Retirement villages

May 1 2008 Business Insider

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

Opinions differ on the long term value of assets in purpose built retirement villages as they have not been in existence for long enough to establish a reliable track record.

On one hand, the pool of possible buyers is limited, but this disadvantage is likely be offset - at least in part - by the limited supply.

Developer Caledonian Retreats recently sold all 91 units at the Firhall village near Nairn at prices ranging from £140,000 to £250,000. The custom-designed village is a good example of the new breed of retirement villages - it has luxury club house facilities, maintained landscaped gardens and trout fishing rights in the River Nairn.

Spanish developer Polaris specialises in luxury resorts with sports facilities - all its resorts have swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants and bars.

Some also have English speaking schools and medical centres.