Our homes are for people aged 55 and over who want to live independently in a safe, friendly community. We look at your housing needs, income, and which type of home you’re interested in — rented or shared ownership.
If you’re unsure, just ask. We’re happy to talk it through with you.
More information is on our Apply for Housing webpage and in our How We Allocate Housing for Older People and How We Allocate Extra Care Housing factsheets.
Applying is simple. Contact us or visit our website to complete an application form. We’ll guide you through the process, help you understand which schemes may suit your needs, and let you know what to expect next.
See our How to Apply webpage.
We provide a range of homes designed for older people, including:
• Housing for Older People — independent living, without on-site staff
• Extra Care housing — independent living with daily wellbeing checks and access to care
• Shared ownership homes — for people who want to part-buy their home
Each scheme has its own features, layout and community feel.
You can explore these on our Our Homes webpage.
Many people choose our homes because they want independence with some reassurance. In our Housing for Older People schemes, we do not have a staff presence but can be contacted by telephone or e-mail for support or signposting to other agencies. In Extra Care, residents receive daily wellbeing checks and can access on-site care providers if approved by Lincolnshire County Council Adult Social Care.
We’ll discuss any support needs during your application so we can help you find the right home.
Learn more on our Support and Independence webpage.
Our schemes are our residents’ homes, so we don’t usually offer viewings unless you have been selected for consideration for a tenancy. This helps us protect residents’ privacy and minimise disruption to daily life.
However, many of our schemes have a virtual visit available in the Find a Home section of our website, which is a helpful way to get a feel for the layout and community before applying.
If you would like to join a waiting list but feel unable to commit without seeing a scheme first, please speak to us. We will do our best to accommodate a visit where possible, or provide additional information to help you make an informed decision.
To discuss your options, please contact us through the Contact Us page of our website.
Waiting times vary depending on your preferred location, the type of home you need, current availability and your needs. Some schemes have short waiting times, while others are in high demand.
More information is in our How We Allocate Housing for Older People and How We Allocate Extra Care Housing factsheets.
Shared ownership lets you buy a share of your home and pay a service charge (and sometimes rent) on the remaining share. It’s designed for older people who want the security of owning a home but cannot buy outright or prefer to release equity.
Most buyers must be 55+ and meet Homes England’s eligibility criteria.
More information is available on our Shared Ownership webpage.
Service charges cover things like cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting, buildings insurance and safety checks. Costs vary by scheme, and you’ll receive a clear breakdown before you accept a home so you can make an informed choice.
Learn more on our Service Charges webpage and in the Resident Handbook / Leaseholder Handbook.
Residents often tell us they feel safe, supported and part of a friendly, respectful community. You’ll have your own home and independence, with the reassurance that help is available when you need it.
See examples on our Testimonials section of our website.
If a home becomes available that matches your needs, we’ll contact you to discuss it and arrange a viewing. We’ll complete an affordability check to ensure the home is right for you and ask you questions to assess tenancy sustainability.
For shared ownership, we’ll connect you with the seller.
More information is in our How We Allocate Housing for Older People and How We Allocate Extra Care Housing factsheets.
Yes. You’re welcome to have someone support you at any stage of your application or tenancy.
This depends on the type of home you’re applying for.
For rented homes, waiting times vary based on your priority and the availability of vacancies.
For shared ownership, properties are offered on a first-come, first-served basis once buyers are financially ready to proceed.
Your Lace home is designed for quality, comfort, and peace of mind. We maintain the building, gardens, and communal spaces so you can enjoy your independence without the stress of upkeep.
And when you need advice or reassurance, our friendly housing team is only a call away.
See Repairs and Maintenance and Customer Service Standard to learn what to expect.
Your rent and service charge covers your home, building maintenance, and shared services such as cleaning, lighting, garden maintenance, safety checks and buildings insurance (not contents insurance).
We’ll explain all costs clearly before you sign your tenancy.
Yes. Many residents receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit towards rent and service charges.
Visit our Affordability and Financial Support page for guidance on checking your entitlement.
We maintain the building structure, safety systems, and shared spaces including corridors, lounges and gardens. If you spot an issue, tell our team and we’ll resolve it quickly.
