How Build to Rent is supporting the lifestyle-led retiree
- Go back
- 24th Jul 25
They’ve been called Silver Surfers, Third Age Explorers or Downsizers but whatever you decide to call them, there’s no escaping the impact they are having on the property market. The UK Later Living market has completely reinvented itself to appeal to a generation who value lifestyle experiences, and they want a home that can give them the flexibility to travel, to entertain, to stay active, and to live independently for longer, all without compromising on comfort, community, or style.
Demand versus supply
Although the demand is soaring, the supply simply isn’t keeping pace. The UK is building nowhere near enough age-appropriate homes to match the needs of an aging population. This structural undersupply has created a unique window for Build to Rent to step in, with private senior rental emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments. Backed by major institutional investment and driven by a shift in preferences away from ownership and towards service-led living, Later Living within the Build to Rent sector presents one of the most compelling opportunities in the property market today.
A new age of retirement
The perception of older adults is rapidly changing, with retirement today looking vastly different from just a few decades ago. Rather than slowing down, many are using this stage of life to invest in themselves and explore new passions. Whether they’ve stepped away from full-time work or are pursuing projects they truly enjoy, older adults are embracing a lifestyle of purpose and vitality. It's not uncommon to see them throwing themselves into fitness routines, running marathons, learning new skills, or jetting off to exotic destinations. This generation of retirees is redefining what it means to age, proving that life after work can be just as active, fulfilling, and adventurous as any other chapter.
Supporting lifestyles
With this busy lifestyle, many are choosing to live in a different way once they no longer need to be tied to a particular area due to work, schools or family commitments. Later Living within Build to Rent communities is perfectly designed to support the evolving needs and lifestyles of today’s older adults. These modern developments offer more than just a place to live, they provide a vibrant, secure environment where residents can stay active, connected, and independent. With amenities like fitness centres, social clubs, and organised activities, Build to Rent communities combine lifestyle preferences with the convenience of maintenance-free living. For those that wish to travel and step away from the costly and stressful repairs that seem to be never ending, the on-site support means residents have more time, less stress and more freedom to focus on their choice of lifestyle whether that’s volunteering, travelling or enjoying a great social life.
The break of traditions
Currently, there is a large gap in the market for homes that support this active generation who have no plans to slow down, in fact, they often want to experience life now in a way they couldn’t have before. While traditional retirement developments are often for-sale units with limited services and care homes cater to those with high support needs, Later Living within Build to Rent is designed for active older adults who want to downsize without compromising on quality of life. These developments are rental-only, professionally managed, and crucially, they enable residents to enjoy community living without the clinical feel of a care environment or the financial commitment of homeownership. There is a whole generation who want to live well, stay connected, and remain in control of their future.
And this is a generation that is tech-savvy, informed, and digitally engaged, making Love to Rent the perfect platform to showcase developments. With a user-friendly interface, curated content and targeted reach, Love to Rent helps developers and operators connect directly with older renters who are actively seeking stylish, flexible, and community-driven homes for their next chapter.