Press Release for Immediate Release - Tue 4 Sep 07:

Affordable Housing Development For Senior Citizens

With falling home ownership rates, calls for the development of affordable housing are coming from a variety of sectors. The difficulty in buying a home is often seen as a problem for younger people. However, the lack of affordable housing is often much more difficult for those over 55.

Gail Blakely, manager of the Cosmopolitan Retirement Village in Avondale, Auckland, says that many older people struggle to afford a home, "particularly after, a relationship breakdown or long periods of redundancy." She says that the lack of affordable housing has more impact on older people because they are faced with the dilemma of declining work opportunities while at the same time needing to make ends meet throughout retirement.

Compared with the Auckland District Health Board published list of retirement villages, the recently completed Cosmopolitan Retirement Village marketed by Beckett Real Estate of Avondale represents the lowest priced retirement village apartments in Auckland.

"Our apartments start from just $79,000. For many senior citizens whose only option previously was boarding or lodging, they may now be able to afford their own place. We also offer finance to help with the purchase," Ms Blakely says, "and the maintenance fees which cover rates, insurance, shared facilities, security system and 24 hour medical alarms are just $49 per week for a single person. We've been able to achieve these rates by forgoing a swimming pool and some of the other luxury facilities some complexes offer, but many residents just don't need."

The Cosmopolitan development however does have well equipped self-contained bedsits or 1 bedroom serviced apartments with balconies or courtyards, many with views over the Avondale racecourse and the Waitakere ranges. It also has an elegant shared lounge-dining room, movie theatre and sunny courtyard with alfresco dining.
"You don't have to be retired to buy in Cosmopolitan Retirement Village," says Ms Blakely, "the miniumum age requirement for the village is 55. Many of our residents are still working."

David Allen who is still working as a nurse in a rest home has recently purchased an apartment in Cosmopolitan, he was previously living in a block of flats "I had no control of who was living next to me" Mr. Allen says. "With Cosmopolitan I get to live beside people of my own age and I have a feeling of belonging. I have my own apartment and can come and go as I please. I can have both companionship and privacy, I can chose to socialise with other residents, or read a book in the privacy of my own apartment, the movie theatre is my favourite" says Mr Allen who has been looking for suitable accommodation for about a year before deciding on Cosmopolitan. "the staff are very sincere and not pushy, giving me plenty of time to decide."

John Large who has worked in Avondale for 30 years purchased an apartment, which he uses as a weekday 'crash pad'. He spends his weekends at his bach. It was an affordable second base for Mr. Large. "It is overall my best option, and it's close to my employment," says Mr. Large. "We had kiwis retiring overseas but wanting to keep a base in Auckland, they think Cosmopolitan is a very affordable way to do this, they can just lock up any time and go overseas" said Ms Blakely

Ms C. White came out of a house sale that didn't leave her much. "I liked the price, the location and the atmosphere, I feels very comfortable and safe here." Says Ms White

ENDS

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