Downsizing and heating costs

Savvy_Sue

My friend has a glorious view of 'The Square', which until recently used to have a Burger Van open late at night. Of course that used to attract its fair share of antisocial behaviour, but two floors up it's not a problem.

She feels she has the best of many worlds: security of tenure (something she hasn't had for many years), suitable accommodation for the long-term, congenial people around her, shops and bus stop practically outside the front door, off-street parking ...

They have lovely gardens which the residents can get involved in if they want, she's not at all cut off.

I think what I'm trying to say is that not all retirement complexes are shut away.

There's another much larger complex I've mentioned before - although there's everything you could want on site, and a progression of accommodation from 'sheltered' to 'very sheltered' to 'pretty much incapable nursing home', there's a cricket pitch in the middle of the complex, with a covenant which says it's to be kept available to the club for ever (or at least a very long time). I know my dad would think that was heaven, in the summer!

It's definitely worth having a GOOD look round, because there is SUCH variety.

[Deleted User]

oh yes there are some terrible rip-offs re leasehold and managemt charges. Our development is not for over 50s but by its nature, there are only 2 babies here. We are in process of buying the freehold and will be ultimately responsible for setting our own level of service and charges. I would never consider the likes of mc carthy and stone and their appalling charges. Hopefully this will be our last home, taking into account cleaners and stair lifts in (hopefully) the far distant furure. We have two 85 year olds living here and we all keep an eye on them and they attend everything going

Perhaps the last home for us might be renting but we`ll see, as many many flats are so lonely and this place is definitely not lonely. Hopefully we are going to develop allotments next year when we own the freehold, the potential is endless really.

OP think carefully about being stuck in a room on your own, day after day

[Deleted User]

what about GIRLINGS

http://www.girlings.co.uk/index.php?mn=317

it appears that the rent includes management costs and the tenancy is assured. I assume you could move if you don`t like it

carefullycautious

Thanks for all your replies. Some food for thought. keep the ideas coming