Ah, the glory days. How things were different back then. Indeed, you can track life’s every changing story by thinking back to the different places you’ve lived. The shared student house, the bachelor(ette) pad, the first family home, the bigger family home…needs change and so do walls. But now you’ve entered your autumn years, perhaps a change of location is required? To be closer to family, nearer amenities, or simply to downsize to make things more manageable.
Just as some regions are more suited to seniors than others, so the physical properties of a house matter for those looking for a switch to enjoy old age. We’re looking at the latter today, and prior to the big move, it’s important to do your due diligence to find the best possible place for you. Here are some things to think about; our 5 IDEAL questions to ask before moving house after retirement.
HOW BIG IS THE HOUSE?
Trust us, when you get older, size matters with your home. There’s a reason why more and more people seem to be downsizing; it just makes sense. After all, you can only be in one room at one time, right? You may have needed a 5-bedroom detached home twenty years ago, but if the kids have moved on and it’s just the two of you, maintaining unnecessary, superfluous space isn’t going to bring any joy in retirement.
Of course, we’re not suggesting you move into a one-bedroom flat and discard all of the possessions you’ve accumulated over a rich and varied life. This is unlikely to suffice, as you will have visitors. But, somewhere smaller and more comfortable should certainly not be overlooked. When making your decision, always keep one eye on the maintenance side of things; though you may have more time on your hands, you’re less likely to have more energy.
HOW ABOUT THE GARDEN?
In truth, those same rules apply to the garden. You may have had green fingers for much of your life, and a little gardening in your dotage can be a fantastic way to keep sharp and active, but there can be times when a large outdoor space can be too big to manage and get a little unruly and overwhelming.
There’s no hard and fast rule on how large or small your backyard needs to be, but it’s wise to think beyond size when considering a potential property’s garden. If there are lots of different areas to it, all requiring different forms of maintenance, it adds to the job and can make it even more unmanageable. Better to prioritise a clean, unified space, we think.
WHAT ABOUT STAIRS?
It’s a truth we all have to face; you may well become less mobile as you grow older. This is where you need to seriously think about your new property’s stairs, and whether or not you actually want them in your next home at all. Bungalows may have once been utterly unfashionable, but they can be practical for some age groups and don’t carry the same, silly stigma they once did. Though your choices will be limited if you sway this way, later down the line, a bungalow may well turn out to be a sensible choice.
WHAT ABOUT THE SURROUNDING AREAS?
During any diligent property inspection, it’s not only the bricks and mortar you’re checking out; it’s also the surrounding area. Some regions are better than others, depending on the age group that you fall into. But it’s also crucial to consider your potential new home’s immediate surroundings if you’re to get the most out of retirement. Are you at the top of a giant hill? Is access to amenities going to be an issue? How is the topology of the area; is it more prone to the adverse effects of the weather? All of these factors impact you a little more as you grow older, so give them the time of day they deserve.
IS THE HOUSE BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR RETIREES?
Some houses – often referred to as ‘aging in place’ homes – are designed and built specifically for elderly people to continue living at home and independently for as long as possible. In these properties, ergonomic considerations dictate the fine details of daily life; counters sit at a few different heights to make access easier, flooring is slip-resistant, windows and blinds are controlled remotely, lighting is bright and even specifics regarding the amount of force (2 kg) required to access anything in the home are deployed in the design. Perhaps such a pad is the answer to all your needs?
Should you be wanting to explore the best areas in the UK for spending your autumn years, check out our 4 IDEAL retirement hotspots in England.