Retirement Homes in London

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What is a Retirement Home in London?

Retirement homes are tenement houses or residential complexes of many small detached dwellings for older people. They offer a wide range of additional amenities and support in the daily routine, including help with meals, cleaning, laundry, shopping, gatherings, recreation activities and medical treatments. In addition, pension complexes in London come with landscaped gardens, spas, gym gardens, communal living rooms and more. These residences are focused on an independent lifestyle. Older people can start living in such a house at different ages, including 55, 60, 70 and more.

What are the different types of retirement properties in London?

Before you start looking for housing for retirees, you need to know about the different housing types.

  • Age-exclusive retirement properties mean housing usually intended for people aged 50-55. These complexes do not provide a large selection of additional services and on-site support. However, residents have access to general amenities such as a landscaped garden, a living room or a guest suite. Also, such houses include design elements that can be useful for older people.
  • The Retirement Living type provides separate apartments. On the territory of the residential complex, the 24/7 service staff are ready to help the pensioner if necessary. But at the same time, these employees are not able to provide nursing care at a proper level. The complexes also include a restaurant, library, garden, and other common areas.
  • Assisted Living is very similar to the previous option, but this variant provides residents with a need for a greater degree of care and support. There are always attendants or designated nurses on site. Also, there is an alarm system on the territory of the residential complexes with round-the-clock supervision. It also hosts various events in which retirees take part.
  • Care Homes/Extra Care Housing provide shelter, care and daily support for those in need. Depending on the needs of retirees, these services may include assistance with dressing, eating, doing laundry or cleaning. In doing so, residents usually undergo care needs assessment to ensure they are provided with the most comfortable living conditions.

What are the pros and cons of buying a retirement home in London?

Retirement properties as an opportunity to live with like-minded people, with a wide choice of entertainment, access to various types of assistance seems very attractive to many. However, it is crucial to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before buying one of the retirement homes in London.

ProsCons
+ Safety of life and health. The security of life and health is guaranteed in retirement houses, as they are equipped with video surveillance systems, smoke and heat detectors and additional locks. Also, trained guards are often present on the territory of the complexes.- High prices. The cost of retirement properties in London is significantly higher than in the countryside because of the shortage of this type of housing and its specific purpose.
+ Proper medical care. Emergency medical care is provided quickly and efficiently because the houses are equipped with emergency buttons. In addition, in London, you can get help from any single-skilled specialist, which is sometimes impossible in the countryside.- Isolation of seniors. Living in a retirement home means living with like-minded people, but also often in isolation from people of other age groups.
+ Independent life. In retirement complexes, older people can continue to lead the independent lifestyle to which they are accustomed, but at the same time receive the necessary assistance from the staff.- Improper atmosphere. Some older people may not like the calm and slow atmosphere in the house. On the other hand, choosing a retirement home in London can be too noisy.
+ Additional facilities. Many apartment complexes in London come with swimming pools, spas, gyms and various game rooms.- Lack of qualified personnel. Not all homes can be serviced by qualified personnel because it is not easy to find and retain employees who are able and willing to work with older people.
+ Structured environment. It helps to live an exciting and fulfilling life. Every senior citizen has a daily routine that includes not only meals but also various activities. Living in London, the variety of activities is wide.- Problems with resale. Problems may arise with the resale of retirement real estate because the buyer must also be of retirement age. This narrows down the target market significantly.
+ Simplified daily routine. Typically, cleaning and washing are carried out by the staff of retirement homes, which significantly simplifies the daily life of the elderly.- Absence of nurses. Care homes offer comfortable lifestyles, but professional nurses, who can perform complex procedures, are not available at every home.
+ Communication. Pension communities protect the elderly from loneliness since both staff, and other retirees are always present in the complex. 
+ Life with your partner. A couple of seniors can continue to live together in a retirement home, even if they have different care needs. Each of them will be provided with the necessary services. 

Who is eligible for retirement homes in London?

First of all, you need to understand that such houses are intended for retirees and older people. Housebuilders usually set the age limit for their future tenants themselves. These can be homes for people 55+, 60+, 70+, etc. When choosing from the many ads on retirement properties for sale, it is important to consider age as the main factor. Then it is essential to understand what additional services retirees may need in such houses and check if this or that residential complex can provide that for them.    

How to choose a retirement home in London?

It takes little research to find the perfect retirement home from the thousands of options on the market. First, take a look at property developers. The company must be reliable, so it is vital to consider experience, the number of completed buildings, customer reviews, professional awards, etc. Second, when choosing a reliable home builder, consider its retirement housing developments. Korter is a convenient platform for this analysis because you can see real estate prices, development status and floor plans all in one glance. The website also provides images and detailed descriptions of residential complexes.

Tips for Finding a Retirement Property

To make it easier to find your future home, we have prepared some tips. After all, a large number of retirement homes for sale can be confusing.

