insideKENT Magazine Issue 72 - March 2018 | Page 140

BUSINESS
FINDING YOUR perfect RETIREMENT PROPERTY
SPECIALIST RETIREMENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS ARE BECOMING FAR MORE POPULAR
IN THE UK, BUT WE STILL LACK WELL BEHIND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES. IN THE UK,
JUST 0.5 PER CENT OF THE OVER-65 POPULATION LIVE IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY,
WHEREAS IN THE USA, NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA OVER 5 PER CENT OF THE OVER-
65’S LIVE IN RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES*.
But, when looking for a retirement property
there are a number of other considerations to
take into account other than just the property.
If you’re in your 60s, 70s or 80s, you have
possibly lived in the same home for a number
of years and along with that comes plenty of
fond memories. However, lots of people in
this age bracket are living in houses which,
although they hold wonderful memories, are
now becoming a burden. The cost of heating
and the upkeep of a large house just for one
or two people, along with the ongoing
maintenance of the garden, can soon make
the home more of a chore than an enjoyment.
So, what are the choices and what is the best
option? In truth, only you can decide what is
the best option for you, but the choices are
greater now than ever before. And forget the
stereotypical retirement housing impression
too; today’s retirement properties provide
luxury living with fantastic facilities and
services.
We spoke to Paul Hart, manager at the soon-
to-open retirement village, Emerson Park in
Hextable, Kent, to get his thoughts.
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“Like any house purchase, first off do your
wish list of things you’d like the property to
have,” said Paul. “Most retirement apartments
are one or two bedrooms so, as an example,
if it’s a two-bedroom property, would you
want an en-suite to the master?”
“Think about the location; is it easy to get to
places and is it easy for friends and family to
get to? These are the normal house buying
considerations, but with a retirement property
you should think about other areas as well.
Most retirement developments will have a
communal lounge but some, such as Emerson
Park, provide far more facilities including a
restaurant, bar, and beauty and fitness facilities,
as well as services such as a driver and vehicles
along with a dedicated activities and events
manager.”
“We all hope it would never happen, but you
should also consider what would happen if
you needed help in an emergency. Is the
emergency call system to people on-site 24-
hours a day, or to a call centre?”
It’s clear that today there is more choice than
ever before so it’s certainly worth weighing
up the pros and cons before making a
decision. To help you with this decision
process, follow these four top tips:
1. The old adage ‘location, location, location’
still applies.
2. Make sure the apartment is right for you.
Don’t just downsize, right size!
3. Go for somewhere with more facilities than
just a communal lounge. You may not need
it now, but you might in the future.
4. The same applies for services and care. You
may be driving now but what would happen,
for example, if you had to give your car up?
The show apartment at Emerson Park is
available to view from Monday to Saturday
10am – 4pm and on Sunday by prior
appointment. For further information on
Emerson Park call 01322 515432, or visit
www.cinnamoncc.com/emersonpark
*Source – Associated Retirement Community Operators
(www.arcouk.org)