I have mobility problems following a stroke.I was introduced to Jill Elliot by Lindsay Grant, Manager, Marden Court.I was most impressed by Jill's professionalism and likeable nature. her first step... See more
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We are the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, offering high quality age-exclusive retirement properties to more than 20,000 homeowners across the UK. For all communities opened since 2010 we remain landlord and managing agent, looking after the wellbeing of our homeowners and managing our properties. We believe that life in older age is something to be enjoyed and celebrated, and our developments offer a welcoming sense of community and a diverse range of facilities and services to enhance everyday life. Our customers are at the heart of what we do and we are proud to have been awarded the Home Builders Federation 5-star customer satisfaction award every year we have taken part in the survey. For developments built prior to 2010, where we are not the landlord nor managing agent, please direct any questions to FirstPort, who look after these schemes.
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100 Holdenhurst Road, BH8 8AL, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
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(Urmston, Manchester). My mother purchased a single bed Aug 2021 for £187k. She was hospitalised and had to move to a care home in January 2023. She died there in July 2023. It is now 3 years on and the property remains unsold. It has been on with MS Resales and on the High Street. We have reduced the asking price in stages to £80k with both. Not a sniff of an offer and very few viewings (none from the high street). Honest feedback from the high street is loud and clear - potential buyers turn tail as soon as they learn of the £770+ service charge per month. That is the very real reason they do not sell, no shadow of a doubt. The properties are lovely - the financials are not.
MS - you need to make it very clear to all prosepective residents/buyers that mere death will not forego the ongoing Service Charges and Ground Rent. It is not even reduced. It is the full amount. Ergo MS three years after death are still generating the same monies from her estate as if she was still alive and living there. In the meantime the estate (still in probate because we can't sell) has an accrued debt of £28k payable from proceeds when it does eventually sell.
Why is my long dead mother still subsidising the bistro, paying for garden upkeep that she can't enjoy, paying communal bills for living people, paying for none existent cleaning, water she doesn't use, for a house manager she can't see, alarms she shall never use and all that the service charges include?
The Probate solicitors are now forced down the road of selling to one of these "we'll buy your property cheaply because you are desperate" companies for wait for it.......£40k!!!
I have tried to speak to no end of departments at McCarthy Stone with no satisfaction. In December 2023 I emailed the local Operations Manager a detailed complaint itemising a whole raft of issues. No reply, just silence.
PLEASE - make it clear to buyers that Full service charges remain payable until sold. Falling back on "it's buried somewhere in the contract" is not good enough. Transparency is needed. It's the honest and decent thing to do.
Please don't bring up the sterling work that Resales do. It's lip service and doesn't wash with those that know the reality.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
The help and knowledge given to me by the sales consultant Louise Mckerchar was invauable as I have never bought a leasehold property before. The whole experience including the removal service was a pleasureable experience
I've returned to my roots and am enjoying life at Springs Court.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
I had an excellent overnight stay last night in the Guest Suite at Kings Scholars Court, Macclesfield.
The suite was large and very well appointed, with a nice big sofa for relaxing and reading or watching TV, good quality comfortable beds, mini-fridge with milk and water, tea and coffee and snacks. Robes and slippers provided! The lovely, well-lit bathroom featured good toiletries and a walk-in shower. I had really good night's sleep in a safe, secure and luxurious environment. All credit and thanks to Julie, the House Manager.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
I have been arranging for a family member to rent a property At Mcarthy Stone and Joanne Jamison has been helping me. She has been extremely helpful with all the paperwork needed. She had gone above and beyond. I hope all the staff are the same going forward

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
My mum lives at Braidburn Court in Edinburgh and I just wanted to say a word about Imelda, the House Manager.
Imelda has been in post for a while now, and she has made a HUGE difference to the atmosphere of the place. Residents are mixing more easily, and arranging many more joint activities.
I cannot overstate my gratitude to Imelda for everything she has done!

