Try before you buy on Retirement Estate
Go backPublished in Sixtyplusurfers 5 March 2024
Renting on a retirement estate before deciding to buy offers many benefits, allowing individuals to experience the community and lifestyle before making a long-term commitment.
John Lavin of Cognatum says, “Renting buys time for long term decision making, offering the opportunity to take a slower more deliberate approach to the decision of whether to settle permanently in a particular retirement community, or in a particular area, and whether that area meets priorities such as proximity to family and friends, leisure facilities, and essentials such as healthcare.
“For those who are downsizing, a period of renting can be an attractive flexible option. Downsizing in later life raises so many questions about the best living arrangement and location, and renting is a great way of sense-checking decisions.
“Living in a retirement community may involve embracing a new dynamic, and renting offers potential buyers the opportunity to decide whether this arrangement makes them feel comfortable and connected. Furthermore, as property owners age, their preferences and needs tend to evolve, and renting offers the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances without the commitment of buying.
“Renting typically means reduced responsibility for property maintenance, and this can be hugely appealing to downsizers with travel on their minds who want the reassurance of their home being looked after in their absence, and without financial uncertainties.”
Cognatum is offering both rental and sales options at two of their newest retirement estates.
The Canopy, Chigwell
The Canopy is a superb collection of 25 luxury apartments exclusively for the over 55s, nestled among the leafy treetops of the desirable and sought-after London suburb of Chigwell. Set in its own woodland, The Canopy is a perfect balance between bustling convenience and quiet retreat.
The large communal roof terrace, furnished with soft seating, is a perfect spot to enjoy views over the development’s lush landscape and further afield. The dip-in dip-out nature of a community of like-minded people is popular with later-life buyers. The Canopy’s comfortable lounges, one on each floor, are a welcoming space for residents and their guests to get together for a chat, a game of backgammon or cards, or to read the paper in companionable quiet.
With the well-connected transport links, travelling to London is a breeze. Liverpool Street and nationwide rail connections are a 30-minute tube ride away, while the M11 and M25 are easily accessed from the village. The apartments all have two bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom, a guest bathroom, open plan living spaces, bespoke kitchens and underfloor heating. Many have a private balcony.
Other benefits include an Estate Manager on hand to ensure the smooth running of the estate, apartments are pet friendly, have high-speed broadband, a lift to all floors and are energy efficient. There is a dedicated parking space per apartment, plus visitor spaces and 24 hour personal emergency alarm service.
Rental prices start from £2,000 pcm (including all utilities with the exception of broadband and council tax) for a two bedroom apartment. Sales prices are from £499,950. Part exchange is available.
For details click on The Canopy
For information on Butler & Stag estate and letting agents call 01992 667666 or visit www.butlerandstag.uk
For Cognatum call 01491 821170.
Or visit www.cognatum.co.uk
The Rivus, Wantage
Just moments away from the amenities of Wantage, and with speedy access to Oxford, national and international road, rail and air connections, The Rivus is in a peaceful but prime position. It offers a range of easy to maintain one and two bedroom apartments and a worry-free lifestyle for the over 55s.
There are a range of communal areas including a lovely roof terrace, and a Wellness Centre with infrared sauna, gym, stretch studio and treatment room. Other features include an internal courtyard, roof terrace and indoor communal socialising areas and car club.
A guest suite is available for residents to book for family and friends. There is high-speed broadband, a lift to all floors, and 24 hour personal emergency alarm service.
Rental prices start from £1,600 pcm, (that includes all utilities with the exception of broadband and council tax) for a one bedroom apartment. Sales prices from £265,000 for a one bedroom apartment.
For details click on The Rivus
For Green & Co call 01235 763562 or email sales@greenand.co.uk
For Cognatum call 01491821170.
Or visit www.cognatum.co.uk
* Prices and properties featured are subject to availability.
For more information:
01491 821170
property@cognatum.co.uk / www.cognatum.co.uk/properties-for-sale/
Cognatum, a not-for-profit company, has 60 retirement estates in 21 counties across central and southern England, a total of 928 retirement homes. All are in prime locations within vibrant market towns or villages, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Each estate benefits from thoughtful architecture, landscaped grounds, and a dedicated estate manager.