With the UK suffering from a shortage of suitable retirement homes and 3 million over 60s unable to move, how about hopping across the channel?

by Georgina France
A recent report from Demos has claimed that millions of pensioners face growing old in social isolation because they are trapped in family homes which they cannot leave.
Pensioners who dream of downsizing to the perfect retirement property are sitting on a stockpile of properties with an estimated value of £400bn, the report says. However, a shortage of smaller homes suitable for the older generation means that more than 3 million over 60s are unable to move.
  • UK pensioners are sitting on a stockpile of properties estimated at £400bn (Demos)
  • Shortage of suitable retirement homes – 3 million over 60s unable to move
  • The Villages Group – Rainbow offers solution
Although the latest Census (2011) released last week reveals that the proportion of the population aged 65 and over living in communal establishments declined from 4.5 per cent (374,000) in 2001 to 3.7 per cent (337,000) in 2011, retirement villages remain an option to consider in your third age.
Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group – Rainbow, Europe’s first LGBT active retirement village nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France comments,
“Indeed, retirement villages have not taken off in the UK as they have elsewhere around the world. Getting planning permission can be difficult and I think Brits have an attachment to their homes that is not always seen to the same extent in other countries but I really believe things are about to change. There is a new generation of retirees coming through that have money and will demand more. They won´t put up with the status quo.
“Developers know it’s coming: a rising demand for hassle-free housing to accommodate the growing number of baby boomers entering their golden years, looking to escape isolation and enjoy their retirement with like-minded individuals, living life to the full and most importantly keeping active, warding off loneliness.
“Here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we have thought about what older buyers want as the demand for specially designed housing is evidently apparent and not readily available in the UK. We have partnered with leading contractor Kingspan Tek who constructed the London Olympic Stadium, to build the perfect home for the aging but active gay community in one of the world’s top retirement destinations.”
Indeed, designed foractive  living but keeping retirement in mind, the Village situated in the stunning Canal du Midi, offers one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium, saunas and quality entertainment programmes from just €236,000.
With reservations now open, The Villages Group – Rainbow is set to be a success, offering a practical solution to the shortage of suitable retirement housing 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.

As France is ranked world #2 in the Gay Global Travel Index, be sure to visit Languedoc-Roussillon the ´other Provence´

by Georgina France

An already established and popular global tourist destination, France has widened its appeal further being ranked world #2 in the Gay Global Travel Index 2013.

 

Drenched in history, romance, unparalleled gastronomic delights and varied landscapes, this European nation, which recently legalised gay marriage, is fast becoming the hot location for the global LGBT community.
Indeed, the Languedoc-Roussillon region, often referred to as the “other Provence”, situated in south west France is already well-known as a gay friendly area with the city of Montpelier holding the largest gay Pride festival outside Paris and numerous hotels, bars and restaurants catering for the pink pound.
La Villa Rouge, a vast gay discothèque just outside the city and the nearby gay nudist beach L’Espiguette, are said to be the main attractions pour les gays francaises year-round.
Danny Silver, Managing Partner of Europe’s first LGBT active retirement village, The Villages Group – Rainbow comments,
‘The increasingly open gay scene in France and apparent demand for safe havens with like-minded people for the older LGBT generation is exactly why we have opened reservations on our latest retirement village nestled in the heart of the Languedoc.
“Not only is The Villages Group – Rainbow surrounded by picturesque countryside and the peaceful Canal du Midi, the region’s nearby larger cities such as Beziers; Narbonne Nimes and its capital, Montpellier, offer museums, festivals, restaurants – along with an active gay community – it offers the best of both worlds! Plus Barcelona is under a 2 hour drive!”
Ground work has begun and construction will start in the next few months; The Villages Group – Rainbow will comprise a 7 hectare gated community with “concierge” services consisting of 107 eco-friendly villas boasting full 24-7 hotel concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.
Reservations are now open, so what are you waiting for? Allez!
For more information please contact The Villages Group Rainbow on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com, visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow or check out the latest video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiUt78wtPXc 

You definitely WON’T be the only gay in this village! Enjoy your golden years without anxiety or prejudice at The Villages – Rainbow in France

by Georgina France

Getting older can be much more complex for lesbian, gay and bisexual people as this community is more likely to face the prospect alone or without as much personal support as their heterosexual counterparts. As a result, many lesbian, gay and bisexual people over 55 experience an increased sense of vulnerability and are more anxious about ageing.

