For anyone approaching retirement, the dream is to enjoy many happy years of independence in a comfortable home with facilities nearby. After decades of hard work, an active and worry-free retirement has definitely been earned.

Whether living alone or as a couple, at the age of 65-plus many pensioners are keen to downsize to a smaller property in order to reduce running costs and the burden of maintaining a family house and garden.

Traditionally, retirees might move to a bungalow or a flat, moving again in later years to sheltered accommodation, and perhaps even enduring further upheaval with a switch to residential care if extra help is needed.

This typical scenario is gradually changing, however, with the introduction of retirement villages – a concept that’s already very popular in America.

Retirement villages are large, sociable communities where properties are sold exclusively to older generations. Residents have as much privacy and independence as they like, while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe and secure setting with like-minded individuals. For those who are keen to mingle and make friends, there are central clubhouses and an extensive programme of events and entertainment. And with healthcare and domiciliary help available on-site, residents can remain in their self-contained homes while receiving the added support that might be required as they age.

Here at Roger Coupe, we are proud to be the appointed agent for Elmbridge Village, a vibrant retirement community which was one of the very first to be built in the UK.

Elmbridge is set in 28 acres of leafy grounds on the outskirts of Cranleigh, and it boasts wonderful facilities including a newly built multi million pound clubhouse with restaurant and bar for residents’ exclusive use. Properties available include pre-owned bungalows and apartments for the over 60s, as well as a number of beautiful brand new apartments and suites at the soon to be launched Arun House. New build properties are available for buyers aged 65 and over.

Liz Melvin, our Elmbridge sales manager since 2011, has seen a noticeable upturn of interest in retirement living. Liz says: “Some buyers come to us already fixed on the idea of a retirement community, while others are instantly converted when they view an Elmbridge property for the first time.

“The great news is that people are living for much longer and the focus is on enjoyment during retirement. Moving to a community such as Elmbridge offers so many advantages, from the huge variety of clubs on offer to the provision of 24-hour emergency nursing care.”

Liz adds: “Making the transition to a retirement village can be a big step, but ultimately it is a happy and positive experience that gives great peace of mind to older people and their families.”

Clubs range from the ever-popular bridge and bowls to an iPad group, table tennis and Medau movement classes. Pets are also welcome, with plenty of room to exercise dogs. There are even allotment plots available for the green-fingered of the community.

How do the numbers add up?

Retirement properties can offer great value, and purchase prices tend to be lower than similar homes on the general market. Annual service charges cover all kinds of expenses such as maintenance of communal areas, repairs, and insurance, as well as weekly laundering of bedding and one hour’s domestic help per week. When the property is sold, a fee is payable as a percentage of the sale price.

Find out more

If you or your relatives are considering moving to a retirement village, there are details of current properties for sale here. And if you’d like to speak to us directly, please don’t hesitate to call in to our Cranleigh High Street office or ring on 01483 268555. To email us, click here.