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Buying a retirement property

Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025

After years of dedication and hard work, finding the perfect retirement property is an exciting milestone. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a home that truly fits your lifestyle and needs. This is a significant decision, and there are several key factors to consider before making your choice.

 

Consider your lifestyle carefully 

Whether you are retiring early or a little later, it’s important to think about the kind of lifestyle you want

Whether you are retiring early or a little later, it’s important to think about the kind of lifestyle you want. You may be planning an effortless life with low maintenance and proximity to family and friends. Many retirees are becoming more active due to improved health, and you may choose to define each stage of your retirement by the property you live in. You may choose a country cottage now, opting for a purpose-built retirement property in the future. 

 

Planning for the future

Many individuals have reported that their retirement has been one of the busiest periods of their lives. Once you retire, you will likely have numerous plans for the future. Your journey with property may just be getting started. Making home improvements to your property could increase its value. One advantage of owning a freehold property compared with a leased property is that you and your loved one may stand to gain a better return. 

 

Finding the right location

The UK offers so many fabulous locations to retire from coast to countryside

The UK offers so many fabulous locations to retire, from the coast to the countryside. Even after settling on a specific region or city, it takes skill to find the ideal location. You will undoubtedly have a long list of requirements, such as an idyllic location, proximity to shops, and a good social scene. Tranquillity might be important, but you also want to feel safe, comfortable, and have plenty of choice when it comes to enjoying yourself. 

 

Ways to buy

Choosing a retirement village or complex may appeal to you, or it may be your last choice. If you appreciate the concept of having a variety of services that could simplify your life, you might be drawn to the latter option. These types of properties are often leased. However, it's crucial to understand the true costs associated with leasing your retirement home, which may include ground rent, a lower resale value, and the costs associated with extending your lease or subleasing. Buying a freehold property is free of these restrictions.

 

Your preferred property 

Perhaps you love the idea of retiring in a larger home with plenty of space for a multi-generational dwelling

It’s vital that you are pleased with your decision. Downsizing to an energy-efficient flat, apartment, or bungalow can offer a lot of advantages. Lower monthly energy bills, less property maintenance, and fewer rooms to keep clean are very appealing and will leave you with more time and energy for the fun aspects of life. Perhaps you love the idea of retiring in a larger home with plenty of space for a multi-generational dwelling.

 

Get good advice

Your next step is a big one, and it’s very easy to get confused or misguided. Getting the right guidance so you can make clear-minded and well-informed decisions always helps. Your current property may already hold the key to a better retirement. It most likely will have gained value over the years, and this alone gives you more options. The UK property market offers new opportunities on a daily basis in the form of an exciting range of homes that appear on the market. 

 

Contact us 

Whether you are retiring or just starting out, contact your local Guild Member today. 

 

What Our
Clients Say

"

I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

"

Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

"

I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

"

Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

"

I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

"

Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

"

We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

"

What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

"

Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

"

Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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