Find Senior Independent Living Near You | Our Best Homes
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Independent living provides you with the perfect opportunity to continue living an independent lifestyle during your golden years. Independent living housing is aimed at people who require minimal daily support, but would benefit from living in a communal setting amongst like-minded individuals, with regular activities and events available.
There’s a whole host of independent living options to choose from, and we’ve explained everything you need to know here, including exactly what it is, who it’s aimed at and what’s offered. We’ve also highlighted some of the best independent living properties we offer throughout the UK!
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In this article:
- What is independent living?
- Who is it aimed at?
- What’s on offer?
- How much does it cost?
- What to consider before moving into assisted living
- Find assisted living near you
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living refers to various residential housing options - such as retirement homes - that allow older adults to continue living independently with a greater degree of control in a low-maintenance property, while also having access to amazing facilities, amenities and events within that development.
In an independent living complex, you’ll also have access to support such as companionship care, on-site security and around-the-clock support (for those who need it).
Independent living properties may include flats, apartments, bungalows or even small cottages. There will be numerous properties within a single development.
Independent living homes can be bought outright, rented, part-bought or part-rented.
Who Is Independent Living Aimed At?
Independent living is often aimed specifically at older adults above a certain age, such as those over 55 or 60.
People living in an independent living development will only require a small amount of assistance with daily living, but would also benefit from on-site support as and when it’s needed.
Independent living is also aimed at people who would benefit from living in a lower-maintenance property, which is why many people downsize from a family home to move into an independent living apartment or flat.
independent living facilities are often suitable for disabled people as well, including those in a wheelchair.
What’s Offered At An Independent Living Home?
Independent living homes are known for offering some amazing facilities and services, such as:
- On-site restaurants
- Fitness centres
- Other sports facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts
- Spas
- Beauty salons
- Laundry services
- Wheelchair access throughout
Many of our retirement homes offering independent living provide:
- 24/7 call systems (for whenever they’re required)
- Communal lounges
- Libraries
- Balconies for relaxation
- Courtyards and landscaped gardens
- Cinema rooms
- Bar areas
- Transport on day trips out
- Room service
How Much Does Independent Living Cost?
Independent living varies greatly, depending on the type of development you pick, what’s available to you and whereabouts it’s located.
Our internal data shows that the average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the UK varies between just over £200,000 and £700,000, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost between £260,000 and £800,000.
Meanwhile, a one-bedroom apartment to rent costs between £1,250 and £3,900 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment to rent costs between £2,000 and just over £4,100 per month.
What To Consider Before Moving Into Independent Living Housing
Location - This is often the most important factor! Do you want to stay close to family and friends, or move somewhere totally new? Would you like to be in a city or somewhere more rural? You’ll also want to check whether an independent living community is near amenities such as public transportation, shops, restaurants and recreational activities
Budget - The biggest cost of an independent living property is either purchasing it or paying monthly rental fees. There may be additional expenses as well, such as utility bills, council tax and service charges. Be sure to work out what you’re able to afford, as this will help narrow your search
Renting or buying - There are pros and cons to both of these options. Renting is the much more flexible option, and you won’t be tied down to any long-term commitments. However, purchasing an independent living property will give you a tangible asset that can then be sold on at some point in the future
Facilities and events - You’ll be spending plenty of time amongst your new neighbours, including in the development’s facilities and when taking part in communal activities. You may have some specific facilities in mind you’d like, so be sure to find out what’s on offer
We can help you find the perfect UK retirement home. Use our free service to filter by location, price, the facilities available, purchase type and more!
Find An Independent Living Home Near You
We've partnered with independent living providers across the UK. Below we've rounded up the best independent living properties across the UK.
Each of our listings includes what additional care and support is offered. Our independent living facilities provide companionship care and/or 24/7 on-site support to those who need it.
These communities contain residents of a similar age who are largely independent, with no personal care or similar support provided.
- Riverain Lodge in Taunton, Somerset
- Lewis House in Upper Norwood, Croydon
- Thomas Wolsey Place in Ipswich, Suffolk
- Mortimer Lodge in Bridgnorth, Shropshire
- Manor Lodge in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire
- Stanley Place in Garstang, Lancashire
- Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle
Riverain Lodge in Taunton, Somerset
Every apartment at Riverain Lodge in Somerset is completely self-contained and low-maintenance, making them easy for residents to continue living independently. This is the case for the one and two-bedroom apartments alike.
At this retirement community, you’ll also be near all of the most popular shops and restaurants in Taunton, while other idyllic towns and seaside resorts are just a short drive away.
Not only does Riverain Lodge offer independent living to older adults, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to lead a peaceful lifestyle within a sociable and friendly community. Here, you can get to know fellow residents in the comfortable communal lounge.
Riverain Lodge at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 72 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £249,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £379,950 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a communal lounge, a courtyard and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Riverain Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301542.
Lewis House in Upper Norwood, Croydon
Located south of central London, Lewis House can be found in the popular borough of Croydon. With a concierge service, a communal lounge for socialising and stunningly landscaped gardens, Lewis House is the perfect place to enjoy independent living during your later years.
One of the most popular aspects of Lewis House is the roof terrace. Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful views stretching across the capital’s skyline.
Meanwhile, if you think you’d benefit from some extra socialisation on a daily basis, companionship care is also available. This includes a wide variety of social activities and wellbeing services, including meeting like-minded people and forming new friendships.
Lewis House at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 26 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £495,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £2,395 a month for a two-bedroom apartment (to rent)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, guest parking and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Lewis House?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301546.
