The Best New Retirement Developments In The UK

A high quality of life, security and peace of mind are all top priorities for many in later life and all can be heightened by the choice of a best home in which to live.

Property developments exclusively for retirees are built to offer all these aspects to life. They are designed with properties that have been specifically designed for older people, with flexible and accessible layouts. They are fitted with top-quality appliances, secure entry systems and being brand new, they are not liable to the hassle of renovations and repairs that older properties may need.

Perhaps their best asset is that they offer a lifestyle which can suit anyone: the privacy of your own home plus the ability to mix with like-minded people right nearby, whether in the development’s coffee lounge or with an activity that you enjoy. There’s a whole range of developments that can cater for different levels of medical care on site, with some also providing top-end facilities for relaxing such as libraries, bistros, gyms and pools.

Here are the best retirement villages from the winners at the WhatHouse? Awards 2021:

The Landsby, Stanmore

This Art Deco haven in leafy Stanmore, close to the Tube station, combines an ‘at home’ feel with the glamour of New York’s Upper East Side – a place that lifts your spirits on the dullest of days. Its facilities include a library – “a cornerstone of a vibrant community”, said Elysian Residences CEO Gavin Stein – which is curated by the celebrated bookshop Foyles, in addition to a bar, restaurant and rooftop gym. There are some 44 different apartment designs too. Prices start at £490,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Find out more at www.elysianresidences.com.

The Vincent, Bristol

Specialist developer Lifestory has combined old architecture with new to bringing back to life a substantial late 19th-century building and making it a focus for the local community. Queen Victoria House was built in 1886 and is a landmark in the Redland district of Bristol, now home to 25 apartments as The Vincent. Most homes have balconies and large windows and light floods into the communal areas too, and the pool and gym through their huge windows. The Vincent is within walking distance of cafés and shops. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments start at £375,000 and can be rented from £2,256 per month. Find out more at lifestory.group.

Greenhaven

Greenhaven, Poole, Dorset

McCarthy Stone, a regular winner of WhatHouse? Awards, is offering homes at this scheme which is just over a mile from the coast but also surrounded by beautiful countryside. In a thoroughly modern design, apartments are split between two buildings joined by a contemporary glass walkway. There’s an outdoor courtyard area with pergola and BBQ for socialising, and a residents’ garden. A number of established group activities here include yoga classes, book and craft clubs, and wine-tasting and cinema nights. All the one- two- and three-bedroom apartments in the complex come with either a walkout balcony or private patio. Prices currently start at £345,000. Find out more about Greenhaven from McCarthy Stone.

Button House, Hackbridge

Brio Retirement Living and Places for People have joined forces for this development which was completed last year and has a good-looking exterior, chic communal terrace and attractive interior. Apartments are light and spacious, and are available in a choice of layouts. Each one- and two-bedroom apartment has contemporary fixtures and fittings as well as its own private outdoor space. Socialising is encouraged in a number of communal areas such as the bar/brasserie, fitness suite and hobby room. Located close to park, river and bustling high street, there are options to buy, rent or part buy-part rent. Prices here currently start at £304,000 for a one-bedroom home. Find out more at www.brioretirement.co.uk.

Park Gardens, Banbury

Housing provider Bromford has created an attractive development with a spacious galleried lounge with bi-fold doors to the garden, complementing an array of facilities such as a café/bistro, wellbeing/beauty treatment rooms, hairdressing studio and activity room. The development’s design has wheelchair-friendly paths and a hands-on gardening club with accessible raised beds. All 78 apartments come with private patios or balconies and there are a variety of tenures on offer, including outright purchase, shared ownership or rental. Prices start at £283,000. Find out more about Park Gardens from Bromford.

Find out more about current retirement developments around the country.

This article was revised in September 2022.