New retirement homes in the South East of England

With a population living longer than ever before, many older homeowners are looking to a new retirement flat as a way to lead an active and independent life. There is a huge choice of new-build retirement homes across the South East of England, providing stylish and protective environments, without many of the maintenance worries associated with the old family home.

McCarthy & Stone has a number of developments in Surrey, including Reeves Court, Frimley Road, Camberley. Comprising one- and two-bedroom homes, prices start at £169,950, and include 24-hour emergency call system, security entrance, and residents' lounge. Like many developments, Reeves Court benefits from having its own House Manager and a guest suite for visitors. Kitchens and bathrooms are stylish and fully fitted, with airy living rooms and bedrooms. Nearby Camberley offers all the amenities of a large town, with good transport links to London and the surrounding Surrey countryside.

In Kent, and just half an hour by train from London, is Nelson Court, Gravesend in Kent. Prices range from £184,950 to £234,950 for one-bedroom apartments in this prestigious development by McCarthy & Stone, providing on-site staff, 24 hours a day, a 24-hour care line, security entrance scheme, waitress-service restaurant and domestic assistance. These well-appointed apartments have separate fitted kitchens and offer great views across the River Thames from their elevated position on Windmill Hill.

Bovis Retirement Homes is offering one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments at Hinchley Manor, Hinchley Wood, Surrey, from £249,950. Close to a post office, newsagent, doctor's surgery and pharmacy, these modern apartments are set in landscaped gardens and their full-service apartments offer support 24 hours a day. From a fully fitted kitchen to beautiful fireplaces, each property is finished to the highest standard.

For those requiring a higher level of personal care, while still wanting to live an independent life, then Barchester Healthcare is offering a two-bedroom apartment in a Grade II-listed stately home setting in Hertfordshire. Bushey House Beaumont, in Bushey Village, has been wonderfully restored and offers assisted living, active and independent lifestyle. The development incorporates a range of care-home facilities, with the security of knowing help is on hand if you need it. Shops and public transport are also close to hand, with an on-site restaurant, hairdressers and social activities. The apartment is well laid out, over 570 square feet (53 square metres), with two bedrooms, separate kitchen and bathroom. On a long leasehold basis, the apartment is priced at £245,000.

Further south, in the rolling countryside of East Sussex, lies St George's Park. Recently named the Best Retirement Home Development in Sussex by the UK Residential Property Awards, St George's Park, offers independent living for the over-60s in 250 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and farmland.

The well appointed two-bedroom retirement flats in this "virtual village" are priced from £345,000 to £475,000. Each incorporates the latest accessibility and mobility features, and come with a 24-hour concierge service. The "village" offers its own cafe, bar, shop, library, gymnasium, and restaurant, with a tennis court and swimming pool to be added in later phases of the development. St George's Park is just over a mile from the village of Wivelsfield and the busy town of Burgess Hill, with its shops, bars and restaurants, and easy access to mainline rail services.

See further new retirement home options across the UK here.

A newly created, two-bedroom apartment at Grade II-listed Bushey House Beaumont is available for £245,000 from Barchester Healthcare