A Guide Finding the Perfect Retirement Property in Swindon

If you live in Swindon, then you'll already know just how much it has to offer. The South West of England is one of the best places to enjoy a comfortable, safe and healthy retirement, so who could blame you for wanting to retire in our beautiful county?

If you’re nearly ready to leave the workforce, or you're already retired and want to swap your family home for something more manageable, then there are plenty of options in the Swindon area. To help you make an informed choice about the best retirement property, we've shared four different styles of retirement housing, so you can decide which one will suit you. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

A park home estate set in beautiful countryside

A park home is a detached, single-story building set on a private estate, usually in a secluded rural area. They're not technically classed as a permanent residence in the same way as a typical bricks and mortar house — they’re a bit like a large, luxurious static caravan. Over 250,000 people currently call them home, and they're incredibly popular with older residents, as they offer a quiet, peaceful life away from the city. This sort of housing can also be very affordable, depending on the location, so they’re a good choice for those looking to free up equity.

If you value peace and quiet, and you'd like to spend your retirement in a rural community filled with like-minded neighbours, then a park home could be the perfect option. There are a number of park home estates in the Wiltshire area, so if you think it sounds like the choice for you, then find out more in GoldShield's guide to park home life.

A retirement village with plenty to do

A retirement village is an estate of flats or small houses that have been especially designed to suit the needs of older residents. They allow residents to live independently, but with extra help on site should they need it. Most retirement villages are on secure gated complexes, and many will also have overnight security personnel, so residents can enjoy complete peace of mind.

Villages at the more luxurious end of the spectrum will also offer a wide range of entertainment facilities, like swimming pools, tennis courts, cafes and social events, so they're the perfect choice if you'd like an active retirement. However, all of these brilliant facilities do come at a cost, so this sort of retirement property tends to be one of the most expensive options. But, if you've got plenty of savings and you fancy living in style, it could be the ideal choice for you.

A privately-owned retirement property or bungalow

If you're still relatively young and like to live independently, then a privately owned flat or bungalow could be the perfect way to downsize. This way, you can swap your family home for something smaller and easier to manage, meaning you'll have more time to spend enjoying your retirement. You'll also retain complete control over your social life and the way you live on a day to day to basis, so it’s a great option for those who like to be independent.

There's currently a good stock of suitable properties in the Swindon area, so if you've put down roots here and want to be near to friends and family, it could be ideal for you. If there's a downside to this sort of property, then it's likely the fact that you may need to adapt it to suit your needs should your mobility change as you get older.

The best of both worlds with sheltered accommodation

Sheltered accommodation is a bit like a cross between a retirement village and a privately-owned home. It usually consists of purpose-built flats or bungalows, which have been designed with the needs of older residents and those with less mobility in mind. Many sheltered facilities will also have a warden in residence, and sometimes even a 24-hour alarm system to provide help in an emergency. This sort of accommodation is generally only open to residents who aged 55 and over, so you'll be a part of a community of like-minded retirees.

If you value your independence, but you think you might need a bit of extra support and security in the future, then this sort of accommodation is definitely something you'll want to consider. There are plenty of sheltered housing options in Swindon and the surrounding area at the moment, so take a look at Housing Care's listings page to see what's currently available near you.

If you’re looking to downsize after retirement, then the Swindon area has property options to suit every lifestyle. Bear our advice in mind when planning your retirement — before long, you're sure to find the perfect place to enjoy the next chapter of your life.