When it comes to home buying guides, there are plenty out there that focus on the process for first home buyers, but how many do you come across that focus on last home buyers? About zero, right? However, just as there are plenty of considerations to take into account when purchasing your first home, there are plenty of things to think about when it comes to buying your final home, too.
So before you sign on the dotted line for your next dream home, just have a look through our checklist to see if this place is going to be the right one for you.
What are the access ways like?
While you may be just fine and dandy now walking up and down stairs (thank you very much!), you should take into consideration living in your new home for the rest of your home. As we age, we become less mobile. My 99-year-old mother currently lives at home with us, and let me tell you, there is no way that she could not navigate the back stairs that my 22-year-old son bounds up every day. You should choose single story homes or places where you could potentially use a chair lift to ensure you’ll be able to use all the spaces.
What are the bathrooms like?
Accessibility is another major factor in bathroom design. When we renovated our bathroom around 7 years ago my mother wasn’t staying with us as yet, but I could see it looming in the near future. Our old setup was a lovely shower over bath design – which is my favourite. However, I knew if mum were to ever live with us, this wouldn’t work for her. Instead, we split the bathroom into two smaller bathrooms – one with a shower over bath and one with a walk-in shower. Walk-in showers really are the only option for the less mobile. We’ve also put in a non-slip chair in there to make it easier.
How big is it?
Unless you still have children or parents staying with you, there is no reason to have a large house anymore. While it’s nice to have big, open spaces, this also means more house to take care of. Which means more cleaning than you have to – no thanks. Anything beyond two bedrooms (yours, and a spare if you wish) is really a waste. Now is a good time to downsize – you simply don’t need the extra room.
Are the gardens extensive?
While beautiful, cultured gardens are wonderful to look at, and a great hobby now, you might like to think a little further along down the track. Just how much work is involved in the garden? Will it take a fair bit out of you to maintain? And when you are less mobile will it just become overgrown, or will you be able to afford a gardener? All important questions to think about.
Where is it located?
The final thing to think about is location. While a lovely little rural property might sound like the perfect way to wind down the clock, it is going to be practical? You will need to think about the distance to facilities you’ll need such as the shopping centre, parks, local doctors, etc. You may take into consideration public transport, too, as you may not be driving forever. And finally, you can think about the distance to your family – usually, closer is much easier!