Re-Thinking Location In Retirement And Future-Proofing Happiness

The question of a retirement location is always challenging, is it best to stay in an area you’ve lived in for years? Or to move to be near family? Or to pick a new area that meets other needs or aspirations?

John Lavin of Cognatum says: “Retirement brings with it the advantages of more leisure time, and greater flexibility, so historically many retired buyers would select areas that were well served by rail links, and with uncomplicated access to airports. Living through a pandemic has led to many buyers re-thinking what is important in an area. Travel of all sorts, but particularly overseas travel, has become either impossible or undesirable; those that have been happiest during lockdown and the tentative steps out of it are those who have had access to a range of things to do and places to go literally on their doorsteps.

“While this pandemic will undoubtedly pass, many people will have recognised that immediate surroundings are incredibly important, potentially taking priority over everything else. From a day to day point of view, the ability to walk to facilities such as shops, pubs, doctor, chemist, church and local friends is vital.

“And there’s little question that being close to family and friends is imperative. The experience of being isolated during the pandemic has had a lasting impact on people of all ages, but particularly those in their later years who are now keen to make every moment count. Pre-Covid, 40% of our residents made moves to be nearer family; based on recent enquiries, we expect this figure to rise significantly. But a decision to move to be nearer loved ones should be well thought through – it’s important that the area ticks other boxes as well.

“One of the advantages of being so severely restricted during Lockdown was the discovery of the joy of local. People who had lived in an area for years found walks, shops, cycle paths and attractions on their doorsteps that they hadn’t known about. And as restrictions have been lifted, day trips just a little further afield have offered excitement that previously might have been overlooked in favour of heading into a city or jumping on an aeroplane.

Bluecoat Pond

“Having spent so much time in our homes, immediate surroundings have also taken on more importance; the best spot for morning coffee, a place to watch the sunset, gardens and vegetables to tend. An inside/outside space where you can have fresh air while sheltered from the elements, and ongoing activity to stimulate the interest – the ability to see spring unfold in such tiny detail was a huge pleasure for many.

“So our advice to those relocating in retirement is to pay attention to all these elements of place and space – your own curtilage; what you can walk to; and what you can drive to within an hour. If you can be 90% content within these parameters you’ve found a good location that is robust in terms of future-proofing happiness.

“Make a list of the things you love to do, whether that’s fishing, visiting National Trust properties, walking in the woods, joining local societies, playing bridge or golf or tennis, being close to water, gardening, climbing hills, swimming, café culture, and whatever it is you’re into, make sure you can do it, all year round, within a 30 minute drive. Think of it as bringing the best bits of holiday home. You’ll find yourself with less wanderlust, and more day to day contentment.”

Examples of properties on Cognatum estates that are currently for sale:

Petersfinger Farm, Salisbury

Cognatum’s newest development, Petersfinger Farm consists of four immaculately renovated 18th- and 19th-century barns sitting peacefully in 37 acres of bucolic surroundings of water and wildflower meadows and orchards leading down to the River Avon. Prices for the barns start at £699,950. Find out more at www.petersfingerfarm.co.uk.

Bluecoat Pond, near Horsham

There are currently two properties on the market at Bluecoat Pond that have been updated and include open plan living spaces and conservatories with doors opening onto the private gardens. Prices from £525,000 to £550,000. Find out more at cognatum.co.uk.