Recent census data has shown that one in six people in England and Wales are now aged 65, the highest proportion ever recorded at this age and a trend we will continue to see in the coming years.

According to the latest data from FNAIM (The National Federation of Property Industry Agents in France) house price growth across the Channel slowed to 0.8% in 2012 and is set to fall by 2% in 2013. But it’s not all doom and gloom with some pockets of France such as Languedoc-Roussillon in the south west experiencing positive price increases.

The image of retirement has changed dramatically in recent years. With the state pension age creeping up and financial uncertainty on the increase, more and more individuals are facing the prospect of working well beyond their official age of retirement. But it’s not just the age of retirees that has changed – these days, a growing number are demanding ‘active retirement.’

Prudential’s recent Class of 2013 research found that 21% of those surveyed said that they don’t like the idea of being at home all the time in retirement, and it’s no coincidence that Jane Fonda, herself now in her 70s, has just released a new yoga DVD aimed specifically at those over 50.

The Prudential report also found that 52% of respondents plan to stay physically fit in retirement, 29% plan to improve their mental fitness and 33% plan to spend more time socialising. Research conducted for HSBC´s latest Future of Retirement – Why Family Matters report (2011) found the same thing, with around half of all global respondents viewing retirement as a time of happiness, satisfaction and freedom. This freedom is about wanting to keep active, socialise and make the most of their golden years.

Le Village-Canal du Midi in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France epitomises the new style of active retirement that has become so increasingly in demand. It is run by The Villages Group, which specialises in providing active living communities for those aged 50+. The resort offers luxurious, one-level houses set in the idyllic French countryside.

The emphasis is on active living and 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 enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby golf course and free bicycle hire. The development even boasts access to four ski resorts, all within a 55 mile radius.

Social engagements abound, with a focus on arts and crafts, music, dance, wine and theatre. Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, explains the community’s ethos,

“The over 50’s no longer just want to sit around drinking tea and eating biscuits. Our clients are demanding more from their retirement and are looking to keep fit both physically and mentally. They want to enjoy quality activities and entertainment in a beautiful, sun-drenched setting, so that is exactly what we are providing at Le Village-Canal du Midi.

“As our clients are also concerned about environmental factors, all of the houses have been designed to have low carbon footprints, with glazing positioned to maximise solar gain and high levels of insulation and energy retention. This has the added benefit to our owners of reducing their living costs compared with traditionally built houses.”

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 £40 per week including all activities. All houses are finished to an exceptionally high standard and clients have a choice of colour scheme and have an input into interior design factors such as the style of kitchen.

It is good to see companies responding to client demand in the way that The Villages Group has done. The over 50’s no longer need to slide into old age gracefully and be condemned to sitting around in their slippers. With the creation of Le Village-Canal du Midi, they finally have the environment they demand in order to fully enjoy their golden years.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

Research conducted for HSBC’s latest Future of Retirement – Why Family Matters report (2011) has revealed that whilst the majority of Brits nearing retirement would like to live near their kids and grandchildren, only a very small minority would be happy to spend their twilight years actually living under the same roof as their offspring.

Whilst over half of women surveyed globally (56%) said that it was very important for them to be able to live near their family on reaching retirement, men were slightly less emphatic about the prospect with only 44% of them stating they would prefer to live near their children in their old age.

But it seems that close is close enough in the UK at least, as only 3% of the UK-based survey respondents said that they would like to actually live with their children or another family member, under the same roof, when they retire.

Danny Silver, international property expert and partner of The Villages Group, Canal du Midi, an active living resort for the over 50s nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South West France comments,

“Compared to other parts of the world such as Asia or southern Europe where multigenerational living is common, here in the UK we’re not so keen to adopt ‘Royale Family’ style living in our golden years. Indeed whilst being close to family and friends is important to many over 50’s, technological advances and indeed better transportation links enable more and more people to remain connected with their loved ones whilst being physically further away.”

Interestingly the HSBC survey also revealed that around half of all global respondents viewed retirement as an age with largely positive associations – a time of happiness, satisfaction and freedom. However, retirement also carries with it negative connotations, with one-third expressing fears about potential financial hardship with this fear much more pronounced among those rapidly nearing retirement age. Such worries have been brought to a head by the impact of the global financial crisis which has forced many adults to work well into their retirement.

But what constitutes a happy retirement? 70% said not having to worry about money but with 64% admitting to being concerned that they would not be able to cope financially in retirement, is moving in with the kids the only option left?

Mr Silver says no:

“Whilst preparing financially for your retirement is of course prudent, over 50’s shouldn’t feel trapped, there are choices out there for every budget. It is well known that retiring overseas, across the Channel in France for example, is cheaper due to the lower cost of living. Here at Canal du Midi, you can buy a detached eco-friendly, energy saving ´maison´ and live, with all expenses covered, for €35 per person per week. That’s considerably less than the UK state pension allowance!”

Situated in south west France just a couple of hours by air from the UK, The Villages Group will provide a community of 107 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 and cultural programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For those thinking about a place to live a great life at an affordable price, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France will make for a wonderful place for your retirement years. Don’t retire from something; have something to retire to.

