• 40% of respondents suggested they will be retiring in less than 10 years. 25% of respondents were already retired.
• 88% of those who are already retired or are retiring in more than 10 years, suggest do not anticipate moving.
• 32% of those who will retire in under 10 years anticipate buying a smaller home. In total, 21% of respondents suggest they anticipate buying smaller home in the next 10 years.
• Of those who suggested they would buy a smaller home, 67% suggested they would buy a new house in a condo village.
• 56% suggest they require approximately 1,200 square feet; and 40% would pay $150,000 for a new one level home.
• 93% of respondents were unsure about pre-purchasing housing.
• 17% of respondents suggested they would rent a home in the next ten years.
• 65% them would rent a new single story house. 48% suggest it should be approximately 1,200 square feet. 69% suggest they would pay $800/month rent for a new one story house.
• 15% of respondents suggested they would move into a Retirement Home/Village in next ten years. 60% suggest they would like fully independent living but all building outside maintenance included.
• 87% would rent a 2 bedroom unit in a retirement residence with the option of purchasing meals and/or housekeeping.
• 80% suggested they would pay $1400/month rent for a 2 bedroom unit with the option of purchasing meals and /or housekeeping.
• 23% of respondents suggested they would like a Kitchenette, a recreation room and laundry facilities available to them in a Retirement village.
• “Other” responses suggested respondents would also like “yard access.”
• When asked in general what services respondents deem important, 19% suggested “kitchen”, “parking” and 18% suggested “Laundry facilities.” “Other services” important for respondents to have in general included “yard space” and “water access”.

Check back here periodically or got the Manitoulin Living website for further updates.