Is senior housing a good investment in 2026?
Direct answer
Senior housing can be a strong investment in 2026 for buyers who underwrite carefully. Demand is rising as the oldest baby boomers turn 80, existing communities often trade below the $300,000 to $400,000+ per-unit cost of new construction, and JLL put the 2025 average sale price at $182,800 per unit, up 29% year over year.
What to know
It is an operating business, not passive real estate. Staffing, occupancy and regulation drive returns.
Results vary by market and asset. Location, building quality and the operator matter more than the national trend.
Passive options exist, including owning real estate leased to an operator or investing through a DST for accredited investors.
How Haven helps
Haven tracks pricing and demand across all 50 states. Read our 2026-2027 senior housing market outlook.