This year has brought many changes to the way we work and live, including a trend for some to take early retirement.
"We've noticed a spike in interest following the hard lockdown, with people deciding to take retirement sooner than they'd planned," says Phil Barker of Renishaw Property Developments.
Choosing a retirement village is one of the big decisions, and Barker has the following advice:
• Take the time to consider the location of the retirement estate and how convenient it is in terms of proximity to shops, medical facilities and your friends and family.
• Make sure the estate is financially sound before investing your savings into it. Do some research and ask some difficult questions.
• Security is crucial - you need to know about everything that keeps residents safe, including electric fences, CCTV cameras, 24/7 patrols, access control and a manned control room.
• Be sure that the estate is sustainable and can cope with future challenges, such as heavy rain. Check up on the developer's credentials and ensure it is well-built and sufficient services are available.
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