Research from luxury village operator Audley Villages indicates the coronavirus pandemic has prompted 1.8 million retirees in the United Kingdom to actively consider new forms of accommodation.

The figures reveal 25% of over-55s are now actively looking to shore up a new, more manageable form of accommodation in the next 12 months, and 54% within the next two years.

In terms of primary motivators:

• 55% were looking to move to live in a home more suitable to their changing needs
• 53% wish to live in a property that requires less maintenance
• 34% want to move to a better location
• 29% want to be closer to friends and families

Audley Group CEO Nick Sanderson says the pandemic has forced many older citizens in the UK to rethink and reassess their lifestyle choices.

“For older people, living in a property that is easy to maintain, and will adapt to their changing needs, instantly removes a layer of stress,” he said.

“We have seen a surge in demand for our retirement villages during the pandemic and the average age of the buyers that are moving in has fallen this year, as more and more people realise that making this move early can be life-changing.”

Retirement villages still have a relatively low penetration rate among over-55s in the UK compared to Australia and New Zealand, but a growing number of operators are tapping into demand for senior’s housing.