Should I sell and move into a flat

[BlueHotel]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, tell me if not. Quite a long back story but this is my current situation.

I am living alone in a three bedroom terraced town house (80's) inherited from my mother and rented out until my OH and I moved here in October 21. We had been living abroad and moved because he became physically unable to keep up our big old house, large garden and boat - and he was showing obvious signs of dementia. He went into a care home in April this year, he is physically much better, reasonably content and I visit him 3 or 4 times a week.

The house is in a perfect location, south coast, ten minutes walk from the sea, shops and the care home, but I don't like it very much mainly because the living/dining room faces NW (a bit more west) and is very gloomy in the winter when the sun is low - there's a big block of flats behind me. I find that quite depressing. There are other issues, but they could be fixed - which I wouldn't bother with if I'm going to sell. I actually like living alone, I'm 78 but very fit and active, I have joined clubs and exercise classes and have begun to make friends. They think I should move into a flat "before you have to". There are plenty around even considering my strict criteria (no further away from the amenities and the care home, must have at least a balcony, south facing, two bedrooms, separate kitchen). But I don't know if it's the right thing to do.

I've already had to get rid of a lot of stuff as this house is much smaller than where we were. The flats are all quite standard and have smaller living rooms and not much storage. I would probably have to buy new furniture which I can afford but wouldn't enjoy the hassle. I'm a bit worried that a south facing balcony will be too hot to be useful in the summer. I'm thinking that when I get to the stage where I can't live alone/can't get upstairs then I might as well move into some sort of assisted living complex.

All my old friends and my daughter think it's a good idea to move, that's why I'm asking a bunch of strangers on the internet. Sorry it's so long.

BTW, OH and I have completely separate finances, he is able to pay for his care and the house is mine.

Reading your OP, I don’t think you are ready for this move. If you find looking out onto a block of flats depressing how much more depressing would it be to live in one?

my mother is 85. Was extremely fit until recently, her balance has gone. I’ve posted about this on elderly parents section. Still physically fit for her age, nothing wrong with her legs but without balance she is having falls.

Its good advice move before you have too but maybe explore other options. Ground floor maisonette or bungalow?

It sounds like moving would be a good idea, but I'm not sure a flat is what will help you settle.

it isnt inevitable that everyone must move into a flat. Don’t do things becomes you think others expect it.

think about how your needs might change. Do you have a downstairs loo If the stairs become difficult? Can you afford a cleaner to come in - and a gardener?

You also need to properly research flats - the management companies can be a nightmare and noise can be a real issue. So only do what makes you happy - other people are very free with their opinions on how other people should live!

fortified with tea It's not the sight of the block of flats that's depressing, it's the fact that they block out low winter sun and leave my living room gloomy. Really, that's the only thing I can't change. But you're right, I don't think I'm ready to move, hence my indecision. Unfortunately there are no bungalows less than half a mile away and the location of this house is perfect. I want to be able to walk to visit OH and to do all my activities.
ChristmasCakeandStilton yes - lots of disadvantages of flats
Stripedbag101 Research is certainly needed, maybe looking at some of the flats for sale will make up my mind. I do have a downstairs loo and shower. I could afford help. A couple of my new friends downsized from a big family home, that isn't my situation. And I'm not taking too much notice of my daughter! On the one hand she tells me I'm not old, and on the other she and her husband (in their mid-fifties) are already planning their future move to a retirement village

Thank you all for responding. It has helped and I'm definitely leaning towards staying, but I'll do some research too.

Have a good look round ! You might find something you like , in which case, you will have found a solution. If you don’t find anything, you will still be living somewhere you like ( and will probably like more by contrast with all the flats you have rejected). Good luck.

I think at 78 but active, now would be a good time to move into a property that will still suit you in 10 years and beyond. Either somewhere without stairs (bungalow) or a nice flat with a lift. An easier decision I would think considering you don’t love your current place.

You're not happy were you are then move but find the right thing for you