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

France has long been renowned for the quality of its medical care. Its mix of state and private funding means that medical facilities are up to date and generally of a better standard than those in the UK. Occurrences of infections such as MRSA are zero and, compared with most other modern countries, the system is very inexpensive. French doctors and dentists – including private practitioners – cost approximately 70% less than those in the UK.

For retirees, the offering is even better. Medical care is free in France for those over retirement age and waiting lists are shorter, a significant attraction for people considering spending their golden years overseas. Combined with the warmer climate and healthier diet, France’s medical system has led to it being placed 7^th in terms of life expectancy in the latest World Population Prospects report form the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The UK is ranked 23^rd.

Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, which provides active living resorts in France for the over 50s, understands that medical care is an important issue for his clients. He explains:

“The key focus of our Villages is around an active, healthy lifestyle in a conducive climate, all at an affordable cost. Our clients want to be sure that they have access to appropriate healthcare should they need it but they don’t want to waste money paying for on-site medical services that are rarely used.”

For The Villages Group, this meant that France was the ideal location. Part of the company’s ethos is that its Villages will be a true part of the local community, rather than isolated, standalone developments. At Le Village-Canal du Midi, for example, four French villages are all within a few minutes’ drive, providing those living there with access to a wide range of local services. This is particularly important in relation to healthcare. Silver continues:

“At last count there were 125 doctors located within 20 minutes’ drive of Le Village-Canal du Midi, covering a huge range of medical services. This means that those living in our Village can be confident that they will have prompt access to relevant healthcare should they need it, while the cost of on-site services can be avoided. The French health system is excellent and peace of mind in respect of medical care is a key consideration for our clients.”

In its Healthcare Professionals, 2012 statistical report INSEE, France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, reported that there are 157 general practitioners and 177 specialised practitioners per 100,000 people in France. INSEE also confirmed, in its Health Establishments, 2010 figures, that there are over 2,700 health establishments in France, providing a total of more than 477,000 beds and slots for those requiring treatment.

With such a robust medical system in place, it is perhaps unsurprising that France proved to be one of the top emigration destinations for retired Brits in the Home Office “Emigration from the UK” Research Report 68 (Nov 2012).

Added to the attractions of France’s climate, cuisine, culture and history, its world-class healthcare system has served to ensure that resorts such as those run by The Villages Group are becoming increasingly popular with those looking to make the most of every minute of their retirement.

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

Many house hunters are still keen on buying homes in Europe despite the euro-zone crisis, with French property topping the list. Around one in four prospective buyers (23%) are trying to buy something across the English Channel according to the latest HiFX Property Hotspots report. 

Retired Brits in particular seem to be keen to make the move overseas. According to the Home Office “Emigration from the UK” Research Report 68 (Nov 2012) around 4,000 to 8,000 retired British people emigrate each year with France proving a top destination for this age group.

And indeed unlike their younger counterparts, long-term migrants were more common amongst those going to France. 75 per cent of British citizens emigrating across the Channel reported that they intended to stay for more than four years. 

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

"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.

"It goes without saying that the superior climate, especially in the south, the relaxed lifestyle and easy access by road, rail, sea and air has boosted emigration to France and with the weakening of the Euro plus no capital gains tax, potential buyers are able to get more for their money!"

Indeed researchers King et al. in 2000 found that retirement emigration to southern Europe was primarily fuelled by the difference in property prices and familiarity with the area due to British mass tourism, with the main reasons given by retirees for migrating being to enjoy the better climate and physical environment of the area, while still being within easy access to the UK.

Home to the world´s largest single wine-producing region, over 300 days of sunshine per annum and a coastline that stretches all the way from the Camargue down to the Spanish border, the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region has plenty going for it.

Well served by low-cost flights into Montpellier, Nîmes, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Béziers and (just over the Spanish border) Girona, and a high-speed TGV train connection to Paris. It´s no surprise that a good number of foreigners have already settled here.

Further capitalising on this demand, The Villages Group has chosen the stunning Canal du Midi area, nestled in the beautiful Languedoc region, as the site of the first active living resort in the country dedicated to the over 50´s.

Designed for living, The Villages offers one-level eco-friendly homes set within an outstanding natural environment with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and a quality entertainment programmes.

This concept will provide a fresh alternative to buying abroad for the older generation, offering a unique lifestyle choice for the active 50+´s.

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

Holidays will be the main spending priority for the over 55s next year according to a recent behaviour and travel survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

While the study shows that this age group are most positive about spending their cash on a vacation in 2013, the 18-34 age group highlighted saving for a new home or loan repayments as their main priority while mortgage repayments and home improvements were of most importance to those aged between 35-54 years.

Commenting on the findings, David Trunkfield, partner at PwC, explained: “The elderly and retired are the most positive about spending on holidays next year.  Consumers have also eased back a little from some of the more radical ‘coping strategies’ they have adopted to reduce holiday spending over the past three years.”

Interestingly, the PwC survey data discovered that the majority of those asked explained that they would prefer to reduce spending on clothes, shoes, takeaways and dining out if it meant they could still take a main vacation or short break.

Danny Silver, MD of ‘active living’ development for the over 50s, The Villages Group, France remarks,

“It’s remarkable to see just how much emphasis we Brits put on holidays and breaks away. It’s not really surprising considering the poor British weather and stressful lives we lead.

“The same attitude is also apparent in the over 55s it seems. Retirees have actually become wealthier over the past 30 years according to The Office of National Statistics (ONS); however British pensioners have been hit on their incomes – despairing at low annuity rates and food and bill costs rising above inflation.

“With this in mind many over 55s next year should look to make their holiday aboard a bit more permanent and relocate to South West France – the perfect way to relieve money woes and benefit from cheaper living costs and much needed sunshine!”

For those contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France could provide the answer. The Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France often chosen for its climate, coast and countryside and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group have just opened their first 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.

The Villages Group provide a village community of around 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village affords 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.

The Villages Group is now open for business. For more information on off plan sales please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.

Loneliness is an issue that plagues many British pensioners with a recent study by Age UK and online young people’s charity YouthNet discovering that more than 1 in 3 people aged 65 and over in the UK feel lonely. However, in spite of this somewhat depressing news, hope is not lost with the perfect solution existing just a short hop across the channel.

Danny Silver, MD of ‘active living’ development for over 50s, The Villages Group, France comments,

“Indeed, it would appear that being a retiree in Britain doesn’t necessarily offer all the positive idealisations associated with “third age” particularly when millions are living in isolation. As well as this, continued pressure on energy and food bills mean that many older people are being forced to take a step closer towards the poverty line. Given these reasons its hardly surprising many over 60s are lured into downsizing, often swapping the family home for smaller accommodation in a retirement development which offers a social community and promises to manage all the chores.

“By stark contrast, France is one nation that delivers the exact opposite when it comes to caring for their elderly and that’s why we chose this nation as the location for our new active living resorts for over 50’s. These resorts will be focused around developing strong communities of like-minded individuals where they will never feel alone.”

And it’s not just loneliness that’s affecting British pensioners. According to one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory groups, deVere Group, those nearing retirement feel "betrayed" by the government´s economic policies, with an increasing number considering moving their retirement funds out of the UK.

Nigel Green, chief executive of the deVere Group explained,

"Since the notorious ´Granny Tax´ budget six months ago, an increasing number of our clients have told us that they feel betrayed by the government´s monetary and fiscal policies. The scrapping of age-related benefits, tax changes, quantitative easing and low interest rates have meant that pensioners and those retiring imminently have paid a disproportionately high price as a solution to the current economic crisis. Indeed, latest research demonstrates that the British pensioners will be a further £11.5 billion worse off by such policies by 2014.”

With this in mind, relocating to an ‘active living’ development in France could offer the perfect alternative to relieving loneliness and money woes thanks to less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life and cheaper living costs.

Danny Silver remarks,

“As people get older loneliness can start to creep its way in but rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not chose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity? Right now, retirement developments in the UK have been grabbing a lot of attention – TV show Dispatches recently did an undercover feature on UK retirement homes which identified the pitfalls of buying a retirement property in the UK.

“I believe that our active living villages in France for over 50’s offer a far better option and a cheaper one too. In the UK maintenance such as gardening, swimming pools and window cleaning can cost around £600 per month where as ours which also includes French land taxes as well as full entertainment programme equates to approximately £100!”

For those considering a better quality of life, The Villages Group’s first ‘active living’ resort village for over 50s is available at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.

The development provides a village community of 107 villas and affords full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life with friends.

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

The latest overseas property ‘hot spots’ report conducted by overseas mortgage specialist, Conti has revealed that France remains the number one choice for Brits buying property abroad.

Taking the coveted top spot for the fourth year running, France has represented 45% of mortgage enquiries received so far in 2012 according to Conti’s data having grown from 39% last year and just 15% back in 2008. Spain takes second place with 33% of enquiries.

Conti’s operations director, Clare Nessling, commented: “Buyers have increasingly been sticking to locations they know and trust, which is why France and Spain are out on their own at the moment and Portugal is starting to rise in popularity again too.”

Meanwhile, according to a recent study by SAGA, France still remains a holiday favourite for over-50s planning to take a vacation soon with Danny Silver, MD of the ‘active living’ resorts in France for the over 50’s, The Villages Group commenting:

“It is clear that France’s perception of stability and being a ‘safe haven’ for both holiday makers and property buyers still prevails. Over the years French property has enjoyed practically constant success, and with the Euro dropping against the pound, it’s no wonder that France is still the top choice for British overseas buyers.”

Silver continues,

“With a strong reputation and the opportunity to get more for your money, it seems many are making their dream of escaping to France a reality. For those entering their third age especially, France is often the ideal destination which is why we have developed our active living Villages for the over 50’s here, providing services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals.”

For over 50’s contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France could provide the answer. The Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France often chosen for its climate, coast and countryside and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop their first 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.

The Villages Group will provide a village community of around 107 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 please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.