THROUGH a new business partnership with lifetime lease provider Homewise, Worcester estate agents Connells is able to offer homes for sale at a discount to the over-60s.

Homewise has more than 30 years experience in helping customers move to a new home to enjoy their retirement and its lifetime leases scheme works like this - once the customer has found the right property, Homewise buys it at full market value. The customer then takes out a lifetime lease on the property through Homewise at a discount on the purchase price, typically 40 per cent. This is calculated by taking into consideration the buyer's age and marital status. They are then entitled to remain in the property for the rest of their life, rent and mortgage free. This can allow people over 60 to maintain and improve their lifestyle in retirement, without forcing them to downsize, and is likely to free-up cash to supplement their income, spend on something special or simply to provide peace of mind.

"Since pioneering the concept of lifetime leases earlier this year, we've found that the over 60s are increasingly looking to get off the property ladder in order to maintain or improve their lifestyle in retirement," said Mark Neal, managing director of Homewise. "We're delighted to be partnering with Connells and hope this will make moving home more affordable and prove there is a reputable and common sense alternative to home ownership for people over 60."

Connells Worcester director Carole Bradley said: "This innovative scheme will help people over 60 to move to their ideal home."