My last move - where to move to, please?

Jennifer_Jane

Oh, I'm unsure where to post this, but would be glad of some thoughts and advice, please...



I am 62, single, and have a half-sister and brother who live in the West Country. I am retiring in September, and have always planned, (in the 9 years I've been here) to move (from Cheshire) to be closer to them. I have two questions:

1. I thought that I would like Weston-super-Mare as it has the sea, and I spent all my holidays there when I was a child (granny lived there), so it's one of the constants in my life. Would that be a good idea, or would anybody suggest somewhere else (sister is in Wells; brother in Bristol)? I could probably sell my house for about £150000 (who knows, it sold two years ago at £160000, but the sale fell through).
2. I would like this to be my last move, so as I'm wondering about the types of flats that have access to a warden. Does anyone have any other ideas at all? I know that the monthly charges for these places are expensive, and I won't be well off at all (about £870 a month after tax).
3. I need to be somewhere safe, fairly tranquil, within walking distance of library, swimming pool, shops.

Would anyone help, please?
Thanks
Jen
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EdInvestor

You really need to research both property prices and facilities in your chosen area. Start with https://www.rightmove.co.uk for property and look at the local council websites for other info.Also useful to check availablility of good hospital, plus transport links, especially if you don't drive.Bear in mind the free bus pass when choosing a location -the closer you are to lots of bus routes the more mobile you can be.

I'd have thought you will find charges at warden assisted flats too expensive and also the age profile of other residents may be a little too high for you.

molly_mandy_2

I was just going to suggest rightmove.co.uk too !

For warden assisted retirement flats try a website like : http://www.smartnewhomes.com/Retirement/ and type in the area of your choice.

poet123

http://www.housingcare.org/assisted-living-extra-care-housing/area-1-somerset.aspx

http://www.housingcare.org/assisted-living-extra-care-housing/area-1-somerset.aspx

These may give you spome pointers. Your budget seems OK,and if you choose wisely you may have some extra capital to top up your income.

If you can find an interest rate suitable!!!I wouldregister with estate agents and get them to send details of any suitableproperties in the areas you are considering. Hope this helps.

chickmug

http://www.girlings.co.uk/

These folks specialise in over 55's/60's housing although look like all flats. And not cheap!

Have you tried the benefits board on MSE as they may be able to advise if you can claim anything extra. Like housing benefit?

chickmug

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1592655

Just thought this thread I put on a few weeks back may help?

Jennifer_Jane

Thanks so much for all replies. I have been looking at Rightmove and Google over the last year or so, of course.

Does anyone know anything about Weston these days (or other local towns). Anything I should know about the town? Is it still a nice little seaside resort - or is it full of ASBO people?

I take on board the idea that going into warden accessible accommodation isn't required now, but would be paid for - something to consider.

This is the kind of thing I was considering:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-21460174.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E1437&sortByPriceDescending=false&includeSSTC=true&_includeSSTC=on&retirement=true&pageNumber=2&backToListURL=%2Fproperty-for-sale%2Ffind.html%3FlocationIdentifier%3DREGION%255E1437%26sortByPriceDescending%3Dfalse%26includeSSTC%3Dtrue%26_includeSSTC%3Don%26retirement%3Dtrue%26index%3D10

I see that there is something called 'Close Care' and I had wanted to be more independent than this, but with someone keeping an eye on me as I got older. Somewhere with parking etc.

Thanks again. Very grateful for your responses.

Jen
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Jennifer_Jane

Thanks so much, chickmug. Of course, I should have done a search, so am grateful for your patience in pointing me in the right direction. The thread is exactly what I was looking for.

Re benefits - I worked out that I could be entitled to one penny a week in pension credit!

Thanks, all.
Regards
Jen
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chickmug

What do you get for £1600 per month charges.

My pal who is looking, like you, has come across this sort of figure and a lot more so is going off flats onto a small house but I do realise that the budget is important to you.

I know WSM and I am afraid I really don't like it but at the same time 'one mans meat is another mans poison'! We went to, close by, Burnham on Sea a few weeks ago and never again.

You say you have family in Wells which I find has a nice atmosphere but not near the sea.

My favourite places are all in the South West. Firstly Totnes where I have a lot of friends but it may be over budget. I good atmosphere and not far from many places to visit.

Another of my favorites is Sidmouth but again perhaps over budget?

chickmug

Jennifer_Jane wrote: »

Thanks so much, chickmug. Of course, I should have done a search, so am grateful for your patience in pointing me in the right direction. The thread is exactly what I was looking for.

Re benefits - I worked out that I could be entitled to one penny a week in pension credit!

Thanks, all.
Regards
Jen
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But are you sure you are not entitled to HB or CT benefit. Do ask on that board as there are some really good folks there. I know even if you get a penny on PC it could automatically entitle you to other things?

Jennifer_Jane

Ha! Yes, I see what you all mean. I think a re-think is in order. They are very expensive. It's the idea of not maintaining the house and garden especially in the future that appealed.

Oh well, cheaper to just go into ordinary house, I think, and text family if needs be!

Thanks
Jen