There are all sorts of good reasons for wanting to move to retirement housing.

You may want somewhere that is smaller and more manageable. Having a warden or manager on call might give you added peace of mind. Or perhaps you like the idea of living somewhere where there are lots of people at a similar stage of life.

But whatever your reasons may be for making this decision, there are a number of important issues you should consider before choosing the retirement housing that's right for you.

Location

Is the property in a pleasant location, away from any busy roads or noisy businesses? Are there any hills to climb or obstacles to avoid when getting to and from the development?

Local community

Is the development near an established community with easy access to shops, a post office, bank, chemist and medical services? Is there a good range of recreational and social facilities such as parks, libraries, churches, pubs, clubs and day centres? And are the local facilities aimed at tourists or open to residents year round.

Transport

You may drive right now, but it might not always be the case or even convenient to do so. Is the development on a public transport route, with frequent local bus or train services?

Mobility Features

If the property you are looking at isn't on the ground floor of a development make sure there is a lift. Check that the 'deed of conditions' allows minor adaptations which may be needed to the outside of the property - such as a ramp or handrail to help you get to the door. And check that doors and corridors are wide enough to accommodate walking frames and wheel chairs.

Other Features

Doors and windows should have handles which are easy to reach and operate. Light switches and sockets should be reachable without bending or stretching. The individual flats and main entrance should be sufficiently secure. And all rooms should be well heated and ventilated.

Noise

You may not notice any noise until you move in. So check before hand that there is good sound insulation for outside noise and from neighbouring flats, the lifts or other facilities.

Alarm system

Find out about the reliability of the system and what action is taken if someone calls for assistance. The emergency alarm system should be linked to the manager and to a 24 hr monitoring service when the manager is off duty.

Your furniture

Your new home is likely to be smaller than the one you're leaving. So think about how your furniture - and how much of your furniture - will comfortably fit in.

Residents' facilities

Facilities vary from development to development, so make sure to ask about them. As a rule most have a communal lounge, a guest room where visitors can stay and usually a laundry.

Parking

Check that there are enough car parking spaces for both you and your visitors at the development. And you may also want to check what the rules are for the use of the car park.

Information courtesy of Age Concern Scotland Factsheet 2s 'Buying Retirement Housing' July 2005' Website:www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk