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
Company replied
While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
Our Mother stays in McCarthy and Stone Haddington. Since the day she moved in has felt very welcome and safe. Sarah Bain the house manager has gone above and beyond as she does with all home owners to... See more
Company replied
My mum lives at Joules Place, Market Drayton. Julie Grieves is a great House Manager. Mum loves her apartment . Julie is very kind, cheerful ,helpful and approachable. She solves any problem witho... See more
Company replied
Just completed a short break at Campbell House, Weybridge, Surrey. Perfect location, spotlessly clean and extremely comfortable…. The guest suite is easily located just off reception. A wonderfully... See more
Company replied
Company details
- Home Builder
- Construction Company
- Property Management Company
- Real Estate Agents
- Retirement Community
- Retirement Home
Written by the company
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.
Written by the company
- Moving Made Easier
- Once you have found your perfect McCarthy Stone property, we offer flexible solutions to help you to make it yours. Our retirement properties are available to buy, rent or part-buy, part-rent. Our sales consultants can help you to choose the right option for you. We know that no matter how often you have moved home it is always daunting; our friendly team are here to help with every step, offering as much, or as little, support and advice as you need. Our range of special offers and services are designed to make the process stress-free and affordable too.
- Try It Before You Buy
- This is a big decision and we want to make sure it is the right one for you. At some developments we offer a complimentary two-nights’ stay. This is a great option for those who wish to experience first-hand what living with us is like. You will have an opportunity to meet our homeowners and staff, including the House Manager, and take a tour of the development. In addition, we can put you in touch with existing homeowners who can share their experiences and answer your questions candidly – just ask our sales consultants for more information.
- Retirement Properties for Sale or Rent
- McCarthy Stone creates award-winning retirement properties for sale or for rent — but it’s the people that turn our developments into fun-filled, friendly, communities (https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/media-centre/national-press/mccarthy-stone-secures-five-star-status-for-record-16th-consecutive-year/). We are experts at creating spectacular, safe, low-maintenance, private retirement apartments, bungalows and cottages, in superb locations. But perhaps the best bit is you also get to be part of a retirement community of remarkable individuals (https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/great-places-to-live/homeowners-stories/). Join us for new experiences. New friends. New adventures. A life, well lived.
Contact info
100 Holdenhurst Road, BH8 8AL, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
- 0800 310 0532
- www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk
4.7
Excellent
5K reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Wonderful stay in Norfolk
We stayed at Staithe Gardens Norfolk.
Our guest suite was lovely,clean and had everything we needed for our two night stay.
Will definitely stay there again.
18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Mrs Wells
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Staithe Gardens a McCarthy & Stone development in Norfolk and that the guest suite was clean, comfortable and had everything you needed for your two-night visit. It is great to know that you would choose to stay with us again.
We really appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Kath Ireland Housing Manager
Kath Ireland was covering maternity leave as the House Manager for Southborough Gate Home.
She has been incredibly kind, caring and supportive to my parents, myself and our wider family. As my parents’ health has progressed and they have become increasingly frail, her support and understanding have meant a great deal to us.
She is always friendly, smiley approachable and willing to go above and beyond to help. We have felt very reassured knowing that Kath is there for my parents, and we are extremely grateful for the compassion, care and kindness she consistently shows them. She is a real credit to the supported living service.
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Good morning
Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely review.
We are delighted to hear how much the House Manager Kath’s kindness, care and support have meant to your parents, yourself and your wider family during her time covering as House Manager at Southborough Gate, a McCarthy & Stone development in Tunbridge Wells It is wonderful to know that her friendly, approachable nature and willingness to go above and beyond have provided reassurance at such an important time.
We will be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Kath, who will be thrilled to receive them.
Regards
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Mallory Court, Skipton
We stayed at Mallory Court earlier this week and we're delighted with our experience. The Guest Suite is beautiful, very well suited for our purposes and impeccably clean. The development is brilliantly located beside the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and is well-placed for exploring Skipton town centre.
