If you have been thinking about buying a new home but waiting for the “right time,” 2026 is shaping up to be an especially smart time for 55+ homebuyers. Between new tax advantages, favorable financing options and strong demand for resale homes, today’s market offers meaningful benefits for those ready to rightsize and focus on what comes next.
Here’s how those advantages work for you.
Bigger Property Tax Savings for Homeowners
One of the biggest financial wins in 2026 is the expansion of the Texas homestead exemption. For all homeowners, the exemption has increased to $140,000, up from $100,000. That means a larger portion of your home’s value is shielded from property taxes, lowering your overall tax bill.
If you are age 65 or older, the benefit is even greater. With the increased senior exemption, the total combined homestead exemption has reached $200,000. This could translate to thousands of dollars in savings over time.
Real Mortgage Options for Today’s 55+ Buyers
Ladera Living® works closely with trusted lender partners who are seeing strong, competitive rates right now, especially for buyers who are putting significant equity down.
According to Donnie Walton, Senior Mortgage Consultant, it’s important to weigh different ways of structuring your loan because every buyer’s goals can be different. The Donnie Walton Team provides Ladera Living® buyers with the option of paying traditional lender fees and the option of paying no lender fees
- Conventional 30 year fixed:
- With paying traditional lender fees the rate would be about 5.5% today.
- Without any lender fees the rate would be about 5.875%.
- Conventional 15 year fixed:
- With paying traditional lender fees the rate would be about 4.875% today.
- Without any lender fees the rate would be about 5.5%.
These options allow buyers to choose what best fits their goals, whether that is a lower monthly payment or reduced upfront costs.
Stanley Smith, Mortgage Loan Originator with Happy Mortgage, also reports recent improvements in rates, with conventional 30-year fixed loans currently in the upper 5% to low 6% range.
Many Ladera Living® buyers take advantage of Happy State Bank’s Home Builder Affinity Loan Program, which offers a lender credit of up to 1% of the loan amount, capped at $3,000. This credit can help reduce interest rates into the mid-5% range. For eligible buyers, VA loan rates are also available in the low to mid-5% range when utilizing lender credits.
A Strong Market for Selling Your Current Home
While affordability headlines often focus on first-time buyers, they create an important opportunity for today’s 55+ homeowners as well. With more young families re-entering the market and affordability improving, demand for family-sized homes is increasing.
This means your current home may be more appealing to buyers who are eager to put down roots and love it as much as you have. Strong resale demand can help you unlock equity, simplify your finances and make your next move with confidence.
Texas Offers Retirees a Tax Advantage
For those considering a move from out of state, Texas continues to stand out as a retiree-friendly destination. With no state income tax, more of your retirement income stays where it belongs, with you. When paired with the expanded homestead and senior exemptions, Texas offers a compelling financial picture for your next chapter.
A Smarter Way to Rightsize with Ladera Living®
At Ladera Living®, buying a new home is also about simplifying your lifestyle. Our gated 55+ communities are designed for low-maintenance living, modern comfort and connection with neighbors, making rightsizing feel exciting instead of overwhelming.
To help guide you through the process, Ladera Living® is hosting three Rightsizing Seminars this month: January 17 at Ladera at Tavolo Park in Fort Worth, January 24 at Ladera at The Reserve in Mansfield, and January 31 at Ladera Prosper. These informative sessions are designed to help you understand your options, plan your move and feel confident about downsizing without sacrificing the lifestyle you love. RSVP today by emailing RSVP@LaderaEvent.com with your preferred date and location to save your spot!
Pursue your dreams, come visit a community, attend one of our Rightsizing Seminars and discover why now may truly be the best time to make your move and start your next exciting chapter at a Ladera Living® 55+ community!
