Retirement developer's new Swindon apartments

McCarthy Stone has new apartments available to rent at Locks View in Wichelstowe.

Responding to what the company describes as a growing trend to rent in later life, the new apartments, exclusively available for over-60s, are expected to be popular with Wiltshire retirees.

McCarthy Stone is committed to making all the benefits of the retirement living lifestyle more accessible than ever before. The launch of additional rental apartments is in response to demand from older people currently living in homes that are becoming unsuitable for their needs, and wanting to move or downsize to a property that suits later life living.

The company says choosing to rent in retirement can be a savvy decision. It provides a quick and convenient way of moving to what may be a more suitable and manageable home, but without the commitment of ownership, and incurring the costs involved in selling and purchasing another property. 

A spokesperson said: "That makes it easier to move in – and out – of the property, but with Assured Tenancy Agreements, tenants can stay for as long as they like."

With McCarthy Stone’s Locks View, it also means moving to an apartment with what are billed as superb communal facilities on site, allowing tenants and homeowners alike to enjoy a full and varied lifestyle. Residents can socialise with neighbours and friends in the sophisticated lounge or unwind in the well-maintained gardens. There is full access to all of these amenities, plus the development’s social events and activities, allowing them to enjoy the lifestyle to the max.

For added peace of mind, a House Manager will be on-site during office hours to ensure everything runs smoothly, while each property will be fitted with state-of-the-art security features, including a 24-hour emergency call system.

The spokesperson added: "Locks View is also within a stone’s throw of natural surroundings. Close to the wildlife haven of the Wilts and Berks Canal, Wichelstowe has over 200 acres of open space, thousands of trees, 1.5 acres of allotments and over 12 kilometres of walkways and cycle paths. There’s a thriving community also, with the nearby StoweAway Community Centre offering activities such as yoga, fitness classes and board game nights.

The Retirement Living development is exclusively for over 60s, and consists of 44 one and two-bedroom apartments. It is currently reserving off plan, and the company says it is already proving very popular with local retirees, ahead of opening to residents in the summer.

"What’s more, a recent study[1] by Homes England highlighted that living in retirement housing results in improved levels of happiness, satisfaction and wellbeing, thanks to increased opportunities for socialising, and having care and support on hand should it be needed. According to McCarthy Stone, retirement housing brings a whole raft of other benefits, including releasing local homes in the area when older people downsize, stimulating investment on the high street and reducing pressure on the NHS and social care services."

More than nine out of ten customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.

At Locks View rental prices start from £1,865 per calendar month for a one-bedroom apartment, and from £2,435 per calendar month for a two-bedroom apartment.  Meanwhile, purchase prices for one and two-bedroom properties start from £240,000 and £320,000 respectively.

McCarthy Stone’s sales teams are fully trained in rentals and, conscious that it may be someone’s first experience of renting a property, are experts in guiding them through the process.

To find out more about Retirement Living and renting in Wichelstowe, people can call 0800 153 3076 or visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk/locks-view.