  • Less than half of LGBT people feel positive about getting older (YouGov)
  • 48% of LGBT people feel their sexual orientation has/will have a negative affect on getting older (YouGov)
  • First gay active living community in France seeks to abolish loneliness in the older LGBT community 
In many ways lesbian, gay, bisexual people and heterosexual people share a similar outlook on ageing; according to a YouGov report commissioned by Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, less than half (45%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel positive about getting older and 47% of heterosexual people feel the same.
However, the level of anxiety felt by lesbian, gay and bisexual people across a range of issues is consistently greater than that of their heterosexual peers. The lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, found that almost half (48%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel that their sexual orientation has, or will have, a negative effect on getting older.
Danny Silver, Founding partner of The Villages – Rainbow, France’s first gay active living village for the over 50s, comments,
“The lack of support felt by those reaching retirement is often worse for lesbian, gay and bisexual people who see the opportunity to access formal community groups and social networks diminishing as they get older. Many find traditional groups and networks for older people to be exclusively heterosexual and the majority of social activities targeted at gay people are too focused on the younger generation.
“This is why our latest gated development, The Villages – Rainbow offers the perfect living environment for greying gays who wish to remain active, social and open about who they are. Here at Rainbow we offer a huge range of activities that are inclusive to absolutely everyone, abolishing loneliness and feelings of being an outsider or even having to hide their sexuality.”
Indeed, research shows that older gay men and lesbians often conceal their sexual orientation when entering later life accommodation, in effect ‘recloseting’ themselves during one of life’s most vulnerable times. The Village Group – Rainbow offers a safe and accepting alternative to openly grow old with gay pride.
The Village –Rainbow will comprise 107 one-level, eco friendly villas with full concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi in South West France. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit http://www.dressesshow.co.uk/

Economic growth boosts investor confidence and surge in French property buyers

by Georgina France

According to the national statistics agency, (INSEE) France’s economy expanded 0.5% during Q2 2013, pulling out of a shallow recession to post its strongest quarterly growth since early 2011.

This positive economic growth has translated into the nation’s property market as an enviable combination of relative price stability and readily available mortgage finance (unlike in the UK) makes French property an attractive proposition for investors who are focussed on return as well as lifestyle.

  • France’s economy grew 0.5% in Q2 2013 (INSEE )
  • Foreign investors made up 37% of all investments in France H1 2013 (INSEE)
  • France’s first gay active living village reports enquiry surge in first few weeks of launching

Foreign investors made up 37% of the volume invested in France throughout H1 2013 report INSEE, confirming their continued appetite for the French market.

Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group Rainbow, France’s first gay active living village nestled in the heart of the South Westerly region of Languedoc comments,

“Here at The Villages Group Rainbow we have experienced an overwhelming number of enquiries from across the globe since launching the new project just a few weeks ago with over 10,000 hits on the website – a significant increase in demand compared to last year.

“The overall improvement of the French economy is great news for us here at The Villages, boosting property investor confidence and bringing with it a positive outlook for H2 2013 and beyond.”

Indeed, in addition to investors and second home buyers, France is once again becoming a relocation destination due to low interest rates, easy access from the UK, better weather and quality of life.

One previously marginalised group in particular, the LGBT community, has tapped into the joie de vivre and increasing accepting attitudes towards the “gay and grey” available in France with buyers keen to snap up one of the one level, eco-friendly villas at the new The Villages Group – Rainbow development.

The Villages Group –Rainbow will comprise 107 such villas with full 24-7 hotel concierge services located on the banks of the Canal du Midi in South West France. With active living foremost in mind, the range of on-site amenities includes tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes.

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

First Gay-LGBT “Active Lifestyle” Retirement Village in France welcomes inaugural US investors

by Georgina France

For many years now the world’s top tourism destination, France, which attracted a staggering 83 million people in 2012, more than its own resident population, has also been the top vacation choice for US citizens travelling overseas.

 

