Retrement Apartments

Does anyone here live in this type of building, with a house manager ?

Re: Retrement Apartments

Mother-in-Law has lived in apartment for a few years and loves it. Lots of social activities, outings arranged. Security very good, access to building can only be gained with resident permission through entry control system. Live in manager and 24hour emergency Careline. Lift to all floors, private parking, all gardening, window cleaning and maintenance taken care of.

Re: Retrement Apartments

On the face of it they seem like a good idea, but one needs to research the companies running them very carefully. The management company that runs the McCarthy & Stone retirement apartments (and is 100% owned by McCarthy & Stone) came in for some serious criticisms a few years ago. They were increasing the rents way beyond inflation, charging very high fees for minor repairs, and some other things.

Not sure what happened as they were claiming it was all in the tenancy agreement and of course most of the residents were too old to fully understand all the small print.

Another one I had a bad experience with is Sanctuary Housing, a big company with homes all over England.

Dig deep and take your time if you are considering moving into one of these places.

Re: Retrement Apartments

Well at least you gave me a laugh - you made it sound like its all paid for you - whereas in fact we pay for 'everything'.
We have had dodgy people enter here - so the security system is a joke, people just let others in !
As for the house manager - no I cant even go into that one.
The flats are expensive to buy - they sell down the line for peanuts. Then we have the service charge - no its not the dream move at all - unless you've got money and 'plenty' of it - obviously one place is going to be better than another, its a lottery ......

Re: Retrement Apartments

You are spot on - people still don't realise that they pay for every single thing, and if you are astute - its a nightmare situation. We didn't see the lease until way down the line when everything was sealed up - relied on the solicitor.
If you fancy a place like this - renting is the best option, at least you have some money behind you to pay for it all !

Re: Retrement Apartments

My Dad did in his last years and it was a lovely place with beautiful views and communal areas like a laundry and places where people could meet and where meals were served at weekends.

It wouldn't suit me thought, far too 'social' and no dogs allowed and I prefer to be around dogs rather than people.

Re: Retrement Apartments

Some are probably OK - the Management will determine that.
As for laundry, yes we have 3 machines for 34 flats. One has been faulty for a year, I have kept on about it, eventually was told the motor was going, that was 4 months ago, we still have it, its not a priority to the management, other things to pay for. I dread the winter, not allowed heating in a tiled room with tiled flooring, have to wear me coat to go there !

Re: Retrement Apartments

Parents lived in a retirement apartment, (not in the UK) which my father purchased in 2002, it was in a select area and very pleasant. When my father died in 2005 it was left to his four girls along with all the rest of his capital, our mother just having life enjoyment of it. We put her in a luxury care home in 2012 as she was no long capable of looking after herself properly. We sold the apartment, I believe the person who bought is thrilled with the place.

Re: Retrement Apartments

Interesting insight to these types of properties, Patsy.

Nicely countered by others' experiences, but sounds like some serious background homework should be done beforehand.

"Caution before Entering", methinks

Re: Retrement Apartments

Absolutely !
If you can afford luxury surroundings, you are not bothered by the charges or - how they came about !