Retirement homes offer a perfect solution for couples or individuals who need to downsize but want to move into an established community. Some retirement homes offer great deals with many additional features like social spaces that can make retirement even more pleasant.
Selling your large family house to free up cash is very common, but it can be challenging to know how to decide on a new property. In this article, we will cover some of the most important things to look for in a retirement property.
Location Is Everything
Location is a critical factor. A property in a good location should be a top priority. What exactly constitutes a good location? First, you need to have travel connections. Whether that’s a bus, train, or the ability to quickly get a taxi, retaining your independence and being able to travel is vitally important.
Additionally having local shops and entertainment is a big bonus. Walking to a small corner shop to pick up a newspaper and some milk is a great convenience. Furthermore, it’s nice to have a small pub or restaurant nearby so that you can get out of the house if you don’t feel like cooking. You may also have family or friends that you would like to live nearby. For these reasons, location is the attribute most retirees want when they are moving properties.
Before you make a purchase make sure you look at the local area to see what type of shopping and entertainment is nearby. Make sure you also make enquiries about transportation links.
Size Is Important.
Purchasing a home that is the correct size is an important consideration when looking at retirement properties. You need to find a home that is the right size for your needs. There is no point in moving into a tiny furnished apartment if you want to keep some of your furniture and belongings.
Finding a property that will let you make it your own is essential. Luckily, many retirement property managers understand this, so they leave a bit of room to work within their interior designs.
These companies design their retirement flats and apartments to facilitate ease of living for retirees. They often have wide hallways and lots of living space so that you can be comfortable in your new home. While you need space to bring some of your personal furniture, it’s important to make sure your new property isn’t too big. You need everything to be well-positioned within the home so that nothing is too far removed.
Access to Healthcare and Support
As you get older, you may experience health complications. It’s an unfortunate side effect of ageing. Moving into a property that is not far away from a GP can be a good idea. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it can certainly make life much easier. If there isn’t a nearby GP, then it’s important to establish where the nearest one is and how you could get there before making a purchase.
Furthermore, you may want to have assisted living. Luckily many companies, like Riverstone Living, offer 24/7 care from the comfort of your own home. They can adjust the services as your needs change. Companies like Riverstone living also provide additional amenities like restaurants and cafés that can make managing your day-to-day life much easier. Companies that offer these services will typically be more expensive, as there are staff requirements, but it is a service that could be very much worth the money.
Social Spaces and Amenities
Many retirement homes are set up like small communities, and they offer great communal social spaces. This should be something that you look for as they provide ways to have fun and make friends. Getting out of the house and doing activities is a beautiful way to pass the time.
Some companies will run events like yoga, bingo, and book clubs for you to get involved with. The best part is they will all be located a stone’s throw from your front door. While not all retirement homes boast communal areas, it is something that could sweeten the deal. After all, why should you stop having fun and socialising when you get older.
Like Riverstone Living in London, the luxury retirement properties also offer gyms, pools, cafes, restaurants, libraries, and even hairdressers. The sky is the limit, and modern retirement complexes aim to give their residents every aspect of normal life in a compact, accessible space.
One thing that many retirees want to retain is their private garden space. Gardening is a massively popular hobby among older people, and it’s something they don’t want to relinquish when they move into a retirement property.
Lifestory, a company that has properties for retirees across the country, has recognised this, and they like to try to offer residents private outdoor space. This shows that many great companies are very receptive to the needs of their clients, and if you look hard enough, you can find a property that fulfils all your needs.
What About Four-Legged Friends?
There is often the pre-conceived notion that retirement properties don’t welcome pets. While this may be true for some, many are in fact pet friendly. Let’s be honest, your furry friend is a massive part of your family. They provide companionship and company while also motivating you to get out of the house daily for a walk.
Many retirement property managers are welcoming of any and every type of pet. Churchill Retirement Living are an example of a reputable company that allow pets in their retirement homes.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a retirement property is scary and daunting. However, more and more companies are offering properties at unbeatable prices with great amenities and location that makes moving to a retirement property easy and enjoyable. Hopefully, you have found this article very useful. Let us know what you are looking for in a retirement property