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
My mum brought a property of Caroline Craig Cordel in Romsey glebe court Caroline made the whole process so easy nothing was too much trouble very understanding. I couldn’t recommend Mcarthy and stone enough.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
I want everybody to know what a great guy Jon is. He is our House Manager at Holly Place in Cobham.
His atttention to detail is outstanding and all-embracing. Nothing is too much trouble for him.
Not going to go into details here but thank you Jon, you will know to what I am referring .
JR

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
We stayed overnight in the guest suite of Summer Manor, Burley in Wharfedale where my mum has an apartment. Lovely twin room- pristine with en-suite shower room. Tea and coffee making facilities and very comfortable beds- just like a hotel but at a fraction of the cost. A special thanks to Claire, the house manager, for her help in organising our overnight stay.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
The Hailes at Haddington is wonderful. My parents love living there. Great facilities, everything they need. Fabulous manager (Sarah) who goes above and beyond. As a visitor I love the Guest Suite, makes visiting my parents easy, clean and beautifully presented with everything you need (and some extra treats!).

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
We would like to thank Jackie our manager for the cheese and wine 🍷 evening she organised last night.
Thank you from everyone who attended we had a lovely evening
Catherine Place Melton Mowbray

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Horizons Poole McCarthy & Stone is a wonderful place to spend your retirement years.
Staff are friendly, kind & informed.
The building is modern, clean & welcoming.
The restaurant meals are delicious, fantastic value, staff serve you at the table … important in later life … you have your independence but staff are to hand when needed or you have a question or three …. There is a lovely community feel, you can be involved or do your own thing.
A lovely place to live.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
As a regular visitor, I always enjoy staying in the guest room at McCarthy Stone's The Oaks in Alsager. The room is consistently spotlessly clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with modern facilities that provide everything needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The room is always presented to a high standard.
The House Manager is welcoming, friendly, and extremely helpful, making every visit a pleasure. The whole development is beautifully maintained.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
22 flats empty in my mothers block and no sales apart from 2 because they overlook the sea. The others have been for sale for up to 4 years. Some reviews on here are also procured via over zealous staff members overseeing residents writing reviews. This should stop. MCS also wrongly published on their resales site that there was a waiting list for resales in the block - it took one year to get this misinformation taken down from their site

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
We have nothing but praise for Sharna and the care team at Devonshire Place in Buxton. They go above and beyond to ensure my in-laws are safe, comfortable and happy and that their ever changing needs are catered for. They communicate with us regularly with updates and are always helpful, friendly and attentive when we visit. Thankyou

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
I stayed in the guest suite at Haworth Court while visiting my aunt and was really impressed. The room was spotless, very comfortable and had everything I needed. It felt so welcoming and well looked after, and the amenities were great too. It made visiting my aunt so easy and enjoyable, and I’d definitely be happy to stay again.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Delivered training at penny House but also staff from other complexes attended and the staff that attended were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful,

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Very good position in centre of town and convenient for shops, surgery and all facilities.
We have an exceptional House Manager who is the heart of our little community.
She combines efficiency with caring support and availability.
Unfortunately communication on repairs and building maintenance is often lacking and we suffered for years with a leaking roof.
After 7 years some communal areas look uncared for.
At present we have a great many empty flats and I feel McCarthy Stone could make more effort to promote resales and give reassurance that buyers will not be subject to large maintenance increases which seems to deter some prospective buyers.

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
It has been 7 years since I moved into the newly built Scott Place in Lichfield. The complex of 44 one and two bedroom apartments is attractive, well maintained and is ideally located being just a few minutes walk into the city centre, the Cathedral and the scenic Stowe Pool.It has a good, close community spirit and several events are organised throughout the year by the Social committee for all to enjoy.
12 months ago, a new House manager, Aideen, was appointed. Aideen settled in quickly and effectively in her new role.She has a friendly, approachable disposition and shown to be a caring and supportive Manager tackling any problems with energy and efficiency.
In summary, Scott Place is a sound choice to enjoy your well earned retirement years

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Theresa, the concierge, is wonderful. She is always willing to help and so nice with all the tenants.
Thank Theresa

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
I have lived in the Hanna Court development for 18 months and have found the experience very satisfactory.The apartment and facilities in the building are excellent.I found the communal living a little difficult initially but settled down after a few months.Mel,the manager has been brilliant,dealing with problems promptly and with good humour,even with some of the
more awkward owners( a small minority thankfully).

Reply from McCarthy & Stone
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