How to maintain the value of your retirement property

If you want to safeguard the value of your home here is a checklist of 10 things you should look for before you buy

1. How attractive will your property be in 10 years time? Is it near good transport links and the High Street?
2. Will a future owner face steep ground rent increases?
3. How involved is the housebuilder in managing the development?
4. Does your apartment have good views, balconies and spacious rooms which will be more attractive to a buyer as well as gardens, choice of communal areas and sufficient parking.
5. If the local town has suffered a downturn economically this will impact on the value of your home.
6. Buyers want new, bright, modern apartments – so give your home a coat of paint and replace carpets before offering for sale.
7. How welcoming is the owner’s lounge? What other facilities are offered? Does it have a restaurant like the one pictured above at Wadswick Green? Or a guest suite?
8. A development which has exit fees gives the operator an incentive to keep values high, as they benefit too.
9. Developers are always keen to help you buy one of their properties but what re-sale support do they offer; apart from recommending its preferred estate agent?
10. Does the development offer meals or care services that will make it attractive to older buyers?