Life in Extra Care Housing is about independence, friendship, and belonging.
Whether sharing a home-cooked lunch, joining coffee mornings and craft sessions, or relaxing with neighbours over tea and cake, residents enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our teams are always on hand during the day, and a 24 hour emergency call system provides reassurance at night.
Each scheme includes:
Your own self-contained home with kitchen and bathroom.
Communal restaurant, lounges, and gardens to enjoy.
Support Team available during the day (typically 9am–3pm, Monday to Friday), handing over to the restaurant team on weekends.
Care provider commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council; and
A 24-hour emergency call system for peace of mind.
Our on-site team provides daytime housing-related support, manages building safety, and offers advice and wellbeing checks.
They help you live independently and safely, working closely with the care provider to ensure you feel settled and supported.
Your care plan is based on an individual assessment by Lincolnshire County Council’s Adult Social Care Team.
Care is delivered by the on-site provider during agreed times and reviewed regularly to make sure it continues to meet your needs. You can also arrange your own care if you prefer — we’ll discuss this with you.
Yes - Extra Care schemes have a 24-hour emergency call system connecting to trained responders.
Night-time care is not planned or delivered on site, but one carer is available for emergencies, and help is always accessible through the call system.
Your rent and service charge are explained before you move in, and care costs are assessed and set separately by Lincolnshire County Council.
Our Pre-Tenancy Service will help you check entitlement to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit and plan your first rent payment.
Please ask for a copy of our Service Charge Factsheets for details on what’s included in the rent for your scheme.
Yes - everyone contributes a weekly restaurant charge through their service charge — this keeps the restaurant open for everyone.
Meals are then paid for separately as you choose to use the restaurant.
Find out more on our Restaurant Service page.
Yes — families and friends are very welcome to join residents for a meal in our Extra Care restaurant. It can be a lovely way to spend time together in a relaxed, sociable setting, and many relatives enjoy visiting for lunch or special community events held at the scheme.
Visitor meal charges apply, and staff will let you know the cost when you book. If you would like to join your relative for a meal, please contact the Extra Care team so they can reserve a space and make sure everything is ready for your visit.
More information is available on our Restaurant Service webpage and through the Contact Us page on our website.
Your safety comes first. For fire or life-threatening emergencies, call 999 immediately. For urgent building issues, such as major leaks or electrical problems, contact us straight away.
Each scheme has a fire action notice explaining what to do if a fire occurs.
Further information is available on our Emergency Repairs webpage, or in the Resident Handbook, Leaseholder Handbook and the Emergency Repairs Factsheet.
If something needs attention in your home or in a communal area, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll let you know whether we can help or whether the repair is your responsibility, and we’ll arrange appointments promptly for anything we’re responsible for.
Emergency repairs should always be reported by phone.
For more information, see our Repairs and Maintenance webpage.
You’re welcome to make your home feel comfortable and personal. Some changes — especially electrical, structural or plumbing work — need our approval to make sure they’re safe and compliant.
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise.
More guidance is in our Tenant Handbook, Leaseholder Handbook and Property Standard.
Pets can bring comfort and companionship, and in many of our schemes they are welcome. We carefully consider each application to keep a pet, as we need to balance the wellbeing of you, your neighbours and your pet within a shared living environment.
If you would like to keep a pet, please speak to your Housing or Extra Care Manager. There is an application form and approval process to help ensure responsible pet ownership and to make sure your home and scheme are suitable for the type of pet you have in mind.
For more information, see our Pets Factsheet.
We’re always happy to help explain anything you’re unsure about — whether it’s a letter, a form, or part of your tenancy. Just ask a member of our Housing and Support team, and we’ll go through it with you in plain language.
See our Resident Handbook or Leaseholder Handbook for more information.
You’re not alone — we are here to help. Whether you need support with daily living, managing bills, accessing health services or staying connected, our Housing and Support team can offer guidance and signposting. If you live in Extra Care, staff are on site daily to support you.
Many schemes offer social groups, coffee mornings and seasonal activities — and you’re welcome to join in as much or as little as you like. Getting involved is a great way to meet people and feel part of the community, but there’s never any pressure.
