R&R’s senior living division sees rapid growth with over 500 homes for retirees

Rendall & Rittner has seen its Senior Living division grow rapidly since its launch two years ago, and is now responsible for managing over 500 homes for retirees. Here Matt Rittner discusses the impressive growth of R&R’s retirement living sector, and plans for further expansion in the pipeline.

Part of our recent growth is down to the recent signing with Orbit Housing Association to manage nine of its senior living developments across the Midlands, East Anglia and the South-East regions of the UK. Our expansion across the country demonstrates the shift in R&R’s Senior Living operation, having initially been concentrated in northern areas of England. The Senior Living division was formed in September 2015 with the first instruction to manage 30 retirement units – that total figure has now grown to 543 retirement units, representing steep growth.

The growth of this division is a natural extension of what Rendall & Rittner offers, within a sector where there is clearly significant and growing demand for safe, well-managed properties. As part of a leading property management company, R&R Senior Living can tap into the experience and industry-leading initiatives of its parent company to offer its clients excellent standards of service, as well as a focus on good value for money by introducing savings in utilities and maintenance, for example through bulk purchase initiatives.

Value and community are two factors that are a particular priority for the retirement sector. We see many senior living residents’ groups taking a close look at the costs of managing their buildings in the hope of bringing down outgoings. Many welcome the way we look at pricing the service charges to offer extra value for money. Through bulk buying and a thorough examination of outgoings we can increase savings that result in a reduction in costs for lessees.

Taking a collaborative approach to property management is one of the elements that has underpinned Rendall & Rittner’s success. R&R Senior Living welcomes resident involvement and encourages the formation of residents’ associations, meeting with them regularly to help shape decisions on the management of their living environment. It offers a complete range of services including on-site staff recruitment and development, financial control, legal services and building repairs, managing a wide range of on-site facilities, as well as maintenance, cleaning and security. Its service delivery is supported through the bespoke R&ROnline web portal for every development under management. It also offers consultancy services to developers ranging from assistance with management strategies for planning submissions, through to moving in strategies.