Platinum Skies, which is based in Bournemouth, is proud to have three shared-ownership communities for over-55s in Dorset, with stunning apartments available at Vista in Parkstone, Esprit in Poole town centre, and Monterey in Christchurch which enable the homeowners to live independently in their own homes. Pets are also welcome to come with their owners to their new homes. 

Research commissioned into the property market by Platinum Skies uncovered that 70% of UK residents surveyed aged 55-60 had never heard of OPSO, while the number only dropped slightly to 65% of over 61-85 year-olds. 

Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO), which is available to those aged 55 and over, enables home buyers to purchase a property for typically 50% of its full market value. Commonly known as part-buy, part-rent, it enables people to move and potentially downsize from their existing home which may no longer be suitable for their needs while freeing up money from the sale of the property to use on other life events. 

Mike Lyons, managing director of Platinum Skies, said: “It’s very surprising to hear how many people have not heard of Older Persons Shared Ownership, as it could benefit so many residents who are currently living in homes which are too big for them to maintain or the property may have accessibility issues. Meanwhile, we have created a range of beautiful, purpose-built homes which are ready and waiting for people to move into which put the residents at the heart of their communities and are available through our shared ownership scheme.” 

Prices start at £115,000 for a luxury Platinum Skies apartment and each property has the added benefit of a dedicated onsite Lifestyle Manager who helps to build a dynamic community amongst the homeowners. They organise fun activities such as chocolate tasting workshops, cheese and wine evenings, themed meals, yoga, quizzes, and crafts, as well as offering practical and emotional support to each of the residents. 

Platinum Skies, which is part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH), is a registered provider of affordable homes, which is regulated by Homes England, a government agency, which helps to deliver affordable independent-living sites. Platinum Skies provides people aged 55 and over with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a new home built with their current and future needs in mind, with the health and wellbeing benefits of living within a retirement community. 

For more information on the Poole and Christchurch communities, visit Platinumskies.co.uk