Senior Living Investment Strategy: Why Acquiring Underperforming Communities Is the Best Opportunity in 2025

Author:

Traci Bild

Date Posted:

February 18, 2025

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Senior living marketing

A Perfect Storm for Senior Housing Acquisitions

The senior living sector is entering a period of unprecedented acquisition opportunities, driven by a wave of refinancing challenges and economic pressures. With over $10 billion in senior housing loans set to mature in 2025, many operators are struggling to secure the necessary refinancing to continue operations. Rising interest rates, combined with lender hesitancy, have made it difficult for some communities to obtain favorable funding. As a result, a growing number of senior living properties will become available for acquisition at discounted prices, presenting a prime opportunity for experienced operators and investors looking to expand.

For those prepared to act, this environment offers a chance to acquire underperforming communities, optimize their operations, and position them for long-term profitability. Unlike new construction—where high development costs, labor shortages, and extended lease-up periods create significant risk—acquiring an existing community allows investors to generate revenue immediately and leverage strategic improvements for higher returns.

This blog explores why acquiring underperforming senior living communities is the smartest investment strategy in 2025 and how aligning pricing, operations, and marketing can maximize performance. Additionally, we’ll discuss how Bild & Co can help operators implement a revenue management approach that ensures these communities achieve their full financial potential.

 

The Case for Acquisitions Has Never Been More Clear

While new senior living developments have historically been attractive for their modern design and amenities, the financial landscape in 2025 makes acquisition the more strategic option. Here’s why:

  1. Refinancing Challenges & Rising Interest Rates
    Many senior living communities are burdened with maturing loans, and with lenders tightening their standards, refinancing has become increasingly difficult. Operators unable to secure funding will be forced to sell, creating a surge in acquisition opportunities at favorable prices.
  2. Cost-Efficient Growth
    Acquiring an existing community eliminates many of the expenses and risks associated with new construction. Instead of facing skyrocketing material and labor costs, investors can focus on improving operations and enhancing revenue streams.
  3. Faster Revenue Generation
    New construction projects often take years to complete and stabilize occupancy. Acquisitions allow for immediate cash flow, particularly when combined with strategic revenue management that optimizes pricing and operational efficiencies.
  4. Market-Ready Infrastructure
    Existing communities already have an operational framework, making it easier to step in, refine processes, and drive performance. With the right turnaround strategies, these communities can quickly become high-performing assets.

 

Unlocking the Full Potential of an Acquisition with Revenue Management

While acquiring an underperforming community presents a strong investment opportunity, success is determined by how well the property is repositioned. Effective revenue management, which includes proper pricing strategies, operational efficiencies, and targeted marketing, is the key to unlocking full financial potential.

  1. Strategic Pricing for Maximum Profitability

Pricing in senior living is both an art and a science. Many communities underprice their services due to fear of losing prospects, while others overprice without offering the value to justify higher rates.

At Bild & Co, we use data-driven revenue management strategies to help operators:

  • Analyze market conditions to ensure competitive yet profitable pricing
  • Identify hidden revenue opportunities, such as premium service offerings
  • Optimize discounting strategies to avoid unnecessary revenue losses
  1. Operational Efficiencies That Drive NOI

An acquisition is only as successful as its operations. Underperforming communities often suffer from staffing inefficiencies, high turnover, and poor service delivery. By streamlining operations, significant cost savings and quality improvements can be achieved. Bild & Co specializes in:

  • Workforce optimization to reduce unnecessary labor costs
  • Implementing technology to enhance operational efficiency
  • Standardizing best practices across communities for consistent performance
  1. Marketing That Attracts the Right Residents

Many struggling communities lack a strong marketing strategy, leading to low occupancy and poor brand positioning. Our approach at Bild & Co includes:

  • A digital-first marketing strategy that targets adult children and prospective residents
  • Conversion-focused sales training to improve lead-to-tour and tour-to-move-in ratios
  • Community repositioning strategies to attract higher-paying residents

By aligning pricing, operations, and marketing, we help our clients turn struggling communities into thriving, high-performing assets.

 

Best Practices for a Successful Acquisition Turnaround

To maximize returns on an acquisition, investors should follow these best practices:

  1. Comprehensive Due Diligence
    • Evaluate the community’s financial performance, occupancy trends, and operational inefficiencies.
    • Conduct market research to ensure demand aligns with acquisition goals.
  2. Implement a Strong Turnaround Plan
    • Address immediate operational inefficiencies to stabilize cash flow.
    • Introduce new programming and services that appeal to residents and their families.
  3. Invest in Technology & Staff Training
    • Adopt modern CRM and lead management tools to improve sales performance.
    • Train staff to enhance service quality and resident satisfaction.
  4. Rebrand & Reposition
    • Update branding, messaging, and marketing efforts to shift public perception.
    • Strengthen community outreach to drive local engagement and referrals.

 

The Time to Act Is Now

With a flood of acquisition opportunities emerging in 2025 due to refinancing struggles, experienced operators have a unique window to expand their portfolios and drive long-term growth. Acquiring and optimizing underperforming senior living communities is not just an investment opportunity—it’s the most strategic path forward for those looking to thrive in the evolving market.

At Bild & Co, we specialize in helping senior living investors, senior living marketing specialists, and senior living consultants transform acquisitions into high-performing communities through data-driven revenue management, operational enhancements, and advanced senior living marketing strategies.

About the Author: Traci Bild

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Traci Bild, Founder of BILD & Co and BILDX, has revolutionized the senior living industry for over two decades. Her innovative sales and marketing strategies have positively impacted 80% of the top 100 senior housing operators in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. An accomplished author of four books, including "Zero Lost Revenue Days," Traci's expertise is frequently featured in CBS Sunday Morning News, Wall Street Journal, BBC, Senior Housing News, and McKnight’s Senior Living. Her firm, BILD & Co, is a Great Place to Work and ranks among Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies.

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