This week, we speak exclusively to Tracy Brown, who is seeing a steady increase in demand across all types of new build retirement property in her role with Anchor, a specialist housing provider that is celebrating its 50th year in 2018.
Hi Tracy, please tell us about yourself and your role in Anchor.
I am the village sales adviser at Anchor’s Hampshire Lakes Retirement Village in Yateley. I moved here from sunny California nine years ago, which was a big change to say the least. I am an outgoing, friendly person which makes working in sales the perfect job for me; I enjoy telling people about the great facilities Anchor has to offer and getting to know the customer so I can find the right home for them. I really believe it is about the lifestyle, not just the apartment.
The first time I heard about retirement living was through a friend who moved to a large retirement village in America. He couldn’t believe how luxurious it was and how much fun he was having meeting new friends, trying new activities and not having to worry about taking care of a big house, large garden and being alone. He had help if he needed it and most importantly he was in a safe environment and his family did not have to worry about him being lonely.
I have a great time at Hampshire Lakes, I have laughed a lot, I have had to deal with sensitive situations and I have enjoyed being able to hear people’s life journeys. I have the privileged of getting to talk to people every day and giving them advice and information to help them make those hard decisions. After meeting people, I always let them know I am available if they have any concerns. One lovely couple said I had covered everything but the next morning I had an email with 26 more questions so I invited them back to have lunch at our Lakeside Bistro where we could discuss their concerns. Plus, this gives them another chance to look around and get the feel for our village. They have now reserved a place off-plan on Phase 2.
I hope to go to another Anchor village next or to the retirement apartments which are people build – I truly hope there is another one because I love the whole village concept!
What kind of Anchor properties are currently available?
Hampshire Lakes Village offers 17 assisted living apartments, 13 village centre apartments, 11 penthouses and 33 independent apartments. There is also Willow Gardens which is a 36-bed care home.
We are in the process of building Phase 2 at Hampshire Lakes which consists of 45 apartments, 11 one-bed and 34 two-bed apartments and people are already buying off-plan.
I also work closely with another Anchor development, Keble Court in Church Crookham, which consists of 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments. I help out with events, open days and referring customers to have a look at what else Anchor has to offer.
Anchor has a second village at Bishopstoke Park, which is located in Eastleigh, near Southampton, and the more established Denham Garden Village near Uxbridge. Anchor also owns Hurst Place in Haywards Heath and Austin Place in Weybridge.
There are two new developments that are opening later this year, Eaves Court which is located in Princess Risborough and Meadow Court in Sarisbury Green.
The prices for a one-bedroom at Hampshire Lakes range from £356,000 to £434,500.Prices for a two-bedroom start at £472,250 and go up to £770,000.
Have you found demand for purpose-built retirement properties has grown in recent years?
The demand for retirement properties is growing as people are living longer and Anchor offers them the chance to continue to live independently in their own home.
Do you see demand across the age range (55-95), and also from 'lifestyle' living to extra care?
At Anchor we offer more than just home care which is available if residents need. Hampshire Lakes includes Lakeside Bistro Restaurant and Bar, Cotton’s Deli and General Store, a beauty salon, activities room, a library and private dining area as well as the Wellness Centre. This includes a gym, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool and two treatment rooms.
I really believe that ‘assisted living’, which we offer at the village, should be called ‘luxury living’ as it includes a one- or two-course meal a day in the Lakeside Bistro, your laundry done once a week, your house cleaned weekly and all your utilities paid!
Do the potential residents' families often play a big part in the property search and purchase process?
As it is such a huge decision, everyone needs feedback from their families. Some people are leaving a home they have lived in for 40 years and they want to make sure they are making the right decision.
What kind of features does an Anchor property have which cater for nice older residents when designing and specifying your new developments?
We offer different incentive packages to help prospective buyers with their move including a consultation, furniture planning, downsizing support, as well as removal and unpacking. We also offer a VIA card which is £10,000 on a credit card for someone who is giving up their car to use for travel in any way they choose. My personal favourite is LoveSpace, which enables a quick and convenient storage solution to help with downsizing for those items that they are not ready to part with.
What ambitions does Anchor have in the coming years?
Anchor is 50-years-old this year and it is the biggest not for profit organisation in the UK providing housing and care to people over 55. We are continually expanding and growing as the demand for independent retirement living increases. Here’s to another 50!