The Court Manager, Liz, was very professional and efficient, but also really welcoming and friendly - as were the Homeowners we met during our stay. Thank you, one and all.
17 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Peter
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Mallory Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Skipton and found the Guest Suite so comfortable, clean and well suited to your needs.
We will be sure to pass your kind comments on to the House manager Liz, who will be thrilled to hear your feedback, as well as to the Homeowners who helped make you feel so welcome.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, we hope to welcome you back again soon.
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Be Very Careful!!!
My mom in law and father in law moved into a McCarthy Stone apartment 5 years ago. MS bought their house in part exchange, recommended they used their solicitors (which MS paid for) to speed up the process, offered a small discount and paid their removal fees, but my in laws had to be moved in within just a few weeks otherwise the ‘incentives’ would be lost. They didn’t receive their lease until literally the day they actually moved in. My FIL unfortunately passed away last year so my MIL is there on her own. To be completely fair, my MIL loves living there as she has made good friends. However, this is all being completely overshadowed by her fear of how much the apartments in her complex have lost in value, the fact some have been on the market for years and haven’t sold and the fear she is going to leave an on-going service charge debt to her son which still has to be paid whilst the apartment remains empty until it sells (if it sells). There are 13 for sale at present and many more are now rented as they were just not able to sell them. One apartment was bought for £260,000 and is now for sale for £80,000 with no interest. When looking to buy initially, my MIL was told that these apartments are always in demand and sell well. She was even told (obviously verbally) by an over enthusiastic sales person that she could sell back to MS which has never been the case. She had no idea that service charges would rise considerably since buying her property and no idea that she would be leaving an on-going debt to her son. McCarthy Stone have built 4 retirement homes within close proximity to each other and have therefore flooded the market with these kind of properties. They have no problem selling brand new ones with the offer of incentives but the re-sale market is practically dead. What should be an enjoyable time for my MIL in her twilight years has turned into an absolute worry for her. Like many other residents in her complex they wish they had never heard of McCarthy Stone. It’s a sorrowful state of affairs and McCarthy Stone have absolutely no intention of trying to help.
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We were pleased to read that your mother-in-law has enjoyed living in her McCarthy & Stone development over the past five years and has built strong friendships and a sense of community there. Creating environments where people can live independently while enjoying companionship, activities and support is at the heart of what we do, and we are delighted that this has been her experience.
We are also pleased that the moving process, including the part exchange arrangement, legal support and removals assistance, helped your in-laws make what is often a significant life transition.
We were sorry to read of your father-in-law’s passing and offer our sincere condolences.
We appreciate that concerns about future finances, property values and the resale market can understandably cause worry for homeowners and their families.
Property values and resale timescales are influenced by a range of factors, including local market conditions, location, demand and property type. As with the wider housing market, some properties increase in value over time, whilst others may not. We recognise that this can be frustrating, particularly when a property takes longer to sell than anticipated.
We would also respectfully challenge the suggestion that McCarthy & Stone has no intention of helping homeowners who wish to sell. Our specialist in-house Resales team exists specifically to support homeowners and their families throughout the sales process, and we continue to invest in developing options and support for both existing and prospective customers. In addition to resale support, some homeowners also choose to explore rental opportunities, which may provide additional flexibility depending on their individual circumstances.
If your mother-in-law is not already in contact with our specialist Resales team and would like to discuss the options available to her, including resale or rental opportunities, she can contact the team on 0345 556 4126.
As your review does not identify the development concerned, we are unable to comment on the specific circumstances you have described. However, we would be happy to review any concerns further if you are able to provide additional details.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views.
Kind regards,
The McCarthy and Stone Team
Wonderful community and fantastic house…
Wonderful community and fantastic house manager
I regularly visit McCarthy & Stone Homestead place Stalham as a mobile hairdresser, and I always look forward to my weekly visits. The development is always so tidy, welcoming and well looked after, and so much of that is down to Sam, the House Manager.
