The Right Time To Move

It sounds like a good idea. People are more important than places. What's the point of living in somewhere beautiful if loved ones are far away? It's great to look at scenic views of, the sea or the countryside but they don't offer much in the way of comfort if family are far away. It sounds like the right time to move. Best of luck.

Mokryna gives good advice - perhaps try renting before you commit to a permanent move. And have you thought through the health situation, should you need medical support/care of any kind? (Also the pension situation - the UK pensions are not "increased" for persons living in certain countries.) You need to be very aware of the full financial implications. Sorry if this sounds negative - I'm just flagging-up the practicalities involved.

The only downside to consider would be medical costs - if you are thinking of moving to Europe for example, any reciprocal arrangements we have now could be lost after Brexit if it ever happens. Practically speaking, in time you can reasonably expect to have to pay out for cataracts, new hips, and maybe a heart bypass, excluding possible serious illnesses and accidents. If you can afford medical insurance to cover this - great. From what I’ve heard many overseas countries have better medical care than the UK.

I don't think she plans to move abroad, she said 'another county' so nut such a big decision.

I would not rent out your bungalow because it sounds like you have brought it up to date and you can never be sure how it would be looked after. A large proportion of bungalows you see on Rightmove need a lot of work doing so yours should sell easily and for a good price. Nothing wrong with adding 10% to the average valuations and bringing it down after a few weeks if no interest. Please put it with one agent only because you look desperate if you put it with more and they all put it on Rightmove anyway.

I would suggest you rent for 6 months in your chosen place to ensure it is right for you. Once you are sure you will be in a great position to put in an offer on another property because presumably you will be cash buyers and not in a chain.

Our last move was to a cul de sac just off a main bus route and close to an excellent parade of shops where we can get all necessities. We feel that has future proofed us. Good luck

Ignore my orevious pist - I misread county as country!

Go ahead and move, no reason to think twice. Be glad you can afford to. Good luck.

Rent cheaper in the new area for a couple of years while renting out your own place just in case it doesn't work out as well as you thought it might. You never know your one daughter in the UK may not stay in that area forever. It will also give you time to explore the area and find the best places to buy in.

You mentioned that you had already taken equity release, that may affect the sum you realise when selling as the company will want their money. Read the small print.

Sorry - I also misread county as country!

Sounds like a good idea as long as you like the area itself and not because your daughter lives there

I have friends who moved close to one of their daughters and then 2 years later the daughter and family moved abroad

Just a few things to think about.

If you downsize to a cheaper property abroad it could be difficult to come back. Many older expats want to when health difficulties happen.

The strength of the £ has meant many people are returning to UK as they can’t afford to live abroad. These are ever changing times.

Will you need private health Health insurance to cover your needs.

Your daughter could decide to move.

If you are moving to an EU country, if it is a No Deal Brexit it could be difficult.

Is language a problem

I like the idea of renting out your bungalow to start with to see how it goes. 66 is young but ten years down the line things can look different.

Sorry me to as she said her step children had moved abroad. Another county no problem. Go for it.

Can anyone give a {very rough} idea of the costs involved in moving?
Or suggest how to get an idea of these before taking action?

Go for it, I would

I think you have really thought this through and just wanted a 2nd (or however many GNs there are) opinion to give you and your husband the final push. Go for it. At your age you have many happy years ahead of you (or not so happy if you stay put). Whilst you’ve got the energy and the reason to move what more is there to think of.

Having lived and been widowed abroad, I suggest you ask yourselves, would I be happy living there alone? Would I feel happy in a care home abroad? Can I cope with dealing with legal matters in another country/language. Not trying to be negative, just realistic.

When I moved here six years ago, I sold a large family house and paid off the mortgage. This enabled me to take a lower paid, but stress free, job and then to go part time after a few years. As the interest rate was so low, I decided to use all the equity to buy my current bungalow.

My plan, now I have retired, is to spend my lump sum savings and then when I need more cash to top up my pension, to sell up and move into an apartment. At the moment I could buy an apartment for approx half of what I could sell my bungalow for - releasing a large amount for me! I have no emotional ties to this bungalow so am looking forward to my next move. My financial adviser thinks it is a very astute plan!

I think a lot depends on how much cash you would actually gain after moving costs to help you decide if it is worth all the effort. I suggest you do your sums and then go for it if it pans out. Moving here, over 100 miles from my last house, was the best thing I did!

PLEASE - just go for it. Life is for living now! Do wish we were in a similar position to have that choice.

Definitely, definitely GO. I'd much rather be nearer to one of my children than anywhere else. And you say you don't even feel an attachment to where you live so there's no realproblem. I think you'll regret it if you don't go. I agree with the others about possibly renting first. Guarantee you'll not want to go back.

Move and use the equity, you can’t take it with you and might as well enjoy it.

Definitely do it now!!
Mind you, we've been swithering about downsizing for ever
You at least have an idea of where you'd like to move to. And I gather it is in this country

I don't think I could move far away to be nearer the DC. I have too many ties here. The house is too big now but the location is good.
Also the thought of clearing 40 years of clutter terrifies me.

I think we should ask NanaPlenty whether she did in fact mean to type "country" rather than "county" as otherwise some of our comments will be way off the mark.

you might have aproblem as you have used equity release and that means its on your existing property

You arent moving abroad as one person wrote? go ahead with down sizing, but as someone else said, not to small, when you are at home more you need the space this is from one who is experiencing just that.Travel while you can and have the money, you will enjoy your new home to be even more when it doesnt cost as much.
Enjoy your new life!

Move to a house YOU like in an area YOU would like to live in. Your daughter may not have found her final nest yet!

I know a couple of people who have made that move to be near an AC. They don't have any regrets. In both cases they moved to the outskirts of a nice city where there is plenty to enjoy without relying on their children for entertainment.
They also regularly visited their old haunts until they had settled and made new friends.
The money side of this could be a barrier but I hope not. Good luck.