Any options to move mother closer?

MandM90

In my area I often see flats/static caravans/small homes at about 55/60% of market value for retirees. I have no idea what this entails but might be worth looking into?

A quick RM search of Shrewsbury shows 1 bed flats within walking distance of town, within her budget - would this be an option? Has she actually had her home valued yet?

luvchocolate

If looking at flats I would suggest ones for over 55s, I live in a ground floor flat open to all and if you get a young person above it can be very noisy, I once had a young family above it was a nightmare.

pmlindyloo

You could start by emailing these places and finding out what the criteria are:
http://www.housingcare.org/sheltered-housing/area-2-shrewsbury-and-atcham.aspx

sghughes42

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Flats are almost a 'last chance' option - she really wants a garden or at least some outdoor space and most flats come with none. Most of those I've seen on Rightmove wouldn't be suitable.

Those who say get the home valued are right, but several houses on the same street have sold recently or had offers. For example, her neighbour had the option of a quick move but was offered less than £50k. One over the road which has had a lot of work done plus a big extension went for under £100k. If they had had gas installed when they had the chance it might have made £80k but with all the upgrade work that needs doing (including a re-wire which is a bit overdue) I'd think £60k seems a sensible value to work to without being over-optimistic. (There also has been subsidence in the past due to the mining for which they had a pay-out I believe)

Unfortunately, the vast majority of houses in this town go to BTL landlords and there are lots of new houses being built for those who can afford a bit more. This is one of the 'nicer' areas but still if she asks too much she would struggle to sell.

We are trying to persuade her that a move now while she is still fairly mobile would be better for her long-term rather than being forced to move when she can no longer manage. Also, moving to somewhere that actually has shops and things to do will benefit her mentally I feel. I can't begin to describe how grim her home town has become since the pit closed.

oystercatcher

Just a thought but has she considered a park home ? I have a friend who downsized to one nearby as she needed a bungalow and bricks and mortar bungalows were out of her price range. She is very happy there and has a small garden. Not for everyone of course but worth considering.

teddysmum

There are lots of media stories about the drawbacks of park homes,including having to buy gas and electricity from the site owner, rapid loss of value and unfair treatment. This option would need a lot of in depth research.

tlc678910

Hi,
you could consider if you or your sister might be able to move house in the not too distant future? In this case you could ask mum if she would like to use her money to help buy somewhere suitable - extra bedroom, bathroom and reception room for example, or buy somewhere with room to extend if mum would like to build an extension for herself?
Tlc

Terrysdelight

My inlaws owned their own little house. This is in Lancashire. They needed a bungalow. They were allowed to put their name on a waiting list for sheltered accommodation and recently they moved to a one bedroom bungalow.

They now rent out their house, pay their rent out of the profit and have a spare bit of money left over even after the tax man gets his bit.