Are you wondering whether you’re really on track to retire comfortably someday? You’re not alone. A recent report from Intuit found that 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it harder to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t confident they’ll ever be able to retire at all.

That uncertainty is exactly why many people are turning to real estate as part of their retirement strategy.

Why Real Estate Could Be the Smart Move

If the numbers make sense for your situation, buying a second home can do much more than give you a place to escape on weekends. It can also be a powerful financial tool that strengthens your long-term retirement plan. Here’s how:

• Build wealth over time: As home values appreciate, your second property can grow your net worth year after year.

• Generate extra income: Renting out the home could bring in additional cash flow you can set aside for retirement. (Of course, part of that income will go toward the mortgage and upkeep.)

• Boost future profits: Selling the property down the line could provide a lump sum you can use to pad your retirement savings.

• Diversify your assets: Real estate gives you a tangible investment that doesn’t rise and fall with the stock market, helping create more stability in your financial picture.

You Don’t Have to Be a “Big Investor”

Now, you might be thinking: Owning multiple properties is only for wealthy investors. But that’s not the reality.

According to data from BatchData and CJ Patrick Company, 85% of people who own more than one property have just 1 to 5 homes. In other words, most second-home owners are everyday people—neighbors, colleagues, and families looking to create both a lifestyle upgrade and a financial safety net.

Most Second-Home Owners Aren’t Large Investors

That means the majority of people who own more than one property aren’t big-time investors—they’re everyday buyers who’ve purchased an extra home either to rent out or hold onto for the future.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time

Today’s housing market may be creating new opportunities for buyers like you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“. . . the balance of power in the housing market keeps shifting in favor of homebuyers. . . A confluence of factors—including more homes for sale, rising price cuts, and slower-moving inventory—is giving buyers more leverage than they've had in years . . .”

If you live in an area where home prices are projected to rise, buying a second property now could pay off in the long run. You might choose to sell it later for a profit or rent it out in the meantime to bring in extra income.

Get Started with the Right Support

If the idea of adding a second home to your retirement plan appeals to you, the next step is building the right team. A few trusted pros can make all the difference:

• A local real estate agent who knows the market and can help you spot the right opportunities

• A lender who specializes in second-home or investment loans and can walk you through your financing options

Having experienced professionals in your corner ensures you’ll be able to move forward with confidence.

The Bottom Line

Exploring the possibility of a second home could open up new paths toward financial freedom in retirement. Connect with a trusted local real estate agent to learn more about what’s possible in your market.

If owning a second home could help you retire sooner—or simply give you more peace of mind—wouldn’t it be worth a closer look?