Many people would like to live in their own house or apartment for as long as possible. But most single-family homes are purchased when the children are small and thus sometimes no longer are suitable for the requirements of old age.

By the time the kids move out, time has usually taken its toll on the building and renovations are required – for example a new kitchen or bathroom. This does not necessarily mean that the owners need to install a wheelchair- accessible bathtub, but it’s worth paying attention to the future, for example by avoiding unnecessary steps. If circumstances permit, part of the house can also be separated off into a self-contained apartment. The remaining space will be more than enough – and the rent will be a welcome source of additional income.

Wanted: compact apartment close to downtown
However, one problem cannot be solved by a head-to-toe renovation: your home on the outskirts of town may not be as convenient now that you are less agile on your feet, and could turn the trip to the shops into a long and arduous journey. If you want to relieve yourself from the burden of owning your own home, you may want to consider moving into a rental property nearer the center of town. Another solution could be to buy a smaller apartment.

This option is especially worthconsidering from a tax perspective, since buying another owner-occupied property could save you property gains tax under certain circumstances. However, it may not be as easy for you sell your old home as it is to find a new one.

Retirement home or shared housing for retired persons?
Mobile services such as Spitex make it easier for people to live alone until an older age and provide the option of outsourcing cooking, laundry and other housework as required. Sometimes, however, freeing yourself from day-to-day chores may not be the main motivation – perhaps you are more concerned about being part of a community. In such cases, a retirement home may offer the ideal solution. And even if you do not need all of the additional services offered at the present time, you can take advantage of them on a gradual basis as and when the need arises. Shared housing for retired persons is a modern form of living, where people set up a house so that they can spend their retirement together. The minor burdens of old age are often more manageable as part of a community. And there’s the added advantage of having someone to laugh with you at life’s little troubles.