Sam is always friendly, approachable and incredibly helpful. She goes out of her way to make residents feel welcome and involved, and there always seems to be something planned for residents to take part in if they wish — creating a lovely sense of community.
It’s clear that Sam genuinely cares about the residents and takes pride in making the development a happy, welcoming place to live. As someone who visits every week, I see first-hand the positive atmosphere she creates.
A lovely place with a fantastic House Manager — highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Michelle
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
We are delighted to hear how much you enjoy visiting Homestead Place a McCarthy & Stone development in Norwich and that you find the development so welcoming, tidy and well looked after.
It is especially wonderful to read your kind words about the House Manager Sam and the positive impact she has on the community.
We will ensure she sees your review
Kind Regards
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Keeping cool at Pinnoc Mews
I want to write this review to draw attention to the incredible commitment and professionalism shown by the House Manager at Pinnoc Mews in Exeter. During this prolonged period of heat waves, Linda has shown amazing care and support to all of the people who live here. Her care always shows in the strength of the community bound that is felt at Pinnoc Mews and lately she has yet again proved herself to be a pillar of compassion and concern. She has gone out of her way to ensure that people have enough cool drinks and food, she has been shopping for those who could not get out (in her own time) and she even provides ice creams and a friendly face on the hottest of days. Thank you Linda & Pinnoc Mews
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Good afternoon
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a lovely review.
We are delighted to read your kind words about the House Manager Linda and the wonderful support she provides at Pinnoc Mews a McCarthy & Stone development in Exeter.
It is especially heart-warming to hear how much her care, compassion and professionalism mean to the community, particularly during the recent hot weather. We know she will be so pleased to hear how appreciated her efforts are.
Thank you again for your review
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Lyle Court - Exceptional Staff Who Truly Care
We could not be happier with the care and support our mother has received since moving into Lyle Court. From the very beginning, the staff lead by managers Katrina, Shona, Kirsten and Fiona, have been exceptional — warm, compassionate, professional and genuinely caring.
What has impressed me most is the way every member of staff treats the homeowners with such kindness, patience and respect. Nothing ever seems too much trouble, and there is a wonderful sense that they genuinely care about the people they look after, rather than simply doing a job.
Knowing that Mum is safe, happy and surrounded by people who look out for her gives us enormous peace of mind.
The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, and the level of care and attention is outstanding. We would wholeheartedly recommend Lyle Court.
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Caroline
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
We are delighted to hear how happy you and your family are with the care and support your mum has received since moving into Lyle Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Edinburgh.
It is lovely to read your kind words about Katrina, Shona, Kirsten, Fiona and the wider team, who will be so pleased to know their compassion, professionalism and dedication have made such a positive difference.
Thank you again for your review
The McCarthy & Stone Team
I recentky wrote a Review for McCarthy…
I recentky wrote a Review for McCarthy and Stone.
I received a reply asking for further informtion.
Unfortunately the e-mail address given was not correct/recognised.
I despair
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Mr Little
Please accept our apologies the correct email address for any correspondence is:
customerRelations@mccarthyandstone.co.uk
Please do get in touch if we can assist and support you in any way
Kind Regards
the McCarthy & Stone team
Moving made Easy
My brother recently moved into Campbell House in Weybridge, Surrey.
He has a lovely apartment with modern facilities and the use of a bistro, communal area and garden.
He has found all the staff friendly and helpful. Tracy, the House Manager, has been brilliant.
His first contact was with Nora who dealt with the rental and made the whole process smooth and efficient.
The staff have made moving to a new home a welcoming and positive experience for him.
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Mr Green
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of Campbell House a McCarthy & Stone development in Weybridge.
We are delighted to hear that your brother has settled into his new home and is enjoying both his modern apartment and the excellent facilities available, including the bistro, communal areas, and gardens.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about our team, Tracy and Nora and we will be sure to pass on your lovely feedback to them.
Thank you again for your review.
