The Great Escape: With 2 million in the UK set to retire in 2012, those in their ‘third age’ look to French active living resorts
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