Yes — if you live in one of our four Extra Care schemes, you can enjoy freshly prepared meals in your on-site restaurant. Our restaurants offer a relaxed, sociable place to eat, meet friends and take part in community life.
Residents from our other schemes are also welcome to book lunch or join community events held in our Extra Care restaurants. Visitor meal charges apply, and we’ll always let you know the cost when you book.
If you’d like to visit or make a booking, please speak to the relevant Extra Care team or contact us through the Contact Us.
You can find more information on our Restaurant Service webpage and in the Wellbeing and Community webpage.
Yes, visitors are welcome on a short-term visiting arrangement. Please ask them to be considerate of neighbours and understand fire safety guidance for your scheme.
We want you to feel comfortable telling us when something hasn’t gone well. If you’re unhappy with a service, decision, or repair — or if something simply doesn’t feel right — please let us know. We will listen, look into the issue, and work with you to put things right.
You can make a complaint by speaking to a member of staff, calling us, emailing us, or using the contact form on our website. We’ll acknowledge your complaint, keep you updated, and explain the outcome clearly.
We see complaints as an opportunity to learn and improve, and your feedback helps us provide a better service for everyone.
For more information, please see our Complaints and Learning webpage.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. If behaviour from a neighbour or visitor causes distress, please contact us. We will listen, support you and work with you to resolve the issue.
Day-to-day household noise isn’t usually classed as anti-social behaviour, but we’re always happy to talk this through with you.
See our ASB webpage or the Summary Of Our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy.
It’s kind to look out for neighbours. If someone hasn’t been seen at their usual times or you’re concerned about a change in routine, please let us know. We will carry out a gentle wellbeing check.
If you think someone may be in immediate danger, call 999.
Your lease explains your rights as a shared owner and sets out which parts of your home you are responsible for, and which parts we look after. It covers things like repairs, service charges, selling your home and how long the lease lasts.
If anything in your lease feels unclear, we’re always happy to explain it in plain language.
Find out more in the Leaseholder Handbook – Understanding Your Lease Section.
Your Housing Manager or Extra Care Manager is your first point of contact. They can explain your lease, answer questions about charges, help with repairs queries or direct you to additional support.
Contact details are on our Contact Us webpage.
As a leaseholder, you usually look after repairs inside your home, such as taps, plumbing fixtures, internal doors, heating controls and flooring. We maintain shared areas, the building structure and shared safety systems, except where your lease or scheme factsheet says these are your responsibility (for example, some bungalows).
If your home was built under the newer shared ownership model, you may have a 10-year repair allowance for certain items.
More information is on our Repairs webpage and in the Leaseholder Handbook – Repairs Section.
Service charges pay for the upkeep of communal areas, gardening, building insurance, cleaning, safety checks and general management of your scheme. Costs vary between schemes, and each year you’ll receive a clear breakdown of what your charge covers.
More details are available on our Service Charges webpage and in the Leaseholder Handbook – Service Charges Section.
The sinking fund is a long-term savings pot used for major works such as roof repairs, lift replacements or external decoration. Contributing a small amount each year helps avoid large one-off costs in the future.
Your contributions stay with the property, not the individual owner.
See the Leaseholder Handbook – Sinking Fund Section for more information.
You’re free to make your home your own. However, some work — especially electrical, plumbing or structural changes — needs our written approval to ensure the building remains safe and compliant with regulations.
If you’re ever unsure, please check with us first.
More details are in the Leaseholder Handbook – Alterations Section.
We arrange buildings insurance for the whole scheme, and this cost is included in your service charge. It covers the structure of your home and original fixtures against things like fire, flood and storm damage.
You will need your own contents insurance to protect your belongings, floor coverings and any upgrades you’ve added.
Yes — you can sell your home at any time. Most leases include a short period where we try to find an eligible buyer from our waiting list before you market the home more widely. You’ll need a valuation from a RICS surveyor, and the buyer must meet the shared ownership criteria.
We’ll guide you through each step and explain what to expect.
See our Shared Ownership webpage and Leaseholder Handbook – Selling Section.
In most cases, subletting is not allowed because shared ownership homes are designed to be lived in by the leaseholder. In rare, exceptional circumstances, we may consider a request, but strict conditions apply.
Please speak to us if you think this may be relevant to you.
