Are You Planning Carefully For Your Retirement?

Is that time approaching when you finally have the time to do what you want? Do you yearn to retire to the sun or that favourite holiday resort where you’ve spent many a happy hour?

Take care, take your time and essentially ensure it is what you and your family want.

More people than ever are deciding to retire abroad, and careful planning is essential.  Which country do you choose? Obviously some are ideal for retirement but others less so, you are spoilt for choice, so do your research, property magazines, specialist exhibitions, the internet and legal and professional experts can all assist.

The place you choose to retire to needs to match with your lifestyle and character as near as possible.  Are you a mountain person who cannot wait for the first snowflake of winter, or do you dread the cold and long to stretch out on the terrace with a glass of wine?

Choose the wrong country and you will be miserable, choose the right one and every morning will greet you with a smile.

There are some places where you can have the best of both worlds, take Cyprus for example with the beautifully forested almost alpine Troodos Mountains and an excellent mix of coastal beach resorts.  Spain’s beautiful old towns with steep cobbled streets and long hot summers will they be appreciated so much in your later years?

Retirement developments exist in Spain but these are not always available in other countries but a wide variety of bungalow-style properties designed with low maintenance in mind are now being built for expatriate retirees.  Finding a property that meets your needs can take a lot of research but is well worth the time so you get exactly what you want.

Consider the cost of living in your chosen destination, local produce like fruit, vegetables and wine can reduce your household bills.  Developing countries like Turkey can be even cheaper, whereas in the Caribbean, where everything is imported, your cost of living will be higher.

Consider the importance of keeping in touch with friends and family, for frequent visits you need a country where there is good access from the UK.  Unfortunately property in areas that are accessible are often more expensive.

When choosing a place to retire to you need to consider whether you wish to have a network of British people to socialise with or maybe you prefer to immerse yourself in the local culture. When you feel you have made a decision it would be wise to holiday there first, get to know your surroundings and really believe that this is the place, before you make any long term commitment.  Why not rent before you buy an excellent way to make friends in advance.

Check out the availability of access to Health Services and ensure that the country you choose can provide the medical facilities that you will require as you get older.  Ask about private health insurance or whether you can join the national health system.  If you are thinking of retiring in Europe then apply for the new European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the E111 form.

Take your time, plan carefully and you will have a happy retirement in the right country of your choice.