Retire to the South East
In the UK’s sunniest region, you can choose to retire in gorgeous seaside towns, quintessential countryside villages, or bustling suburbs in this captivating part of England.
The South East comprises nine counties. Several counties border the coast: West Sussex, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, and the Isle of Wight. Further inwards, you'll find Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
Local retirees love:
- Unrivalled beautiful countryside areas, including the Chilterns, and the North and South Downs.
- Rich culture, heritage, and communities in every county.
- Good infrastructure that provides a balance of tranquillity with access to essential services.
If you’re seeking a peaceful retirement or exciting city living, then our retirement properties in the South East might be just the ticket.
79 retirement developments in the South East
Elkington House | Dover
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 31 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £102,500/£235 pcm
- Purchase from £215,000
- Rent from £2,470 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
May Tree Place | Southampton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 32 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £122,500/£281 pcm
- Purchase from £250,000
- Rent from £2,595 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
Harbourside House | Eastbourne
Retirement Living- Properties 16 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £135,000/£310 pcm
- Purchase from £285,000
- Rent from £2,885 pcm
Available to buy or rent
Eastry Place | Canterbury
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 8 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £285,000
- Rent from £3,120 pcm
Over 80% sold
Pearson House | Broadstairs
Retirement Living- Properties 16 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £274,500
Over 70% sold
William House | Thatcham
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £150,000/£344 pcm
- Purchase from £374,995
- Rent from £3,220 pcm
Last few apartments remaining
Oakleaf Place | Angmering
Retirement Living- Properties 9 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £152,500/£350 pcm
- Purchase from £290,000
- Rent from £2,310 pcm
Now selling
Gentian Place | Aylesbury
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 14 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £157,500
- Purchase from £220,000
- Rent from £2,720 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
Twelve Acres Place | Chichester
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 20 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £160,000/£367 pcm
- Purchase from £310,000
- Rent from £3,670 pcm
Over 60% sold
Juliette House | Westgate-on-Sea
Retirement Living- Properties 8 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £170,000/£390 pcm
- Purchase from £275,000
- Rent from £2,180 pcm
Now selling
Roslin Place | Hook
Retirement Living- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £184,500/£423 pcm
- Purchase from £350,000
- Rent from £2,650 pcm
Last few apartments remaining
Weavers House | Hawkhurst
Retirement Living- Properties 12 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £217,500/£499 pcm
- Purchase from £299,000
- Rent from £2,270 pcm
Over 70% sold
Flora Place | Liphook
Retirement Living- Properties 14 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £232,500/£533 pcm
- Purchase from £300,000
- Rent from £2,675 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
Bordon | Bordon
Retirement Living- Properties 47 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £240,000
Violet Place | Bagshot
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 13 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £243,750
- Purchase from £325,000
- Rent from £3,475 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
Rutherford House | Chalfont St. Peter
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £274,950
Last chance to buy
Albert Court | Henley-on-Thames
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £274,995
- Rent from £3,600 pcm
Last few apartments remaining
Penny House | Olney
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 9 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £280,000
- Rent from £3,385 pcm
Ready to move into
Boorley Green | Boorley Green
Retirement Living- Properties 50 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £290,000
Oakingham Place | Wokingham
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £290,000
Last chance to buy
Augustus House | Virginia Water
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £299,995
- Rent from £3,800 pcm
1 year's service charge covered
Durrington | Durrington-by-Sea
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 64 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £300,000
Old Basing | Basingstoke
Retirement Living- Properties 54 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £300,000
Aylesford | Aylesford
Retirement Living- Properties 50 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £302,000
Fareham | Fareham
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 54 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £310,000
Merchant Place | Southampton
Retirement Living- Properties 44 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £310,000
Pop in to see us at our events
Ravenna Place | Chichester
Retirement Living- Properties 55 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £310,000
Gravesend | Gravesend
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 69 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Glebe Court | Romsey
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £340,000
- Rent from £2,565 pcm
Last few apartments remaining
Rye | Rye
Retirement Living- Properties 43 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £345,000
Kidlington | Kidlington
Retirement Living- Properties 44 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £350,000
Petersfield Apartments | Petersfield
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 60 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £350,000
Redhill | Redhill
Retirement Living- Properties 38 available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £350,000
