Should I move?

Is a garden flat in your area a possibility?

It’s all about future proofing.

I am 62 my husband is 69, we sold our large Victorian home of 15 years and moved to a slightly smaller but 3 year old property 20 miles away.

It is the best thing we ever did, because of the layout we use all the space, it’s light, warm and easy to maintain.

The move was hard work and stressful but most definitely worth it.

I know my situation is different because I have a husband but our thinking was that when one of us dies this is a much more convenient property.

What about a stair lift?

There is no easy answer, I’m afraid. You’re wise to be thinking about moving while you can.
We moved to a bungalow and have no regrets. Life is much easier and so many things are manageable now. Having said that, we are on the outskirts of town…
You will make friends wherever you move to. I have the best neighbours ever.
Maybe start viewing properties? That will concentrate your mind. Good luck!

I live alone in a very cold, very big, old Victorian town house ….near the sea, near the shops, near a bus stop I would absolutely hate to move, I d rather workaround what I ve got, the thought of moving sends horror signals to me. To start again at my age or to live in a complex with all old people however convienent, would send me into a flux. I ll stay until I go from this life if I can. I ll get a stairlift, I can get a bathroom fix if needed but I couldn’t leave my house we ve got old together and we both falling apart together 🤣🤣🤣

Garden flat sounds lovely but what if the people above you are awful or they are nice and move on and the new ones are awful I think there’s a huge question mark with flats

I’m presuming here that you live in a town?

Do you drive?

Are there bus routes from the places with the bungalows?

I’ve accidentally ended up in a futureproofed house (new build, accessible) but I feel like I live in town as it’s such a short drive or I can just hop on a bus that comes every 15 minutes

Have you looked into options of transport?

I understand your reluctance to move

If this was me, I’d have my house valued and put it on the market and see what happens.

I’d consider a garden flat too or a bungalow with a not too large garden.

Stairlifts are great, BUT, when you live alone, my mother struggled getting things up and down the stairs once my DF died.

Future-proofing and/or moving are so much better done when you’re still fit and healthy and fully mobile.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Thank you all for your comments. I want to avoid a flat because of the leasehold implications. I do drive but don’t like being reliant on a car. Yes, maybe viewing some properties might help me decide - I’ve seen a couple I like.

You spend more time inside your home than outside.
Do the stairs several times each day probably.
Enjoy the light days when we have them but not in a dark house.

If this sounds like you then I think you should move. Just another persons opinion who is also getting older!

Does it really have to be a bungalow how about a smaller newer townhouse nearer to where you are now.

I think you should find a bungalow in a quiet street just out of town.All on one level with a small garden should suit you better and you can enjoy making it your own.
There will be buses into town.

I’m sure you’ll be thinking carefully about where you would move too - you’ll need good access to all amenities - shops, doctors surgery, chemist, dentist, etc, especially if the time comes when you no longer drive.

If you’ve seen somewhere that fulfils these criteria, then by all means consider a move. On the other hand would it be possible to do some configuration in your present home? Perhaps install a stair lift or possibly a small lift if there’s space for one and possibly a bedroom downstairs if, again, there’s room. This might be considerably cheaper than the cost of moving house.

However, if you’re finding this house too dark, which will be difficult to change, and the stairs too steep, then do look around.

I moved into a 2 bed terraced house, once a farm cottage, with a smallish garden on the outskirts of a NW town. It was a huge step down from the 4 bed detached I had previously. This was a move forced on me by divorce. At first I hated it. I felt as though I’d sunk to the bottom, but it was what I could afford at the time. As my finances improved I seriously considered moving. But I was getting older. Shops, GP, pharmacist, hair dresser are all a five minute walk away, and a bus to the local shopping centre, or town centre is even closer. My neighbours are wonderful. Now I no longer drive I am so grateful I didn’t move. I will get a stairlift if I need one.
Saying all that this Victorian house has been an absolute money pit. It is now, finally, the way I want it and I would be reluctant to leave all that investment behind.
I wish you luck, just remember we all get older so make sure there is easy access to everything you need.

Oreo

I think you should find a bungalow in a quiet street just out of town.All on one level with a small garden should suit you better and you can enjoy making it your own.
There will be buses into town.

This sounds perfect

I moved into a ground floor flat, a big house split into 2. I have a big back garden, and I've worked really hard the last 4yrs to make it lovely. When I first moved in there was an old guy upstairs, we got on well and he was quiet. He passed away and now, for the past 2yrs have a family of 5 upstairs, in a 1.5 bed flat! They are nice, but very noisy. I think the 2yr old [now4yr I think] has ADHD as always jumping, thumping the floor, running, screaming etc. I'm very tidy and clean, for 6mnths there's been rubbish on their side of the front, now spread to the garden gate, not lots of rubbish but really unsightly. I've asked her twice to please clear it but it's still there. They had a mouse infestation about a month ago, wonder why. I'd love to see the inside of their flat. I keep the front as clean and tidy as I can, but we have our zones where we keep our bins. Their's is on the garden gate side, and they have a garden box, which they keep the children's bike, scooter and pushchair in, so definitely their zone to keep clean and tidy.

Anyway, since they have moved in, all I want to do is move out, but can't afford to. So no, I wouldn't recommend a flat. Bungalow would be the best option, but they are much dearer.

Don’t move from a house you love to a suburban two bed bungalow surrounded by other older people and a bus ride from town if you’re used to a busy town centre environment would be my advice, or you might find yourself crawling the walls.
Houses that can adapt to your needs as you get older would be my preference when my son leaves home and I start looking (I’m a similar age to you). I want somewhere that has two rooms and a kitchen and shower room downstairs, and a smaller garden, not overlooked at the back. That way I can live downstairs if needed. I’m not opposed to bungalows, but it would have to be in a location where I can walk into town. I think if you set out what your priorities are and start looking you will form an idea of exactly what you are prepared to compromise on and what you aren’t.

I agree on not buying a flat, unless it is a maisonette. Service charges in modern blocks in my area are much too high when you are on a pension.
I would not want a bungalow either. There are not many of them and they are not near shops, buses etc. I think other parts of the country have more bungalows.
I would look for a small, modern house, or possibly a ground floor maisonette.

LaCrepescule

Thank you all for your comments. I want to avoid a flat because of the leasehold implications. I do drive but don’t like being reliant on a car. Yes, maybe viewing some properties might help me decide - I’ve seen a couple I like.

I completely understand your reluctance to buy a leasehold property. The last one we sold had 88 years left on the lease.
Computer said not long enough 😡
That cost us £12,000 to renew.
You might just want to buy a leasehold so here’s some info you might want to read.

www.zerodown.lease/resources/leasehold-reforms?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23568563012&gbraid=0AAAAAoad6WLV4057BGjdc4qK4FOQV5Hbu&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh-HPBhCIARIsAC0p3cc4DIfvoi86TzXSmkx3dZjrj61x_0Vu5Zn-UEgOgKcYJLCs46b-KNwaAmh0EALw_wcB

Moved from a HA 3 bed property to a one bed flat with a balcony. It is in a complex for older people and I love it.
Its walking distance into town, gp and dentist. Outdoor swimming pool on the common behind the building. It was the best thing I did. I dont mix with other tenants very often as I belong to groups outside and have family and friends close by. But if ever I couldnt get out independently there are coffee mornings I could attend. I chat to people in the communal laundry and if I see them in hallways.
Don't dismiss these places it might be just what you need. There are plenty of private ones available and usually in the most convenient places. Good luck with your search for a new home.😊

I have made up my mind to sell my huge old house and move somewhere smaller.
The agent is taking photos right now for it to go on the market.
I've thought long and hard but I've had 5 birthdays since DH died and I don't want another winter here.

It will be a huge wrench. I love this place like Bluebelle but in the last few years I've had to replace 2 ceilings, had roof repairs and paid for trees to be made safe.

I have seen a modern (1970) bungalow I rather like, still a good location and I have made an offer but conditional on my selling this.

I have looked at quite a lot of houses now and know what I don't want.
It must have advantages .
I won't compromise on location or having a bedroom and loo on the same floor.
I also know I still need spare rooms for visitors and hobbies.
A garden is a must and a sunny garden at that....
A wood burning stove would be nice and a bath. You see I'm not fussy at all!

Bungalows are not the only answer and come with their own problems eg gardens need to be maintained as do roofs etc. Sheltered housing isn't the only alternative. Consider a flat. They vary enormously in size, location and convenience. Imagine lovely seaside (or country) view. Sunny, easily accessible rooms, local amenities and transport options. Don't close your mind to a move.

It's a difficult one, isn't it?
I think I would start looking at properties for sale. Something good might come up that you can't resist and that would make up your mind for you.
Just a word of warning - don't leave downsizing too late. I'm speaking as someone who has!

I would have a thoroughly good look around the area for a place near a good shop, medical centre, and bus service for later proofing. None of us knows what lies in store for us.

I live in a large detached 60’s 4 bedroom house. We had put in some effort to future proof but I was incapacitated suddenly last autumn.

I could not get up stairs and the bed in the study was great, but the shower we had put in the downstairs bathroom was very difficult to get into with a cast on my leg. In the end we had to remove the shower door and be very careful about splashing.

Perhaps if you think how you will live in your home if you become incapacitated it may be possible for adjustments now.