Careful planning is essential when looking for the right location for your retirement home. First, it will help to identify where in the UK you intend to focus your search. Consider the community make-up of the area or region. Is it popular with retirees? Does it have clubs, associations and leisure amenities for people of retirement age? Are there facilities locally that will enhance your lifestyle and social interests? Does the location suit your personal tastes and those of your family?



Decide what facilities and amenities you need in your retirement. For example, a good network of public transport may be important if you dont drive, or close proximity to an international airport is essential if you wish to travel regularly. Alternatively, you may primarily want a quiet rural location with good walking trails or easy motorway access to family and friends.

Secondly, clarify what type of property you are looking for. Be realistic, there is little point in downsizing to a one-bedroom flat if you have friends to stay each weekend, while purchasing a five-bedroom period home with large garden may not be a sensible option if you plan to travel frequently or you want to keep chores to a minimum. Clearly identify what type of property you want and any specific things that you actually need? What size of property will match the lifestyle youre planning? Are you looking to buy an older re-sale house with character or a brand new property designed with retirees in mind?





The answers to these questions will help you to establish where you should start looking. For example, bungalows may be common place in the South of England and East Anglia but they are like gold dust in Yorkshire. Small purpose-built retirement apartments can be found throughout the country, but larger homes on age-exclusive developments tend to be concentrated around the Home Counties and South East.



If you are looking for a purpose-built retirement property, then choosing the right development will take research and careful consideration. It is important to visit a variety of different retirement communities, ideally comparing different types and locations to get a sense for what feels best. Weighing up tangible factors such as living space, costs and dcor can be a fairly straightforward process. However, when it comes to comparing the intangibles is not always so easy. Spending time within a community and talking to other residents will provide much needed insight into the character of a retirement development. Ask yourself: is the style aesthetically pleasing? How comfortable are you with fellow residents and staff? Does the place feel right? This may take some time to properly clarify and may involve several visits. Dont be rushed: walk around the area, get to know the surroundings, stay for lunch and join in some of the social activities. It may help to bring along a family member or friend for a second opinion. A checklist is also a very helpful evaluation tool when comparing retirement communities. It is useful when considering a variety of options and provides a convenient reminder about the potential fit between each community and you.