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Homestead Place at Stalham is very well…
Homestead Place at Stalham is very well kept. Grounds are nicely maintained as is the interior. I visit on a regular basis and the people that I see/speak to seem very happy there. The apartments are comfortable and spacious. There are also many different things that go on for the residents eg coffee mornings, film nights etc. Sam Grimbleby, the manager is always friendly and helpful to both residents and families/visitors.
17 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Carolyn
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you have had such positive experiences at Homestead Place, a McCarthy & Stone development in Norwich.
We are pleased to hear that residents appear happy and are enjoying the range of activities on offer, from coffee mornings to film nights and other social events.
Your kind words about the House Manager Sam are particularly appreciated. We will be sure to pass on your compliments.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. It means a great deal to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide a happy and vibrant community for our residents
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Excellent stay
Garstang…..Visited twice now and both times the room has been spotless. Beds are very comfy, temperature is always pleasant in the room. Use of kitchen in the communal room just next door. It’s a nice spacious room, plenty of room for me and my youngest Son. Definately stay again.
11 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Jo
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted to hear that you have enjoyed your stays with us at Garstang.
It is lovely to know that you found your room spotless, comfortable, and maintained at a pleasant temperature throughout your visits. We are pleased that the communal kitchen facilities and spacious accommodation helped make your stay convenient and enjoyable for both you and your son.
If you can advise which development you refer to, we will ensure the relevant parties see your review.
Thank you again for your kind comments
The McCarthy & Stone Team
DONT BUY NEW…….
DONT BUY NEW…….. BUY RESALE at a fraction of the new price with the same facilities.
My mother really enjoyed living in her McCarthy Stone property in a Retirement Living Plus development. She lived there for nine years before she passed away, enjoying the sense of community. There were card schools, carpet bowls, musical bingo, to name just a few activities, while a group would lunch together in the restaurant.
Certain things changed when the support system became more focused on charging for help, not just care. It is probably no coincidence that this was soon after Lone Star, the US Equity company, took control with their emphasis no doubt on driving profit.
Things then really turn sour when the resident passes away and their estate takes over. The estate is immediately drained with the ongoing service charges and ground rent. Resales support is minimal at best, as the company has no incentive to sell resale properties given the service charges are covered by these estates, so they focus on sales of new properties aided by the government in the form of a Homes England grant.
It makes no sense for people buying new properties at inflated prices where previously loved properties exist in established developments.
McCarthy Stone, please dont respond with your stock answer which many of us have heard for years. Doesn't wash I'm afraid.
19 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Gordon,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We were pleased to read that your mother enjoyed living at her McCarthy & Stone development for many years and benefited from the sense of community, activities and facilities available.
We are sorry to hear of your concerns regarding ongoing charges and the resale process following her passing. We appreciate that dealing with bereavement, probate and the sale of a property can be both emotionally and financially challenging for families, and we do not underestimate the pressure this can create.
We would respectfully challenge the suggestion that McCarthy & Stone has no incentive to support the resale of apartments. Our specialist in-house Resales team exists to help homeowners and families through the sales process, and we want our developments to be thriving, fully occupied communities. Supporting apartment sales is therefore important both to our customers and to our business.
We also understand why continuing service charges on an empty apartment can feel unfair.
However, these charges are linked to ownership rather than occupancy and contribute towards the ongoing operation, maintenance, safety and services provided within the development. If these costs were only met by occupied apartments, residents living in the development would effectively subsidise vacant properties. This approach is consistent with the wider leasehold property market.
We recognise that both new and resale apartments have an important role to play in offering choice to customers, and many prospective purchasers choose between the two depending on their individual circumstances and priorities.
As your review does not identify the development concerned, we are unable to investigate the specific points you have raised. If you would like us to review your experience further, please update your review to include the name of the development.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views.
