To downsize at 65

[user1471552412]

I have a 3 bedroom Victorian terrace in a rough/noisy area.
I live on my own & don't particularly like the house.
I recently had a cancer diagnosis that suggest a survival of 2-4 years, but could of course be longer.
My mobility is getting worse & I often sleep in the dining room ( bathroom is downstairs)as I struggle with stairs.
I am thinking of downsizing to a 1 bed, groundfloor flat.
This will free up some money to do nice things with my adult children, while I can.
But I have some days when I feel really unwell & the fatigue is hard.
I am scared to make a final decision to market the house in case I suddenly decline.
But I could live another 4 years, I would love the freedom of a small flat with no mainenance/garden worries.
Do I go for it or sit tight & suck-up the noisy neighbours and unsettled feeling?
AIBU to move with stage 4 cancer?

I’m sorry about your diagnosis-that must be so hard. Get your house on the market and make your remaining life comfortable

You are very reasonable to move somewhere you will feel happier. If you feel tired doing the move, get some help and don't do it all on your own. The sooner you do it the sooner you will be happier.

Forgive me and apologies if I get the wording wrong
but selling , moving and settling in getting things right can take 12 months not to mention the stress and is there flat about
would it be easier to adapt where you are

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am in a similar position but I have parkinsons disease. I am selling up and moving to a smaller house. I was put off flats because the service charges can be crippling. Go where you can enjoy whatever time you have

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Mind yourself.

Absolutely prioritise yourself now!
I would definitely downsize to something that will ensure you are more comfortable. Whether it's 2 years or 10 years, your comfort is the priority right now. I would personally look for something ground floor with a wet room if possible so that you have more comfort during tired times of treatment and nice and small that there isn't the worry of cleaning!

In terms of the move during a time of illness, I would actually splurge and get a moving company to help. They can be pricey but honestly if you happen to free up some cash in the house move anyway then it's money worth spending to enjoy your time instead. Get your adult kids to help out too.

All the best

I think that’s a really good plan. I do wonder if you could possibly stretch to a 2 bed? I think that’s does give you more flexibility for someone who needs to help you to stay over. But in general it’s a great idea.

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. It sounds potentially a good idea, but will your kids be able to help if the going gets physically tough? In your position I'd want to have someone who can step in to deal with the day-to-day conveyancing stuff and definitely people to help you pack and physically move.

Move op, and all the very best 💐

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis @user1471552412. Is it possible that your adult children could handle most of the logistics in the sale of your current house? Are they able to sort out your furniture and belongings for you? We did this for my late DM when she needed to downsize. My DM found a lovely flat to rent. This might save you the stress of buying another property? I realise that will depend on what there is available to rent where you want to be and how secure the tenancy would be. Wishing you all best OP.

On one hand I think go for it, but I do think maybe having a bedroom someone could potentially sleep in and help you out may be a good idea. Could you make a little flat for yourself inside your current house, make the ground floor into a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom?

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I think I will go for it, mostly to be in a better area. My kids are mostly on board & will help. Good idea to stretch to a 2 bedroom for when I may need more help & one of the kids could stay.
Fortunately property is cheap here in Wales & I will free up some 'splurge' money. Although have to factor in Service charges etc

How far away are your DC and are they in a position to actually help if required?
An observation I have heard, and agree with, is that people look for a house for where they are now, not where they will be in 1-5 years.

If you are not expecting heavy input from DC then I would look hard at renting a Macarthy and Stone or similar. You release money to do what you want, you don’t have any maintenance to worry about. They are expensive, but you are not paying for a bricks and mortar building but access to a warden, dining room and freeing up headspace.

3 out of 4 of my kids are local & will help, plus grown-up grandchild. I have thought about renting but I don't see any decent flats with secure Tenancies. Also I feel too young to go to a Retirement type place. I am probaly being stubborn, but I fancy a nice little flat along the river, near the cafes & some 'life'

Do it. But be prepared for the process to potentially be quite stressful. But; I’d like to be in a small modern low-demand property somewhere nice in your position too.

I am so sorry to hear you are suffering from stage 4 cancer @user1471552412. Please move into a calmer environment while you can . Bless you l wish you all the best sweetheart

Worth checking out what you could buy for your money and how much service charges would be. It would be less stressful once you are in a flat as you will have reduced your belongings and although service charges are high you could find yourself with some hefty bills if you move to an older property and need any updating like boiler, roof, windows etc.
Moving to a home that’s easier to manage and more accessible to cafes etc will improve your quality of life too!

Do it OP , get yourself a lovey little one bed x

So sorry about your diagnosis. Yes, I think it would be an extremely good idea to act now to make your life more enjoyable and comfortable. Get the house on the market ASAP and enjoy the time you have with your DC. If you are worried about not feeling well enough to deal with the selling process, ask your DC to help with it. I’m sure they would be more than happy to ease your burden.

Go for it. If you’re freeing up money I’d strongly suggest a moving company who will literally pack up everything you own, then unpack it. My mother moved when ill and its the organising of the move, boxes, sorting etc that she found most stressful.

Given your illness and having some bad days, I think it's a really good idea to downsize now.

Do it, what do you need a big house like that for
it will just collect dust as it will be hard to keep on top off especially as you say you get “ off days”

Enjoy your last years , choose a lovely area with shops,cafes etc so you can walk to or very short bus ride away
Do they not have any over 50’s flats in Wales yiu could rent ?
why don’t you try an AD on Facebook for a flat
people ask all the time . If it’s a landlord they may want a renter for 2-4 years or longer and obviously a good age to rent too . try your situation you never know there are still some kind people about.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, make the most of your years left ❤️

Agreed. Don't waste a moment.
Get an agent round tomorrow - get it up for sale and start looking for a lovely one bed ground floor flat.

Wishing you all the very best. Xx