Last year a report from buy-to-let mortgage lender Paragon Bank[i] showed that the number of over 55s that are renting has more than doubled in the last decade, and over 55s are much less likely to want to own their own home (45%), compared to those under this age (81%).
One growth area is the luxury retirement rental market where Girlings Retirement Rentals has seen increased demand from people wanting aspirational homes in age-exclusive and sociable communities with onsite facilities such as restaurants, gyms and community hubs.
In response, Girlings has expanded its range of luxury rentals through Brio Retirement Living, also part of Places for People. Brio offers properties for sale or rent in age exclusive new communities in desirable locations across the UK and is committed to improving the quality and experience of later living.
In the beautiful Cotswolds, Girlings is offering apartments at Brio’s Beechwood Park, a community of stylish bungalows and apartments in the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The facilities including a wellness suite and spa, a brasserie and bar, a community hub, roof terrace and much more.
In Scotland, Girlings is offering beautiful rental apartments at Landale Court in Chapelton, on the Aberdeenshire coast. The facilities include the Slate & Grain Brasserie and Bar, a club lounge, hobby and multi-purpose room, fitness suite and outdoor gym equipment plus access to a range of social, leisure and wellbeing activities.
The community also has 24-hour on site staff presence, a rapid response in the event of an emergency and a dedicated General Manager and team. A one bedroom apartment is available for £1452 per month on a private residential tenancy (a Scottish tenancy).
New to the collection is Button House in Hackbridge, where 80 stylish apartments are available, with impressive facilities including a fitness suite, a brasserie and bar, a community hub. The location is a short walk from the lovely Beddington Park, where the River Wandle runs but just a 23-minute train journey from central London.
Jamie Turnbull, Business Director at Girlings Retirement Rentals says, “We have seen a growing interest in the luxury end of the retirement market as people want to move somewhere that suits their lifestyle. They want a home that offers independent living but with support services should they need them later in life.
“Through Brio we are delighted to offer new rental properties in stunning age-exclusive communities with amazing facilities such as spas, gyms, libraries, restaurants and club houses.
“Included in the rent is two hours per week of domestic help (including light housework/laundry, admin support) plus Internet and all services and maintenance charges. There is a 24-hour on site concierge for additional security, plus a guest suite for visiting family and friends.”
Girling is also promoting Lifestory’s Steepleton development in Tetbury, Gloucestershire – a collection of 68 homes designed to fit with the beauty of the surrounding Cotswolds. There is an onsite restaurant, lounge, gardens, gym, wellness spa and outdoor swimming pond. Support services include an on-site development manager and a 24-hour emergency Careline in each apartment.
A one bedroomed apartment is £1,848 per calendar month on an Assured Tenancy and includes all services and maintenance charges. Lifestory is offering three months free rent for people that move in here before June 2021.
Communities include The Vale in Streatham, London where 30 luxury, one-and two-bedroom rentals are available for the over 55s. The apartments feature open-plan living spaces, luxury kitchens and beautiful bathrooms. There is a bistro and bar, hair and beauty salon, wellbeing room and resident’s library and cinema room all onsite. A one bedroom apartment is available for £1,600 on an assured shorthold tenancy or £1,800 on an assured tenancy, per calendar month.
For more information on Girlings Retirement Rentals Diamond Collection visit: www.girlingsdiamond.co.uk
