When it comes to planning for later life, care fees, and the potential sale of your home, it’s natural to have questions. These topics can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve both financial and emotional decisions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people ask us.
Can I reduce my assets so they’re not part of a financial assessment?
The short answer is no. Selling or giving away assets (including property) with the aim of reducing care fee contributions is called ‘deliberate deprivation of assets.’
Unlike inheritance tax, there’s no 7-year cut-off. Councils can look at both your past and current financial situation. So, if you gift assets, buy expensive items like jewellery or art, or transfer property, the council may still include those assets in your assessment.
In fact, they can even recover costs from the person who now holds those assets. In other words—attempting to reduce your assets can end up costing you more.
If I put my property into a trust, will I avoid care fees?
You may have seen companies promising that trusts can protect your property from care fees. But tread carefully—this isn’t always the case.
By transferring ownership into a trust, you’re handing over legal control of your property. Councils can still consider this to be deprivation of assets, meaning your property’s value could still be included in care fee assessments.
While trusts can be useful in some circumstances, they’re not a guaranteed solution for avoiding care fees.
I know the property needs selling. Where do I start?
Selling a home is never easy, especially when it’s tied to major life changes. It’s tempting to take what looks like a quick or cheap option—such as “cash-for-property” firms or low-fee online agents. But in reality, these often don’t achieve the best price.
To get the best results, invite three reputable local estate agents to value your home. Ask them to explain exactly how they’ll market the property and achieve the right price.
The most important question to ask is: “Why should I choose you?”
Remember—the highest valuation doesn’t always equal the best sale price. Choose the agent you trust and give them a fair but fixed timeframe to sell (for example, four weeks) so you’re not tied down indefinitely.
How can I make my property more sellable?
Small touches can make a big difference when selling. Start by decluttering—pack away family photos, ornaments, and personal items. This helps potential buyers imagine the space as their own.
Simple presentation goes a long way in helping your home appeal to buyers and increasing your chances of securing the best price.
I really don’t want to sell but I know I have to. What if I delay?
This is one of the hardest situations people face. Many delay selling because of emotional attachment to their home. But those who go through the process often tell us they wish they’d done it sooner.
Moving into a care home, or downsizing, can open new opportunities—whether that’s friendships, support, or simply freedom from managing a large property. Even sorting through your belongings can become a meaningful experience, rediscovering items and memories you’d forgotten about.
Final Thoughts
These decisions are never easy, but avoiding them often makes things harder in the long run. With the right support and professional guidance, selling your home or planning for care fees doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It can even open the door to a new, positive chapter of life.