People who want to enjoy the best quality of life in retirement should move to the South Coast, according to new research from Prudential[i]. 

West Sussex topped the Prudential Quality of Retirement Index, which reviewed nine indicators of 'happiness and comfort' for people in retirement in England and Wales. Dorset came second followed by East Sussex in third place.

Prudential used data to rank places including disability-free life expectancy, access to healthcare, crime levels, pension income, weather and happiness.

However, these locations are also some of the most expensive places to live in the UK, which can price out retirees looking to downsize and move, according to Gillian Girling, Chief Executive of Girlings Retirement Rentals.

Gillian says, “The South Coast has an enduring appeal for retired people with beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, good weather and vibrant towns and cities. However, the popularity of the area is reflected in the higher than average property prices, which can be a barrier for people looking to relocate. A more affordable option than purchasing a retirement apartment is renting on an assured tenancy. Assured tenancy renting really suits retired people as it offers long term security as people can choose to stay as long as they want. There are other benefits too – people no longer need to worry about any property maintenance or service charges.”

One couple who decided to downsize and rent in the popular coastal resort of Bournemouth in Dorset are Keith and Teresa Davy, both in their 70s. The Davys decided to sell their previous property and rent to free up money to fulfil their travel ambitions. They also realised that renting was more affordable so it would enable them to move to their dream retirement location of Bournemouth.

The Davys rent an apartment in Homewest House in Westbourne, Bournemouth on an assured tenancy through Girlings.

Keith explains, “We couldn't afford to buy the flat we're living in, so renting has enabled us to live in an area we really like. We love the location, it's in a lovely area in Bournemouth near the shops and we can walk to the beach and into the town centre. The bus service is so frequent and convenient it's like a taxi service.

“We also like the security of having an assured tenancy agreement. At our age we don't want to worry that the landlord might decide to sell and give us a month's notice to move out, renting with Girlings means we know we're going to be able to stay here for the rest of our lives.”

Girlings Retirement Rentals has properties available in the retirement hotspots including one bedroom apartments on assured tenancies in West Sussex at Highfield Court, Worthing from £950pcm and at Fleur de Lis in Haywards Heath, part of the Diamond Collection, from £1877pcm.

In Dorset Girlings has one bedroom apartments available in Kingsmead Court, Wimborne from £850pcm AT and in St Peters Court, Bournemouth from £795pcm AT as well as two bedroom apartments at Woodlands in Poole – part of the Diamond Collection - from £4183.23pcm AT.

One bedroom apartments are also available in East Sussex at Homeridge House, Saltdean from £895pcm AT and at Amber Court, Hove from £950pcm AST in addition to Diamond Collection property, Hortsley, Seaford from £1948.86pcm AT.

Girlings has over 2500 retirement apartments across the UK to suit all budgets, locations and aspirations. Most properties are located in purpose-built developments where facilities include a Residents' Lounge, laundry and gardens, a development manager on site to support residents and there is a 24 hour emergency call system in each property in case of emergency.

To find out more visit the website www.girlings.co.uk.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

For more PR information, please contact Jenny O'Donnell at Kayak PR:

Email: jenny.odonnell@kayakpr.co.uk

Tel: 020 3865 4089

About Girlings Retirement Rentals

• Girlings Retirement Rentals is a family run company, wholly owned by the Places for People Group, which deals exclusively with renting private retirement property to the 55+ market throughout the UK
• Girlings has over 2,500 properties in 600 developments across the UK
• Girlings lets the majority of its units on life long (assured) tenancy agreements, which allow tenants to stay in properties for as long as they wish, providing security of tenure.
• The services of the development and property maintenance are included in the monthly payments.
• Girlings properties are predominantly one bedroom apartments. Two bedroom apartments, studios, and a small number of bungalows and cottages are also available, all within purpose built retirement developments.
• Girlings is a member of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM), the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) and a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS). For more information visit girlings.co.uk

[i] https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/09/revealed-the-best-places-to-retire-in-england-and-wales/