  1. Hire a professional realtor. This is especially important if you are not a real estate expert. A specialist can help you formulate your primary goals, narrow down the number of offers on the market that suit your needs and choose a retirement property for your budget.
  2. Do your research. First, you need to find out the size of your own resources and the possibility of state assistance. Then compare different retirement communities, list your favourites, and read reviews about them.
  3. Make a list of your needs. Each retiree has individual requirements, so it is vital to understand if you need additional help with dressing, cleaning the house, shopping, and so on. Also, decide if a garden, a gym, or a shared living room at the retirement home is essential to you.
  4. Decide whether you will buy or rent a home. After all, many are accustomed to the idea of ​​buying real estate as the most correct one. However, renting a retirement home can be much more profitable financially. In addition, there will be no need to resell the property looking for an elderly buyer in the future.
  5. Choose a smaller, low maintenance housing. It is better to choose retirement housing in a new complex, as most likely it will not require renovation.
  6. Visit the options you like. Make sure the layout of the retirement home is proper for you. You may be looking for a complex with no steps or wide corridors. Whenever possible, evaluate the bathroom and its furnishings as it is essential to your daily care.
  7. Pay attention to the countryside or suburbs. These areas are great places for retirement properties because they are quiet, calm, green and safe.

Popular locations for Retirement Homes

FAQ

  • At what age should you buy a retirement home?

Developers themselves set the age limit for their residential complexes. Usually, retirement homes are for people over 55.

  • Can I bring my pet with me?

Most houses for retirees are pet-friendly, but it is better to check this with the developer in advance. Also, some residential complexes provide dog walking services.

  • Can I buy a 55+ home for my parents?

You can buy real estate for your parents, provided that one of the residents in the retirement home is over 55. For example, if your dad is 55+ and your mom is 50, she can live in the house with her husband as long as he does.

  • Can anyone live in a retirement property?

These houses are usually intended for people over 55 years old. Therefore, regardless of whether you are retired or still working, you can live in a retirement home as long as your age meets the requirement.

  • Can anyone buy a retirement property?

Everyone can buy a home in the retirement residential complex, but it is essential to meet specific age limits. Actually, retirement properties are sold to people over 55 years old.

  • Are retirement properties a good idea?

A structured environment is one of the many overlooked benefits of living in a retirement home because people need quality care and support as they age, especially those who are mentally or physically challenged. A structured environment ensures quality and happy life. Therefore, a retirement property is an excellent way to start living in a new way, freely and with the support of like-minded people.

  • Can I get a mortgage on a retirement property?

Potentially, you may purchase a retirement home with a mortgage. Despite the fact that many large mortgage companies refuse borrowers over a certain age or demand to pay off the loan when they reach a certain age, some mortgage brokers provide loans to people up to 90 years old.

Prices for new buildings in London areas

Westminsterfrom £‍2 492 / ft2
City of Londonfrom £‍1 370 / ft2
Islingtonfrom £‍767 / ft2
Camdenfrom £‍1 450 / ft2
Kensington and Chelseafrom £‍2 496 / ft2
Lambethfrom £‍1 372 / ft2
Tower Hamletsfrom £‍786 / ft2
Hackneyfrom £‍955 / ft2
Southwarkfrom £‍858 / ft2
Wandsworthfrom £‍975 / ft2
Hammersmith and Fulhamfrom £‍1 136 / ft2
Waltham Forestfrom £‍585 / ft2
Haringeyfrom £‍718 / ft2
Newhamfrom £‍577 / ft2
Brentfrom £‍657 / ft2
Lewishamfrom £‍596 / ft2
Greenwichfrom £‍652 / ft2
Barnetfrom £‍707 / ft2
Ealingfrom £‍668 / ft2
Mertonfrom £‍660 / ft2

Prices for apartments in London areas

Westminsterfrom £‍525 000
City of Londonfrom £‍785 000
Islingtonfrom £‍530 000
Camdenfrom £‍570 000
Kensington and Chelseafrom £‍675 000
Lambethfrom £‍440 000
Tower Hamletsfrom £‍380 000
Hackneyfrom £‍320 000
Southwarkfrom £‍290 000
Wandsworthfrom £‍340 000
Hammersmith and Fulhamfrom £‍387 500
Waltham Forestfrom £‍300 000
Haringeyfrom £‍417 500
Newhamfrom £‍276 995
Brentfrom £‍285 000
Lewishamfrom £‍360 000
Greenwichfrom £‍345 000
Barnetfrom £‍360 000
Ealingfrom £‍295 000
Mertonfrom £‍400 000

Prices for new buildings in other cities

Hertfordshirefrom £‍567 / ft2
Surreyfrom £‍612 / ft2
Essexfrom £‍415 / ft2
Buckinghamshirefrom £‍581 / ft2
Berkshirefrom £‍456 / ft2
Kentfrom £‍407 / ft2
Milton Keynesfrom £‍349 / ft2
Manchesterfrom £‍366 / ft2
Greater Manchesterfrom £‍334 / ft2

Prices for apartments in other cities

Hertfordshirefrom £‍250 000
Surreyfrom £‍155 000
Essexfrom £‍225 000
Buckinghamshirefrom £‍195 000
Berkshirefrom £‍225 000
Kentfrom £‍168 000
Milton Keynesfrom £‍214 995
Manchesterfrom £‍160 000
Greater Manchesterfrom £‍125 000