The UK’s top retirement hotspots
Posted 29th June 2024
How to move to the UK’s top retirement hotspots cost effectively
Location, location, location…
A recent survey by Unbiased has highlighted the top 20 places to retire in the UK. This provides retirees with valuable insights into the most desirable locations for their golden years.
The survey identified the top 20 retirement hotspots based on factors such as quality of life, healthcare facilities, community engagement, and local amenities. These locations offer retirees a perfect blend of tranquility, vibrant communities, and access to essential services.
The top five standout areas include Essex, Oxfordshire, Brighton, and Dorset, known for their scenic beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
Renting in Retirement
One barrier to living in some of these desirable areas can be cost. With a focus on affordable and flexible living, My Future Living offers retirees the opportunity to rent high-quality homes at a fraction of the price of buying.
For many retirees, the decision to rent rather than buy a property in these prime locations makes financial sense. Renting allows retirees to enjoy their ideal living situation without the significant financial burden and long-term commitment associated with purchasing a home.
Peace of mind
My Future Living provides attractive rental options in purpose-built developments, enabling retirees to live comfortably and affordably in some of the UK’s most sought-after retirement destinations. Every My Future Living development offers the ability to live independently but feel part of a community. Most developments have communal areas and organise activities such as bingo and fish and chip dinners, or outings to nearby attractions, pubs and restaurants. There are additional support services such as an on-site manager available during the day (at the majority of developments), plus a 24-hour emergency Careline in most apartments and a lift to access different floors. Most properties are available on long term assured tenancies as well as short term tenancies.
My Future Living has a variety of properties available in these property hotspots, along with a variety in other popular locations.
Assured tenancies
Diederik (Rik) Schmull was in his late seventies when he moved to a two-bedroom retirement apartment through My Future Living at Homecove House in Westcliff-On-Sea in Essex and says it’s the best decision he’s made. He now enjoys life near the sea, a close-knit community and independent living but with the reassurance there is help available is he needs it, with the emergency Careline system in each apartment.
Rik says: “Old age comes to us all and at some point, it’s a sensible choice to live in a retirement community.”
Rik was also attracted to renting in a retirement community because of the assured tenancy on offer. He says, “The assured tenancy was a real benefit for me. Having rented a few places on shorthold tenancies before I ended up having to move twice at fairly short notice. I didn’t want that to happen again, especially as I’m getting older. Having the security of tenure that I can stay as long as I want is really reassuring.”
Community Spirit
Another benefit of renting in retirement with My Future Living, is the sense of community it brings. Most developments will have communal lounges and gardens which can be enjoyed with company. Many will run their own activities and events, such as fish and chip evenings, or a games night.
Susan Long rents a one bedroom apartment in Norfolk House. She comments: “Even though it was a grey September day, the minute I walked into the first flat in Norfolk House, a retirement development in Gosport, I just knew this was my new home. It just felt so right.”
Susan loves her new one-bedroom flat and feels very at home. “It’s cosy and comfortable and I am so very happy here. I just love going back home after being out for the day. Even though I miss my friends in Spain, I feel settled and happy with the life I have here.”
One of the many benefits of living in a retirement development is that there’s always someone on site to help with any maintenance issues or an emergency. Susan says: “It gives you the additional peace of mind that you’re not on your own which is reassuring and comforting.”
‘I’m a very sociable person which means that I can suffer from loneliness. That’s what is so wonderful about living here, there is always someone up for a chat either at home or in the garden.”
Susan concludes: “Moving back to the UK and renting in retirement was a big change for me, but I can honestly say I haven’t looked back and am so happy I made the decision. Even though I live on my own, I never feel alone here.”
For more information about rental properties in the top retirement locations and to explore the benefits of renting in retirement, please visit My Future Living’s website
