I remember when retirement apartments became fashionable. They seemed to appear overnight – seemingly a dozen developments popping up on the edge of every major town.
Then, everyone started talking about them. The dream they sold was seductive. Sell the unsuitably sized family home, release some cash and move somewhere easier to manage. At the same time, make new friends and enjoy well-maintained amenities on site. Who wouldn’t want that for their parents?
But a few years ago, when buyers – or their families – began trying to sell after the homeowner had died or moved into care, cracks in the model started to show. Those cracks have now become impossible to ignore, and I’ll do anything to stop my loved ones from falling into the trap.
Shorts
These properties were originally marketed on a simple promise: peace of mind. Retirees would enjoy their later years in comfort and company while retaining their independence – a perfect balance.
