What age can you move into a retirement village in the UK?
Published April 20, 2026 by Hannah Makin
With so many retiring at different ages and with the UK population living for so much longer statistically these days, there is always going to be some confusion about what age you can move into a retirement village.
It really does vary depending on the organisation but generally the minimum entry point is between the ages of 55 and 65, with no concrete maximum age.
Here’s a breakdown of the most well known developers in the UK and their minimum age requirements:
What’s the average age that people move into a retirement village in the UK?
The average age that people move into a retirement village in comparison to the minimum age varies a lot depending on factors such as the facilities and amenities available and even down to the décor! For example if it’s a more modern village, we find it tends to attract a younger crowd.
From an April 2026 research project looking at ExtraCare’s 4,238 residents, the average age of those moving into the villages is 78.7, while the overall average age across all residents is 81.7.
Interestingly, 20% of residents, which equates to 1 in 5 are under the age of 75, highlighting a growing trend of people choosing to move in earlier and benefit sooner from the lifestyle and wellbeing advantages available.
Do both partners need to meet the minimum age?
To be eligible to move into a retirement living complex, both partners do generally need to meet the minimum age.
This means that if a development is designated for residents aged 60 and over, each person living in the property must meet that requirement. These policies are in place to help maintain a community of residents at a similar life stage and ensure the facilities and services are appropriate for everyone.
However, age criteria can vary between operators, it’s always worth checking the specific eligibility rules for each retirement village before applying for a property.
Can you move in before retirement age?
Although it is called “retirement living,” ironically you don’t have to actually be fully retired to move into a retirement village.
The State Pension age has risen from 66 to 67 as of 6th April 2026, but you can move into a retirement property before then, as long as you meet your chosen operator’s minimum age requirements.
Are there different age rules for shared ownership?
With shared ownership there aren’t any different age rules, meaning the same age criteria applies regardless of whether you’re buying outright or purchasing a share of the property.
Roy with his wife Sandra
“I didn’t realise it at the time but moving here when you’re younger is the perfect time because the world is your oyster. A lot of people move when they aren’t as capable anymore, move here while you can enjoy it. The majority of people wrongly seem to think this is an old people’s home, it couldn’t be further from that!”
Thinking about retirement living sooner rather than later?
Discover what life in a modern retirement village is really like in our brochure below. From wellbeing facilities and social events to flexible property options and supportive communities!
Hannah Makin
Hannah Makin is ExtraCare's Digital Marketing Officer with over four years’ experience creating content about retirement living, helping people and their families better understand their options and plan confidently for later life.
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