Securing the old age with real estate

This paper investigates the role of real estate as a potential source of retirement security for homeowners, focusing on the perceptions and attitudes of property owners. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative individual-in-depth interviews with quantitative analysis of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The findings reveal that additional real estate is primarily viewed as an investment asset, a means of allocating surplus capital, and a source of passive income. Property owners attribute a high level of confi dence and security to their real estate, considering it signifi cant financial support, particularly in relation to anticipated future pension benefits. The property is rarely seen as a potential inheritance, with owners planning to leverage their real estate assets in their retirement years. The study provides insights into housing tenure and ownership of other real estate across European countries, revealing notable differences in ownership rates and income from real estate. In Poland, younger groups (50–64) are more active in receiving income from other real estate, while older groups are more passive. The findings reflect wealth and economic activity in each country, with noticeable variation in Poland due to historical and economic changes. The quantitative analysis of SHARE data sheds light on the complex relationship between real estate and retirement security, offering valuable insights for policymakers and individuals planning for their retirement.