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We all know it can be tough moving home, with the research it takes to find somewhere new, working out finances, packing up your belongings and of course the move itself. Deciding whether you want to live in a retirement property is a big decision and there is a lot to consider. Do you want to downsize? Move closer to family? Or become part of a social community? Take a look at our top tips to finding your perfect retirement home.

The location

Firstly, one of the most important factors to consider is the location. Where would you like to retire? Do you want to stay nearby to the town you currently live in, or does moving somewhere further afield sound more up your street? Do you want to experience living within the serenity of the countryside or does staying closer to the hustle and bustle of cities sound more appealing? No matter the location, consider spending time there prior to confirming your decision to get a real feel of the environment and location.

Which style property would you prefer?

When the location has been decided upon, the next decision will be to think about the style of property that would be most suitable. How big would this property need to be, will you need one bedroom or two? Will you be living alone or with a partner and will visitors be coming to stay?

Many people consider downsizing as a retiree, this helps to lower the maintenance requirements, as well as costs and this can be more manageable in terms of someone’s physical needs as they age. Also, consider the ideal style of property, maybe a quaint, charming property is the type of place you would like to spend your later years, or could it be a contemporary new build?

Financial situation: Rent? Buy? Shared ownership?

Relocating to a retirement property needs thorough financial planning for both now and the future, seeking professional advice can help you make any big financial decisions. Your financial situation may impact how you pay for your new home. Many retirement properties can be bought, rented and many also offer shared ownership schemes, so make sure you ask about that when researching your chosen property.

What does the retirement village offer? Facilities, activities, services, extras…

The location, style and financial circumstances are all very important factors to consider, however any extras that are important to you should also be factored in. There may be fantastic local amenities, however, what about on those days when you don’t fancy going very far? On-site facilities, just a short distance from the privacy of your own home can be highly attractive for those days, such as wellness spas, sun terraces, or large communal lounges. These social spaces are perfect for catching up with old friends, or even meeting new ones.

What level of support would you like to receive? Whether you want to live entirely independently, whether you want housekeeping, or need in-home care, it's important to look at what a retirement village can offer now or in the future should your needs change.

The move

Now you have a very good idea on where exactly you want to live, the move is the next thing to consider. Moving is a challenging process, however there are many ways to make this as stress-free as possible. Have a clear-out and de-clutter your current home, try to take with you only the things you really need and sell and donate the rest. Especially if the next place that you live will be slightly smaller, the last thing you want is items cluttering your space.

At Richmond Villages, we offer a Home Buying Service to make the process of moving house as simple as possible. It is a dependable solution for selling your existing property quickly and easily. With part exchange, moving into your new dream home at Richmond Villages has never been easier.   We know that moving can feel like a huge commitment – that’s why we’re taking the worry away with our Try the lifestyle, with two nights FREE offer. You will be able to experience the delights of our Richmond Villages and try the lifestyle out for size.