More guidance is in the Sub-letting and buy back factsheet.
If a leaseholder moves into care or passes away, the lease does not end automatically — it becomes part of the estate and must be transferred or sold. We support families, executors and Power of Attorney holders with kindness and clarity, explaining what needs to happen and helping manage access, accounts and next steps.
More information is in the Leaseholder Handbook – Moving to Care or Bereavement Section.
Your monthly payments will usually include:
a mortgage (if applicable) on the share you own.
a service charge covering building maintenance, insurance, and communal areas.
a contribution to the scheme’s major repair (sinking) funding; and
(if applicable) a small rent on any unsold equity.
Before you buy, we’ll provide a full financial summary and ensure you understand all costs clearly.
Read our Leaseholder Handbook for more detail.
Most Lace shared ownership homes are leasehold properties for people aged 55 or over. Many are resales — where you buy from an existing owner — while others are brand-new homes built and sold directly by Lace.
Under the Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) model, you can purchase up to 75% of your home and then pay no rent on the remaining share.
Some homes, such as certain apartments at Olsen Court Phase 3 — allow ownership up to 95 %. If you buy less, you’ll pay rent on the unsold portion.
You can later buy more shares (“staircasing”) up to the maximum limit, and our team will guide you through each step.
Under Older Persons Shared Ownership, once you’ve purchased the maximum permitted share (usually 75%), you pay no rent on the remaining portion. For homes with a higher maximum share, such as Olsen Court Phase 3 (95%), you’ll pay rent on the unsold equity.
Many residents choose to have a trusted family member help them manage their tenancy or communicate with us. With the resident’s consent, we can record you as a named contact so we know who we can speak to and keep updated.
If your relative is unable to give consent, we may need evidence of legal authority, such as a Power of Attorney.
More guidance is in our Advocacy Section of our website.
We only share information when we have the resident’s consent or a lawful reason to do so, such as a safeguarding concern. You can be added as a named contact if your relative wishes.
Full details are in our Privacy Policy.
If something feels unusual — for example a sudden change in routine, mood, health or behaviour — please tell us. We will make a sensitive wellbeing check and offer support or signpost to other services if needed.
If you believe someone may be at immediate risk, always call 999.
More guidance is available in our Safeguarding Factsheet and Tenant Handbook – Wellbeing Section.
Yes — family members are very welcome to volunteer. Whether it’s helping with events, gardening, or social activities, your involvement can make a big difference to residents’ wellbeing. Some roles may require a DBS check or brief induction.
Find out more on our Volunteering webpage.
Yes — family and friends are always welcome. We simply ask visitors to be considerate of other residents, shared areas and scheme routines.
If a resident moves to a care home, their tenancy continues until it is formally ended. We can explain the steps involved, support you with practical arrangements, and ensure the process is handled respectfully and clearly.
If a resident is living in one of our Housing for Older People schemes and is interested in transferring to one of our Extra Care schemes, please contact a member of our Housing and Support team.
Yes, if you are legally authorised to do so — for example as an executor, legal representative or holder of Power of Attorney. We will explain what needs to happen, guide you through the process and support you with sensitivity during what may be a difficult time.
A member of staff can talk you through timescales, returning keys, clearing the property and any account matters.
See our Ending a Tenancy webpage.
We welcome feedback from family members and want to hear from you if something isn’t going right. You can speak to us informally or make a formal complaint if needed. We will always handle concerns with care, professionalism and respect.
More details are on our Complaints and Learning webpage and Complaints and Learning Factsheet.
Working at Lace means joining a friendly, supportive team where people genuinely care about each other. Staff tell us they value the meaningful nature of the work, the variety day-to-day, and the strong sense of teamwork.
You can learn more on our Careers webpage.
People often say they stay because the work feels worthwhile and they feel respected and supported. There is a strong team culture, open communication, and a shared commitment to helping older people live well. Staff also value the sense of pride that comes from making a real difference every day.
You can read staff experiences on our Why Work With Us webpage.
We follow the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal information is used only for employment or volunteering purposes, stored securely and never shared unless required by law or with your consent.
Read more in our Privacy Policy.
