9 Best Over 55 Retirement Bungalows To Rent Or Buy in the UK
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Retirement bungalows are increasing in popularity, due to the range of amazing features they offer, stair-free layouts and the minimal maintenance required. Retirement bungalows are also found in many sought-after locations across the UK.
That’s why we’ve gathered up 9 of the best over 55 retirement bungalows to rent or buy. Explore our options using the search navigation bar below to find a retirement bungalow near you!
Where would you like to live?
Browse the best retirement bungalows near you.
Navigate the best retirement bungalows for over 55s to buy or rent:
- Southdowns Village - Kent
- Blagdon Village - Somerset
- Cedars Village - Hertfordshire
- Elmbridge Village - Surrey
- Gittisham Park - Devon
- St Oswald’s Village - Gloucestershire
- Catherine Place - Leicestershire
- Thamesfield Village - Oxfordshire
- Lovat Fields Village - Buckinghamshire
1. Southdowns Village - Kent
A stunning retirement village set in idyllic countryside, Southdowns Village is located in the county of Kent, near Dartford. This village contains a variety of retirement bungalows to buy, along with one and two-bedroom apartments.
Southdowns Village has a huge amount of facilities for residents to enjoy, including a licensed bar, a TV lounge and a billiard room - and all of these can be found within the popular social centre.
Residents can also take advantage of nurses who are on-site 24 hours a day, saving you from having to travel to Dartford for medical attention.
When living in a retirement bungalow at Southdowns, you’ll enjoy completely independent living within luxury, self-contained accommodation.
| Southdowns Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 198 one and two-bedroom apartments and bungalows |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase |
| Price | Starting from £195,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £325,000 for a one-bedroom bungalow (to buy) |
| Facilities | A communal restaurant and stylish lounge, landscaped gardens and a courtyard, a fitness suite, a library and even a beauty salon |
| Operator | Southdowns Retirement Village |
Are you interested in viewing Southdowns Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01322 952216.
2. Blagdon Village - Somerset
Just a short walk from the historic town of Taunton, Blagdon Village in Somerset is a highly sought-after retirement village, thanks to its location near the stunning Blackdown and Quantock Hills.
Blagdon Village offers its residents a range of property types, including bungalows, cottages and apartments, all of which are set around the central clubhouse. This clubhouse is packed with activities for residents to enjoy, and there’s also a minibus for days out of the village.
Choose from either a one or two bedroom retirement bungalow. They’re available to purchase and rent, depending on availability.
Over 55s can take advantage of a wide variety of care and support services if needed as well, such as personal care, companionship care and even domestic support.
| Blagdon Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 85 one and two-bedroom bungalows, cottages and apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase or rent |
| Price | Starting from £180,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy) |
| Facilities | A bar, café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens and a courtyard, a fitness suite, a library, a salon and wheelchair access throughout |
| Operator | Retirement Villages |
Are you interested in viewing Blagdon Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01823 212247.
3. Cedars Village - Hertfordshire
Located in the Hertfordshire village of Chorleywood on the outskirts of London, Cedars Village is set amongst 22 acres of stunning wild meadows, orchards and woodland walks. The 154 chalet bungalows, apartments, cottages and coach houses within these 22 acres are all complemented by the village’s impressive centrepiece - a Grade II listed mansion.
Within this mansion, over 55s and other residents will have a range of regular social activities to choose from, along with state-of-the-art facilities such as a library, beauty salon, a bar and a stylish restaurant.
The properties here - including retirement bungalows - are available to purchase and rent, with these coming in one and two-bedroom varieties.
Meanwhile, the dedicated team will ensure all your needs are taken care of, including providing external upkeep for every property. Domestic cleaners also visit every home each week.
| Cedars Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains one and two-bedroom bungalows, cottages and apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase or rent |
| Price | Starting from £289,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £335,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £3,240 per month for a two-bedroom apartment (to rent) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for apartments on upper floors), a bar, a café and restaurant, car parking, wheelchair access throughout, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens and a courtyard, a library and even a beauty salon |
| Operator | Retirement Villages |
Are you interested in viewing Cedars Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01923 961097.