From the romance of Paris to the rolling hills of the wine regions, the gastronomic delights, the rich culture and glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, France has it all with many in their Third Age now turning that dream vacation into daily life by retiring to this European nation.
Indeed AARP The Magazine ranked France one of the best places to retire in the world with the Mediterranean seaside region of Languedoc-Roussillon particularly noted due to its “arts and culture, medieval towns and castles”.
And it is in this region, just a 3 hour high-speed train journey from Paris which boasts numerous direct air connections to various cities across the US, where a previously maligned group, the LGBT community, can retire with pride at The Villages Group – Rainbow.
For the first time the “gay and gray” retirement community model, which has proved popular in Florida, has been replicated outside the US offering the growing LGBT baby boomer generation a safe environment to live out their golden years openly gay.
Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group, which specializes in properties for those seeking retirement homes with an active lifestyle, comments,
“Our rural French haven, The Villages Group – Rainbow, offers LGTB individuals from the US the opportunity to live an active life together with like-minded people in France for the first time.
“It is due to demand from this growing community that we have launched this new Village; indeed other European developers have explored the new potential niche market however one proposal after another has died on the vine. But I am delighted to say that here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we have the green light to commence construction and the properties will be ready for occupation by early 2015.”
And with up to 3 million LGBT adults in the US over 50 years of age, interest is expected to be high. In fact Danny and his team have already welcomed investors from the US keen to snap up one of the 107 eco villas with full concierge services which occupy the 7 hectare gated site in south west France.
Media interest in this pioneering project is also vast with the Huffington Post announcing that “Gay retirees in France will now have an entire village to call home” and one local resident commenting to the Global Post that “…for village business, it can only be a good thing.”
For more information on retiring to France and the first gay retirement community, The Villages Group – Rainbow contact Danny and his team on +33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.

France’s FIRST gay active living village for over 50s gets the green light

by Georgina France

The gay community are the newest group to fuel the booming retirement housing market, which already offers developments catering to art enthusiasts, musicians, military veterans and university alumni.

•Over 1.2 million gay and lesbian adults aged over 55 in UK (Stonewall)
•Rise in demand for “gay and gray” housing projects
•The Villages Group – Rainbow is the first gay active living community for over 50s in France 

According to research by Stonewall, the UK lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, there are currently between 871,045  and 1,219,470 gay and lesbian adults aged over 55 in the UK, roughly the population of Birmingham.
But it´s more than a matter of numbers. Gay baby boomers are the first generation to come of age after the gay rights movements in the 1970s and with the gay marriage law recently passed in both England, Wales and across the channel in neighbouring France, many in the LGBT community have felt more open about their sexual orientation than previous generations.
Indeed, over the last decade, as attitudes have relaxed and more people live openly gay, there has been a wave of housing projects popping up across the globe to serve the “gay and gray” population but the idea of building such communities in Europe hadn´t progressed much beyond talk until now.
The Villages Group – Rainbow, a 7 hectare gated community of affordable one level eco-friendly/energy efficient “village-houses” with concierge services nestled in the heart of the Languedoc region of South West France, has been given the green light and will be the first active living community for over 50s from the lesbian and gay community.
Danny Silver, Founding Partner of The Villages Group, which specialises in properties for those seeking retirement homes with an active lifestyle, comments,
“Our rural French haven, The Villages Group – Rainbow, offers LGTB individuals over 50 years old, the opportunity to live an active life together with like-minded people in France for the first time. It is due to demand from this growing community that we have launched this new Village; indeed other European developers have explored the new potential niche market however one proposal after another has died on the vine. But I am delighted to say that here at The Villages Group – Rainbow we have the green light to commence construction and the properties will be ready for occupation by early 2015.”
Silver continues, “The great weather, French gastronomy and picturesque location provide perfect reasons to spend your latter years here across the Channel, coupled with increasing tolerance towards the gay community and the legalisation of gay marriage, The Villages Group – Rainbow offers the perfect opportunity to live out your days with pride.”
Attitudes are changing fast in France and it was in fact only earlier this year in May that gay marriage was legalised with the first gay couple marrying in June near the town of Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon and also known as the “French San Francisco” for its gay-friendly outlook.
For more information about retiring at with pride at The Villages Group – Rainbow, call +33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow/

Get on your bike and retire en route the Tour de France as it celebrates its 100th year

by Viv France

The 100th Tour de France started this weekend and regions throughout France are putting the final touches to their picturesque towns and villages to welcome not just the international cycling stars but tourists from across the globe. 

 
Although the Tour de France may not be a relaxing vacation for participants, it is the world´s biggest and best tourism promotion bringing prestige to to the areas it passes through, boosting hotel occupancy and the revenue of bars and restaurants.
 
 
Danny Silver, founding partner of The Villages Group, an active living villages for the over 50s nestled in the heart of the Languedoc region, which plays host to three stages of the 100th Tour de France on the 4th , 5th  and 6th  of July comments,
 
 
“The economic impact of the Tour de France must not be underestimated. Each year it delivers a major boost to the economy of Languedoc and its towns and villages and just looking back at the London’s 2012 Olympics, the massive appetite for major sporting occasions is clearly evident.
 
