THE last four years have seen a significant rise in the number of people intending to move into a purpose-built retirement property, according to NOP research.

NOP polls comparing a five-year period since 1998 show a significant increase in people’s awareness of retirement housing as a whole and in particular of McCarthy & Stone, the largest in the sector.

The results indicate that in an increasingly uncertain world, more and more older people are seeking the security, convenience and companionship that comes with purpose-built retirement housing.

McCarthy & Stone’s latest developments include Woodlands Court in Walderslade Village, Walderslade; and Brookfield Court in Springfied Road, Southborough.

Since 1998, there has been a 33 per cent increase in the number of people aged over 55 who say they will definitely move into retirement accommodation at some stage in the future, and a 19 per cent increase in those who say that they are considering it.

Not surprisingly, McCarthy & Stone - which builds at least two-thirds of the nation’s private retirement properties - emerged as the builder most people named first when asked the question: “Which companies can you think of that build retirement flats/houses?”

Over the five years, there was a 50 per cent rise in the number of people who mentioned McCarthy & Stone first when asked to name a retirement builder and significantly, the increase was even greater (67 per cent) among the over-55s taking part in the survey.

For more details, call freephone 0500 870454, or visit the web site at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk