Testimonials

Suddenly, our house sold after 18 months on the market

Brian and Margaret Freeman had almost given up hope of selling their house after watching it stick for 18 months in a difficult market. But their fortunes changed dramatically when they decided to buy a McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment using the company’s Guaranteed Purchase Plan.

In less than couple of months they had completed the move – and, to their delight, got the full asking price for their detached family home in Southport, Lancashire.

Under the innovative Guaranteed Purchase Plan scheme, available at every one of its retirement developments around Britain, McCarthy & Stone will top up any sensible offer to the agreed market price within a 12 week time-frame.

Mrs Freeman explained how it worked for them. “An independent estate agent and valuer came around and valued our house at £270,000, a sum which McCarthy & Stone then guaranteed.” “Once we’d entered the scheme, we had a lot of interest and within two days, we’d had an offer of £249,950, just below the stamp duty threshold. This was acceptable, with McCarthy & Stone making up the shortfall to the agreed £270,000.”

The couple were keen to move from their family home in Birkdale, Southport, to be nearer their daughter in Durham. Said Mrs Freeman: “The market was falling - we had quite a few people looking around but no offers. We tried dropping the price but the market was continuing to fall.” “A year ago, we almost sold it but then a fortnight before we were due to complete, the people withdrew their offer. We reduced our price still further in an attempt to get another buyer.”

While their home was on the market, the couple had begun to look for a suitable property in Durham. Initially, they had a bungalow in mind but then a friend recommended McCarthy & Stone. “We liked the concept of McCarthy & Stone’s retirement living as soon as we saw it and we were also very taken with all the things it had to offer.”

The key features on a McCarthy & Stone development include a 24-hour Careline system, house manager, security surveillance at the main entrance, an intruder and smoke alarm and lift as well as the exterior maintenance like painting, window cleaning and gardening taken care of.

Having found the property they wanted, the couple were even more keen to move. “We were very comfortable in our home but we’re both 77 and felt that, if we didn’t move now, we never would,” said Mr Freeman. “Everything worked supremely well and was very quick – it was all done within seven or eight weeks at most and as far as we were concerned, it was absolutely excellent. Considering the housing market had gone over a cliff, we were very pleased.”

The couple finally moved into their new apartment at the end of March and have been busy settling into their new home. Mrs Freeman added: “Everything we want is here – our apartment is secure and easy to maintain. We’re so glad we moved and that McCarthy & Stone had the foresight to build its developments near to the shops, doctor’s surgery and other amenities. “Although we still have a car, I expect we’ll give it up in a year or two so it makes a difference having amenities on the doorstep. There’s also a guest suite if we have friends to stay, and everyone has made us feel so welcome.

The service we’ve received has been excellent and our house manager, Richard, has been very good to us.” McCarthy & Stone developments have a central lounge where residents get together for tea and coffee and social activities, as well as a fully maintained laundry room. Every apartment is linked to the 24-hour Careline system and fitted with lever taps throughout, rocker light switches that glow in the dark, and power sockets located at a comfortable height.

The house manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the development and is there to help when needed. All the shared facilities are looked after by the house manager and paid for by a service charge; this covers items such as the maintenance of all shared areas and equipment, water rates, buildings insurance, sewerage, and provision of the house manager.

McCarthy & Stone retirement living is for older people who wish to keep their independence and are designed for convenience and ease of use. The company has brand new retirement apartments at nearly 200 developments across Britain.

Guaranteed Purchase Plan: The Guaranteed Purchase Plan is designed to help people who are concerned about selling their home in the current economic climate by guaranteeing they receive the full market value for their property. In conjunction with the seller, two local estate agents will value the customer’s property and when a price is agreed it will be put on the market. If an offer is made within 12 weeks which is less than the agreed valuation, McCarthy & Stone will top it up to make up the full agreed amount. This not only helps the customer find a buyer for their old property but can ensure a quick sale. Click here for further information about the Guaranteed Purchase Plan.