Malcom, 78, and Cheryl, 73, developed a travel bug in their earlier years and spent much of their time travelling and living abroad, including relocating to South Africa in the 1970s, where Malcom worked as an obstetrician-gynaecologist and Cheryl volunteered within the community.
During their time abroad, the couple explored much of South Africa, living on both sides of the country including on the eastern coast in Durban and the capital, Cape Town. After fulfilling their desire to travel, the couple then returned to the UK permanently in 2012 to spend more time with family.
Having lived in their family home in Hebden Bridge for over 13 years, Malcom and Cheryl wanted a change of pace and decided to downsize and relocate to a new area of Manchester, hoping to discover a new lease of life. The couple were eager to make the most of their retirement exploring new hobbies and making new friends.
After hearing from a friend about the benefits of the OPSO (Older Persons Shared Ownership) scheme available through McCarthy Stone, Malcom and Cheryl were eager to make the move as quickly and as swiftly as possible, becoming one of the very first occupants to move into the recently opened Sydney Grange.
Under the OPSO scheme at McCarthy Stone, Malcom and Cheryl own 60% of their 2-bed property, Backed by Homes England, this scheme offers retirees an affordable and convenient way to make the most of their later years.
Thanks to OPSO, Malcom and Cheryl have been able to enjoy life’s luxuries at Sydney Grange. Under the flexible ownership model, the couple have tailored the scheme to suit them and their lifestyle, enabling them to invest more time in what matters most, spending time with family and friends.
Since moving into Sydney Grange in at the start of the year, the couple have been busy getting to know their new surroundings and getting to know fellow homeowners over cups of coffee in the communal lounge.
Malcom comments: “We moved to South Africa in 1976 as we had friends already living there. As part of my work in a hospital, I was lucky enough to meet people from all walks of life and areas of the world. Outside of work, we enjoyed exploring beautiful parts of the country and swimming in the afternoons. In 2012 when our daughter fell pregnant, we decided to return to the UK to welcome our grandchild and enjoy family life.”
Malcom continues, “On our return and living in Hebden Bridge, we decided now was the time for us to relocate to a new area of Manchester. We were one of the first residents to move into Sydney Grange in mid-January and since our arrival. Already we have noticed a blossoming community and we enjoy meeting people in the communal living areas, for a coffee and a chat”.
Malcom adds, “Taking on shared ownership at Sydney Grange has given us more flexibility with our finances, allowing us to enjoy this new stage in our lives. Moving to a new area can be challenging when you don’t know many people and we’ve been well looked after by the team here. We’re looking forward to welcoming more homeowners soon and helping them to settle into our lovely community”.
Located in Failsworth, Sydney Grange consists of a mix of one and two-bedroom low-maintenance retirement apartments with either private patios or Juliet balconies, exclusive to the over 60s. A fantastic range of facilities, including a stylish communal lounge and beautiful landscape gardens, will provide plenty of opportunity to socialise and relax all year round.
For peace of mind, a House Manager is on-site during office hours to ensure everything runs smoothly, while all properties are fitted with advance security features, including a 24-hour emergency call system.
A range of purchase options are available at Sydney Grange, such as the Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England, which allows retirees to enjoy the benefits of Retirement Living without committing to the full purchase price. For example, retirees can pay just 50% of the property value of an apartment at the development, and monthly rent payable on the remaining 50%, with one-bedroom properties available from £95,000 and two-bedroom properties available from £132,500*.
Now over 50% sold, McCarthy Stone is encouraging retirees to enquire about the remaining apartments at Sydney Grange to avoid missing out.
*Shared ownership prices are subject to availability.