Later Living

Find the right kind of later living accommodation to meet your needs

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Understand the types of later living accommodation you’ll find on HomeViews.

Whatever you’re looking for in your next home, this guide will help you find the right place for you. HomeViews reviews give you peace of mind when choosing your perfect later living home.

What types of later living accommodation are there?

There’s a lot of confusing terminology used to describe later living options. We think it’s simpler to separate the nature of the development from the level of care or support you can receive.

Below are the three main types of homes included on HomeViews: housing, communities and villages. Simply refer to the Care & Support section on each development page to see what care and support is offered.

Retirement Housing

Also known as sheltered housing, retirement housing consists of individual self-contained living spaces specifically designed for people of retirement age. Many include communal facilities and social events.

Retirement Community

A retirement community is a smaller group of self-contained homes for residents of retirement age. Most include some shared facilities and communal spaces.

Retirement Village

A retirement village, also sometimes referred to as ‘lifestyle housing’, is a mid-to-large development of self-contained homes served by a range of onsite facilities and private grounds.

 

 

Retirement Housing

Retirement housing is also sometimes known as sheltered housing. This category covers a wide range of individual self-contained living spaces that are specifically designed for people of retirement age.

These could be bungalows on an estate or apartments within a block, and may be for sale or to rent. Many include communal facilities, such as a resident lounge, parking and gardens, and may offer orgainised social events.

Retirement Community

A retirement community is similar to retirement housing but is a smaller group of self-contained homes for residents of retirement age. Most retirement community schemes are designed around some shared facilities and communal spaces.

Homes are available either to buy or to rent, or sometimes both options are available within the same developments.

Retirement Village

Retirement villages are a type of ‘lifestyle housing’ for residents of retirement age. These offer an active, healthy lifestyle for residents, with organised social events and a good range of facilities on site.

Many retirement villages include gyms and activity spaces, as well as restaurants and landscaped gardens to encourage residents to keep fit and stay active and socially connected.

Why HomeViews?

1. Detailed reviews

HomeViews only collects reviews for residential properties. Whether it’s for a new build development or a retirement scheme, our reviews give you detailed information about a building’s management, location, design, facilities and much more.

2. Verified reviewers

We carefully check that the people who write reviews really do live in the building they’re reviewing. For later living schemes, we also verify and collect reviews from relatives of people living there. You can trust what they say and choose your new home with confidence.

3. Specific buildings

Other review sites offer reviews for companies, but not always specific buildings. HomeViews reviews are only for individual buildings, so you can see what each development is like.

Beautiful flats with top quality furnishings and finishes. I don’t have a balcony but I have the most gorgeous view of the wetlands that is breathtaking. INCREDIBLE facilities – you will struggle to find this in London (pool, tennis court, gym, common room, private dining room, rooftop, bar area etc).

Blackhorse Mills new homes in North East London

What is a retirement housing scheme?

Retirement housing schemes are housing developments specifically created for residents of retirement age. Many of these schemes include an on-site management team or warden, and residents have an alarm system for when help is needed.

Elderly lady baking with a young girl

How do you qualify for retirement housing?

Different retirmement housing schemes follow different qualification processes. Some allow residents who are 55 years of age or older, while others set the lower age limit at 60. Sheltered housing with council-run schemes often have an income threshold that potential residents must fall under.

portrait of a retired lady

How much does it cost to live in a retirement village UK?

The cost of living in a retirement village varies depending on its location and the quality of the homes and facilities. However, most fall into the price bracket of £500-700 per month, with more high-end schemes charging £1,000 per month or more.

What is the difference between sheltered housing and retirement housing?

Sheltered housing and retirement housing are used interchangeably for housing that is designed for residents of retirement age. This housing usually includes a building manager or warden on call if residents have any problems, and may include communal spaces and social events.

The design is amazing! The minimalist and modern interior interior is stunning and also feels so homely and community based! The gym and pool are also exquisite and are so handy being so close to my flat! The building management team are also friendly and always helpful!

Exchange gardens sw8 swimming pool
retired couple sitting watching the sun set

HomeViews is the dedicated property review platform. Our mission is to provide trusted insights into what it is really like to live in a development.

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