In its October 2012 ‘Building the Homes and Communities Britain Needs’ report, The Future Homes Commission noted that significant step changes need to occur in the way the UK approaches house building to meet the needs of the growing and changing population. These included a more consumer-orientated housing market and a greater focus on design in all new homes, to meet the needs of both the initial purchasers and make them fit for future generations.

Within this context, predictions show that in the next five to ten years, the retirement property market will be focused on delivering to a more discerning and demanding consumer, due to the changing needs, behaviours and aspirations of the ‘baby boomer generation’. Experience has shown that ‘boomers’ re-define markets as they pass through them. The market for ‘retirement’ property will grow – but it will become more tailored and fragmented. The challenge for all property developers is to satisfy the demands of a generation that will reinvent retirement.