MANY of us dream of moving when we retire; a new chapter often looks brighter when we have a brand new home to go with it. As with any move, it’s important to consider a number of avenues before making your final decision. Mel Kennedy, Manager of CJ Hole’s Worle office, offers some insights on what to consider during your search for a property to retire to.

Firstly, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for your retirement by envisaging how you would like to spend your time. This will mean that when the time comes and you are actively searching for a property, you know what to look for and where.

Considering where you would like to spend your retirement will play an important part in finding the perfect home. Establishing how close you would like to be to your family will help you decide where in the country you would like to live. You might also want to consider how close you would like to be to shops, restaurants, a doctors’ surgery, a hospital and other amenities.

Much of the retirement dream is having the time to continue with hobbies and take up new opportunities, so it’s worthwhile taking the time to consider how you might like to spend your time. This will help you to find locations with specific clubs and societies as well as countryside and access to particular natural surroundings for active pursuits.

Another major decision for anyone purchasing a new home for retirement is whether to choose a completely independent home or opt to live in a retirement complex. These offer the independence of a private flat, bungalow or house together with the security of a warden, other safety measures and a variety of social amenities. On the other hand, if you are still pursuing an active retirement, you might prefer to purchase another independent home.

Each option has advantages and your choice may depend on what you want to do with your time and what your health considerations may be. Establish the pros and cons of each option to help you to decide which suits your preferences and situation.

Another aspect to consider is what space you need and how many bedrooms are necessary. Bungalows work extremely well as retirement properties, offering accommodation on one level; your mobility, now and in the future, is something to consider. Bathrooms are often the first rooms which need to be altered to suit older peoples’ needs, so it’s a good idea to search for homes with bathrooms which can be easily adapted. Although large kitchens are ideal for family life, they can be a struggle to maintain as you get older, so it’s worthwhile keeping your eyes open for a small but fully functioning kitchen.

When winding down to a slower pace of life, outside space often plays a key part in enjoying all that Great British summers have to offer. Whether you relish the thought of getting your hands dirty with a gardening project or would prefer a low maintenance option, homes with a portion of outdoor space suit many people during their retirement. However, if gardening is a chore, then a property with access to well-maintained communal gardens may be the perfect solution.

So, when searching for a home in which to spend your retirement, it is important to try and look ahead to what your life might be like in the future and to adapt your property search to suit your future needs. This will ensure that you will continue to feel comfortable and settled for many happy years to come.

For more advice on buying a retirement property, call Mel Kennedy and her team on 01934 512537.