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bigger textLack of basic security measures at home
MILLIONS OF PENSIONERS LACK BASIC SECURITY MEASURES AT HOME
- Over half of pensioners don't have a burglar alarm, reveals Homewise -
Millions of British pensioners are putting their safety at risk by failing to have any basic home security measures in place, according to new research1 by Homewise. And the UK's leading retirement finance and property specialist believes lack of money is preventing many from taking steps to secure their homes.
The survey reveals that almost 55% of pensioners - or nearly five million people - do not currently have a burglar alarm at their property. According to Homewise, over three million over 65s do not have a security chain on the front door, over two million have no outside lighting and over 1.5 million pensioners have just a single lock on their front door.
Homewise says that many pensioners realise how vulnerable they are but are unable to afford the cost of installing security measures and cannot justify the outlay from what is often a very small disposable income. The company estimates that it can cost between £500 and £1000 to buy and install a full set of security measures. Typical costs for security measures (excluding installation) are:
- Chubb traditional cyclinder rim lock - £57 + VAT
- Chubb 3U74E 5 Lever Mortice sashlock - £34.74 + VAT
- Metal Halide 400 watt Flood Light - £139.49 + VAT
- 125mm super tubular latch - £5.45 + VAT
- Eagle gold alarm system - £499 + VAT
Mark Neal, managing director of Homewise says: "Many pensioners have limited disposable incomes as a result of growing debts and an inadequate pension provision, so the prospect of spending several hundred pounds upgrading their home security simply isn't a viable option.
"In our experience many pensioners with limited finances struggle to improve their existing homes and have few alternatives, particularly if their home isn't worth a great deal. However, our unique Find & Afford scheme enables pensioners who are already considering moving home to relocate to a secure and high quality property without all the normal hassle associated with moving house."
Pensioners living in the Midlands are the least likely to have burglar alarms (39%) but are the most likely to have outside lighting on their houses (85%). Overall, pensioners in the North are the most security conscious with 53% having burglar alarms compared to 43% in the South and 84% have multiple locks on their front door compared to 80% in the South and 75% in the Midlands.
Homewise's Find & Afford scheme is aimed at people aged 65 and over. It helps them to find an ideal property and to purchase a lifetime lease in it at a cost that is greatly below its market price. Key features of Find & Afford include:
- Major discounts on the asking price of a property: People aged 65 and over can live in a property and pay between 47% and 76% of its market value. The discount will depend on the customer's age and individual circumstances. This means that they can improve the quality of their retirement by living in a property that they might not normally be able to afford and which may be more suitable for their needs.
- Free property search: Homewise has a team of property specialists who can take a brief from a customer to find a home anywhere in the UK that meets their particular requirements.
- Purchasing a customers existing home: If a customer is finding it difficult to sell their home in order to raise capital to purchase a new property through Find & Afford, Homewise will offer to buy their home. The price it offers will be based two independent surveys.
- Purchasing your new home: If you decide to purchase a property through Find & Afford, Homewise will negotiate the price for you, deal with the estate agents and solicitors and all general issues regarding the property's purchase.
- Portability: Find & Afford customers are free to move to other properties. If they don't want to incur any additional costs on the lease, they can move to a new property the value of which is equal to or less than the current value of their home.
- Professional help in moving: Homewise can provide access to a discounted home removal service and a panel of recommended solicitors.
- Refurbishment: Customers can pay to use Homewise's team of professional vetted tradespeople to carry out refurbishments to their new home.
- Transparency: Homewise encourages all of its customers to consult with their families and to take legal advice before deciding on whether Find & Afford is an appropriate scheme for them.
A recent report from Homewise reveals that around 1.2 million pensioners are living in poor quality accommodation, with defects ranging from damp, to leaking roofs or flaking paintwork. The company says around one in five of those who need to renovate claim they simply can't afford to get the work done and says that the Find & Afford Plan is one solution for pensioners looking to live in better quality accommodation.
To find out more about Homewise's range of services please contact: 0800 043 4477. Alternatively, log on to www.findandafford.co.uk.
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