The golden years! This is what the time after retirement is known as. Has the family home become too big for your needs? Are you thinking about buying a luxury, age-appropriate dwelling? Keep reading to find out which requirements a property should meet for retirees.
A world of opportunities opens up once you retire: you have time to pursue your hobbies, you can jet off to warm tropical destinations for the winter and you get to enjoy your new-found freedom. What would you say if you could now also afford a contemporary home that is not only more luxurious and meets current standards, but also offers you the opportunity to live independently well into old age? Senior-friendly homes fitted with the latest smart home technology are currently experiencing a boom. But what exactly does ‘smart home’ mean?
Smart homes make everyday life easier, especially for retirees and older people. As people age, the need for security usually increases. Features like surveillance cameras connected to your smartphone can send a warning signal to your phone if they detect unusual movements or noises. You can also use your smartphone to access the camera’s livestream – using digital zoom or the night vision feature.
Smart thermostats can also be used indoors to monitor your heating and water consumption. Then there are smart kitchen appliances, or washing machines that send a message to your phone to tell you your laundry is done, for example. This frees you up to spend time in the garden, as your smartphone takes care of the reminders for you.
Would you prefer to live in an urban area or in the countryside? Are you moving close to your children and grandchildren so the family can support each other? Having public transport, places to shop, doctors surgeries and hospitals nearby also enhances quality of life in old age.
In addition, accessible interior and exterior design plays a big role when choosing your new home: no stairs, open living space and a user-friendly kitchen with a raised oven and dishwasher are key. This way you don’t have to bend down each time you use them, making the job easier. Furthermore, the patio and garden should be easy to walk on, without steps and not too steep, so there’s nothing to get in the way of you enjoying your leisure time.
Do you want to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time? Because the two processes are independent of each other but should still be carried out simultaneously, many people dread the effort involved. At Engel & Völkers, we support you throughout the entire process – from your initial idea and searching for a suitable home to the perfectly organised sale of your current home! Contact us for an initial consultation with no obligations. We look forward to hearing from you and finding out more about your project!
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