Is it time to start thinking about downsizing? Not sure what kind of home to consider for your current and future needs? The range of home properties is diverse and offers something for everyone. If you’re like many people, you have thought about moving but perhaps aren’t sure what the right place is for your next home. Perhaps this is the perfect time to retire and downsize but you just don’t know where to go or don’t have the energy to take the next step? Here’s a rundown of the more popular housing types and what they offer.
Detached
Detached homes are stand-alone homes, and do not share walls with other homes. They have distinct property boundary lines and often have a front porch and backyard. They can vary in space, size, and privacy. Owners of detached homes are responsible for the maintenance of the home as well as the land. You can expect to pay more in property taxes, as well. Going from a large house to a smaller house is still considered downsizing!
Semi-detached
Semi-detached homes, such as duplexes, share a wall with another property. If you’re wanting to downsize from a detached home, the semi-detached home is the next best option. You still have a private backyard, typically, but the land may be smaller so less maintenance. The home itself will also be smaller in space than a detached one but still offer privacy.
Townhouses
Townhouses are rows of houses that share walls on both sides with neighbors unless you’re on the very end. Depending on what you are looking for, townhouses can be a great option to downsize to. While townhomes typically do not have a backyard, many offer small outdoor patios and all will have their own exterior front entrance.
Condo
If you need a living space that offers a hands-off approach to maintenance, then the condominium home is your best bet. The condo strata council will run and maintain the building’s common areas and exterior. A smaller footprint also means typically lower costs in terms of utilities and property taxes. However, there are other trade-offs to consider. Condo owners are limited in the changes they can make in renovating the space (e.g. structural support walls must be left in place). Monthly strata fees are payable to contribute to the building’s operating budget which covers repairs and maintenance of the condominium building. You will also have no say as to the other tenants that the condo accepts (for a rental building), or who your other neighboring condo owners are.
Retirement Residence
For those who are at a stage where they no longer want any home maintenance of any kind, and are tired of cooking and house chores, a retirement residence might be the right choice. A retirement residence can offer independent living for the senior who wants to live in an active community and be totally worry-free when it comes to cooking, housing maintenance, or housekeeping. Retirement residences offer compact housing that is easier to navigate, ample opportunities for socializing, and in-house services that make life easier such as housekeeping, laundry, dining, and transportation. However, it can be pricey, depending on the location and services offered.
In addition to independent-living retirement residences, for those who need a bit more personal support, there are assisted living residences and care homes, both of which provide varying levels of personal care, medication management, mobility assistance, and dementia care.
It can be overwhelming leaving a home to downsize. That’s why Home to Home Advisory Services is here to help you every step of the way. We can help seniors select the ideal seniors residence, and our transition services help seniors make a smooth move and downsize into their new home, whether that be a seniors residence or an independent home.
Contact us today!
#720-999 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K5
Tel: 604-739-8080
Tags: aging, downsizing, eldercare, homes, moving, senior, seniors