Moving home can be a daunting prospect. To help you, we have put together the main points to think about when considering moving to a retirement property.

Below are suggested things to consider:

• Your preferences
• Location
• The estate
• Your home
• Support and care

Your preferences

• Do you want to buy or rent your new home?
• What type of property do you require i.e. a bungalow, flat or studio?
• Do you need a home on the ground floor, or can you have a home on the first floor or above?
• Would you consider a property with lift access?
• Do you want a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom home? (Please note as we have a limited number of 2 bedroom properties. We aim to match size of household and medical needs, this may mean you experience a longer wait.)
• Do you want to stay close to your friends and neighbours or move closer to relatives?
• Do you have a pet you wish to keep with you? Hanover has a pet friendly policy.
• Do you have any particular hobbies or interests that you want to continue?
• What type of service are you interested in; alarm only, Estate Manager service, communal facilities?

Location

If you can, look around the neighbourhood and consider the following;

• Do you like the location?
• Is it close enough to town or the countryside?
• Is it too busy or too quiet for you?
• Do you know anyone living locally?
• Are there facilities or societies for older people nearby?
• Is the local community, shops or post office within easy reach?
• Are the bus services frequent and convenient?

The estate

Once you have found an estate you are interested in, arrange to visit and ask as many questions as you feel necessary. You may wish to take along a family member or friend with you. If possible, try to visit the estate twice as it may look and feel different on a rainy day or at the weekend. To arrange a visit to an estate please contact our Letting and Enquiries Team on 0800 2802575.

 When visiting an estate consider the following:

• Is it attractive and well cared for?
• Is it safe and secure? All Hanover estates are alarmed.
• Is there an estate manager service?
•  When is the estate manager available?
• Does it offer the facilities you want, for example, a communal lounge, mobility scooter store, laundry room, hairdressing salon, or a guest suite?
• Are there gardens and who maintains them?

Your home

It is important that you view the actual property before making a decision and consider the following;

• Is the property suitable to your needs?
• Is it easy to move around the property?
• Are the fitted cupboards and kitchen appliances easy to reach?
• Consider if there is room for your furniture and belongings

Support and care

In considering the facilities, think about the help you may need today and in the future.

• Does the estate manager have links with social or health services?
• How close is the local GPs surgery and hospital?
• Is there a cleaning service available?
• If you need more support, is Extra Care housing available in your area?

Remember this checklist when you search for a property and are considering Hanover’s different types of housing. Alternatively contact our Lettings and Enquiries Team on 0800 2802575 where we can provide more information about our range of housing and support services to help you in your current home. The Service Centre can also be contacted by writing to:

Hanover Enquiries Team
Nelson House
Alington Road 
Eynesbury
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 6RE