 
“The 100th Tour de France is a great opportunity to remind the world just what the nation has to offer. As the cyclists wizz through Languedoc-Roussillon, you will be sure to see many things that define the region and why exactly we chose to build Le Village-Canal du Midi in this picture perfect location. The vineyards, olive trees, the Canal du Midi, the brightly painted doors and shutters not forgetting the rich culinary tradition, the wine, the peace and quiet and the dramatic scenery are just a few of the benefits of retiring to the Languedoc. Our rural life couldn’t be more different than living in Paris!” 
 
 
Indeed, if you are a keen cyclist and are thinking of retiring abroad our neighbour across the Channel may be a good option.
 
 
The Languedoc is a region of diverse and beautiful landscapes. From the Mediterranean coastal plains, the rolling hills that are home to the largest wine producing area of France rise steeply upwards to the start of the Cevennes mountains, creating one of France´s best kept cycling secrets. Miles of unspoilt countryside and cycle tracks means that families, couples and friends can all enjoy hopping on their bikes and soaking up the French atmosphere. 
 
 
Le Village-Canal du Midi epitomises the new style of active retirement that has become so in demand. Run by The Villages Group, which specialises in providing active living communities for those aged 50+, the resort offers luxurious, one-level houses from £200,000 set in the idyllic French countryside.
 
 
The wide range of activities on offer includes tennis, archery, aerobics, equestrian events, sailing, boating and swimming in the village’s outdoor and indoor pools. Owners will also be able to enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby golf course and free bicycle hire for those willing to give Wiggins a run for his money. The development even boasts access to four ski resorts, all within a 55 mile radius.  
 
 
For more information on a unique lifestyle choice for the active over 50´s please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com .
 

Live for less in the Languedoc as regular pension income expected to fall by 38.95% in the UK

by Georgina France

New analysis from Partnership, one of the UK´s enhanced annuity providers, has revealed that when a person retires they can expect their regular income to fall by a significant 38.95% suggesting that those relying primarily on their pension to fund their lifestyle are likely to suffer a nasty shock when they retire so it is imperative that people have back up plans ahead of retirement.

• Pension income expected to fall by 38.95% in the UK (Partnership)

• Cost of living in France 25% cheaper than UK

• Life at Le Village, Canal du Midi, costs just £30 per week for maintenance and all activities (The Villages Group) 

One way to get more for your money is to retire to a country where the cost of living is genuinely lower, and the good news is, living in France really costs less than living in the UK.  So, if you want to live the same life for less, France could just be the perfect place for you.
Danny Silver, Managing Partner of The Villages Group, an English-speaking active living community for over 50’s nestled in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France comments,
“While people in retirement are likely to have fewer outgoings, it is still hard to imagine that anyone would not feel the pinch if they lost over a third of their income overnight.  Even if their pension is topped up by savings and investments or part-time work, it is still likely to be quite a shock.
“This is where living at “Le Village–Canal du Midi” would benefit any retirees looking for a way to enjoy their golden years without money worries. For just £30 a week per person for all management, maintenance and all on-site activities, you can live in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France, where village life is tranquil and a great day out can be had in the seemingly endless countryside with many a fete, art exhibition or concert in the summer months which will cost you precisely nothing!”
When it comes to the day-to-day cost of living in France, it’s a well-known fact that food and wine can be bought so much cheaper than in the UK.  When shoppers make use of locally grown produce and shop at individual suppliers and markets, the euros go far further than the pounds do when we Brits stock up at the weekly Sainsburys or Tesco shop.
But what about taxes and utilities, medical or care bills etc? The continuous list of expenses that push up the cost of living so significantly in the UK?  Well, again the news is in Frances’s favour.
The Languedoc region boasts the world´s best health care (at no cost if you´re a legal resident/investor or an EU visitor) so no need to worry about having a heart attack over the price of cheese ever again, with over 125 doctors close to “Le Village, Canal du Midi” – every ache and pain can be seen to within a few minutes from your door.
In fact “Le Village-Canal du Midi” is a surprisingly affordable place to call home. Danny Silver explains that a couple could live here on 25% less than the living costs of the UK, allowing over 50s living at Le Village to enjoy the gastronomic delights the region has to offer, excellent weather and a full and exciting lifestyle for a lot less!
So what are you waiting for? Take a look at Le Village-Canal du Midi today, the answer to a costly retirement. For more information contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

Downsize to fund your dream retirement as house prices grow twice as fast as the average pension

by Georgina France

Rocketing house prices over the last 15 years have resulted in many UK retirees living in increasingly valuable assets, which have grown almost twice as fast as the average pensioner’s income according to research from the Equity Release Council.

