Weighing up whether to stay or make a move later in life can feel daunting. Whether your parents have raised the topic, or you’re noticing the struggles more and more, starting the conversation is the best first step to look to the future and ease any worry.
It often starts with something small. The stairs feel harder than they used to. The garden's become more of a chore than a pleasure. Energy bills are too high on a fixed income. The distance to see loved ones is just too far.
When those niggles add up, it can be hard to admit a much-loved family home doesn't quite work the way it used to. But an open conversation, and an open mind, can make all the difference.
Here are 5 key questions to ask, to help your parents plan a move.
1. What does the right home actually look like?
Before anything else, it's worth talking through what would genuinely make day-to-day life easier fewer stairs, a smaller garden, being closer to family, or simply somewhere that feels less like hard work.
There's no single right answer here. What matters is that it reflects what they really want, not just what seems sensible from the outside.
2. What's the real budget?
Money is often the trickiest part of the conversation, but planning is easier once everyone's working from the same page.
What income do they have? What will be affordable? Do they know the value of their current property and are there savings to put in? And asking about any outstanding mortgage or debts to clear is key. A clear picture helps shape what's realistic.
If your parents are over 60, there’s a way to afford more than you might expect ask us about a Home for Life Plan.
3. Do they need to own a home to feel secure?
This is a question worth sitting with. For a lot of people, security and ownership have always felt like the same thing, but they're not necessarily.
What most people actually want is the certainty of staying in a home they love, for as long as they need to, without worries about future finances hanging over them.
This is where the Home for Life Plan comes in. It's a lesser-known option that provides the security of a home for life, mortgage and rent-free without owning the property outright.
Because they wouldn’t own the property, the cost for the plan is significantly less than buying at the full market price. They could save as much as 60% and that can make all the difference in the quality of home and lifestyle they can afford.
It won't be the right fit for everyone, but it can open up homes and locations that wouldn't have been within reach otherwise, while freeing up funds for retirement. Take a look at our calculator for a quick estimate today: [Link to your Over 60s page]
4. What support will they need if they decide to move?
Once a direction starts to feel right, the practical side matters too finding the home, managing the chain, handling the admin. It’s likely they may not have moved in many years, and whether you live close by or they’re relocating, it can feel overwhelming. Lean on the experts we’re here to help.
As your local agent, we support all kinds of moves, whichever route makes sense, and can talk through what that looks like at each stage.
Plus, if they choose a Home for Life Plan, Homewise offers a free support service to all customers and manages the process from start to finish. So, you and your parents can plan for the move worry-free.
5. What happens if circumstances change?
It's worth asking this early rather than later. Health, finances, family circumstances — none of these stay fixed forever, so it helps to understand what flexibility looks like under any option being considered, including how it affects things like inheritance.
See what’s possible.
You don't need to solve everything in one conversation. Starting with a few honest questions about what matters, what's realistic, and what options exist is a great first step.
With an open chat and plans in place, you and your parents will feel more comfortable and confident in the decision-making process.
Are you planning a move? Let’s talk it through no pressure, no obligation.