Thinking about moving home?

There are many reasons why you may want to consider moving from your home, including downsizing, health problems, bereavement, or problems with your neighbours. Moving house is a big step in your life so before making a decision, here are some things to consider.


Your housing options

There are a wide range of housing types available and different options depending on your needs.


Staying in your own home

If you’re finding it harder to manage daily tasks at home, like going to the bathroom or picking things up from the floor, there are some changes you could make to make life more comfortable. For example: some small pieces of equipment or adaptations to your home like hand rails, stair lifts, long handled grabbers, or tap turners can make it easier to move around and live independently.

Getting some extra help around the house could make a big difference to you such as help with:


Moving home

Your home might no longer suits your needs if

  • it’s too big and difficult to heat, clean or maintain
  • it can’t be adapted to suit your needs for example if you need a wet room or lift fitting

Downsizing to a smaller property where you have fewer maintenance worries may be a good option. Or moving into more specialist housing if you need more care or support.

Housing for older people has more information and the different specialist housing options available including extra care.

Renting a home may be a good option for you as it can be more flexible and affordable than buying a home. This page has more information about council housing, private rented housing and housing associations that you can rent properties.

Moving in with relatives can be a good solution for some people. You may be able to benefit from a spare room or extra help if you need it. In return you may be able to help with bills, childcare or pets.

Supported housing for people with learning disabilities

Moving abroad may also be a good option for some people.


Making the decision to move

Moving house is a big step in your life. Before making a decision, you might like to consider the following points:

The new accommodation

  • Is the place you’re thinking about moving to affordable, easy to keep warm, secure, and in a good state of repair?
  • Is the size and design of your new accommodation practical for your present and your future needs?

The new area

  • Is the area you’re planning to move to easy to travel to and from, for you and others?
  • Are there shops, friends, community and leisure facilities, and support networks in your new area? Would they still be accessible if you had to give up driving and start using public transport?
  • If you decide to move from a town or city to the countryside, have you thought carefully about the possible realities of country life, such as poor public transport, a lack of facilities, and possible isolation?
  • If you are thinking about moving abroad, have you considered your pension entitlement, the health service, and your ability to communicate in a foreign language?

Changes in your circumstances

  • If you decide to move because of the wishes of your partner, or to be near relatives, would you still be happy about your choice if you were left on your own?
  • Will the new accommodation remain suitable or adaptable if your needs change because of illness or reduced mobility?

Taking your pet with you

Having a pet can be very rewarding and provides a lot of people with a much-needed companion. If you’re moving home and want to take your pet with you, you may want to consider the following:

  • how will you transport your pet to your new home?
  • Will your new home be big enough to have a pet?
  • Is there a garden or anywhere to walk your dog if you have one?
  • If you are renting, moving into sheltered accommodation or into a care home, do they accept pets?
  • Are you still able to cope with looking after your pet? If not, are you able to re-home it, or would a friend or relative be willing to adopt it?

FirstStop – Housing options older people has details of sheltered accommodation schemes and care homes that are ‘pet-friendly’.

Cinnamon Trust also has a Pet Friendly Care Homes Register.


Practicalities of moving

Once you’ve made the decision to move, the next steps of sorting all the practicalities can seem quite daunting. There is a great deal to think about when you move house. It’s worth taking time to plan your move well ahead of time.

See Practicalities of moving home for more information.


Support and advice

The costs of buying a house and moving guide from the Money Helper

Silverlinks have  a ‘teach yourself’ workbook on Silverlinks Housing, Care and Related Finance in Later Life.

FirstStop Housing Options for Older People have a free advice line and website helping you explore your housing options and access the housing, support and care services you need.

Downsizingdirect.com provides free advice to help you make the right choice about your home at the right time. They can help you stay in your current home or help you move somewhere more suitable.


Social housing and housing associations

Newcastle Homes is the website where you can apply for, view or bid for council and social housing in Newcastle. This includes Sheltered Accommodation. You can  get advice on housing choice such as: mutual exchange, renting with a private landlord and low cost home ownership.

Use their Social Housing Waiting Times Tool to find out how long the current waiting time is to move into social housing. You can search for properties that fit your needs.

Your Homes Newcastle has supported or extra care housing in Newcastle. They can support you to apply.

Read more about renting a home on InformationNOW


Other useful information

Last updated: November 29, 2023