Why Move to Bowling Green Court?
Unlike large, out-of-town retirement developments with large numbers of properties, Bowling Green Court offers something refreshingly different: a small, welcoming community in a truly exceptional location. Think fully serviced, city-centre style living, with the bonus of tailored support if and when you need it.
No need to trade convenience for isolation. At Bowling Green Court, you’re never far from shops, cafes, culture, and connection. No long drives or complicated travel — just step out and enjoy.
Lock up and go freedom. Want to travel or visit family for weeks at a time without worrying about your home? Here, security, maintenance, insurance and gardening are all taken care of — so you can come and go as you please.
Moving nearer to family doesn’t mean giving up your social life. Our community is lively, supportive and welcoming — perfect for building new friendships, discovering new interests, and still entertaining old friends with ease.
Your current home is no longer working for you. Perhaps because of challenging stairs, being too far from amenities, or it’s too difficult and expensive to maintain. And you wanted the next move to fulfil all that you may need for the rest of their life.
You have had a health diagnosis that has made you think ahead — you want to take control of your future now and on your own terms.
An illness or accident means returning to you old home just isn’t practical but you want a supported, independent lifestyle without the constraints of very expensive residential living. And because support is already in place, hospital stays can often be shorter — no waiting around for care packages or adaptations. You can come home sooner, knowing you’re returning to a well-designed apartment with a strong, and reliable support network around you.
So, the real question might be…
Why wouldn’t you move to Bowling Green Court?
Read about people facing unfair escalating ground rents?
This cannot happen at BGC because you do not pay ground rent. And it’s worth remembering that properties without ground rent are generally more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell your home.
Stories of secret insurance commissions making you cautious about moving?
At BGC we arrange our insurance and ask several brokers for quotes so that we get the lowest premiums and commissions available without compromising cover.
Heard about opaque and exorbitant service charges?
BGC is managed by its own company, which is owned by the leaseholders. The leaseholders elect Directors from among themselves to make decisions on behalf of the community. This company chooses the support it needs—when and how to obtain it—to ensure best value and full compliance with legislation and best practice. There are no hidden charges from external parties, and since the Directors are also leaseholders, they have no incentive to inflate costs or conceal expenses—they pay them too.
Want to know if there is a fund to cover large one-off costs?
At BGC, we manage our ‘Fund for Future Maintenance’ differently. While some retirement communities hold large reserves that sit idle, we focus on proactive maintenance planning. Most unexpected major costs are already covered by insurance, so instead of locking away owners’ money, we invest in careful yearly reviews of maintenance needs—looking at least five years ahead. This approach keeps costs manageable, avoids surprise charges, and ensures funds are used to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all residents—without unnecessary reserves.
Worried about preserving your apartment’s resale value for your family?
Purchasers of pre-owned properties at Bowling Green Court typically pay significantly less than those buying brand new — much like how a new car from a showroom costs more than the same car just a year later. Any new build premium or price inflation that the original purchaser paid has long since been eroded. Pre-owned property resale prices more closely reflect their original cost.
Does the apartment have to be sold back to the freeholder?
No, it does not have to be sold back to the freeholder, property developer or Management Company. Your family sells to who they choose (as long as we can look after them safely). They set the selling price. They can choose to have it marketed by independent estate agents, leave it to the freeholder Retirement Security Limited to advertise or even sell it themselves.
What help is available with resales when my apartment is ready
When the time comes to sell, we’ll do everything we can to protect the value of your home and make sure things go as smoothly as possible. Our Resales Action Plan is designed to take the stress out of the process, offering guidance, support, and practical help every step of the way.
Do service charges still apply to unoccupied apartments?
Yes. Paying service charges on an unoccupied apartment awaiting sale may seem like an unnecessary cost, but it preserves your apartment’s value and resale potential. A well-maintained development is more appealing to potential buyers and if everyone stopped paying their service charges, the condition of the entire development could deteriorate, hurting resale value. When a buyer does due diligence, seeing that the service charges are up to date can reassure them the apartment is well-looked after. Outstanding service charges may need to be settled before a sale can go through, potentially delaying or complicating the sale.
How does Bowling Green Court differ from a care or nursing home?
It offers a more balanced alternative to a care or nursing home. You keep your independence, privacy, and freedom — with the added reassurance of emergency call alarms, occasional carer visits, and support if and when you need it. It’s a thoughtful middle ground: you stay in control of your life, with help available when required. In contrast, care or nursing homes provide 24/7 support, medical supervision, and set routines — but at a much higher cost, both financially and personally. Residents often lose everyday choices, like when to eat, go out, or go to bed — sometimes as early as the afternoon to suit staff schedules. Living at Bowling Green Court can be a sensible, dignified step that helps avoid the emotional and financial toll of moving into full-time care too soon.
” After my spouse passed away, it was this community that lifted me up. The warmth, compassion, and genuine care from both neighbours and staff meant everything. At times like that, you come to see that true value isn’t always counted in pounds and pence.”