We recruit for a wide range of roles across housing, support, extra care, property maintenance, cleaning, finance and administration. Whether you work directly with residents or support them behind the scenes, every role contributes to creating safe, welcoming communities.
See our Vacancies webpage for current opportunities.
From your first day, you will be supported by your manager and colleagues. We offer a structured induction, on-the-job learning and regular check-ins to help you feel confident in your role and part of the team.
You’ll receive a warm welcome, a structured induction and all the training you need for your role. We also offer ongoing development, including access to external courses, supervision discussions and opportunities to build skills over time.
More information is available on our Careers webpage.
Teamwork is at the heart of what we do. Staff work closely across schemes and departments, sharing information, solving problems together and supporting each other through busy periods. Many colleagues say the team spirit is one of the best things about working here.
Learn more on our About Us webpage.
We promote a supportive culture where colleagues feel comfortable raising concerns and asking for help. Managers hold regular check-ins, and we listen carefully to ensure workloads are manageable. Staff often describe feeling valued and well supported in their roles.
Volunteers help enrich community life across our schemes. This may include supporting social activities, events, gardening or resident groups. We can match volunteering opportunities to your skills and interests.
Find out more on our Volunteering webpage.
To apply for a job, visit our Vacancies page and follow the application steps. If you’d like to volunteer, contact us through our website or speak to a member of the team — we’ll explain what roles are available and how to get started.
Visit our Vacancies webpage or Volunteering webpage.
We work closely with local authorities, health and social care teams, community organisations and charities to help residents live safely and independently. Our approach is based on good communication, shared problem-solving and positive working relationships.
More information is available on our About Us webpage.
With a resident’s consent, we share information that helps health or care professionals provide the right support. In urgent or safeguarding situations, we may share information without consent when it is necessary to protect someone’s wellbeing.
You can read more in our Privacy Policy.
If you need to share information, request support, or make a referral, please contact our Housing and Support team. We follow strict data protection rules and always ask that information is shared securely and with the resident’s consent wherever possible.
See our Privacy Notice and Get Support webpage.
We value honest, constructive feedback from partners. If something isn’t working as expected, please contact us. If you wish to make a formal complaint, we follow a clear and fair process based on the Housing Ombudsman’s guidance.
Details are available on our Complaints webpage.
If you are worried that a resident may be at risk of harm, neglect or abuse, please contact us immediately. We take all concerns seriously and work closely with Adult Social Care, health professionals and other agencies.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
More guidance is available in our Safeguarding Factsheet.
We welcome community activities that support residents’ wellbeing — from exercise sessions and arts groups to educational, social or intergenerational projects. Please contact a member of our Housing and Support Team to discuss your idea and arrange a suitable time.
We value partnerships built on safety, quality and fairness. If you would like to work with us as a supplier or contractor, you can apply to join our approved list. We can only instruct organisations who have completed this process.
To join the list, you’ll need to:
• complete an Approved Supplier or Approved Contractor Application Form
• agree to our Contractor Code of Conduct
• provide your current insurance certificates
• supply relevant health and safety documentation, RAMS, and accreditations
• provide references where requested
These checks help us make sure that everyone working with us meets the highest standards of professionalism and care.
Further information is available on our Become a Supplier or Partner webpage.
All contractors must contact us before attending a scheme so we can notify residents and confirm we have your most recent insurance documents and RAMS. When you arrive at one of our Extra Care schemes, you must sign in, show identification and follow our health and safety procedures.
We expect all contractors and tradespeople to:
• Work safely and follow all legal and industry requirements.
• Treat residents, colleagues and homes with respect.
• Communicate clearly about the work being carried out.
• Report any accidents or near misses immediately.
• Follow fire action notices and emergency procedures.
These expectations reflect our commitment to safe, well-managed places and help ensure residents feel secure in their homes.
You can find further details on our Property and Maintenance or Resident Safety webpages.
We welcome partnerships that bring benefits to residents — such as support services, health-related programmes, digital inclusion projects, or community events. If you have an idea or service to offer, please get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Stakeholders play an important role in supporting residents’ independence and wellbeing. By working together — sharing knowledge, coordinating services, and contributing to safe, well-managed environments — we help create strong communities where older people can live well.
Learn more on our About Us webpage.