 

Its analysis of Land Registry and Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals that average house prices in England & Wales have grown by a staggering 91% since 1997, from £120,211 to £229,610.
Indeed home equity continues to represent one of the biggest assets for many retirees, playing an important role when savings come up short. Some already retired or approaching their golden years feel they have little choice but to tap into the equity they’ve built up in their homes to support their future cash flow needs.
Danny Silver, Founder and Managing Partner of The Villages Group, active living resorts for 50s+ across France comments,
“Many retirees find that their children have flown the nest and they are ready to downsize to a smaller home such as the properties here at Le Village – Canal du Midi. Releasing the equity in their homes is the perfect way to do this and through our dedicated network of sales agents in the UK they can sell their existing property, buy a new home here in Languedoc and have equity left over to not only survive but thrive in retirement.“
Indeed, downsizing presents the cheapest and most transparent option available for those entering retirement. Property is often an adult’s biggest and most secure financial asset, generating a far greater return on their original investment. This is especially true for those who have remained in the same home for a good number of years, during which the property market has boomed, meaning they have accumulated a large amount of equity in their property.
But what and where to downsize to? Traditionally retirees have remained in the local area, near to friends and family but now with advances in communications technology and indeed transportation, more and more are looking to move abroad. As Danny Silver, a British resident who now lives in France himself says,
“Relocating in retirement can be a rejuvenating and life-affirming experience, especially when you can save money, meet new people and visit new places. Le Village Canal du Midi nestled in the heart of the Languedoc is begging you to take a walk or hire a bicycle and admire the natural beauty of the Canal waterways and surrounding countryside. Rowing, canoeing, fishing or even cruising on luxury hotel barges are also popular pastimes in this picturesque region famous for its sumptuous gastronomic delights. Maybe it´s time to say bonjour to a new and exciting life of retirement in France!”
The Villages Group provides a lifestyle that is most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.
House prices at Le Village-Canal du Midi start from around £200,000, which includes all closing costs and the first year´s management fee and taxes; weekly maintenance costs are only £30 per week including all activities.
For more information contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

‘Grandlords’ up 11% as older people rent properties to fund retirement

by Georgina France

It’s a fact, we’re living longer. Average life expectancy in the UK is now 80 years according to the World Health Organisation (2010) and with better standards of living and medical advances, this is only going to increase.

But living for longer also comes at a price, £12,000 a year to be precise according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation who calculated in 2012 that this was the annual income required for pensioner couples to fully participate in UK society.

 

  • Pensioner couples need £12,000 a year to fully participate in UK society (Joseph Rowntree Foundation)
  • Property investment is the best way to save for retirement say 20% of people (ONS)
  • 11% increase in ‘Grandlords’ in 2012, 33% since 2009 (Saga)

For those who want more from their golden years than eating out once a month and holidaying away from home once a year on a half-board coach-tour package, extra funds must be found but from where?

According to many experts, the ‘pension time bomb’ is ticking ever louder despite individuals saving more and as the cost of buying a retirement income has gone up, many in the UK are set to fall short of the £231 weekly minimum target. In fact according to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), 48% of all workers are planning to work beyond the state pension age because they simply cannot afford to retire.

Danny Silver, Managing Partner of The Villages Group, active living resort for 50s+ in France, comments,

“Long gone are the days of final salary schemes and relying on a decent state pension once you hit retirement. Older people who’ve worked hard all their lives and want to retain a decent standard of living must find the extra funds themselves but with living costs rising faster than salaries not to mention falling annuity rates, this is easier said than done.

“For 20% of people (ONS) property investment is the key and we are seeing increasing numbers of retiree landlords or ‘Grandlords’ looking to take advantage of the UK rental market and boost their income.”

Indeed the latest research by Saga revealed an 11% rise in the number of ‘Grandlords’ last year and a marked 33% increase since 2009. There has also been a particular increase in female pensioners renting out property, with a growth of 12% in 2012 and 43% since 2009.

One trend which Danny and his team at The Villages is seeing from these retiree landlords is that they are using their buy to let income to fund a cheaper life abroad. France in particular, a short hop across the Channel, is proving a popular choice as it’s well known for its high quality of life, lower living costs not to mention rich culture, gastronomy and stunning landscapes.

Perfectly suited for ‘Grandlords’ and other active 50+s is Le Village Canal du Midi in Languedoc. Offering luxurious, one-level eco homes set in the idyllic French countryside from around £200,000, Le Village owners will be able to enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby golf course and free bicycle hire as well as tennis, archery, aerobics, sailing and swimming all on-site.

For more information and your free brochure contact The Villages Group today on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.