Types Of Retirement Property To Consider

Photo Courtesy: David Scott

Retirement is a wonderful time that all hard-workers look forward to. But when the time rolls around to finally put your feet up, you want to be sure you’ve found the ideal spot.  Forward planning and a lot of research are key to finding the best place to enjoy your hard-earned down time.

Everyone’s different and what suits one person could be entirely inappropriate for the next. Here we look at a few options for retirement properties and for whom they might be suitable.

Retirement Village

Entrance to Friendship Village, a retirement center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA where Doug’s lone surviving aunt lives. “As this floral entrance suggests, it is an outstanding community”, he says. Photo Courtesy: Doug Brown

This is a relatively new but increasingly popular option. A retirement village consists of a collection of living units in one place, where residents need to meet a certain set of criteria. The units will range in size but most will be geared towards independent living, so that retired people can still feel like they have their own space. The units will be based close to leisure and social facilities so that residents can get together and enjoy quality of life with people of a similar age.

Most retirement villages are relatively new, meaning that the properties are of a more modern design and therefore often safer and more comfortable than older properties. These communities are perfect for people who love to socialize and fit into an existing, like-minded community.

Mobile Home Units in Peaceful Surroundings

Sunnymead Orchard Mobile Home Park, Ashwell, Baldock, Hertfordshire, UK – Photo Courtesy: Felix O

Mobile homes have always been a popular choice for a retirement property. This could be for any number of reasons. For a start, mobile home developments for retired people are often located in quite idyllic areas, allowing for an enhanced quality of life. The other benefit is that the mobile homes are all positioned on one level, making access easier for people whose mobility might not be what it was in the past.

Mobile homes lend themselves well to decoration and embellishment, so you can quickly start to make it feel like your own. Much like a retirement village, mobile home communities often offer sports and leisure facilities to their occupants, as well as easy access to medical facilities. These communities are perfect for people who like to put their own stamp on a property, as well as those who are looking for a real beauty spot in which to settle.

Retirement Flats

Above: Abbey Mill Retirement Flats – This solid-looking mill, in Church Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK was originally built in 1857 for use as a cloth factory. When the cloth trade died out in this area, the building was renovated and restored in 1968-72 by Thurlow, Lucas and James. It was then used as offices for the Avon Rubber company. In recent years, with the departure of Avon Rubber from the town, the building was again converted, this time for use as retirement flats. Photo & Information Courtesy: Neosnaps

Any buzzing and beautiful area is likely to have a certain number of retirement flats available so that fans of the area can enjoy their life there once the hard work is over. Having your own flat can give you a tangible sense of independence and it’s ideal for those who want to find their own place in a mixed community.

Retirement flats are often priced a little lower to make them more affordable and are usually equipped in a manner that makes them easy to live in. Of course, the only real downside of retirement flats is that they’re not always on the ground level, but most buildings will have made allowances by installing lifts for people who cannot manage the stairs.

Wherever you choose to retire, finding the right property is crucial. It’s wise to shop around and perhaps ask for the advice of your loved ones and peers when considering your options.

Dave Peters is an employee at Birubi Sands which deals in retirement homes in Australia. His hobbies include golf and fishing. Log on to www.birubisands.com.au to know more about his work.