Home run for retirement

MAKING money last in retirement is always tricky, especially today, but it helps to be a homeowner.

- By Harvey Jones

Everyday life is a lot more expensive for pensioners who never got on the housing ladder, new figures from Standard Life shows.

Those who enter retirement as tenants will need almost £400,000 more in savings than those who own their home outright, just to keep a roof over their heads.

Elderly renters face an extra £398,000 in costs over a 20-year retirement, up £7,000 on last year, as rents continue their relentless climb.

The projection assumes rent rises at the long-term average of 3.7% a year and the sums are daunting.

More than one in 10 adults now expect to be renting when they retire.

Today's high prices mean many buy their first home late in life, or never.

Living mortgage-free dramatically reduces everyday expenses, giving far more scope to enjoy your retirement.