The Cloisters | Great Missenden
Retirement Living- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £350,000
- Rent from £2,865 pcm
Last few apartments remaining
Tonbridge | Tonbridge
Retirement Living- Properties 36 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £350,000
Greenstead | Haywards Heath
Retirement Living- Properties 50 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £360,000
- Rental available
Wayfarer Place | New Alresford
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 3 available
- Purchase from £365,000
- Rent from £4,500 pcm
Woodstock | Woodstock
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £380,000
Yelland Place | Tadley
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £380,000
- Rent from £2,945 pcm
Last chance to buy
Campbell House | Weybridge
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 11 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £399,000
- Rent from £3,310 pcm
Part Buy Part Rent available
Greenfield Place | Woking
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 49 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £399,995
Leatherhead | Leatherhead
Retirement Living- Properties 36 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £410,000
Corn Mill Place | Dunton Green
Retirement Living- Properties 6 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £423,750
- Purchase from £425,000
Pop in to see us at our events
Banstead, Garratts Lane |
Retirement Living- Properties 39 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £435,000
Sunningdale | Sunningdale
Retirement Living- Properties 40 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Petersfield Bungalows | Petersfield
Retirement Living- Properties 40 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £550,000
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Bracknell | Bracknell
Retirement Living- Properties 41 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Chiltern Place | Amersham
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £4,650 pcm
Rentals available
Edward Place | Walton-on-thames
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,850 pcm
Rentals available
Elgar Place | Maidenhead
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,000 pcm
Rentals available
Goldfinch House | Chipstead
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,655 pcm
Last chance to buy
Island View | Basingstoke
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,700 pcm
Rentals available
Langton House | Warlingham
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rent from £2,995 pcm
Priory House | Banstead
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rent from £3,370 pcm
Queen Elizabeth Place | Alton
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,365 pcm
Rentals available
Shilling Place | Purbrook
Retirement Living- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,685 pcm
Rentals available
Southborough Gate | Tunbridge Wells
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,225 pcm
The Dairy | Tunbridge Wells
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £4,900 pcm
Rentals available
Viewpoint | Gosport
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Pop in to see us at our events
Watson Place | Chipping Norton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,750 pcm
Williams Place | Didcot
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,450 pcm
Hampton Place | Southampton
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Jupiter House | Milton Keynes
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Bluebell House | Milton Keynes
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
- Purchase from £274,950
- Rental available
Triton House | Worthing
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Neptune House | Worthing
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Turner Place | Thatcham
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
- Rental available
Walnut Tree Place | Goring-by-Sea
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Birch Place | Crowthorne
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Holly Place | Cobham
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £475,000
- Rental available
Teedon Gardens | Olney
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
Swift House | Maidenhead
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Austen Place | Alton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Heathlands | Farnham Common
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase available
Loddon House | Twyford
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2–3 beds available
- Rental available
Oak Tree Court | Tenterden
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
The Boathouse | Southampton
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
The Clockhouse | Guildford
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Tudor Rose Court | Portsmouth
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
Explore places in the South East area
Retirement living in the South East
South East England truly offers everything you could need within its nine vibrant and distinct counties. Whether you want the sea spray on your face from coastal living, the tranquillity of a countryside retreat, or the excitement of a busy city, you’ll find the perfect place to call home in this region.
Activities for retirees in the South East
With dozens of National Trust properties, fascinating attractions, and historical structures, there’s so much to discover in the South East, even on rainy days!
- Historic buildings include the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and Winston Churchill’s family home, Chartwell in Kent. Visiting Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world, is a must.
- National Parks, like the South Downs, offer countless miles of rolling hills, lowland heaths, and coastlines. Rest from walks and nature watching in quaint villages, country pubs, and vineyards.
- Enjoy regular beach days during retirement. Among the region’s best beaches is Eastbourne in East Sussex, a seaside town with a traditional pier, while Greatstone in Kent boasts a vast stretch of soft sandy beach and calm waters.
