It happens to all of us: all of a sudden, our kids are grown up and your home feels empty and much too big. When that day arrives, it’s time to get ready for a new chapter in your life, and for a home that meets all your needs. It’s time to find an apartment for your golden years!
After retirement, many people are ready for a change of living situation. A large detached house may now feel far too big, the gardening is proving more laborious and all the cleaning and maintenance that comes with the house has become much too difficult over time. Many pensioners are also keen to use their free time to travel more, but this can be hard to do if there’s nobody to take care of the house and garden for weeks or months at a stretch.
So what features should your new home have for you to be able to live there independently into old age?
Location
Most people want to stay close to family and the place where they’re currently living. But besides being close to children and grandchildren, you should also pay attention to the overall infrastructure in the local area. A quiet area will provide the calm setting you need. You should also think about the following: Is there a GP surgery nearby? Where are the nearest shops for everyday needs? Having a hospital nearby and good public transport connections will also make day-to-day life that bit easier.
Amenities
Modern apartments are very popular, and not just with pensioners. However, not all modern apartments are equally suitable for people aged 50 and over.
Look for well-lit entrances and stairwells. Both the entrance to the building and the access to the lift should be completely accessible.
Accessibility is also a must inside the apartment, so it’s best to have everything on one level, with no steps in the way. Energy-efficient heating systems, smart home technology and additional security are also big pluses, not least because they can minimise costs. Smart devices such as surveillance cameras that flag unusual movements on your mobile phone also provide greater everyday security, whether you're asleep or away on your travels.
According to the statistics, at the age of 50 you can still look forward to a good 35 years of life ahead of you. In other words, you want to make these years of your life as wonderful as they possibly can be. Changing the type of home you live in can make you more comfortable. What’s more, if you sell your house or large apartment and downsize to a smaller apartment, you’ll usually have enough money left over for trips or other nice things to do.
A smaller home also means less maintenance: even if you love your garden, this way you’ll be able to while away the hours relaxing on the terrace, rather than toiling away in the garden. In most cases, gardening tasks, management and maintenance are taken care of by the building management, so you’re free to go travelling for a few months at a time without having to take care of your property from abroad.
At Engel & Völkers, we can assist you with both selling and buying a property. Thanks to our international network, we can quickly find a suitable buyer and the perfect apartment for you for this new phase of your life. Feel free to get in touch. We’re looking forward to planning your future with you!
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