Thomas Wolsey Place in Ipswich, Suffolk
At Thomas Wolsey Place in Ipswich, Suffolk, every independent living property comes with a fully-fitted kitchen and double-glazed windows, along with added luxuries like a heated towel rail and a fridge freezer!
The house manager is available to tend to any needs you may have, while the development itself is very secure, thanks to a camera entry system and a 24-hour emergency call system. Meanwhile, if you have limited mobility, this development has wheelchair access throughout.
Thomas Wolsey Place is located on Lower Brook Street - known as one of Ipswich’s most desirable places to live. Here, you’ll be just a short walk away from shops, lovely cafés and restaurants dotted along Ipswich Waterfront.
Thomas Wolsey Place at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 61 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £223,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and £299,850 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, a communal lounge, a courtyard, guest parking and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Thomas Wolsey Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300653.
Mortimer Lodge in Bridgnorth, Shropshire
At Mortimer Lodge, a passionate manager is on hand from Monday to Friday to deal with any issues or queries you may have. This manager will also keep an eye on your apartment if you go away, making it easy to enjoy secure independent living.
Mortimer Lodge is situated in the Shropshire town of Bridgnorth and is just 200 metres from the main high street. This idyllic town contains everything a retiree could wish for, with a bustling mix of shops and plenty of restaurants as well!
A brand-new retirement living development, Mortimer Lodge contains 50 one and two-bedroom apartments, each of which is fitted with practical kitchens and spacious living areas.
There’s also a wide range of events, allowing you to experience a genuine sense of community while forming meaningful relationships during your golden years.
Mortimer Lodge at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 50 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £224,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £309,950 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a communal lounge, a courtyard, guest parking and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Mortimer Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301557.
Manor Lodge in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire
Managed by Churchill Retirement Living, Manor Lodge in the Nottinghamshire village of Ruddington contains 43 one and two-bedroom apartments.
Each of these apartments is self-contained, meaning residents can enjoy peace and quiet whenever they desire it.
Independent living is encouraged at Manor Lodge, with residents able to use popular facilities like the landscaped garden and the communal owners’ lounge. These facilities can be enjoyed through a low-maintenance lifestyle, while also having access to the 24-hour call centre support system if needed.
There are also lots of fun social events at Manor Lodge - perfect for making friends with other residents!
Manor Lodge at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 43 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £263,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £382,950 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, guest parking and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Manor Lodge?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 301096.
Stanley Place in Garstang, Lancashire
Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, Stanley Place is a retirement living community aimed exclusively at over-55s. Many older adults move here for the independent living which is offered. At Stanley Place, you can downsize to a home with much smaller upkeep and maintenance requirements.
The dedicated house manager runs the development on a daily basis, while the apartments themselves have been expertly designed with independent living in mind.
The location is an amazing place to explore as well! Stanley Place is located between the Forest of Bowland and the North West coastline, and is also just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Garstang.
If you use a scooter to get around, the development even has a scooter storage room, along with on-site parking for those who need it.
Stanley Place at a glance:
Support available - Companionship
Development size and property types available - 40 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £199,999 for a one-bedroom apartment and £299,999 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy)
Facilities - A 24/7 call system, balconies, a communal lounge, a courtyard and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Stanley Place?
For availability and pricing, call 01544 300570.
Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle
Apartments at Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle are available to buy, rent or rent-to-buy. With 24/7 on-site support and companionship alike both available, this is one of the most popular places for older adults to live independently in North East England.
Jesmond Assembly also has a really strong sense of community, and this can be felt throughout luxurious facilities like the landscaped terrace, the communal lounge, the library and the shared kitchen.
There’s plenty more nearby as well! For example, Osborne Road is just a 10-minute walk away, with this street being packed with restaurants, cafés and convenient amenities alike.
Pegasus Jesmond Assembly at a glance:
Support available - Companionship and 24/7 on-site support
Development size and property types available - 63 one and two-bedroom flats
Price - Starting from £325,000 for a two-bedroom apartment (to buy), or £1,922 per month for a two-bedroom apartment (to rent)
Facilities - Balconies, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a library and wheelchair access throughout
Are you interested in viewing Pegasus Jesmond Assembly?
For availability and pricing, call 01916 076686.
Retirement living developments 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best for independent living?
Just like similar forms of retirement living, independent living developments will usually set a minimum age, such as 65 years old and over.
Meanwhile, studies show that the average age of people moving into independent living communities is between 75 and 84.
What’s the highest level of care provided through independent living?
No regular care is provided within an independent living development. However, emergency support is often available whenever needed, such as through on-site staff or a 24/7 emergency call system.
Is independent living the same as sheltered housing?
Independent living is very similar to sheltered housing schemes. Both of these are aimed at older adults who would like to continue living independently, often in a self-contained flat, apartment or other small property.
Other facilities are usually available through independent living, such as on-site support (as and when it’s needed) and communal facilities like lounges.
What’s an example of living independently?
An example of living independently is living in one of our retirement properties, many of which can be classed as independent living, due to offering services such as 24/7 on-site support and companionship care to those who would like it.
These properties are available to rent or buy for people above a certain age (often 55+) and include a range of brilliant facilities like landscaped gardens, communal lounges and bistro-style restaurants.
Why is it important for a disabled person to be independent?
If your loved one has a disability, maintaining a sense of independence will help them feel more confident on a day-to-day basis. This confidence will naturally lead to a more positive outlook and greater fulfilment.
