Buy a retirement property
There’s something reassuring about owning your home – the security it brings, the freedom to make it your own, and the comfort of knowing you’ve chosen a lifestyle built around independence and belonging.
At Retirement Villages, buying your property means more than just a move – it’s a step into a connected, fulfilling way of life where everything is designed to help you live well, your way.
Why buy in retirement?
Buying your home in one of our communities is an investment in both your future and your lifestyle.
Ownership offers you lasting peace of mind – the stability of a secure home, the potential to release equity, and the reassurance that you can pass on your asset to loved ones if you wish.
Many residents choose to buy because they value the familiarity of owning a home, the sense of belonging that comes from putting down roots, and the freedom to make it feel truly theirs.
Owning a property with Retirement Villages means enjoying independence, connection, and a lifestyle where everything – from healthcare to companionship – is close at hand.
Properties for sale Buying options
It really feels like the best of both worlds: vibrant community living, with peace and privacy when needed.
Buying options
Every move is different, and so are our buying choices. You can purchase your property outright on a leasehold basis, or choose one of our flexible pathways such as Rent to Buy or Part Buy, Part Rent to suit your circumstances and timescales.
- Outright purchase: Buy your home on a leasehold basis and enjoy all the benefits of ownership.
- Rent to Buy: Move in straight away and rent while you sell your current home, then switch to ownership when ready.
- Part Buy, Part Rent: Own part of your home and rent the rest - a great way to release equity while maintaining ownership.
Tenure options
Everyone’s needs are different – that’s why we offer both buying and renting options. Some value the reassurance of ownership, while others prefer the flexibility of renting. Both give you access to the same supportive communities and opportunities to live well, independently.
Buying - is it right for you?
Buying your home on a leasehold basis offers long-term peace of mind and the freedom to make your space your own. Many choose this route to stay close to family or release equity while retaining ownership to pass on to loved ones.
Renting - is it right for you?
Renting suits those who want an easier, faster move or to try village life before buying. With flexible and Lifetime Tenancy options, you’ll enjoy the same amenities, services, and social life – without ownership responsibilities.
If you’re considering renting, take a look at our rental information page.
Find out about renting Tenure Options
Moving made easy
Moving home can feel daunting – but with our dedicated support, it doesn’t have to be.
Through our trusted partners, we offer two tailored services to make your move simple and stress-free:
Assisted sale service
We’ll help you sell your home, arranging valuations with local agents, managing viewings, and keeping you updated. We’ll even contribute to legal and estate agent fees, so you can focus on your new life ahead.
Managed sale service
Prefer us to handle everything? Our managed sale service coordinates the process from start to finish through our partners Spring and The Senior Move Partnership, including decluttering, packing, and moving support.
Whichever you choose, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Tips for moving
Selling your home
If you’re ready to move but haven’t sold your property yet, we can help.
Our expert team and trusted partners can guide you through selling, whether you’d prefer a quick guaranteed sale or a traditional estate agent route. You’ll receive clear updates, fair valuations, and support to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Explore retirement properties
Every Retirement Village community is unique – but each one offers a warm, welcoming environment where you can live independently, meet new friends, and enjoy every day.
We have different property types available to buy, to suit different needs. Browse available properties to buy and discover where your next chapter could begin.
Properties for sale
Life in a retirement village
Life here is about more than just beautiful homes – it’s about thriving in a community designed for living well.
Enjoy landscaped gardens, welcoming clubhouses, fitness studios, restaurants, and access to tailored wellbeing and healthcare support. Whether you’re hosting family, joining a book club, or taking part in community events, every day brings something new to enjoy.
Discover our Villages
Leasehold vs freehold explained
When buying a property in a Retirement Villages community, you purchase it on a leasehold basis.
That means you own your home for a set period – usually many decades – but not the land it’s built on. The lease ensures that shared spaces, facilities, and grounds are maintained to a high standard, with day-to-day management handled for you.
A freehold property, by contrast, means you own both the building and the land outright, and are responsible for all maintenance and upkeep.
For many retirees, leasehold ownership offers peace of mind – no unexpected repair bills or maintenance worries – and access to the support and amenities that make community living so enjoyable.
Stamp duty considerations
If you’re buying a retirement property, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) applies in the same way as it does for other residential purchases in England. However, many buyers find that the overall cost is often lower than expected, as most retirement properties fall below the higher tax thresholds.
A few points to consider:
- First-time buyers over 65 may not qualify for a specific exemption, but rates are still tiered by value.
- If you’re downsizing from a larger family home, you may pay reduced duty due to the lower purchase price.
- If you already own a property and are buying another before selling, a higher rate may temporarily apply – though you can usually claim this back once your sale completes.
Your solicitor or financial advisor can confirm exact figures before you proceed.
Buying for a parent
Whether you’re researching options on their behalf or considering buying a property for a parent, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Buying for a parent can be a thoughtful way to ensure they have independence, social connection, and support on hand – while giving you peace of mind that they’re in a secure, well-maintained environment.
Our team can guide you through the process, from understanding ownership options to arranging viewings together.
Buying a property for your parents
Blogs on buying
Next steps
Buying your new home is the start of something wonderful. Our friendly team are here to help you every step of the way – from choosing your retirement community to understanding your options and planning your move.
Talk to our team about buying your retirement home today.
Call us on 03301 735 150 or fill out the contact form and our friendly team will be in touch!
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