4. Elmbridge Village - Surrey
Known as the very first retirement community in the UK, Elmbridge Village in Surrey is now known for providing its residents with an amazing retirement setting.
At Elmbridge Village, you’ll find a mixture of houses, apartments and retirement bungalows to rent and buy. There are 275 homes in total, and each of these is set within the village’s stunning landscaped grounds.
Here, residents are given a genuine sense of freedom and can spend their days enjoying the superb on-site facilities, including the restaurant, bar and lounge areas. Meanwhile, the croquet lawn offers the ideal spot for enjoying some relaxed and gentle sport.
| Elmbridge Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 275 one and two-bedroom bungalows, houses and apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase or rent |
| Price | Starting from £145,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £160,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £2,205 a month for a one-bedroom apartment and £2,550 a month for a two-bedroom apartment (to rent) |
| Facilities | A bar, a café and restaurant, a comfortable communal lounge, landscaped gardens and a courtyard, a library, a beauty salon and wheelchair access throughout |
| Operator | Retirement Villages |
Are you interested in viewing Elmbridge Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01483 947335.
5. Gittisham Park - Devon
Nestled next to the Blackdown Hills, Gittisham Park is situated perfectly to enjoy everything that East Devon has to offer. With a central clubhouse containing many of the village’s most popular facilities - including an outdoor terrace, a reading area and a restaurant with panoramic views - Gittisham Park has a vibrant community spirit.
Gittisham Park contains a range of homes, including one and two-bedroom bungalows. These retirement bungalows to buy are set within 12 acres of idyllic parkland and are surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!
You’re in the perfect spot to visit the popular town of Honiton via a variety of transport links.
To make your retirement as relaxing as possible, weekly cleaning services will ease your workload, allowing you to spend more time doing the things you love.
| Gittisham Park at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 32 one and two-bedroom bungalows and apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase |
| Price | Starting from £175,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £240,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for apartments on the upper floors), a bar, a restaurant and café, a lovely communal lounge, landscaped gardens and a courtyard, a library and wheelchair access throughout |
| Operator | Retirement Villages |
Are you interested in viewing Gittisham Park?
For availability and pricing, call 01392 321465.
6. St Oswald’s Village - Gloucestershire
Operated by ExtraCare Charitable Trust, St Oswald’s Village contains 166 affordable properties, including eight retirement bungalows and numerous one and two-bedroom apartments. Each of these properties has its own living room, kitchen and shower room, while some - such as the bungalows - have their own patio areas.
This Gloucester retirement village is also packed with communal facilities that residents love spending time in. These can be found in the central hub and include things like a bar, a restaurant, a village shop, a library, a beauty salon and even a workshop.
St Oswald’s Village is mainly aimed at over 55s living in and around Gloucester. The properties here are available to rent, purchase or buy through shared ownership.
| St Oswalds Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains eight bungalows, along with 169 one and two-bedroom apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase (including shared ownership) or rent |
| Price | Starting from £137,500 for a one or two-bedroom apartment with 50% ownership (to buy) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for upper-floor apartments), a bar, a restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens with a courtyard, a fitness suite, a library, a salon, wheelchair access throughout and even a spa |
| Operator | The ExtraCare Charitable Trust |
Are you interested in viewing St Oswald’s Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01452 228032.
7. Catherine Place - Leicestershire
Located in the popular market town of Melton Mowbray, Catherine Place contains several two-bedroom retirement bungalows, along with several one and two-bedroom apartments. At this Leicestershire retirement village, the bungalows and apartments are available to buy.
When living in a bungalow at Catherine Place, residents will benefit from some amazing features and facilities, such as private landscaped gardens and a stylish communal lounge. This retirement community also has an on-site manager who will take care of any requirements and requests as they arise.
Catherine Place is within walking distance of the town centre, where residents can explore Britain’s ‘rural capital of food’, including the town’s iconic pork pie.
| Catherine Place at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement property contains 56 two-bedroom bungalows and one and two-bedroom apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase or rent |
| Price | Starting from £226,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and £305,850 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £1,660 a month for a one-bedroom apartment (to rent) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for upper-floor apartments), a communal lounge, a landscaped garden with a courtyard and wheelchair access throughout |
| Operator | McCarthy Stone |
Are you interested in viewing Catherine Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300564.
