Buying a new-build retirement home

Britain's retired population is growing fast, with 12 million over 65s forecast by 2020 - that's 28% up on the present number. With retirement come different needs. Whether it's simply downsizing, or moving for a more secure environment, developers are building new and innovative retirement property schemes in every corner of the country.

Gone are the days of soulless blocks of unimaginative boxes, served by cold corridors and lifts that always seemed to be broken. Today's stylish retirement villages and developments are communities in their own right, offering companionship and a real sense of well-being.

When choosing your retirement home, location and price are important, but you will also need to decide the level of assistance you may need. There are various categories, including assisted living, close care and independent living, that provide less help than 24-hour nursing care, but a greater level of peace of mind than simple sheltered housing.

Dunwood Court near Romsey in Hampshire, offers residents independent living and comprises 20 luxury retirement apartments and cottages, set in 25 acres of private grounds. Apartments start at £350,000 with one cottage available at £436,000. Extra-wide hallways and spacious rooms are well appointed, and some apartments have wet rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Dunwood's Close Care concept provides nursing care, if required, to bring real peace of mind to residents and their families.

At the other end of the country is the Renaissance development, Neston, Cheshire. This historic market town has views across the River Dee and Welsh hills, and is close to the Wirral Country Park and Ness Botanical Gardens.

This contemporary new retirement development of one- and two-bedroom apartments has been especially created for the over 55s, with a daytime concierge service and communal areas including gardens, meeting rooms and a gymnasium. A 24-hour care line, CCTV and video entry systems give peace of mind. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £99,950 through a "Lifetime Lease Scheme", normally £165,000, and from £219,950 for two bedrooms. Renaissance also offers part-exchange and assisted purchase schemes.

Another exclusive over 55s retirement development is Beechcroft's King Charles Place, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. The attractive cottages within a pretty street setting are built in traditional Costswold Stone. An estate manager is there to be both a good neighbour and to be on hand in case of emergency, and the gardens and outside terrace areas are well maintained.

King Charles Place is within walking distance of the historic town centre, and has good access to Cheltenham, Oxford and Stratford. Two show homes are still available, priced at £352,500 for two-bedrooms and £460,000 for three bedrooms.

David Wilson Homes has an over-55s development in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Willow Grange is located close to the centre of town and within easy reach of Oxford, Newbury and Swindon, with regular bus services to other nearby towns. The one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced from £119,950 to £219,950, are available on a part-exchange scheme and feature wide doorways, a 24-hour emergency call service, residents' lounge, video entry and parking for owners and their guests.

Leading retirement property specialists McCarthy and Stone have many developments available all over the UK. Strathmore Court in Forfar is one of several located in Scotland. The scheme features 42 one- and two-bedroom apartments priced from £99,950, benefitting from a location in a lively and attractive town within very easy reach of the Angus countryside and numerous golf courses.

Things to think about when looking for your perfect new retirement home.

Assistance: Check that any care and assistance included with your retirement home meet your needs, and will meet your needs in the future.

Service charges: Find out what they are and budget for them. Developments may charge an annual sum for maintenance of the grounds, communal areas, general upkeep, and site wardens or managers. Charges may be higher in developments with lifts and 24-hour care services.

Pets: Most developments allow pets, but check - just in case.

Security: As we grow older we want to feel that our homes are secure. Developers are providing a great range of security measure, from CCTV, video-entry systems, locked gates and estate managers and wardens.

Getting out and about: If you are active, you should check for good access by road and public transport. Free parking on site will keep your car safe and make life easier for your family to visit, while good local amenities allow you to enjoy real independence.

Gadgets: Many developers are installing high-tech devices in bathrooms, illuminated light switches and plugs, care call schemes, electric gates, video-security and wi-fi.