UK Retirement Living Fund managed by Schroders Capital and Octopus acquires £55m retirement village in JV with Elysian

The UK Retirement Living Fund (“ReLF” or the “Fund”), managed by Schroders Capital and advised by Octopus Real Estate, has acquired a large site in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells in a joint venture (JV) with Elysian Residences.

The site has planning permission to develop a new, purpose-built retirement village incorporating 89 luxury apartments, penthouses and hotel-style facilities with a GDV[1] of £55 million.

This new retirement development is the second acquisition made by the ReLF/Elysian JV, following the purchase in April this year of a site for a new retirement scheme in Berkhamsted, which has planning consent and will provide 103 apartments and hotel-style facilities.

ReLF held its final close in September 2020 and is one of a series of successful specialised funds developed specifically for Schroder Real Estate Capital Partners’ discretionary clients.

Its primary objective is the development of a portfolio of new, high-quality, retirement communities across the UK on the back of undersupply and increasing demand, driven by a growing ageing population. It is delivering a positive social impact through local employment creation and freeing up much needed family homes.

Additionally, the retirement villages ease pressure on the NHS through the provision of onsite medical facilities and wellbeing amenities which promote a healthy lifestyle for elderly residents. The Fund’s multi-operator strategy allows institutional investors to access a diverse range of assets through one expert team.

Patrick Bone, Fund Manager at Schroder Real Estate Capital Partners, Schroders Capital, commented:

“We are delighted to have created a portfolio of six of the highest quality, and geographically-diverse retirement community schemes across the UK.

“The Royal Tunbridge Wells and Berkhamsted acquisitions have been undertaken with efficiency and focus, demonstrating the strong working relationship and united objectives of the partners. There is a growing need for specialist retirement housing to support the older population in the UK and we are committed to developing first-rate retirement communities.”

Kevin Beirne, Director, Head of Retirement at Octopus Real Estate, commented:

“As a specialist real estate investor, we are delighted to have now completed a second acquisition in ReLF’s joint venture with Elysian Residences. This latest acquisition emphasises our belief that retirement communities provide investors with a strong return and an opportunity to create a positive impact for our ageing society through delivering beautifully designed and sustainable real estate."

Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Elysian Residences, commented:

“This is the second retirement village site acquisition that Elysian Residences has made in partnership with Octopus Real Estate and Schroders Capital, with the Royal Tunbridge Wells and Berkhamsted developments set to deliver almost 200 new properties for this key demographic.

“This is our eighth retirement village (at different stages of development) and Elysian Residences is actively looking for new sites and investment opportunities as part of our vision to be the foremost provider of inspiring and elegant retirement communities in the UK.”

[1] The Gross Development Value (GDV) of a development project is an estimate of the open market capital value or rental value the development is likely to have once it is complete.