On Aug 26, 10:08*am, "Clive George" wrote:
"Kristen" wrote in message

...

Even something simple like this will do for an elderly woman with no
family:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...y-8430903.html
Offers in Region of £49,950
2 bedroom chalet for sale
22 Panteidal, Aberdovey, LL35 0RG

That's not a house, it's a posh equivalent to a caravan. 50 K for 20 years
lease plus 1.2k/year service charges - not cheap either.

This relative is about 70 years old. I presume "ground rent" is the
Welsh term for Council Tax as it's dictionary meaning sounds about
right. For future reference, what do "maintenance charges" buy you? A
handyman around if something leaks or utility bills as well?

And "OCCUPANCY The
chalet may be occupied for holiday use only".

Yes, I noticed that but this relative can always leave for January
when she's not supposed to be living there. But of course, I will take
your advice not to go for such a place.

There are places which do caravans for people to retire to. There are mixed
opinions of them - some of the parks are really dodgy, and all are expensive
for what they are.

No, I don't think a caravan is suitable for this relative.

In the UK, what people think of a house to buy is typically a
brick/stone/block built thing with the freehold (ie not lease). There are
exceptions to this, but that's the norm, especially in a rural area. And
they cost a lot more than that shed.

If I dispose of all my assets, sell shares at a loss, withdraw from
bonds and give myself one year's living expenses on savings, I can
probably muster up 200k in a few months. A freehold brick/stone/block
built house is ideal as I intend to hold on to it as an asset.

Budget aside, many rural areas will do what you want. You don't want
out-in-the-wilds rural, you want to be near a town of a few thousand so
it'll have a decent clinic. And there's a _lot_ of choice out there.
Choose
an area, look at the prices.

Unfortunately I'm not a native Brit so I wouldn't know where to look.

For 50K, you're stuffed, unless you do want to go for the genteel equivalent
of a trailer park (some people do like them and are happy in theirs).
However if you can persuade others to help, and/or take on a mortgage, pick
a place.

It would be so much better for everyone if they all enjoyed their
retirement together and in peace but I think this has been simmering
for some time and this close relative has decided that it is time for
her to leave now that all her children have grown up.

I reckon somewhere like Settle fits all your criteria bar price,
but you'll be looking for 200K or 150K for a place in town.

Thanks for your advice and staying awake at this really unsocial hour
in the UK at the moment!

Kristen