It is generally known that older people move to a smaller extent than younger age groups. They are less prone to change housing when circumstances such as a change in household size or a change in income occur. Still some of them do move. Older people have different reasons for moving or ageing in place. In this study the aim was to dig deeper into the reasons for why older people act differently in the housing market to investigate whether their actions mainly depend on different individual preferences or issues related to the housing market or possibly other social or physical obstacles. In the study 80 older households aged 55 years or older were interviewed about their housing situation, their housing preferences and their knowledge about different types of housing offered in their local housing market. 55 of the interviewees lived in owner occupied single family housing or ordinary rental housing, 20 had recently moved to a rental senior housing complex and 5 had moved to a rental ‘sheltered’ housing complex. In addition the interviewees were selected from different geographical areas, a medium sized city, one small city, a small town and a countryside area. The results of the study showed that attachment to home and housing preferences were important for their respective actions. Their knowledge about the local housing market and the actual supply of housing suitable for older people influenced their decisions to move. Information about housing for older people such as advertisements and posters, as well as the building of new housing for this group made several of the interviewees decide to move. To some the lack of suitable or affordable housing was a reason to remain in current housing. Yet another group had not considered their housing situation at all and the question of moving or ageing in place was a non-issue.