As you enter retirement, you are probably looking forward to having more time to yourself. For many people, later life is the perfect time to enjoy more frequent and longer travel, free of work commitments and ready to take advantage of the quietest or best value times to get away from it all. But leaving your home unattended might cause some anxiety.

For those wanting to spend more time taking in sights and sounds around the world, the right lock-up-and-leave property offers the freedom to take off free from worry. There are many points to consider when choosing your ideal lock-up-and-leave home so, to help you in your search, we have compiled our top questions to ask when choosing your perfect base.

How will you travel?

First and foremost, when it comes to getting away, the journey should be as convenient as possible. Whether you are embarking on a cruise, jetting off to far-flung locations or popping to see family, transport should be a top priority. Explore the local area to check that you can easily access your preferred airport, rail line or road links, particularly if you are relocating to a new region.

It is also worth thinking about where you will leave your vehicle. Lock-up-and-leave properties will ideally have a private driveway or, better still, a secure garage to keep your car safe and secure when left at home.

How will the property cope without you?

New homes are often more suitable than older properties for leaving empty for days or weeks at a time. Older properties may become damp while uninhabited or require regular attention to keep them in top condition. New homes are low maintenance by design, meaning you can turn your back on them without worrying.

Particular features to look out for include high levels of insulation and easily programmable heating, to keep pipes ice-free if you are away during winter.

What security features are available?

Top security features are a must for any lock-up and-leave property, including high specification window and door locks. Gated communities offer additional security, as traffic around your home will be managed during part or all of the day.

An additional benefit to look out for is regular attendance by the property management company. Rather than relying on neighbours, whose holidays might clash with your own, the regular presence of a local estate manager around – or even in – your property can be an extra reassurance.

What will you arrive home to?

After a wonderful time away, the last thing any homeowner wants to return to is an unkempt lawn, dead houseplants or filthy windows. Nothing can take the shine off a relaxing break quite like a list of household chores!

The best lock-up-and-leave properties provide a service to ensure that you return to your property looking as good as you left it. When the gardening and outdoor maintenance are taken care of, you can get on with planning your next getaway.

Lock-up-and-leave homes are rapidly growing in popularity as homeowners seize their opportunity to see the world. With more options available than ever before, now is the perfect time to look. With a little careful research, you could soon be giving in to your own wanderlust.

As you enter retirement, you are probably looking forward to having more time to yourself. For many people, later life is the perfect time to enjoy more frequent and longer travel, free of work commitments and ready to take advantage of the quietest or best value times to get away from it all. But leaving your home unattended might cause some anxiety.

For those wanting to spend more time taking in sights and sounds around the world, the right lock-up-and-leave property offers the freedom to take off free from worry. There are many points to consider when choosing your ideal lock-up-and-leave home so, to help you in your search, we have compiled our top questions to ask when choosing your perfect base.

How will you travel?

First and foremost, when it comes to getting away, the journey should be as convenient as possible. Whether you are embarking on a cruise, jetting off to far-flung locations or popping to see family, transport should be a top priority. Explore the local area to check that you can easily access your preferred airport, rail line or road links, particularly if you are relocating to a new region.

It is also worth thinking about where you will leave your vehicle. Lock-up-and-leave properties will ideally have a private driveway or, better still, a secure garage to keep your car safe and secure when left at home.

How will the property cope without you?

New homes are often more suitable than older properties for leaving empty for days or weeks at a time. Older properties may become damp while uninhabited or require regular attention to keep them in top condition. New homes are low maintenance by design, meaning you can turn your back on them without worrying.

Particular features to look out for include high levels of insulation and easily programmable heating, to keep pipes ice-free if you are away during winter.

What security features are available?

Top security features are a must for any lock-up and-leave property, including high specification window and door locks. Gated communities offer additional security, as traffic around your home will be managed during part or all of the day.

An additional benefit to look out for is regular attendance by the property management company. Rather than relying on neighbours, whose holidays might clash with your own, the regular presence of a local estate manager around – or even in – your property can be an extra reassurance.

What will you arrive home to?

After a wonderful time away, the last thing any homeowner wants to return to is an unkempt lawn, dead houseplants or filthy windows. Nothing can take the shine off a relaxing break quite like a list of household chores!

The best lock-up-and-leave properties provide a service to ensure that you return to your property looking as good as you left it. When the gardening and outdoor maintenance are taken care of, you can get on with planning your next getaway.

Lock-up-and-leave homes are rapidly growing in popularity as homeowners seize their opportunity to see the world. With more options available than ever before, now is the perfect time to look. With a little careful research, you could soon be giving in to your own wanderlust.