The UK’s senior population is forecast to rise by 9.6 million in 25 years according to the Office of National Statistics with demand for age specific accommodation, in particular for the mature LGBT community, swamping what little stock is currently being offered.

With this imbalance in mind, developers and investors alike are beginning to prick up their ears, not just in the UK but across Europe, as The Villages Group – Rainbow was given the green light to build Europe’s first active gay retirement village in France this August, opening the floodgates for eager retirees looking for housing to suit their needs.

Indeed, results from a fourth-quarter survey conducted by National Real Estate Investor and Senior Housing Global Advisors Inc. show that industry players expect developers to add more retirement accommodation projects to the pipeline in 2014.

Danny Silver, Founding Director of , Europe’s first active retirement village for the LGBT community nestled in the heart of south west France comments,

“The British over 50’s LGBT market provides a great opportunity for growth and it is important that their demands for housing are recognised. With people now living longer and 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.”

With more and more retirees looking to jump ship and look overseas for a retirement property, France remains a popular destination affording a wonderfully warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, stunning natural beauty and easy access to the UK. According to the Rightmove Overseas Consumer Survey 2013, retirees continue to dominate the market with France ranked as the number one country to purchase a second home.

Silver continues,

“With these compelling reasons in mind, we chose France as the location for The Villages Group – Rainbow active living resorts. Providing a lifestyle that will best reflect the interests of its residents, the 50+ LBGT village community will allow residents to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world (HSBC’S Expat Explorer 2013).”

The Villages Group – Rainbow in France offers a range of amenities and services suitable for those in their active ‘third age’. There will be plenty of engaging on-site entertainment choices for a fulfilling active social life as well as numerous options for physical fitness and well-being including tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and saunas.

These one level, eco-friendly village properties are proving to be a great success offering a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50´s LGBT community seeking the perfect property abroad from just €236,000. Construction starts in January?

For more information please contact The Villages Group – Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit .