The Right Time To Move

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Go for it, I would

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?

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

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.

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

Sorry - I also misread county as country!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

You said it in your phrase "we don't feel any ties to here". That is the one reason I personally often advise against a move - that you'll feel homesick for what you left and feel like strangers in your new place. But you'd be leaving a place you don't have strong attachment to, in order to go to a place that's near someone you do feel an attachment to, and to my mind it has to be a no-brainer. But as you have said one of your main problems is shortage of money, then do make sure you do your sums right to be sure there really will be an ongoing reduction in outlay, especially after you've paid back your equity release and any other mortgage plus costs of house sale etc.

We downsized and bought a motorhome. There is definitely Romany in me we love it. And because we now only have two bedrooms, it acts as a third en suite bedroom when we have guests.

Soinds very sensible NanaPlenty, what are you waiting for?!?

NanaPlenty this sounds like a really good plan to move whilst you are still fit & young enough to do it, and also to have spare cash to visit the children abroad. As others have said, do your research carefully about costs, house prices, where you hope to live, and facilities near by which is so important. (Fast forward 15 years in your head when you are planning). It may be a good idea if you sell your house, to rent in new area for a few months (if you can cope with the disruption) which will give you a good feel for the area and put you in a good position to buy.

Rent your bungalow out for a year and use the money to rent where your daughter is beforehand to see how you like it.

Go for it, life is too short.
We're trying to move from SW Scotland to Yorkshire to be nearer to both daughters and their gorgeous young. (As they have their own businesses it is unlikely they will move) If we ever manage to sell this house we plan to stay in our caravan whilst we find our (hopefully) forever home.
My advice, like others, is take a bit of time check out that there is everything (doctors, shops etc) close by or within easy reach when you are not so mobile. Also that it is somewhere you will be truly happy - not a 'this will do' house
Good Luck!

Go for it. Sensible to downsize and move nearer your daughter. But just take into account the actual costs of selling and buying when you are looking at your finances. Good luck.