What to expect from a property viewing
Posted 20th March 2023
A Viewing Guide for Renting in Retirement
So, you’ve decided that you want to rent in retirement. It’s a great choice, as you have the support of an on-site manager and don’t have to worry about maintenance. But what should you be considering when viewing a retirement rental?
Viewing a property in the flesh is very different to perusing photos and videos online. It is the key opportunity to gather valuable information before deciding whether it could be the your new home.
You may also have different requirements that you need from your new property that you have not had to consider before.
Before viewing a retirement rental property
Strength in numbers – could you take a friend? We think it’s wise to try not to view by yourself. Questions that are important to you may be forgotten in the general flow of conversation. It may therefore help having a friend or family member to accompany you. They can prompt these questions and also give you a second opinion.
You will have a limited amount of time in the property so it could help to prepare a checklist beforehand of things that are important for you or you can use our checklist
If you are going to be late or can’t make the appointment, simply let us know; hopefully we can reschedule
Retirement renting in a new area
If you are viewing a retirement property in an area you are unfamiliar with, you may want to visit a few times. We’d recommend that you try and do this at varying times of the day. This is really important to get a feel for the area and make sure it’s right for you.
It’s also a great idea to make a note where the nearest bus stop, shop, pharmacy and doctors surgery are so you know where local amenities are.
If you can, it may be useful to speak to some of the local residents to see how they like living in the area.
It’s also a good idea to visit the local Tourist Information Office, as they will be able to provide you with maps of the area, places to visit and transport information.
Don’t forget your camera and a tape measure
Use a camera or phone to capture extra pictures of the property so you can remind yourself later. If you have any large pieces of furniture you wish to take with you it could be useful to know its size and measure space in the property to see if it will fit.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions
There’s no such thing as a stupid question; only stupid answers! Usually it will be the on site manager showing you the property – they will be able to advise on anything to do with the development location, the retirement community, any procedures and parking etc.
If you have any questions about the inside of the property or rental contract you can contact your My Future Living agent.
Phone: 01823 793 420
After your viewing
The first thing we would recommend is to create a list of your likes and dislikes about the property you have just viewed. This will help you to make a decision.
Don’t be afraid to book a second viewing, and perhaps choose a different time of day.
Here at My Future Living, we are dedicated to providing good quality retirement rentals for you to enjoy and make the most out of your retirement years.
There may be other applicants interested in the property – if several people like the property, then we will need to take some additional information from you so the landlord can make a decision. Decisions are generally based on affordability, current situation, position to proceed and on-site manager feedback.
We have written guides for renting a retirement property. Simply click on the links below for more information.