The seaside is the top retirement destination

A growing number of retired people are retiring to coastal towns and resorts, according to Girlings Retirement Rentals – the UK's leading retirement rental specialist.

Seven out of the ten most popular destinations for Girling's customers this year are seaside towns. Bournemouth is the number one retirement destination for the second year running with Eastbourne and Exeter taking fourth and fifth place.

Girlings top 10 retirement destinations for renters in 2014 are:

1. BOURNEMOUTH
2. LONDON
3. CHELTENHAM
4. EASTBOURNE
5. EXETER
6. POOLE
7. SOUTHPORT
8. PORTSMOUTH
9. BROMLEY
10. TORQUAY

One lady living their retirement dream by the sea is Barbara Webb (80yrs) who rents in the seaside resort of Hastings, East Sussex. Barbara moved to Hastings after her husband's death. She decided to rent in Homedane House, an attractive retirement development in a lovely seaside location.

Barbara comments: “I was thrilled when I saw the apartments at Homedane House and immediately knew this was where I wanted to be. The apartment is cosy, compact and has lovely views over the beach and seafront. I can even see the pier from my balcony.”

Since moving in Barbara has immersed herself in the local community and made friends with her neighbours by attending regular coffee mornings, dining events in the residents' lounge and the occasional keep fit class.

She is very happy with her decision to rent as it has enabled her to keep a close eye on her finances and the assured tenancy offered by Girlings means she can stay in her home for as long as she likes.

She added, “I couldn't ever be lonely here, the people are always so friendly, there's lots going on and the lovely views of the beach and pier from my balcony always give me plenty to look at and plenty of fresh air.”

“Peter Girling, Chairman, Girlings Retirement Rentals said: “The resorts of Bournemouth, Eastbourne and Exeter are amongst our top seaside rental retirement destinations. People want to retire to the seaside to enjoy coastal walks, more sunshine and a more relaxed way of life which can bring many health benefits.”

The trend towards seaside retirement living was mirrored in the 2011 census which showed an increase in over-65s moving to coastal areas, with coastal boroughs of Christchurch (29.6 per cent), West Somerset and North Norfolk (28.7 per cent) housing more residents aged 65 plus than anywhere else in the UK. Girlings expects this trend to continue.

Girlings has a choice of over 2000 retirement apartments in towns, the countryside or seaside locations, from Cornwall to Scotland offered on assured or lifetime tenancies. Seaside rentals start at £525 per calendar month for an apartment at Homesands House in Southport.

To find out more and for more information on properties visit the website www.girlings.co.uk. 

Notes to Editor:

For more PR information, please contact Kathryn Hughes at Kayak PR

Kathryn@kayakpr.co.uk / 0208 549 3879/07801 823 839

About Girlings Retirement Rentals

Girlings Retirement Rentals is a privately owned, family company which deals exclusively with renting private retirement property to the 55+ market throughout the UK

Girlings has over 2,500 properties in 500 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.

Service charges and maintenance costs 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 has built up a wealth of knowledge of the retirement market over the past twenty years and has a qualified, experienced team on hand, both in the office and out in the field who can pass on help and advice to potential tenants.

Girlings is a member of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM), the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), with many of its staff already qualified to industry standard and a licensed member of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS). For more information visit www.girlings.co.uk