Housing Options FAQ

What is retirement housing?

Retirement housing (also known as sheltered housing) means having your own flat or bungalow in a block, or on a small estate, where all the other residents are older people (usually over 55). With a few exceptions, all developments (or 'schemes') provide independent, self-contained homes with their own front doors. Historically the term 'retirement housing' referred to developments built for sale, and 'sheltered housing' to those for rent. However today 'retirement housing' is generally used for both.

There are many different types of scheme, both to rent or to buy. They usually contain between 15 and 40 properties, and range in size from studio flats (or 'bedsits') through to 2 and 3 bedroomed.

Properties in most schemes are designed to make life a little easier for older people - with features like raised electric sockets, lowered worktops, walk-in showers, and so on. Some will usually be designed to accommodate wheelchair users. And they are usually linked to an emergency alarm service (sometimes called 'community alarm service') to call help if needed.

Many schemes also have their own 'scheme manager' or 'warden', either living on-site or nearby, whose job is to manage the scheme and help arrange any services residents need. Managed schemes will also usually have some shared or communal facilities such as a lounge for residents to meet in, a laundry, a guest suite and a garden.

New forms of sheltered housing have been pioneered in recent years, to cater for older people who are becoming more frail and less able to do everything for themselves. These may be described as extra care or very sheltered housing, assisted living, close care or care villages. Most properties in these schemes will suit less mobile people and wheelchair users, and bathrooms particularly will be designed to make it easier for assistance to be offered. Schemes may have their own care staff, and will usually provide one or more meals each day, if required.

Most retirement housing for rent is provided by housing associations and local authorities, and can be difficult to access by property owners or people with higher incomes. However there is a growing market in private rentals, spearheaded by Girlings Retirement Options Ltd.

To read more about sheltered, retirement and extra care housing, and many other housing options for older people, browse the Guide to options in the Making choices section of this site.

To find out about sheltered and retirement housing schemes, or extra care housing, anywhere in the UK, to buy or rent, use our Search for retirement housing.