Embarking on the journey to a new luxury retirement apartment marks a significant milestone in life. It’s an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and contentment. From deciding to make your move, to settling in and enjoying your new surroundings. In this guide, we’ll cover all the steps to moving to your new retirement apartment. Allowing you to make the transition with confidence and ease.
As you prepare to move into retirement living, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, along with a touch of apprehension about the moving process. However, with careful planning and preparation, moving to your dream retirement apartment can be a seamless, joyful experience.
So, let us outline the steps towards realising the dream of luxury living in your new retirement apartment.
THE DECISION PROCESS
The first step in your journey to a new retirement apartment is making the decision to move. Taking the plunge to move to a luxury retirement apartment is a life event that involves careful consideration and thoughtful planning. And people make this move for a variety of reasons.
Perhaps it’s the upkeep of a house that no longer serves your needs. Money spent on heating a large family home when there is just you, or you and a partner. You may be feeling isolated after your children have grown up or friends have moved away. Or it could be that you have health issues that are limiting your ability to enjoy your current home’s location or layout. Steep stairs, a large garden, and lots of rooms you no longer use; all can contribute to a feeling of being overwhelmed. These factors frequently drive the decision to move to a home that’s more practical and suitable.
More often than not, deciding to move to a retirement apartment represents an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that prioritises convenience, comfort, and community. Moving to a retirement apartment is a chance to simplify your living arrangements and reduce maintenance responsibilities. A range of amenities such as communal lounges, a fitness suite, a games room, and events planned by the on-site Lodge Manager all help you to settle in, mix and make new friends.*
While the decision to move may be met with mixed emotions, ultimately, it opens the door to a new chapter filled with opportunities for relaxation, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging.
HOW MOVING WORKS (INCLUDING PART EXCHANGE)
Moving to a new retirement apartment is not greatly different from moving to any new property, aside from the fact that you may need to downsize from your current home.
This process can actually be a cathartic and freeing experience, even though there will be some emotional decisions when choosing the items that will make the move with you. To read our guide to downsizing positively CLICK HERE
One thing that could slow the moving process is being part of a chain. Waiting for a buyer for your current property can be a time-consuming, stressful part of the move. This is where part exchanging your current property can be a secret weapon. Similar to how you would with a car, your current property can be used to fund all or part of your new retirement apartment. Burghley Retirement Living will support you through the entire process from valuation to completion.
BUYING THE APARTMENT
It’s important to determine your budget for the move and evaluate the financial implications of transitioning to a retirement apartment. Consider factors such as rent or purchase costs, monthly fees, utilities, and any additional expenses associated with the move. Explore financing options, such as selling your current home or accessing retirement savings.
When you have the funds for your luxury retirement apartment confirmed either through part exchange or sale of your existing property then the purchase will follow the usual process. Your solicitor will arrange for the exchange of funds in the usual manner and confirm a completion date for your property; the exciting day when your luxury apartment becomes your own.
There are some vital differences however between retirement apartments and other types of accommodation. Most retirement apartments will be a leaseholder property which means that you own the property, but not the ground or building it is housed in. The majority of leases are for a long period of time, but it is always worth double-checking. You don’t need to worry with Burghley Retirement Living though, all leases are for 900+ years.
All Burghley Retirement Living’s properties come with an annual service charge covering all the extras that give you peace of mind. These include the services of a lodge manager, building maintenance, groundskeepers, a 24-hour telephone helpline, and upkeep of the beautiful communal areas.
There’s lots of useful information about buying a retirement home here: CLICK HERE
MAKING THE MOVE
This part of the process could feel daunting but Burghley Retirement Living prides itself on making it as easy as possible. You have the opportunity to take a personal tour of our developments, with flexible times on offer so you can bring a friend or family member with you. And you can look around as many times as you need to, in order to make the right decision. Or perhaps come to one of our exciting events, find out more about the stress-free lifestyle on offer, and meet the lodge manager, other owners, and our friendly team.
The Burghley Retirement Living team is on hand to walk you through the process of purchasing your luxury retirement apartment and is committed to making it all as stress-free as possible.
Once you have decided on an apartment, we can also provide help with moving.
Burghley Retirement Living’s Easy Move scheme includes an end-to-end removal service – all your belongings are carefully packed and unpacked at either property, so you don’t have to lift a finger. A contribution towards estate agent fees and legal fees is also included.
When it comes to your new apartment, we even provide you with a handyperson within the first 30 days of moving, to help with fiddly tasks such as hanging pictures, fitting curtain poles, and putting up shelves.
MAKING YOUR HOME YOUR OWN
Settling into your luxury retirement apartment is often easier than you think. Once you’ve arrived, take some time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Unpack your belongings, arrange furniture, and personalise your living space to make it feel like home.
You could introduce yourself to your new neighbours and explore the facilities available in your new community. Take advantage of welcome events and gatherings and use the communal lounges as a place to meet fellow owners and learn more about life in your new apartment.
And then for the fun part, choosing interiors that represent your style and unique personality. We’re often asked – what changes can I make to my retirement property? The answer is, you can make any cosmetic changes you would like, be that wallpaper, paint, kitchen worktops, or new carpets or flooring.
It may be worth considering that decorating a smaller apartment takes a slightly different approach to larger houses. Read our guide to decorating smaller spaces for tips on how to do it successfully. CLICK HERE
As you reach the end of this guide, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights into the steps involved in buying a new retirement apartment. Remember, finding the perfect retirement apartment is not just about the physical space—it’s about envisioning a new lifestyle and ensuring that your new home meets your needs, preferences, and aspirations for the future.
If this sounds like a lifestyle you would like to embrace, then why not contact Burghley Retirement Living to browse our range of luxury retirement apartments in Shipley, Derby, Thornton-Cleveleys, and Brighouse. Visit https://burghleyretirement.co.uk/locations/ to download a brochure or call 0800 999 1989 to arrange a personal tour.
*Development facilities vary by location
