The topic of age-appropriate living is becoming increasingly important in today’s society. With increasing life expectancy and the desire for independence even in later years, the demand for living concepts that are tailored to these needs is growing. But what exactly does age-appropriate living mean, and why might it make sense to sell your existing property and invest in a smaller, barrier-free apartment?
What is age-appropriate living?
Age-appropriate living refers to living spaces that are specially adapted to the needs of older people. This includes barrier-free access, non-slip floors, wider doors for rollators or wheelchairs and easily accessible sanitary facilities. An elevator in the building or at least an apartment on the first floor can also help older people feel safe and comfortable in their own four walls. Many age-appropriate residential complexes also offer additional services such as janitor services, shopping assistance or communal areas that promote social interaction.
The property sale checklist provides a comprehensive overview of the key steps and tasks for a successful sale.
Why selling the existing property can make sense
Many people in their “prime” live in houses or apartments that they bought many years ago. These properties are often generously proportioned, have several floors and may not be centrally located. However, as people get older, these features can become challenges. A large house requires a lot of care and maintenance, stairs are an obstacle, and the distance to doctors, stores or social facilities can make everyday life more difficult.
Selling the existing property and buying a smaller, age-appropriate apartment can therefore be advantageous in many respects:
- Financial flexibility: The sale of a larger property can free up financial resources that can either be invested in the new home or used for other purposes. For example, many older people would like to travel or have financial security.
- Reduced effort: A smaller home requires less care and maintenance. This relieves the burden on older people and gives them more time and energy for the finer things in life.
- Accessibility: Older properties are often not designed to meet the needs of older people. Buying a modern, barrier-free home can make everyday life much easier and promote independence.
- Central location: Many older people want an apartment in a central location in order to have short distances to doctors, stores and cultural activities. Moving to such an environment can significantly improve quality of life.
- Social aspect: An often overlooked aspect of age-appropriate housing is the change in social structures and household sizes in old age. Statistics show that households with one or two people dominate in old age, which further increases the need for smaller, barrier-free apartments.
As the chart shows, single and two-person households will be the most common forms of housing in 2022. In many cases, residents will remain in large homes that are oversized for their current needs after the children move out.
The right timing and the right decision
The sale of a long-standing property is often associated with emotions. Memories attached to the house can make the decision-making process more difficult. However, it is important to remain pragmatic and weigh up the benefits of moving to an age-appropriate home. A real estate expert can provide valuable support in this process by determining the current market value of the existing property and identifying suitable new housing options.
We are happy to assist you in selling your old property and finding a suitable new one. Schedule a property consultation now.
Conclusion
Age-appropriate living is not just a question of comfort, but also of quality of life and security. Selling your property and moving into a smaller, barrier-free apartment can help you enjoy a carefree and self-determined retirement. It is worth thinking about this option early on and setting the course for a comfortable and independent life in old age.
If you are considering selling your property and investing in an age-appropriate apartment, our experts at properti will be happy to assist you. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
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