With high living costs and decreasing pension pots, only 1 in 7 people believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in the UK once they stop working according to a survey from the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

Data from the NAPF highlighted that the UK could witness a large numbers of retirees moving overseas in an attempt to find better value for money with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) citing destinations such as France, Spain, Australia, the USA and Canada as top picks for UK pensioners.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The numbers speak for themselves – 34% of those who took part in the NAPF survey said they would rather retire somewhere cheaper overseas than start paying more into their British pension while 24% of those aged 55 to 64 shared the same view, indicating that their inability to save more for retirement left them feeling more pressurized into moving abroad.

“Of course, as more and more people in their ‘third age’ see their costs of living rise and their standard of living drop, it is hardly surprising that they are looking for better deals overseas. France for instance is undoubtedly one of the ultimate retirement destinations for a wide variety of reasons. It’s close to the UK, celebrated for its cuisine and culture and affords a varying climate depending on what part of the country you reside in be that Bordeaux for its stunning countryside or the long sandy Mediterranean coastline of Languedoc.”

With this in mind, the Languedoc-Roussillon region makes for a wonderful place to relocate in your golden years. Chosen for its three C’s – climate, coast and countryside as well as being one of the best places in the world to go canal boating, Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France. As a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop an active living resort ‘village’ for those over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.

Danny Silver explains,

“Canal du Midi is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Laden with plane trees, planted in neat rows in the 1830s to strengthen the banks, this magnificent environment became an integral part of the canal´s beauty and a tourist attraction when it finally ceased to be used for commercial transport in the 1980s. It is a wonderful place for engineering enthusiasts or for those simply wanting to bask in the beauty of the canal.”

The Villages Group will provide a village community of around 116 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For more information on a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.
 

Preliminary data from the INSEE national statistics office has revealed that France’s GDP grew by 0.2% in the fourth quarter, bringing economic growth for 2011 as a whole to 1.7%, in line with government predictions.

Aided by a stronger than expected rise in business investment and continued consumer spend, France has bucked the trend experienced by many other euro zone nations with a minimum 0.5% growth forecast by the French Prime Minster for 2012.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“With a positive economic position, the euro zone´s second largest economy looks set to avoid a recession this year meaning that France’s perception of stability and a ‘safe haven’ for property buyers will remain strong.

“Indeed, many of us dream of escaping to France to enjoy a relaxed yet active lifestyle in a country that boasts a wonderful climate and culture. For those entering their third age especially, France is often the ideal destination which is why we have developed active living Villages for the over 50’s, providing services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals.”

Of course no matter how great the appeals of France may be, in the current economic climate, the decision whether to move often comes down to cost alone. Carrying out extensive client research, The Villages Group surveyed 3,000 people in the 50+ bracket and  discovered that 91% of those questioned wanted to know how much it costs to live at a Village, focussing particularly on maintenance costs which quite often “start low and after a few years, blow through the roof” according to Silver.

As well as this, 76% wanted to know how much it would cost to own a home in one of the Villages. Silver comments: “The reason for this is obvious – who wants to have a 50+ lifestyle with a mortgage hanging over their head or having to pay increasing rentals? We believe the solution to this is a Syndicate – the modern way to save on ownership costs and keep maintenance down. Our legal team of Notaires and Lawyers have found the solution in France that works in compliance with the very strict French legal system – which is undisputedly the safest country in the world to own property with under 0.3% litigation.”

At The Villages, situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux/ Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, residents become a member of the entire village with ownership of a house of their choice, including all amenities. In fact, the syndicate style programme helps keep prices at least 30% lower than similar properties with self-financing saving a minimum 12% bank interest as well as a 10% reduction in builder’s profits.

As well as this, running costs are kept to a minimum as members own The Village, hotel, restaurants and sauna all of which are open to the public and all profits are set against maintenance fees thus keeping running costs to a minimum. Investment into The Villages is from a very affordable €165,000.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com

In the UK around 70% of older people own their own home yet only 2% of the UK´s housing stock is classified as specialist housing for older people, as opposed to 9% in the USA according to well known retirement developers, McCarthy & Stone. Whilst this presents a big challenge for the UK housing market, The Villages Group could well provide the best solution, having introduced the concept of communities dedicated to delivering homes, services and support for “Active” 50+’s in France.