Kind regards,
The McCarthy and Stone Team
Whyburn Court 10th Anniversary
Whyburn Court 10th Anniversary
We had a wonderful Monday afternoon celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the opening of Whyburn Court which was all down to the excellent organisational skills of our House Manager Jane Taylor. We had a first class buffet followed by a very talented musician, Martin, who kept us marvelously entertained. Jane always goes above and beyond for all the residents here and is extremely friendly and welcoming to all - she is a star.
17 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Janice
Thank you for your wonderful review and for sharing your experience of the 10th Anniversary celebrations at Whyburn Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Nottingham.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed such a special afternoon and that the event was a success. It is great to hear that the buffet and entertainment from Martin helped make the occasion so memorable for everyone.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about The House Manager Jane. We will be sure to pass on your lovely comments. She truly does work hard to ensure residents feel supported and included, and we are thrilled that her efforts made such a positive impact on the celebrations.
Thank you for your kind comments,
The McCarthy & Stone Team
I really enjoy living at Roman Court…
I really enjoy living at Roman Court Middlewich. The best parts of living here are the lively and sociable community and stress free living.
Also Joanne Birch the Development Manager is always very supportive and proactive with solving problems. She is also a significant part of the success of the community and always goes above and beyond to support home owners.
19 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Mrs Hughes
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of life at Roman Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Middlewich.
We are delighted to hear how much you enjoy living there and that you value both the friendly, sociable community and the stress-free lifestyle that Roman Court offers.
We are especially pleased to hear your kind comments about the House Manager Joanne. We will be sure to pass on your wonderful feedback to her. Knowing that her hard work, support, and commitment are so appreciated means a great deal.
Thank you for your kind comments,
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Warminster stay in the Guest Room
I recently stayed at Warminster in the guest room. Sally is the Manager and it was a fabulous stay. The room was very clean and had everything in it I needed. Very quite too. A wonderful stay made better by the lovely room I had to stay in. Looking very much forward to another stay soon.
14 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Sandra
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay in the guest suite at Imber Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Warminster and that you found the accommodation clean, comfortable and well equipped for your needs.
The House Manager Sally will be thrilled to receive your kind comments.
Thank you once again for your feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back for another stay in the near future.
Thank you again for your review
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Mccarthy & Stone have been excellent…
Mccarthy & Stone have been excellent throughout, from our offer on a property being accepted to the final completion. In particular, Property Consultant Henry Markell was the standout person we dealt with. Always on hand to answer queries and guide us through the various stages. Very professional & personable, his regular contact and updates were very welcome, particularly whilst dealing with a property sale abroad.
18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Daz
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We are delighted to hear that your journey with McCarthy & Stone has been such a positive one, from having your offer accepted right through to completion.
A special thank you for recognising Property Consultant Henry Markell. We are proud of the professional, personable service he provides, and if you can advise which development you refer to, we will be sure to pass on your kind comments.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Resales of apartments are appalling
Resales of apartments are appalling . It took three stressful years to sell my Mothers flat . I had to pay service charges all that time . I employed two other agents at different points and went through auction . Council tax doubled and in the end the flat sold for less than half of its value . No useful help was forthcoming . All they want is your money . The accounts dept are brutal are best . The leases need a good overhaul . Nobody answers your queries and correspondence . The CEO changes like the wind . The investment company is in America and has no idea what goes on and frankly doesn’t care . I feel bereft from the loss of my Mum and the treatment of this company . There are so many in this position and now the support group will grow and take action to help other unsuspecting individuals
19 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Mrs Anne Smith,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We were very sorry to read about the loss of your mother and appreciate how difficult it can be to manage the sale of a property alongside the practical and emotional challenges that follow bereavement.
We understand that a lengthy sales process and ongoing property-related costs can be frustrating, particularly when a property remains unsold for an extended period. However, resale values and timescales are influenced by a range of factors, including local market conditions, property type, location and demand, in the same way as the wider housing market.
To maintain the services, facilities and safety measures within a development for all homeowners, service charge liability is linked to property ownership rather than occupancy. This means charges continue whether an apartment is occupied, vacant or being marketed for sale. Like all leaseholders, McCarthy & Stone also pays service charges on apartments that it owns.
