It is the dream of many people to move home once they have retired.

Is it the cottage with roses round the door, a bungalow by the sea or a warden controlled retirement village? Whatever the reason, moving home is a stressful business and the older we get, the more stressful it can become. Unfortunately the expectations and the reality are not always the same. There are many things to be considered before taking the plunge to ensure that the dream does not become a nightmare.

Before relocating, think very carefully about what you want to achieve by moving and if it will be worth all the upheaval. If you do decide to move, take your time, there is no rush. Spend some time in the area that you hope to move to and discover for yourself whether or not it offers all you want and need. Remember that moving costs money, so you cannot afford to make mistakes.

1 DECIDING THE REASONS FOR MOVING HOME

There can be a number of reasons why you might wish to relocate when you retire, such as to:

• be nearer your family, especially grandchildren
• move away from your family
• have a smaller property with less upkeep
• be in a quieter area in the countryside
• be with more people of your own age group
• feel safer and more secure
• be in a less expensive part of the country
• live in a more conducive climate
• simply leave the area in which you currently live.

Whatever the reason, make sure it is the right one.

Let‘s now look at some of the benefits of relocating:

• If you propose to move to a smaller property or to an area where property prices are cheaper, this will free up some of your capital which can be invested for your future.
• A move to a smaller property should mean less costs in heating, lighting and general maintenance.
• By moving to a quieter area you can escape many of the pressures of urban living, such as traffic and noise.
• Warden controlled properties will give you a greater sense of security.
• You will be able to see more of your family the closer you live to them.
• If you suffer from arthritis or similar aches and pains, a move to a warmer climate can be very beneficial.
• There may be more suitable social activities in the new location.
• Moving to a different area could give you a new lease of life.

2 WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

It may be some years since you last moved home, so here is a reminder of what you need to do.

Invite two or three local estate agents to value your property. Place your property with the most suitable estate agent – the one who has a good local reputation, is used to handling your type of property, gives you a sensible valuation and charges competitive rates. Advise your solicitor of your intentions and check their costs for conveyancing.

Make sure your property, including the garden, is clean, tidy and welcoming for prospective buyers. You should not need to redecorate, but a touch of paint here and there might help. List any fixtures and fittings, including garden plants and shrubs, that you intend taking with you. This should be made available to all prospective purchasers.

Make a list of what you want from your new home. Visit estate agents in the area you intend moving to and arrange to view as many suitable properties as possible. Always make an offer below the asking price, you may be lucky.

Once you have decided on one or two properties, check with the owners what they intend to take with them so that there are no nasty surprises when you move in.

Having exchanged contracts on your property and the one you are buying, obtain quotations from a number of reputable removal companies. Again check what they will do for the quoted price and that they have insurance for any damaged articles.

This is now the time to get rid of all your unwanted junk, so have a good sort out. Notify all friends, relatives, banks, building societies and other relevant organisations and institutions of your new address. Cancel the newspapers, milk and any other home deliveries. Advise the gas, electricity and telephone companies of your move, and arrange for all these services to be functioning when you move in to your new home. Arrange with the Royal Mail to have your mail redirected to your new address.

All that remains is to pay the bills and move.

3 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

When contemplating relocation, there are a number of things to be considered, not least of which is the cost. Costs of moving include:

• fee to estate agent for selling your property
• solicitor‘s fee for conveyancing
• Stamp Duty which is a percentage of the value of the property you are purchasing
• removal costs.

When moving to another part of the country, you need to take into account other things such as:

• You will have to change your doctor, dentist, optician.
• The time may come when you cannot or will not wish to drive your car, so what public transport is available?
• The proximity of shops, library and other services.
• You could be leaving long-time friends behind.
• You will need to familiarise yourself with your new environment, join clubs and make new friends.
• You will probably have to spend money making your new home as you want it to be.

4 MOVING ABROAD

The thought of living in a country where the weather is warm and the cost of living lower than the UK can be very tempting.

For some people this is the right choice to make. However, there is a great difference between spending a holiday in another country and actually living there. Before deciding to relocate to Spain, Portugal, the Canaries or somewhere similar, go and stay there for at least three months, preferably on a self-catering basis. Many tour companies offer such opportunities to the over-60s.

Whilst you are there, get first-hand information about:

• that country‘s property laws
• local and regional taxation
• costs of gas, electricity and other services
• details of medical and dental services – do the local doctors speak English?
• availability and costs of different foodstuffs and household items.

These countries usually have a number of ex-patriot communities, so get to know the people, discover what social activities are available and then ask yourself if these will be sufficient to satisfy your needs.

You must also ask yourself what you will miss about leaving Britain. Once you have committed yourself, sold your home in the UK and moved to another country, it can be very difficult to return.

There are of course benefits to relocating to another country in southern Europe, not least being a milder climate. This means that you can spend more time out of doors and less money on heating and warm clothes. A further benefit is that most items are cheaper than in Britain.

• Should you decide to live abroad you will need to make the necessary arrangements regarding your state pension and banking.
• Ideally, if your finances will allow, rent out your property in the UK or buy a small flat. This will enable you to return after a year or two if things do not work out as you had hoped.
• Some people buy a recreational vehicle and spend half the year on the Continent, staying for a month or two in each place, and return to their home in the UK for the rest of the year and so have the best of both worlds.

You may decide to move much further afield to Australia, New Zealand or Canada. The reason for this is normally to be closer to your children and their families. You will need to contact the appropriate High Commissions in London to find out what will be involved in such a move.