May 2011

Fullarton Focus Groups

In May, Living Choice invited clients to attend a series of Focus Groups, to seek feedback on its plans for Living Choice Fullarton, an upmarket retirement village to be built at 103 Fisher Street, Fullarton.

There was an overwhelming response, with 84 people accepting the invitation to complete an in-depth questionnaire on subjects ranging from their apartment preferences to their top three television programs.

Living Choice received very valuable feedback on the proposed plans and, where appropriate, the company is taking steps to ensure that Living Choice Fullarton meets the needs of today’s discerning retirees. A snapshot of the results:

• Most respondents are seeking spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with quality inclusions and energy-efficient appliances. 73 % want north-facing apartments.
• The majority are seeking independent living although some indicated that supported living would be needed in the future.
• 82% of respondents believe their own homes are worth more than $500,000.
• 70% of respondents are prepared to spend more than $500,000 on their retirement village home.
• Of the facilities offered, a library/computer room was rated as the most important, followed by a medical room for visiting practitioners, a BBQ area, dining room and heated swimming pool.
• When making the decision to move into a retirement village, security of the village environment was ranked as the most important, followed by affordability, flexibility to travel, the desire for less home maintenance and gardening, and being close to shops.
• 77% use the internet and 42% have used the internet to research retirement villages.

Following the Focus Groups, some changes were made to the apartment and leisure centre designs. Plans have been submitted for an on-site sales office/display apartment and it is hoped this will be ready for a grand opening in early 2012.