Enjoy an active retirement in the South East
From spending time in nature and staying fit to making new friends, there are numerous ways to maintain an active retirement lifestyle in this region.
- Stay physically active - Join senior-friendly fitness classes at leisure centres throughout the South East, such as aqua aerobics, chair-based exercises, and pilates.
- Grow a garden - Garden centres, allotments, and volunteer gardening offer opportunities to let green fingers sprout veggies and flowers.
- Join community groups - Take part in sports, such as bowls and walking football. Or cultivate creativity, with book clubs, knitting groups, and painting classes. There are several branches of the U3A in the South East that provide older people with the opportunity to explore their interests and engage in lifelong learning.
Arts, culture, and community in the South East
The region boasts a long tradition of uniting people through various events and attractions, offering a rich cultural experience to explore.
- Towns and cities - When it comes to day trips, this region has a diverse range of lively atmospheres to enjoy. Absorb Brighton’s artistic ambience, or take time to admire Canterbury’s famous historic sites and Oxford’s university colleges.
- History - The South East has countless historic and cultural monuments. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Blenheim Palace, the former homes of significant figures like Jane Austen’s House, as well as over 50 castles throughout the region.
- Community engagement - Discover a range of festivals, arts & crafts fairs, vintage car shows, and farmers’ markets throughout the year.
Transport links and connections
Most towns and villages in the South East are within easy reach of larger cities, amenities, and transport hubs, making it convenient to visit family, access healthcare, or simply enjoy trips out.
- By car - The region is well-served by motorways, including the M25, M3, and M4, as well as other major roads, including the A3 and A34.
- By bus - Several bus networks operate throughout the region, offering connections in and around surrounding areas.
- By rail - You can find excellent rail services for connections to London and other large cities in the UK from many areas. Major railway stations can be found in Reading, Southampton, and Brighton.
Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is
We believe we create great places to live. Beautiful award-winning retirement apartments in brilliant locations with thoughtful, reassuring, services on tap and a thriving friendly community on the doorstep.
But what do people living in our communities think? We regularly ask for feedback on everything from the sales and moving in process to the lifestyle and services. Here’s what our homeowners have to say:
It gives us a real sense of security, especially with staff on-site at all times. Moving in has allowed us to futureproof our retirement, as we can opt-in to tailored domestic support and personal care packages should we need to.
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House
It has opened a lot of doors for me and given me more time to focus on the things I enjoy. There’s a great sense of community here. A few of the homeowners have a weekly ritual to visit one of the local pubs to have a meal out.
John, homeowner, Roslin Place
Browse by property types in the South East
Our retirement villages and developments offer a range of property types from superb apartments to brilliant retirement bungalows.
Browse by property type
Browse our retirement housing by the number of bedrooms you'd like.
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living Plus
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy & Stone community news from South East
Read our latest community news, case studies and stories from South East.
Retirement living in the South East FAQs
You can live comfortably in the South East without having to drive. Many towns and cities offer excellent rail and bus services, with amenities within walking distance. Smaller towns and villages are likely to have most of what you need day-to-day in the centre, but access to a vehicle could be helpful to make wider transport easier. There are various community transport schemes specifically designed to help older people access larger towns and cities for various reasons, such as appointments or shopping.
The South East has some of the best healthcare services in the country. Most areas have GP surgeries and pharmacies to support everyday health needs and provide medication, with hospitals nearby. Major hospitals in counties throughout the region include:
- Berkshire - Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading;
- Buckinghamshire - Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury;
- East Sussex - Eastbourne District General Hospital in Eastbourne;
- West Sussex - St Richard's Hospital in Chichester;
- Hampshire - Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth;
- Isle of Wight - St Mary's Hospital in Newport;
- Kent - William Harvey Hospital in Ashford;
- Oxfordshire - John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford;
- Surrey - Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.
Yes, many retirees find the South East ideal to age in place due to its great healthcare services, strong transport network, and enjoyable range of things to do. Your home should support your needs now and in the future, which is why McCarthy & Stone retirement properties are thoughtfully designed with this in mind. Our developments include features such as wider doorways to accommodate mobility aids, lifts, and easy-turn taps, ensuring you don’t have to worry about upgrades as your needs change.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.
