Retirement properties are in high demand, with a supply of 78,383 homes for senior living, yet with a total of 12.4 million people eligible, there is a major shortage of suitable homes.
One major issue facing the market, aside from the shortfall, is the availability of homes designed for older people that allow them to retain their independence. There are a number of specialist retirement developers that retain retirement properties within their control, which can prove to be a difficult process to navigate when it comes to sell and have a negative impact on resale values.
Karrina Oki, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pentland Homes commented: “Terlingham Gardens development in Hawkinge, is pitched exclusively to the over 55s. From the outset we wanted to create a safe community where our owners could retain their independence but benefit from homes and shared amenities that meet their needs in this stage of life. Purchasers also have full control of what they do with their homes and can place them on the open market, whilst we also offer multiple schemes to support them in the process rather than be a hindrance.”
Terlingham Gardens is an exclusive private gated over 55s development in Hawkinge, Kent, by leading developer Pentland Homes, and offers a collection of houses, apartments, with prices starting from £340,000 for two-bedroom apartment and £375,000 for a two-bedroom house.
Offering fully independent living with a strong community feel, the development has already proven it is bucking the trend when it comes to resales, with properties seeing as much as a £70,000 value increase upon resale in just three years since the scheme opened.
Martin Randall, Agent at Foundation Property Estate Agents said “We recently sold one home for £465,000 bought in November 2018 for £415,000, which in many retirement developments would be unheard of, but isn’t out of the ordinary for Terlingham Gardens. The difference is that we see residents choosing to move here from age 55 upwards, rather than their children making the move for them. The sense of community is a huge selling point, and knowing that residents genuinely want to be living here has made the development hot property”
The unique development is proving popular in part is due to high-quality design of homes, which provide large open-plan spaces – popular with downsizers – and the decision to build bungalows, which are typically harder to come by in the new-build market but are highly sought after.
The properties at Terlingham Gardens all feature designer kitchens with every modern appliance, spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, and high specification features in every room. The result is the convenience of a superior quality home featuring exceptional workmanship throughout that is easy to maintain and does not feel like a typical retirement home, but a home to be proud of.
One of the most attractive aspects of life at Terlingham Gardens is the community feel, which is fostered by the residents and runs on an inclusive basis where residents can choose to be involved when they see fit. Regular events range from cheese and wine evenings to annual gardening competitions (this year it is the largest sunflower), all of which have proved hugely popular.
Being a fully independent development, many of the residents still work either part or full time and living at Terlingham Gardens feels part of a community, rather than a retirement village.
As a gated community, Terlingham Gardens is an attractive place to purchase with the ability to lock up and leave without any worries about security, a key factor influencing its community, as many have second homes abroad or want to travel.
The expansive landscaped garden spaces around the development offer several tranquil community spaces for residents to enjoy, all tended to by a professional team of gardeners, so residents can enjoy Terlingham Garden’s beauty.
Karrina said: “Terlingham Gardens represents the way forward for over 55s developments. As a gated, step-free development that is fully independent, family members can visit and come and go as they wish and the beautiful, landscaped gardens make a wonderful place to share a cup of tea with neighbours. The thriving resident’s association organise a number of activities and events, meaning purchasers have the opportunity to enjoy later surrounded by friends.”
Within walking distance of Terlingham Gardens is all of the essential amenities residents need, from a doctor’s surgery and pharmacy, to hairdresser, supermarket, post office and traditional countryside pub. Hawkinge is just minutes from the port town of Folkestone and the beautiful Kent south coast, which provides beautiful beaches, restaurants, shops and rich historical activities.
Read more of the latest developments in our new edition: April 2022 Single Issue – Show Home Magazine (yourshow-home.com)
Media contact
Roshini Bains,
Editor, Showhome Magazine
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]
