If you are nearing retirement age, you may be thinking about downsizing and pursuing a simpler lifestyle. Marie Hanby – marketing manager at Serenity Parks – tells us the key benefits of living in a retirement village such as Serenity’s Kingsdown Meadow in Sevenoaks.
Q: What is a retirement home?
A: Retirement properties are usually park homes in gated retirement villages, and are an affordable alternative to bungalows.
64pc of over-55s say bungalows or single-storey ground floor properties are their preferred type of housing for retirement. However, they are in short supply, and park homes are often the more desirable choice.
Q: When can I move into a retirement village?
A: Anyone from 45-years plus can move into one of our communities. You can be fully or semi-retired, or working full-time. We have a range of ages at Kingsdown Meadow, with the younger residents looking out for the older ones – it’s got a real family feel.
Q: How much does a home in a retirement village cost?
A: A typical park home is around £250,000, which may seem expensive to some, but they come fully-furnished, with a low-maintenance garden, and you can free up some equity by downsizing.
The Kingsdown Meadow homes are brand-new, and incredibly energy-efficient, cutting the cost of your utility bills.
When you purchase a property in a retirement community, you’re not just buying a home, but also the lifestyle, independence and improved quality of life.
Q: Why should I move into a retirement village?
A: Many older people suffer from loneliness and feeling isolated. Retirement villages have a real sense of community, and, being surrounded by like-minded people means you’re sure to build relationships with your neighbours. With the support from your fellow residents - and amenities within reach - you’re able to enjoy a fulfilling, independent lifestyle.
Kingsdown Meadow promotes relaxation – the homes are easy to maintain, and are situated in a peaceful, rural location. You can even choose your furnishings to make you feel more at home.
Buying into the retirement village life means you’ll always be looked after. The team at Serenity Parks are on the end of the phone if you need us, and we even supply new residents with a free online shopping delivery pass for their first year to help them settle in.
Q: How can I buy a retirement home?
A: At the moment, people need to book an appointment to see our show homes in Kingsdown Meadow. A member of staff can give you a tour, or you’re free to browse on your own.
To relieve some pressure and help make your move as stress-free as possible, we even offer an assisted sale option - your only job is to settle into your new home.
Visit serenityparks.co.uk/developments/kingsdown-meadow for more information.
Contact them on 0800 644 4499 or info@serenityparks.co.uk.
![The torchlit Wassail procession makes its way to the New Ash Green Community orchard [Photo courtesy of New Ash Green Woodlands Group]](/resources/images/128x89/1x/17558355.jpg)
![The torchlit Wassail procession makes its way to the New Ash Green Community orchard [Photo courtesy of New Ash Green Woodlands Group]](/resources/images/180x180/1x/17558355.jpg)
