Property Why purchasing a home in later life is not the only option
12/08/2010
‘An Englishman’s home’ is carved deep into our psyche. But is property ownership really all it is cracked up to be? We talk to a financial consultant about the merits of renting.
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Spain tops overseas retirement hotspots
Standard Life today revealed the top six retirement hotspots for UK consumers. However, two of the top six countries are unable offer the same state pension benefits that UK domiciled retirees will receive, leaving some ex-pats with only half their potential retirement income.
Are you aware of YOUR ‘Right to Manage’ ?
Are you a leaseholder of a flat and fed up with ever rising ‘service charges’…..but ever falling maintenance standards? Then take a lead from a group of residents in Mountfield Court in Orrell, who, after becoming increasingly fed-up with falling maintenance standards and soaring bills, formed a committee and invoked ‘Right to Manage’ legislation to take over control for management of their properties.
Five star accolade for McCarthy & Stone
McCarthy & Stone, the UK market leader in retirement living, has been awarded five stars for customer satisfaction for the fifth year running in an independent survey by the Home Builders Federation (HBF). The company is the only retirement builder to be awarded this accolade and the only housebuilder to have won it for five consecutive years.
Will the new coalition government solve the housing problems facing the over 65s?
It's early days for our newly-forged coalition government. But already questions are being asked about the potential impact on the property sector. One of the UK's leading providers in retirement property, Peter Girling, says a combination of the two parties' best policies could spell good news.
Reducing the cost of your overseas property - webchat 12th May. 1pm
Over a million of us currently own a home abroad. However, the global economic slowdown has hit all homeowners with overseas property owners struggling to meet the increased cost of maintaining their home.
Are you one of those affected looking for ways to ensure you can keep your home abroad whilst trying to meet increased costs? And how can you make the most of your dream home? Well, help is at hand with the chataboutmoney.com live expert webcast on Wednesday 12th May at 1pm.
Why housing should be at the heart of the election campaign
One of the biggest challenges facing older people today is how to live a comfortable retirement and this is a problem that won’t be solved easily. A shift in Government policy could make a radical difference, argues one of the UK's leading retirement property providers, Peter Girling.
'Ageing population presents opportunity for property developers'
Retired people form the country’s fastest growing demographic group and older households will represent half of all household growth between now and 2026 - making it important that the development, construction and care industries recognise this opportunity.
Trading Standards Institute (TSI) warns of 'freezing weather' cons
The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) is urging residents to beware of rogues offering to check the house for frozen pipes. Trading standards services have received reports of vulnerable consumers being visited by criminals claiming to be from a water company. Once they’ve gained access into the home the householder is distracted in the kitchen or bathroom while the burglars make away with valuables.
This Month's featured Girlings Retirement Property - Hedingham Place
This month's featured property from Girlings is Hedingham Place in the ancient Essex vilage of Sible Hedingham.
Enjoy life in Scarborough living in Girlings 'property of the month'
This month's featured property from Girlings is Homecrest House in Scarborough.
Our pets are for life!
The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is leading a campaign, Pets for Life, to encourage sheltered housing and residential care homes to adopt pro-pet policies wherever possible. Their Chairman Elizabeth Ormerod explains.
Guaranteed Purchase Plan - helping you move in a difficult property 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.
Flooding: what you can do about it
Flooding has long been a reality in our country - but now we have climate change making major incidents far more frequent, while more and more houses are being built in low lying areas. So, if your home is at risk, what can be done? We asked Ronnie Jones of the Environment Agency to explain what practical steps you can take - and what help is on hand.
Are you paying too much for your water?
Could you cut your water bill? Many households will now have received the second water bill of the year, and the Consumer Council for Water is recommending that customers take ten minutes to look through what they are paying for and that charges for water and sewerage services are correct.
