As we approach the festive season, we want to take the opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to all of our members for your continued support and throughout 2024. This year has presented its challenges as the retirement leasehold sector continues to evolve, but thanks to your dedication and active participation, we’ve been able to work together through these changes. This was evident through our involvement with the Older People’s Taskforce, a Government funded study into the Later Living sector which recommends improved consumer protection around the transparency and quality of information provided before customers decide to make a move, clear information on costs and charges, and clearly setting out the standards of services that customers can expect to receive.

Behind the scenes, ARHM has been laying the groundwork for a successful 2025. We are focused on adapting to the changing landscape of retirement leasehold management, ensuring we continue to support our members and the wider sector in providing high-quality, safe, and supportive environments for older residents. We are excited to welcome our new Chair, Don Kennedy, whose expertise and leadership will play a pivotal role in steering ARHM through this period of transition and into a future filled with opportunities.

Looking ahead, 2025 will bring a renewed focus and vigour to ARHM’s activities. We will be revisiting the standards set out in our Code of Practice, ensuring it remains relevant and robust in supporting best practice within retirement leasehold and later living management. We will continue to advocate for the highest standards of service, ensuring that both residents and property managers benefit from a clear, accessible, and effective framework.

In the coming months, we’ll be reaching out more regularly to engage with our members and share updates, insights, and developments that directly impact the retirement leasehold sector. We understand how crucial it is for our members to stay informed and connected, and we’re committed to making sure you have the latest information at your fingertips.

We’re also thrilled to announce that our 2025 Annual Conference will be a major highlight of the year, offering a chance to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from thought leaders across the industry. Be sure to keep an eye out for more details in the new year. Additionally, our Spring newsletter will provide important updates, so please look out for it as we continue to keep you informed on the latest trends and best practices in the sector.

As we head into 2025, we are keen to deepen our engagement with members to better understand how we can support you in managing retirement leasehold properties. We’re committed to helping you navigate the challenges of managing these unique communities, ensuring that the needs of residents are always at the forefront of what we do. Last month we advised that the Board has commissioned Housing LIN to provide a report around how we can better improve member engagement and we look forward to receiving this feedback in the first part of 2025.

As we reflect on the year and prepare for the new one, we wish you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas. May 2025 bring continued success, growth, and opportunity for you and your teams, as well as the residents you support.

Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution to the sector. Together, we will continue to raise the bar in retirement leasehold management.

Warm regards,

The ARHM Team