Frequently asked questions

Birchgrove is a leader in modern retirement living for rent, with welcoming neighbourhoods across London, Surrey, and Kent. We offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed for people who want to live independently, with friendship and support close by.

Our neighbourhoods are in some of the most popular areas in the South East, including Surrey, Kent, and London. Each one is unique, but all share the same Birchgrove warmth, thoughtful design, and sense of community.

Buying in retirement isn’t always the easiest or most practical option. Renting gives you flexibility, freedom, and none of the stress that comes with ownership — no stamp duty, estate agent fees, or ongoing maintenance to manage.

It also removes a huge amount of pressure from families, who would otherwise need to handle the sale of a property later on. Renting keeps things simple for everyone, both now and in the future.

Each apartment is priced individually based on size, layout, and location. Our inclusive rent model means one clear monthly payment covers almost everything — from utilities and broadband to housekeeping, maintenance, and 24-hour support. Contact our team for pricing information.

Electricity, heating, water, broadband, weekly housekeeping, building maintenance, window cleaning, and security are all included. Your rent also gives you access to communal spaces like the restaurant, club room, and gardens, plus a full calendar of events.

No, there’s no tenancy deposit or holding deposit. Your apartment is reserved once the one-off joining fee is paid.

"The joining fee covers our Moveasy relocation service, a consultation with a financial planner, and a contribution towards redecoration of your apartment when you leave — so neither you nor your family need to worry about organising or paying for this later.

It also includes a short stay in the guest suite for family members who’d like to be nearby while you settle in and unpack.

It’s a one-off payment, made per apartment, regardless of size or occupancy."

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Your rent is reviewed once a year and adjusted in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), ensuring predictability and fairness.

No — never. There are no service charges, exit fees, or hidden extras.

You’ll just need to cover personal items such as council tax, TV licence, and food.

No additional charges apply beyond the notice period. The joining fee and rent already contribute to redecoration and long-term maintenance.

All Birchgrove apartments are offered on assured tenancies, giving you the right to stay for life if you choose. You’ll never be asked to move on unless it’s your decision.

At least one resident must be aged 65 or over. Subletting isn’t permitted — these homes are designed for the people who live in them to enjoy.

We ask for two months’ written notice if you choose to leave. In the event of death, one month’s notice is automatically applied.

We do. Our team handles everything from plumbing to gardening and appliance repair, so you can spend your time doing more of what you love.

Each neighbourhood is staffed 24 hours a day, with discreet security cameras around the grounds and key fob access to entrances and apartments.

Birchgrove leads the way in safety and innovation in retirement living. Every apartment includes Nobi smart lamps that detect falls, adjust lighting automatically, and alert our team if help is needed, plus wearable technology for direct contact in an emergency.

Support here is flexible and personal. Our on-site wellbeing team and trusted care partners offer help when needed — from light household tasks to coordinating personal care.

Every neighbour receives one hour of weekly housekeeping as part of the inclusive rent, along with the comfort of a 24-hour on-site team. If you’d like a little extra help, our trusted home care partners can tailor support to suit your needs — from occasional visits to more regular assistance.

Birchgrove offers something refreshingly different from traditional assisted living — modern apartments for rent, flexible support, and a real sense of belonging. No care levels, no institutional feel — just genuine community life, lived your way.

Yes, every neighbourhood has a friendly 24-hour team, including a general manager, concierge, housekeeping, and overnight carers.

We don’t offer nursing or dementia care directly, but our wellbeing coordinators can connect you with trusted home care partners.

Flexible help, arranged through trusted partners. We don’t provide nursing or live-in care directly, but our wellbeing team can help you coordinate additional services through our homecare partners or a provider of your choice.

Our wellbeing coordinator works with you before you move in to create a simple wellbeing plan tailored to your lifestyle. This can be updated anytime if your needs change.

Your care, your choice. We work with carefully selected home care partners in every neighbourhood — or you can make your own private arrangements with a provider of your choice. The decision is entirely yours.

Birchgrove offers Independent living, with support when you need it. Our neighbourhoods are designed for people who wish to remain independent in their own self-contained homes. While we don’t provide nursing or dementia care, our wellbeing team can help arrange additional support through our trusted partners.

If your needs change, your wellbeing coordinator will help you review your plan and adjust your care or support, ensuring everything continues to suit you and your lifestyle.

We offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments — all light, comfortable, and designed for independent living. Each has a fully fitted kitchen, ensuite walk-in shower, and open-plan layout that’s easy to move around in.

A retirement community means having your own private apartment, combined with shared facilities and opportunities to connect with others. It’s independent living with the reassurance of support close by.

Independent living at Birchgrove is ideal for those who value their independence but want the ease and connection of a welcoming community. It’s for people who enjoy living life on their own terms, free from the worries of home maintenance, with the comfort of knowing friendly support is always close by.

Yes — every apartment is designed with accessibility in mind. Apartments include wide doors and corridors for wheelchair access, walk-in showers, and waist-height appliances. Grab rails can easily be installed if needed.

You’ll find on-site restaurants, licensed bars, club rooms, wellness studios, landscaped gardens, greenhouses, and event calendars. Some locations also have libraries, salons, craft rooms, or roof terraces.

Absolutely. Your apartment is your home, so you’re welcome to host family and friends whenever you like.

Our neighbourhoods also offer a guest suite for visitors (subject to availability and a small nightly charge), which can be a convenient option for longer stays or when you’d prefer a bit more space.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a well-behaved dog, cat, or other pet with you (subject to terms and conditions).

Absolutely. Each apartment is yours to make your own, so you’re welcome to bring your furniture, artwork, and personal touches to make it feel just right.

Our apartments are rented unfurnished, giving you the freedom to create a space that reflects your own style and comfort. We’re happy to offer layout guidance if you’d like a hand planning your move.

You can book a personal tour online or by calling our Later Living Advisors. They’ll arrange a visit at a time that suits you or even come to your home first for a chat.

Moveasy is our complimentary relocation service included with the joining fee. It provides help with decluttering, floor planning, packing, removals, and financial advice — even a stocked fridge for your first night.

Absolutely. Our advisors often meet with families to discuss options, ensuring everyone feels confident about the move.

That’s okay — there’s no long-term commitment. Simply provide two months’ written notice.

Every neighbourhood has its own rhythm. From morning exercise and shared lunches to evening socials, life here is relaxed, friendly, and entirely your own pace.

Yes — every community has a monthly activities calendar shaped by residents’ interests, including wellness classes, craft groups, and film nights.

Dining isn’t included because you have a fully fitted kitchen in your apartment, but each neighbourhood has its own restaurant and club room offering freshly prepared meals and a social atmosphere.

Of course. Each neighbourhood publishes a monthly calendar of events — your advisor can share one with you during your visit. You can also download this sample calendar to learn more about neighbourhood life.