Energy Saving Week (24th to 28th October 2011), has provided a focus for McCarthy & Stone‘s latest research, which shows that owners of older properties could be paying a lot more for their heat and light than owners of one of their new-build retirement apartments. The company is the UK market leader in new retirement properties ,with over 200 plus developments across the UK.
The stark finding of the independent research commissioned by the company is that owners of older properties could be spending nearly three times more on their energy bills than those who live in a brand new McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment. By comparing the estimated fuel bills for two properties — a new-build McCarthy & Stone apartment and a traditional, early 1900s semi-detached house — it transpires that the older property cost an estimated £1,408 compared to £525 for the new home — almost £900 a year, or £18 per week more!
Anne and Peter Hansen's energy bills dropped more than 70% after moving into a new-build retirement property from McCarthy & Stone
18 months ago savvy McCarthy & Stone home owners Peter and Anne Hansen downsized from their two-bedroom cottage to a retirement living apartment at a McCarthy & Stone development. Since then, they report a 70% saving on their annual fuel costs. Says Peter: “Our new apartment is consistently warm, even when we return from holiday, and we’ve had no heating on whilst we’ve been away.”
At the onset of Autumn, as fuel prices spiral, energy efficiency is a major issue. Fortunately, it is one of a number of important benefits buying a new-build McCarthy & Stone retirement property ensures.
Suzanne McElhiney, marketing manager from McCarthy & Stone in Scotland explains: “Rising energy prices are a concern for everyone but the over 60s are particularly vulnerable to hikes in fuel bills,” she says. “ By moving to a McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment, homeowners can benefit from a range of energy-saving features as standard, such as double glazed windows and patio doors throughout, wall insulation, energy-efficient heating and low-energy light bulbs. Just like Mr and Mrs Hansen, we’ve proved that these features ensure dramatically reduced fuel bills in our modern retirement apartments .”
The company is currently selling a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments at its new-build retirement developments in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.
by What New Homes team
Posted by annemcdonald 
