Active living resorts in France for the over 50’s provide the answer to UK housing shortage
As the over 50’s housing market in the UK changes, seeing those entering the ‘third age’ form the fastest growing demographic group in the country according to the Knight Frank Retirement Housing Report 2010, considerable pressure is being placed on housing for the older generation. With this in mind, dedicated active living resorts for the over 50’s could well present the best option.
The Knight Frank report identifies that older households will represent half of all household growth between now and 2026 having significant impact on existing housing stock. And so, as a result, it is no surprise that the innovative active living Villages already popular in Australia, Scandinavia, the US and New Zealand are providing a viable alternative to this dilemma.
With a large proportion of over 50’s seeking lower living costs and a better quality of life than ever before, those entering their ‘third age’ are beginning to turn away from the UK, ranked in lowly ninth position in the Quality of Life Index compiled by uSwitch recently. France however, topped the ranks affording the earliest retirement age in Europe, the highest proportion of GDP spent on healthcare and the longest life expectancy. Indeed, it’s no wonder British over 50’s are looking for lifestyle options across the channel.
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. 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.
“Our Village resorts across France will provide a lifestyle that we believe will be 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, one that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.”
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.
Indeed, with 80% of the UK’s £6.7trn in wealth being owned by baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) 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