As the older population rises from 11 million to 17 million by 2035 the government is attempting to boost delivery of specialist housing for those in later life, as part of the ‘new deal’, in an attempt to help resolve this growing dilemma.

General-needs retirement housing as well as sheltered and extra care accommodation are just some examples of how the government plan to resolve the UK housing shortage. However, one nation managing to keep ahead of the retirement game with a high number of Certified Retirement Community programs in around 70 towns and communities could well provide the solution.

Located in six states, the USA’s Retirement Community Program provides not only many forms of entertainment, transportation, food and other services all centered around a village-like community. Indeed, it is no surprise that these innovative active living ‘Villages’ in the USA are becoming an extremely popular property choice for those in their third age.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“The British over 50’s market provides one of the biggest opportunities for growth and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Active living ‘Village’ communities already popular in the USA are providing a practical alternative to this growing problem of inadequate housing and we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals is definitely the way forward. ”

With more and more people looking to move abroad for their golden years, seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life, France, one of the top ten expat countries in the world remains a popular destination affording a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK.

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes.

The Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the housing shortage in the UK as well as providing a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com

Over the past decade, horseback tourism has experienced dramatic growth throughout France and with more and more people in their ‘third age’ looking to move across the channel in pursuit of a healthy and happy lifestyle, owning an active living property in France set within a charming equestrian village could be the way to go. 

For many years, British travellers have been fascinated by the South-West areas of France that conjures up an image of a return to rural life at a relaxed pace, perfect for those in their golden age. However, very few people who arrive in the area actually get to discover the real France, one that comprises lovely wooded hillsides, gentle winding rivers and a green land of farms. Indeed, in order to fully explore these lands, it is important to ditch the car and get some real ‘horse power’ behind you.

While horse riding offers a great way to discover new places, trotting down country lanes can also provide emotional and physical benefits it has been revealed.  Equine therapy or hippotherapy, uses a horse’s rhythmic movement to provide a base of physical support with the American Hippotherapy Association suggesting that sitting astride a walking horse helps simulate the human´s normal walking gait, and allows elderly individuals to build flexibility and postural strength. Suitable for both old and young, this therapy has also been said to aid recovery in stroke victims as well as children with Autism and individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety.

Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group, owners of the first equestrian ‘Village’ in France, comments,

“It is clear that the relationship between humans and animals is strong. While horses can provide help to those with physical and mental ailments, for those in their ‘third age’ who are in their prime of life and still fighting fit, pleasure can still be had in horse riding. Indeed, a riding holiday is a great idea for anyone who likes nothing better than getting away from it all and exploring the great outdoors and it is for this reason that we at The Villages Group are developing an active living resort at an equestrian site in this unique area of France.

“The Equestrian Centre Village, which has just been given the go ahead by the Community  Mayor, will be perfect for over 50’s. Although the main activity here will be horse riding, residents can also enjoy numerous other activities including cycling, canoeing, golf, potholing, hot air ballooning and even hand-gliding as well as excellent fishing in the free to use private lake, all within easy reach.”

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in France dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages will initially be set within four stunning French communities with one of the first being the equestrian village. The one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium, a quality entertainment programme and of course, horse riding opportunities.

The Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.
 

With 55 to 65 years olds remaining the largest group of home owners in the UK, putting considerable pressure on the UK housing stock for younger generations to access, the need for older generations to downsize has become ever more pressing. Indeed, with properties often becoming too big to manage along with the allure of moving away for improved  lifestyle benefits, The Villages Group in France, dedicated to delivering homes, services and support for “Active” 50+’s  may prove an attractive option for those entering their third age.

According to Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group and a expert in French real estate, The Villages Group understand precisely what people over the age of 50 require when choosing an active retirement property thanks to all six shareholders themselves being between the ages of 55 and 65.

One of the six, Jane Graham explains why she became involved in The Villages Group and why she believes the active living resorts in France perfectly meet the requirements of her and her peers:

"Since approaching 50 I have started to think more about my retirement and how and where to spend it. Although I enjoy the change of seasons, I´m getting less fond of the cold English winters and wet summers. I decided on France due to its climate, easy way of life, great food and drink, beautiful countryside, good transport links and its proximity to England to maintain contact with family and friends. I was delighted to be able to become involved with "The Villages" project to create purpose-built small communities for people like me. This concept answers my quest to find the right sort of property at the right price among the right sort of people in the right location."

