5 Tips to Help You Build the Ideal Home for Retirement

If you’re entering or approaching retirement one of the biggest decisions you’re faced with is deciding where to live. Will you stay on in the family home? Buy a smaller house? Or build a brand-new home?

A big benefit of building a new home is the ability to include features that will make your home suitable for longer. And while it’s true that you can adapt some things later as you need, having a home that’s specifically built for your retirement years means you can enhance your quality of life and settle in and enjoy your new home stress-free.

So if you’re considering moving from the family home in retirement and building is an option, read on to learn 5 tips to help you build a home that’s ideal for retirement.

1. The Perfect Size

Most retirees who move are looking to downsize to reduce the amount of household chores,  maintenance and upkeep required. This makes sense, but remember, when you’re building a new smaller home you don’t need to compromise. Choose a design that makes smart use of space and has a few luxury features and you’ll love your home that much more.

When your design includes features such as an open plan living area, built-in robes, separate laundry and raked ceilings it can make your smaller home feel much larger than it is. When you also have a deck and private outdoor space to relax and entertain, it further extends the space, adding a little bit of luxury which is always appreciated. The Rawson design is a great example of this.

2. The Right Location

Another great benefit of building is flexibility in where you live. Rather than trying to find the right house in the right location, you just need to find the right block. In retirement, being close to the services and facilities that you need is a must. Living within a safe and friendly community is also a big plus.

You may decide to purchase a block or opt for a lifestyle village where you can rent the land. If you go with the latter, you choose a block to build your new home on and pay a small weekly rental fee on the land rather than buying it outright. Before you decide, it’s a good idea to seek professional financial advice to see which option is best for you.

3. Single Storey

As you get older, stairs can be a real pain – so if you’re building for retirement, it’s best to avoid double storey designs. When choosing your block, look for land that is mostly flat too. That way you can avoid navigating steep driveways and paths and minimise steps leading up to the house.

4. Low-Maintenance

A low-maintenance home is ideal in retirement as it allows you to spend your free time doing things you enjoy. Laborious tasks are only going to get harder as you age, so try and reduce them as much as possible.

Look for flooring that is hard-wearing and easy to maintain such as vinyl planks. Durable cladding that doesn’t need regular oiling or painting is also great. In addition, small gardens and lawns require less work to keep them tidy and looking good.

5. Easily Accessible

If you plan to live in your home as long as possible, including features that increase accessibility is a great idea. Extra space in doorways, kitchens and bathrooms can make it easier to navigate through the home without bumps and falls and can even make the home wheelchair friendly. You could also consider including a ramp to at least one of the external doors and smooth pathways around the house for ease of access.

The Right Design Can Make Life Easier

Deciding where you’ll live in retirement is a huge and very personal decision. Take your time and research your options thoroughly and talk to family and professionals who can offer advice. If you decide to build a new home, it can be really rewarding and the end result is a home you love that’s the ideal fit for many years to come.

Over to You

Do you have a question about building a new home in our village? We’re always happy to help! Simply post a comment below or get in touch with our friendly managers on 03 5174 2384.