Planning a downsizing move for 2021? Here’s what you need to know

Today’s generation of 60 and 70 year olds have high expectations for a long, active and social retirement. When they plan a downsizing move as a step towards their dream retirement, finding somewhere that they can achieve the best possible quality of life is paramount. Of course, the upheavals of 2020 have also shifted the way many of us think about how we live – we have new priorities now – for example in appreciating how lucky we are if we have some outdoor space and a close knit community.

These past months, when we have all spent so much time at home, have confirmed to many of us what’s really important. It’s being able to access help and support when we need. It’s being able to easily step outside for some sunshine or fresh air and having a beautiful garden where we can catch up safely with our friends and family.

So, now more than ever as we adjust to living with the knock-on effects of the coronavirus, these are the kinds of questions buyers have when they are looking for a retirement property. Will I have a big enough garden to invite friends to? Will I have my own private terrace? Is it possible to live independently and still have help and support on hand if I need it? And of course, with Covid-restrictions, can I still go to see potential properties?

The perfect property is out there

In fact, the right retirement property can deliver exactly what buyers are looking for in a post-Covid market. Apartments at Mulberry Court our latest development, in the heart of Hampton Wick, have private terraces or balconies, as well as extensive shared gardens – providing space for outdoor dining, as well as a beautiful setting. This means buyers have the room they need to socialise safely, as well as a private outdoor place of their own.

When it comes to support and company, Mulberry Court is a ready-made community, with friends on the doorstep, as well as the security and independence of apartments with their own front door. Every owner can rely on concierge support and domestic services, for anything they need day to day – a reassurance should we ever need to consider the impact of another lockdown.

Ready to go? Consider these tips

With buyers now seeing the advantages of the ‘village within a village’ concept offered by a development like Mulberry Court, given the ongoing restrictions we’re all living with, are market conditions right to move?

We’ve put together some pointers to bear in mind if you’re currently planning a downsizing move:

1) The housing market is still open

As we write the housing market is very much still running: you are still allowed to view homes, as well to go ahead with any planned moves. Estate agents and the property market have been asked to follow the necessary public health guidelines (such as social distancing and ensuring that properties are cleaned between viewings), something that we adhere to in our own marketing suite with the upmost care. So, downsizing to your dream lifestyle is still possible, albeit with a few additional rules in place.

2) Get the right support in place to help with your move

For many people planning to downsize, the logistics of packing up the family home ready for a move can be very daunting. A specialist company that we collaborate with, The Senior Moves Partnership, can help you to come up with a room-by-room plan, which keeps the stress to a minimum and makes it easy to choose which furnishings and fittings will work best in your new property. Their support makes the process much easier, so you can look forward to a fresh start in your new home.

3) Plan ahead as much as possible

It’s a sad fact that quality retirement properties are in very short supply so if you hope to downsize in 2021, it’s a good idea to start planning as early as you can. Whether it’s identifying what you want in terms of location – a local High Street and good transport links for example – or how much space you’ll need, it pays to give yourself time to find the perfect property. And once you find it, book in all the help you might need as early as possible, including with a consultancy like The Senior Moves Partnership, and a well-recommended removals firm.

What next?

If 2021 is the year you plan to downsize from a larger property to an apartment tailored for retirement living then:

• Act early to have your existing house valued and prepped for sale
• Begin tidying or decluttering – the more you can do, the easier your move will be
• Speak to our friendly team on 0208 132 4120 to join our mailing list for updates on Mulberry Court, and other forthcoming developments, so you’ll be the first to hear of available properties