New Year, New Lifestyle: Your Guide to Retirement Planning in 2026
Retirement is more than a financial milestone, it’s the start of a new adventure. And for many, that includes exploring park home living as a low-maintenance, welcoming community option that supports year-round living in peaceful surroundings. Planning for 2026 isn’t just about budgets and savings; it’s about shaping a lifestyle that fits your priorities.
Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh start in a new location, pursuing hobbies you’ve never had time for, or simply enjoying a more compact living space that’s easier to manage, retirement can be as fulfilling as you make it.
Changes to retirement savings rules are on the horizon, with larger catch-up contributions for those in their 60s. Now’s the perfect moment to review your plans and explore how these updates might impact you. A little preparation today can lead to peace of mind tomorrow, helping you make the most of your golden years.
Staying Connected
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down socially. Staying connected with loved ones and making new friends is key to a happy, fulfilling lifestyle. Perhaps a move closer to friends and family is a priority, or thinking about joining local clubs, volunteering, or trying a new Pilates class. Active adult communities are perfect for this, providing opportunities for coffee mornings with fellow residents and encouraging social activities with like-minded people. Thinking about what is important in this next phase of life is such an important step into creating your dream retirement lifestyle.
Designing Your Park Home Lifestyle
This is your time to reimagine your day-to-day life. Do you want to travel more? Perhaps start a creative project or move to a smaller home that’s easier to manage? Prioritise activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, whether it’s painting, hiking, or taking long walks with your dog. The freedom to focus on your passions is one of the greatest gifts of retirement.
Maybe a change of scenery is on the cards for your retirement, whether that’s a new lifestyle on the coast enjoying the crisp sea air in places like Saltburn-by-the-Sea or tucked away in the countryside soaking up beautiful views and enjoying a slower pace of life in locations such as Suffolk. Perhaps somewhere like Wokingham appeals, offering you the balance between quiet country living and a bustling town. However you imagine your lifestyle in the future, retirement is the ideal time to shake things up and try something new.
If you are imagining your new lifestyle as something more adventurous, then perhaps a lock up and leave property, such as a park home, is worth considering. These types of properties allow you to have a wonderful cosy base to come home to as often or as little as you like when you are not travelling to new places or returning to your favourite parts of the world.
Lower maintenance and money saving aspects of this type of retirement living can free up funds to spend on things you would rather prioritise. Whether that’s travel, a new motorhome or campervan, beautiful hotels, or a brand new tent. Whatever adventure looks like for you, a lock up and leave property allows you more freedom to submerge yourself into a new lifestyle.
Financial Freedom in Retirement
Smart financial choices can open up opportunities, giving you more freedom to focus on what matters most. Here are a few options to consider:
Downsizing with Purpose
If your current home feels too large or burdensome, downsizing to release equity from your current home can offer a simpler, more cost-effective lifestyle.
Selling your family home and moving to a smaller property—or a residential park home—can free up funds for travel, leisure, or hobbies. Many retirees find that smaller homes are easier to manage and offer the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
When choosing your new home, think about future needs. Proximity to healthcare, public transport, and local amenities is essential for long-term comfort.
Cutting Monthly Outgoings
Downsizing isn’t only about releasing equity, it’s also about making your monthly budget easier to live with. Moving to a typically smaller home can cut household bills, reduce general upkeep, and improve energy efficiency (especially if you’re moving into a modern, well maintained property). If you’re considering park home living, it’s also smart to look at the full costs involved, such as site fees, council tax, and any ongoing charges set out in your site agreement, so you can plan with confidence.
Equity Release vs Downsizing: Which Fits Your Plan?
For some homeowners, downsizing is the cleanest route to freeing up funds and simplifying day-to-day life. For others, equity release can be an option if they want to stay put and access money from their current property, but it comes with long-term financial implications, so it’s worth comparing both routes carefully. If you’re thinking about buying a park home, remember that equity release and traditional mortgages don’t usually apply to park homes, so this is best viewed as a lifestyle move. Choosing the right park and a living setup supports how you want to spend retirement.
Park Home Living: A Community for Over-45s
If 2026 is your year to reset, retirement planning is the perfect time to think beyond pensions and look at the lifestyle you actually want day to day. For many individuals seeking a simpler, more flexible living arrangement, park home living offers a unique lifestyle with peaceful surroundings, a welcoming community, and less maintenance than many conventional houses, without giving up comfort. Tingdene Parks, for example, provide affordable, modern homes tailored to those over 45.
Choosing the right residential park, with the right location, age restrictions, pet policies, and a community that feels like home, can make all the difference. With the right plan in place, your next chapter can be calmer, more connected, and built around what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you live in a park home all year round as your main home?
Yes, but only if the home is on a licensed residential park approved for year-round living like Tingdene Parks. Holiday parks are typically for seasonal use, so it’s important to check the park’s status and paperwork before you commit, especially if you’re planning to make it your main residence.
What ongoing costs should I budget for with a residential park home?
Alongside the cost of the home itself, park home residents should plan for typical monthly outgoings such as site fees, council tax, and utilities. It’s always worth reviewing what’s included in your site agreement so you understand the full costs involved before you decide.
Is park home living suitable if I want to travel more in retirement?
Absolutely. Many people like park home life because it can suit a “lock up and leave” lifestyle. A typically smaller home and low-maintenance setup can free up time and money for travel, hobbies, and seeing loved ones.
How do I choose the right residential park for my lifestyle?
Start with the key considerations: location, access to amenities and healthcare, and whether the park’s age restrictions and park rules match what you’re looking for. It can also help to visit, speak to current residents if possible, and get a feel for the sense of community before making a decision.