News

Retirement developer McCarthy & Stone is indisputably Britain's No 1 new home builder, according to two recent surveys.

Polls of home-buyers by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the National House-Building Council (NHBC) revealed unprecedented levels of customer satisfaction among McCarthy & Stone residents, placing the company top of Britain's larger housebuilders.

In the HBF survey, McCarthy & Stone were the only builders earn a "full house" of five stars - equating to an approval rating of over 90 per cent - for both the quality of their homes and the likelihood that customers would recommend one to a friend.

In the poll conducted by the NHBC, home-buyers rated McCarthy & Stone top of 22 builders in six out of the eight areas tested. Once again, more than 90% of McCarthy & Stone customers reported themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of their home, with 91.6% saying they would recommend the company to a friend.

McCarthy & Stone topped the NHBC's survey in six out of eight categories:

- Condition of the home on the day moved in

- Standard of finish

- Service provided after moving in

- Fewest problems since moving in

- Overall quality of the home

- Willingness to recommend the builder to a friend

The HBF survey was developed as a response to the Government's 2004 Barker Review of housing issues, which called for the house-building industry to demonstrate improved levels of customer care.

Over 25,000 house-buyers responded to the poll, which was sent to customers from the 20 biggest building firms eight weeks after they had moved into their new homes.

By contrast, the NHBC survey was carried out a full nine months after home-owners took possession of their new properties, allowing time for residents to become better acquainted with their new surroundings. It involved customers of 22 building firms.

Both polls covered the 12 months up to the end of September 2006.

Howard Philips, McCarthy & Stone Chief Executive, said: "We take build quality and service very seriously as some of our residents will be moving in stressful circumstances, perhaps after the loss of a partner.

"It is vitally important that we have everything ready for them on time to make their move as trouble-free as possible.

"Our site staff pay close attention to detail throughout the construction programme and the strong relationships we have with suppliers and subcontractors ensure that everyone is pulling together to a very high standard. It is a culture that runs throughout the company.

"We also check every apartment individually before anyone takes up residence, and have a fast-response system in place should they discover any problems after moving in."

McCarthy & Stone provides around two-thirds of Britain's private sheltered housing, and has also won gold and silver medals in the national Housebuilder of the Year awards for the last eight years running.

Its developments of one- and two-bedroom apartments are specifically designed for residents over 60 looking for a more secure and manageable home.

As well as security features such as a 24-hour personal emergency line and video entrance system for every apartment, the complexes also include a central residents' lounge, a guest suite for friends and family, a fully equipped laundry room and lifts to every floor. Each development is looked after by a house manager.