For those 50+’s thinking about buying an active retirement property, Danny Silver offers some top tips for making the right choice.

Tip 1. Consider the Community

“Quite often people entering their third age have fears of isolation so it’s important to consider whether you wish be set within a community of like-minded individuals that share the same interests and values as yourself. The best active living communities are places where you should feel comfortable and happy day in and day out.

“Additionally, does the community promote an active senior lifestyle with a variety of activities? Maybe you’re keen on fishing, playing tennis or horse riding or maybe you want an exciting entertainment programme? Ask what they have on offer.

“Another point to consider is that many active living resorts like The Villages Group in France are suited to those who aren’t necessarily retired. Indeed, even if you are, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want to stay active in the workforce so researching job opportunities within your community or around your area might prove useful.”

Tip 2. Location, location, location

“As we get older, we must ensure that getting around our living area is simple. Consequently, considering the time it takes to get from points of interest, attractions and nearby amenities is an essential. When buying an active retirement property abroad access to all the necessary amenities such as shops and banks for example is extremely important.  As well as this, you may want to be close to family and friends back home so ensuring that flights are frequent and affordable is important too.

“Meanwhile, what is the surrounding landscape like? Is it quiet? What’s the traffic like? It is imperative that the living environment on the outside is considered particularly if you’re after some history, culture or scenic beauty. Seeing as the weather, particularly in older life becomes ever more important, you might also want to ponder whether the climate suits your new lifestyle.”

3. Cost of Living

“When moving abroad the costs of living may differ somewhat and it’s important to do the sums, particularly if you’re using your savings. France for example, has one of the best lifestyles in Europe and opinions differ on whether living in the country is cheaper than in the UK, however many believe living costs are very similar so make sure you’ll be able to manage your outgoings.“

4. Choosing the right home

“The layout of the property you buy is probably one of the most crucial decisions. For those over the age of 50, buying an active living retirement property must need your needs today and in the future which is why one level properties like our bungalow style homes at the Villages in France are perfect. With this in mind, it is wise to ensure that the entire development is flat in every way to ensure that it’s easy to get around.

“Low running costs is also important. The Village properties in France won’t break the bank particularly as they are eco-friendly with high levels of insulation for example.”

5. Buying Costs

“The costs of buying your active retirement property should be affordable without a mortgage and include a ‘shareholding’ of entire development much like the Villages in France.

“There may also be on-going maintenance costs and community charges for particular on-site facilities such as tennis courts, fitness centres, club house’s and libraries for example that must be deliberated.”

Providing a lifestyle that will best reflect the interests of its residents, the 50+ village communities in France courtesy of The Villages Group could provide the answer, allowing residents to live life to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world.

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, offer one-level eco-friendly homes from €165,000 set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com
 

In 2012 there will be a 22% rise in people reaching retirement age in the UK, an increase of over 2 million people compared to 2011 according to the Department for Work and Pensions. While this presents a big challenge for the UK housing market, The Villages Group in France could well provide the best solution, having introduced the concept of communities dedicated to delivering homes, services and support for “Active” 50+’s in France.

With the number of post-war baby boomers reaching retirement age in 2012 predicted to rise by 150,000 thanks to the steady increase in the number of people living longer, the government has estimated that the numbers of retired people living in the UK will rise to more than 15 million by 2030.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,

“With people now living longer, healthier lives most entering their ‘third age’ can expect to live well into their late 80s which means that considerable strain will be placed on the UK housing stock. Indeed, a report from Knight Frank recently discovered that older households will represent half of all household growth between now and 2026 and as a result, it is no surprise that the innovative active living Villages already popular in Australia and the USA are providing a practical alternative to this growing problem.”

Silver continues,

“The British over 50’s market provides one of the biggest opportunities for growth and it is important that their demand for housing is recognised. Indeed, we at The Villages Group have acknowledged that active living Villages for the over 50’s which provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals is definitely the way forward. ”

With more and more people looking to move abroad for their golden years, seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life, France remains a popular destination affording a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK.

With this in mind, it is hardly surprising France was chosen as the location for The Villages Group’s active living resorts. Providing a lifestyle that will best reflect the interests of its residents, the 50+ village communities will allow residents to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world.

The concept for The Villages Group in France has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in the country dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated in three stunning French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence, offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes.

The Villages concept in France is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the housing shortage in the UK as well as providing a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50’s seeking the perfect lifestyle abroad.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com