The quality lifestyle and access to amenities offered by prime areas drives developers to acquire sites in these locations. There is an opportunity for retirement living providers to add to the market and compete on prime sites where downsizers will wish to relocate.

Rural and coastal areas provide a picturesque location for development, however large developers and house builders report that the areas generally do not have the population or amenities to attract the demand required to ensure a site is economically viable.

Popular suburban areas, including many towns and villages in East Dunbartonshire, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian, are continuing to experience a strong development market. Sites which are available are likely to have significant competition, however there is an opportunity for retirement providers to compete due to their reduced requirements for parking, enabling retirement living developers to achieve a denser layout.

Urban areas provide a good market location for retirement living. Downsizers have added to the buyer profile for properties in urban areas, with equity to invest in generously proportioned properties which are well managed and have efficient layouts.