8. Thamesfield Village - Oxfordshire
With a gorgeous riverside setting, the ever-popular Oxfordshire retirement home of Thamesfield Village is one of the best places for over 55s to settle down and relax post-work.
Henley-on-Thames is considered one of the best places for older adults to live, thanks to beautiful surroundings, plenty of independent shops and an abundance of delicious cafés.
Along with studio retirement flats to buy or rent and one or two-bedroom apartments, residents can also choose from a small number of two-bedroom retirement bungalows to rent or buy. These bungalows have private gardens and parking spaces.
When living in Thamesfield Village, you can feel safe in the knowledge that 24/7 emergency support and care packages are available if ever needed.
| Thamesfield Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 35 one and two-bedroom bungalows and flats |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase or rent |
| Price | Starting from £475,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £4,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment and £5,000 a month for a two-bedroom apartment (to rent) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for upper-floor apartments), a bar, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens with a courtyard, a library, a salon and wheelchair access throughout |
| Operator | Retirement Villages |
Are you interested in viewing Thamesfield Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01615 244015.
9. Lovat Fields Village - Buckinghamshire
Lovat Fields Village can be found in the peaceful village of Willen, near Milton Keynes. Residents in one of the 259 properties here will enjoy beautiful surroundings, including being right next to the idyllic Willen Lake.
These 259 properties are split across several bungalows and numerous one and two-bedroom apartments. Each bungalow has its own living room, kitchen and bathroom, while the majority also have their own shared patio.
Operated by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, Lovat Fields Village is packed with brilliant facilities for its residents over 60 to enjoy as well (over 55s are allowed in some circumstances), such as a restaurant, a gym, a beauty salon and landscaped gardens. There’s even an indoor bowling green!
| Lovat Fields Village at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Development Size and Property Types | This retirement village contains 259 one and two-bedroom bungalows and apartments |
| Buying and Renting Options Available | Properties are available to purchase (shared ownership) or rent |
| Price | Starting from £170,000 for a one or two-bedroom apartment with 50% shared ownership (to buy) |
| Facilities | Balconies (for upper-floor apartments), a bar, café or restaurant, a comfortable communal lounge, landscaped gardens with a courtyard, a gym, a library, wheelchair access and even a beauty salon |
| Operator | The ExtraCare Charitable Trust |
Are you interested in viewing Lovat Fields Village?
For availability and pricing, call 01908 103073.
Popular Retirement Bungalow Features
Each of our retirement properties - including retirement bungalows - lists which features are and aren’t included. Some of our most popular features include:
- Cafés and/or restaurants
- Bars or pubs
- Communal lounges
- Courtyards and/or landscaped gardens
- Libraries
- On-site cinemas
- Gyms or fitness suites
- Spas
- Beauty salons
- Balconies
There are plenty of other convenient features as well, such as 24/7 call systems, car parking (including for guests), transport for residents, wheelchair access, Wi-Fi and even pet-friendly accommodation.
Is It Better To Buy Rent Or Buy a Retirement Bungalow?
The benefits of renting a retirement bungalow
- There’s much less financial commitment
- Many retirement bungalows to rent offer all-in-one packages, meaning additional costs such as service charges, ground rent and property maintenance fees are included. Bills like electricity, gas, water, council tax and Wi-Fi may also be included
- All-in-one bill packages also make budgeting easier
- You don’t need to worry about maintenance, as this will be dealt with by an experienced manager (such as a housing warden)
- Selling your current property will give you extra money in later life
The benefits of buying a retirement bungalow
- You’ll own your own home, which could prove a really valuable investment
- You can make any alterations to your home
- You can often get a longer-term tenancy, in return for smaller ground rent payments
Retirement homes and bungalows offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for older adults. Request a free retirement living shortlist and we’ll recommend retirement properties matching your budget, location and desired facilities.
