[NSC] Life Choices- Moving From Brighton

Bry Nylon said:

Happy to share lifts anytime.

(Doesn't really matter where to).

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Zeberdi said:

Sorry for the long read @Eyeore but I did exactly as you are contemplating.

It is a mammoth decision which I thought about for years before actually doing it.

I sold up and moved out of Brighton & Hove in 2016 having grown up there from the age of 6/7 - so leaving a place I had lived for over 45 years - I was anticipating not being well enough in the next few years to carry on working full time once I had had a diagnosis a few years previously for a progressive neurological condition. I didn’t want to claim benefits though either, and like you was over the threshold because of savings - I was still capable of working so I just needed to reduce my overheads to survive - ie pay off my mortgage (which I had already reduced over the years), downsize (or in my case, downvalue) and live in a cheaper area.

Already in my mid 50s, that was a real life changing decision especially as a/ I didn’t drive b/ I had to move far enough away from the SE and all my friends and family before I could afford to cash buy the sort house I wanted in an area that was also pleasant to live in.

It was tough I don’t mind telling you - I felt very isolated for several years as I had absolutely nothing in common with the people living in my new area, had to start a new job, and make new friends from scratch which for someone with autism and growing mobility issues was tough. Two years of pandemic and lockdowns within a few years of moving didn’t help. I have been here now over 6 years and only just beginning to ‘let go’ of cosmopolitan Brighton and start feeling rural Norfolk is my home. Having to travel most of day on public transport to get to the Amex and having to make them overnight trips for evening matches has been one of the toughest things to deal with.

However, the peace of mind that comes with owning your own home, with no mortgage can’t be overstated. For the first time in my life too, I no longer lived in a flat with the noise above and below which for me being noise sensitive is brilliant - but also have a lovely flint cottage with a gorgeous decent sized garden in a very quiet, semi-rural area with excellent public transport links to the rest of the UK. I also have a job I love which I never would have had in an urban environment like Brighton.

The biggest issue for people of our age is that moving from the SE/Brighton to a cheaper area is likely to be a one way journey - I very quickly was priced out of the market once I moved - it will be nigh on impossible for me to return unless it’s into a tiny supported housing flat for the elderly (which I’d hate!)

I sold a large period flat in Hove and cash bought a 2 bed house with a 150ft garden and still released nearly 50% capital from the proceeds of sale which I put in fixed bonds and ISAs - that gave me enough to live off the monthly interest, pay national insurance stamps until I retire and reduce my working hours to part time without having to claim means tested benefits.

It’s had its difficulties but even in your late 50s it is possible to completely start a new life in another part of the Country on your own. You just have to be brave and make the move before you are physically too elderly/infirm to cope.

I looked at property in Scotland and Cumbria because property was so cheap but ruled out completely rural areas with little infrastructure and cold weather in the end - you have to be pragmatic and think ahead as you get older of the infrastructure you will need (access to public transport/NHS healthcare etc) especially if there is a possibility that you will need to stop driving at some point - Norfolk, where in some areas it is still possible to buy a 2 bed house for £175,000 or flat for £100,000 and where the weather is drier than the rest of the UK fit the bill perfectly. An hour and half out of London, fantastic wildlife and countryside, some great villages and near some of the best beaches in the UK if you need to live near the sea still.

Feel free to PM me if you want any more specific info or recommendations for the area.

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KZNSeagull said:

I would suggest moving up here but it is horrible and full of northerners apparently.

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Zeberdi said:

I looked at property in Scotland and Cumbria because property was so cheap

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Harry Wilson's tackle said:

Faversham is the best bet. The locals are tolerable.

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Bodian said:

Some parts of Cumbria have caught up a bit. I bought my house 21 years ago - I couldn't buy it now.

Are you classing yourself as a local, or an incomer?

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Jackthelad said:

50’s is still relatively young. Don’t be scared of change. People do degrees in their 50 and 60’s they change career, move around. I’d look to Sussex, you can’t really go wrong with the likes of Seaford and Newhaven, especially Newhaven these days it on the up and quiet.

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Herr Tubthumper said:

“I know that at some stage I will have to leave behind everything I have known”

This line made me feel sad.

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amexer said:

Remember sometime ago relatives/friends in Germany said no stigma attatched to renting and 50/60% were happy to do so Is this still the same

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Weststander said:

Housing benefit to pay rent?

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Shropshire Seagull said:

Does everyone who retires when still in rented get that?

Does the benefit pay the rent in full?

I genuinely have no idea but that sounds like a massive freebee.

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KZNSeagull said:

I would suggest moving up here but it is horrible and full of northerners apparently.

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albionfan37 said:

Move up to Scotland it’s absolutely fabulous. In fact I’d say I’d never move back to England again

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Shropshire Seagull said:

Does everyone who retires when still in rented get that?

Does the benefit pay the rent in full?

I genuinely have no idea but that sounds like a massive freebee.

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Eeyore said:

They do get rent paid, but in my situation, as fortunate and first world as it is, I wouldn't qualify at present. My resources are in capital.

I was out of work for almost two years. I took a temporary contract as covid struck with the possibility of it becoming full time. It was cancelled, paid up, and I spent 18 months out of work. Living here in Brighton I had to pay for everything as I was over the threshold. I estimate that the two years in the last six I have spent out of work have cost me 40k. I was foolish as I left a job and decided to take a break for a short time. It turned into a long time and I realise now it was the worst decision I have ever made. But I'm where I am now and have had a steady and very enjoyable job for just over 3 years.

I don't want to reduce my capital except to get a permanent home as I'm getting older. But I have to buy outright as a mortgage is a bad idea- especially as I'm not convinced of my job security from about 2 years from now. I realise how much better it is to have a property asset and low savings than nothing and good savings. Now my landlord is selling within the next two years and I would be forced to move away from Brighton to ensure I'm not losing money each month I need to think about what to do.

I could buy a small flat up north and still have a little capital left over. But not here. That said, living on a home park among older people in Sussex may still be an option. I saw a one bedroom place advertised near Hailsham that seemed all well and good for about £90k. I may take a look. There's park fees, but I'd expect that. I hope to continue working, if the Universe is willing, for another 15 years yet.

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Tom Hark Preston Park said:

Have you considered a move to Brighton Marina? You get a lot of boat for your money. A mate from the Withdean era did just that and has made a real go of it. Maybe worth going down there for a nosey round, see what's available?

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