We recognise that not all customers will agree with this model, but it is important to clarify that service charges are governed by legislation and are used to fund the ongoing operation, maintenance and management of developments. Detailed budget and accounting information is made available to homeowners each year.
We are sorry that your experience has left you feeling unsupported. If there are specific concerns that remain unresolved and have not previously been addressed by our Customer Relations team, we would encourage you to contact Customer Relations at CustomerRelations@mccarthyandstone.co.uk so that they can review these directly.
Kind regards,
The McCarthy and Stone Team
What a place
What a place! Made to feel very welcome and looked after. Such a lovely development at Balshaw court in Leyland. All the staff are amazing and make sure everyone feels welcome and looked after.
18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Andy
Thank you so much for your review. We are delighted to hear that you’ve been made to feel so welcome and well looked after at Balshaw Court a McCarthy & Stone development in Leyland.
It is lovely to know you are enjoying the development and that the team have made such a positive impression. We will be sure to share your kind words with them, as they will be so pleased to hear that their care and support is appreciated.
Thank you again for your review.
The McCarthy & Stone Team
Approach with extreme caution!
Dodnt give my parents sufficient time to consider the offer made to them; didnt make clear that the value of new retirement properties don't perform in accordance with the rest of the housing market; required them to use McCarthy Stone recommended solicitors in order to receive the offer (who, by virtue of the referral cannot possibly be independent), offered little support when the flat my parents bought for £189,000 sold at auction for £40,500 17 years later, after they'd gone, with service charges continuing to accrue...
Be very cautious!
17 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Louise Thompson,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate that your family's experience has clearly been difficult and understand that matters involving later-life moves, bereavement, property sales and ongoing property costs can be both emotional and challenging.
We are sorry to read that you remain disappointed with the outcome of the property sale and the experience that followed.
McCarthy & Stone is committed to providing prospective purchasers with information about the costs and responsibilities associated with ownership, including service charges and leasehold obligations, to help them make informed decisions. We also recognise that housing markets, property values and personal circumstances can change significantly over time, particularly over many years of ownership.
Property resale values and sales timescales are influenced by a range of factors, including location, market conditions, demand and the type of property being sold, in the same way as the wider housing market. We understand that this can be frustrating for homeowners and their families when a sale takes longer than expected or achieves a lower price than hoped.
While we are unable to discuss individual circumstances in a public forum, we understand that concerns similar to those raised in your review have previously been considered through our formal complaints process and responded to in writing, and we would respectfully refer you back to that response.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views.
Kind regards,
The McCarthy and Stone Team
Total lack of interest in resales
Total lack of interest in resales. Flooding the market with new builds where the market is already limited. Complete lack of transparency if you ask a straightforward question. This company will happily take a family’s life savings by their refusal to buy back or limit the service charge on unoccupied inherited properties. Shameful business model.
18 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from McCarthy & Stone
Dear Customer,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to read of your concerns regarding resales, ongoing service charges and the experience of selling a retirement property.
We appreciate that property sales can sometimes take longer than expected and that this can be particularly frustrating for families dealing with bereavement, probate or changes in circumstances. However, resale values and timescales are influenced by a range of factors, including local market conditions, demand, location and property type, in the same way as the wider housing market.
We would also like to clarify that service charges are linked to property ownership rather than occupancy. They contribute towards the ongoing running, maintenance and safety of developments and continue to apply whether an apartment is occupied, vacant or being marketed for sale.
We are committed to being transparent about service charges and ongoing ownership costs, and detailed information is provided to prospective purchasers throughout the buying process.
As your review has been posted anonymously, we have been unable to identify whether you are a customer or review any specific concerns you may have. If you would like us to investigate your experience further, please contact our Customer Relations team at CustomerRelations@mccarthyandstone.co.uk, who will be happy to assist.
Kind regards,
The McCarthy and Stone Team
The Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.