Retirement property resale problems: What buyers should know before they move

Why are some retirement properties difficult to sell?
Looking beyond the headlines
Questions to ask before buying a retirement property
How ExtraCare approaches property resale
A family’s experience
The bottom line
Discover retirement living with confidence

Some retirement properties have made headlines in recent years for taking a long time to resell, but it’s important to remember that this varies widely depending on the provider and it isn’t the norm for everyone across the sector.

Resale speed depends hugely on factors like ownership model, leasehold terms, service charges and the level of support a provider offers when residents move on.

At The ExtraCare Charitable Trust we have prioritised this with a buyback scheme that means all of our properties are sold back to ExtraCare directly, so families can avoid estate agents, viewings and the wait for a private buyer.

Lark Hill Village bungalow infront of a pond with a fountain

We can’t stress enough how essential it is to clarify what exit fees apply before buying a retirement property anywhere and what resale support is guaranteed.

Here’s what we think you need to know before making a decision:

Why are some retirement properties difficult to sell?

There isn’t one simple reason why some retirement properties can take longer to sell than traditional homes, it’s often a combination of factors.

According to Zoopla, the average home in England and Wales takes around 38 days to find a buyer, although the full process from first listing to completion can take considerably longer.

Unlike a typical house or apartment, retirement properties are designed for a specific age group, which naturally means there are fewer potential buyers. Some developments may also have leasehold arrangements, service charges or sales processes that buyers aren’t familiar with, making them more cautious. In many cases, the resident or their family remains liable for service charges until the property is sold, which can add real financial pressure on top of the emotional strain of an already difficult time, particularly if a sale drags on for months.

The wider housing market also plays a role. When property sales slow down across the UK, retirement housing can be affected too. This doesn’t mean every retirement property will experience resale difficulties, but it does highlight why it is important to understand how a provider supports residents when they decide to move on.

It’s also worth remembering that retirement living has changed significantly over the last decade. Older retirement developments may operate very differently from newer retirement villages, so it’s important not to assume that every provider follows the same model.

Looking beyond the headlines

Recent news coverage has highlighted genuine concerns from some families who have experienced lengthy waits when selling retirement properties. These stories have prompted important conversations about transparency and what buyers should expect before making a purchase. However, they don’t tell the whole story.

Retirement living is not a one size fits all product. Different providers have different approaches to ownership, resale, fees and ongoing support. That means experiences can vary considerably depending on where you choose to live.

Questions to ask before buying a retirement property

Whether you’re looking for yourself or helping a parent explore their options, it’s worth asking a few key questions before making a decision:

Who is responsible for selling the property if I leave?
Will my family need to arrange the sale?
Are there any exit or deferred management fees?
Do I remain responsible for service charges while the property is on the market and for how long?
What support is available during the resale process?
How long do properties typically take to sell?
Does the provider offer a buyback or guaranteed resale scheme?

A reputable retirement provider should be happy to answer these questions clearly and openly.

How ExtraCare approaches property resale

At ExtraCare, we understand that people’s circumstances can change. A resident may decide to either move closer to family, they might sadly pass away or require a different level of care, or simply choose that another option is right for them.

That’s why we’ve developed a buyback scheme designed to remove much of the uncertainty that families often worry about.

Instead of relying solely on the open property market, all properties are sold back to ExtraCare under the terms of the scheme. This means families don’t need to organise estate agents, manage viewings or wait for a private buyer to come along.

While every situation is different, our aim is always to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible at what can often be an emotional time.

	Traditional resale	ExtraCare buyback scheme
Who arranges the sale?	Family/estate agent	ExtraCare
Viewings to manage?	Yes	No
Dependent on finding a private buyer?	Yes	No
Typical process?	List -> market -> wait for buyer -> complete	Give notice -> empty apartment -> complete

You can find out more about how our buyback scheme works on our Selling a retirement property page here.

A family’s experience

One family described ExtraCare’s buyback scheme as “a lifesaver” after their mother needed to move on from her apartment to a care home that provided round the clock support.

Rather than navigating the traditional property market during an already difficult period, they were able to give notice, empty the apartment and complete the buyback process without the added pressure of arranging a private sale.

It’s experiences like these that highlight why it’s so important to understand how different retirement providers manage resales before making a decision.

Here’s Christine talking about her family’s experience.

The bottom line

Stories about retirement property resale problems have understandably made some buyers cautious, but they shouldn’t discourage people from exploring retirement living altogether.

Instead, they highlight the importance of choosing a provider that is transparent about how their properties are bought, owned and eventually sold.

Every retirement community is different. By asking the right questions and understanding what support is available, you can make a decision with confidence and enjoy the lifestyle that retirement living can offer.

Discover retirement living with confidence

If you’re considering retirement living and would like to learn more about how ExtraCare’s villages work, our free brochure is a great place to start.

It explains our approach to independent living, the facilities and support available, and provides more information about buying and selling a retirement property.

Request your free brochure today and discover whether retirement living could be the right choice for you or someone you love.

Retirement property resale FAQs

1. Can you advise me on a good retirement living provider in the UK that makes selling your apartment easy?

If you’re looking for a retirement living provider in the UK that makes selling your apartment easier, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust does just that. As a not-for-profit organisation, ExtraCare offers a unique buyback scheme, meaning you don’t have to put your property on the open market or worry about finding a buyer yourself. When you’re ready to move on, ExtraCare will repurchase your property within 3 months at a pre-agreed price, minus any applicable costs outlined in your agreement. This can provide greater certainty and peace of mind compared with the traditional property market. With retirement villages across the Midlands and further South, ExtraCare offers independent living in a welcoming community, with a range of facilities and activities to help you enjoy retirement.

2. Why can retirement properties be difficult to sell?

Retirement properties can sometimes take longer to sell because they appeal to a more specific group of buyers. Factors such as leasehold terms, service charges, exit fees and the provider’s resale process can also affect how quickly a property sells. Resale experiences vary between providers, so it’s important to understand the arrangements before buying.

3. Do you have to pay service charges while a retirement property is waiting to be sold?

In some retirement developments, the resident or their estate remains responsible for service charges until the property is sold. The terms vary between providers, so it’s important to check how long charges remain payable, what other fees may apply and whether any support is available during the resale process.

At The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, we buy the property back from you within 3 months. During this time, the resident or their estate is responsible for ongoing charges up until the property is surrendered back to ExtraCare. These charges build up and are deducted from the money refunded to the resident or their estate, so they do not have to pay these charges separately out of pocket.

4. What is a retirement property buyback scheme?

A retirement property buyback scheme means the provider repurchases the property from the resident or their family rather than requiring the owner to find a private buyer. At The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, properties are sold back to ExtraCare within 3 months under the terms of the buyback scheme. This means families do not need to arrange estate agents or property viewings, helping to make the process more straightforward.

5. What questions should I ask before buying a retirement property?

Before buying a retirement property, ask who is responsible for arranging the resale, whether exit or deferred management fees apply, who pays service charges while the property is waiting to be sold and how long the process typically takes. You should also check whether the provider offers a buyback scheme and what its terms and conditions involve.

6. How can I avoid problems when selling a retirement property?

To reduce the risk of unexpected costs or delays, check the ownership arrangements, lease terms, ongoing service charges and any exit fees before committing to a purchase. Ask the provider to explain its resale process in writing, including who handles the sale and whether it offers a buyback scheme. Understanding these arrangements upfront can help you make a more informed decision.