Downsizing for retirement

The_Famous_Flame

BungalowBel said:

We downsized to a smaller place, but with a bigger garden and in a better area.  The bungalow is smaller than our house that we sold.  Ideally we would have liked one extra room and a proper utility instead of an alcove off the kitchen.  But the other things (it's a bungalow, it's a semi (we had terraced before) and it 's in a much nicer area), made up for the lack of rooms.  We stuck a large conservatory on the back and use that as a dining room/study.  We have two bedrooms.

It's all a matter of what you, personally, consider important.  We wanted a bungalow in a better area and that is what we have.  For you, you might want space.

Horses for courses really.

You love your bungalow so much it's incorporated into your username. That's a good sign! Where we are going - Southsea - garden's seem to be a premium, but lots of green space. Basements are common-ish and would suit one or both sons should they need help (or parents potentially). Bungalows have bigger footprints which appeals but stairs are the only exercise I get these days

The_Famous_Flame

Albermarle said:

The_Famous_Flame said:

vic_sf49 said:

I'd pay off the flat, move to it, and live there for a year (if it's not too small), to see if living in that area is what you really want. 

You might be there 2 months, and something about the area drives you nuts (flipping tourists etc), and you decide to rethink where you want to live.

It also might challenge you on how much space you want or need, vs how much you think you can downsize by. 

Hi Vic. That is definitely an option. The flat has stunning sea views and the few times we managed to stay there, we just sit by the window - TV free. It's not big enough for our 2 sons to stay and they are Uni age so not totally practical, but the romantic in me thinks it will be like when my wife and I were first together and lived in a small flat.
Probably be divorcing each other when we get cabin fever

One reason I would hesitate to get a smaller house, is less places to escape to you when you have ‘had words’ with the OH😄

Wise words my friend!