New-build retirement property in the North West

Purpose-built retirement property in Britain now mirrors the hugely successful American complexes and villages that give mature buyers secure, low-maintenance homes within vibrant and friendly communities. In the North West of England, there is a wide variety of such new-build homes, many offering care packages if needed and all allowing buyers to stay on the property ladder.

One of the region's retirement hotspots is the Fylde coast and one of the most upmarket areas on this flat seaside stretch is Lytham St Annes, where Jones Homes has a new development. Ashton View, adjacent to Ashton Gardens, is convenient for the town centre, the seafront, shopping and the local train station with links to Preston and Blackpool. One-bedroom apartments are £125,000, two-bedroom apartments £176,950 and all are available on a shared ownership scheme, up to 85%/15%. The complex features landscaped gardens and has a house manager, residents' lounge, laundry facilities, guest suite and 24-hour emergency call system.

Jones Homes is also selling the last few properties at Regency Garden, its development of new apartments in Southport. This seaside resort, beloved by everyone from retirees and families to Premier League footballers, has excellent shopping and amenities. The apartments are in the heart of the town close to shops and restaurants. A one-bedroom flat costs from £141,950 and a two-bedroom from £185,450. Shared ownership is also an option here, again on an 85%/15% basis.

If you prefer city life, then a new home in Chester would make a perfect choice; the city is compact and historic with excellent shops, a beautiful racecourse, riverside walks and many cultural events. Boughton Hall from Enterprise Property Group is a luxury retirement village with the Grade II-listed hall its focal point. It is set in four and a half acres in a conservation area and boasts a gym, bar, restaurant, beauty salon, library, hobbies room and communal lounge. It is also close to shops and a health centre and the city centre is just under a mile away. Prices start at £199,500 for a stunning one-bedroom apartment with classic contemporary interior, state-of-the-art kitchen and designer bathroom.

Also in Cheshire, McCarthy and Stone has new apartments for sale in Altrincham at Speakman Court. The development has 46 properties with one-bedroom apartments starting from £185,950. The complex has a house manager, communal lounge, guest suite and 24-hour emergency call system. The town centre is 500 yards away, as is the more tranquil John Leigh Park. There are good public transport links to Manchester city centre.

Also in the Manchester area, Seddon Homes has the Bowling Green in Stretford. These apartments are for over 55s and a stylish two-bedroom flat costs from £120,000. The complex is adjacent to a bowling club and is 200 yards from local amenities. It is also within easy travelling distance of Manchester city centre and the shopping mecca of the Trafford Centre. There is a house manager, residents' lounge, secure entry systems, allocated parking, emergency call system and a communal garden. Seddon is also offering a Try Before You Buy option to rent an apartment for six months.

Over in Liverpool, McCarthy and Stone has just five apartments left at Blackwood Court in the leafy suburb of Childwall. They start from £149,950 for a one-bedroom flat, but the company is offering £25,000 off, subject to completion by 27th May 2011. Blackwood Court is 100 yards from local shops and next to the Eton Bowling Club. It is also on a bus route to Woolton Village two miles away.

Set in a 4.5-acre conservation area, the Grade II-listed building at Boughton Hall contains modern apartments priced from £199,500 in historic Chester