Press Release

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY SPIRIT CAN RAISE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME (22/05/2008)

New research shows it’s where you buy and not what you buy that matters to homebuyers this Spring according to new research from Combined Insurance.

British adults looking to buy a home are putting good local amenities (68%) followed by being in an area with low crime rates (78%) at the top of their homebuyers’ wish list, meaning a close community spirit and neighbourliness looks vital to up the value of your home.

With reports that local shops are being forced into closure by larger competitors*, 63% of British adults have said they find it essential to buy their home in an area with access to good shops.

Community insurer Combined Insurance asked a GB representative sample of almost 2,000 adults what they consider to be important to help them choose and settle down in a community.

Top 10 Local Essentials when Buying a Home

Further Findings:
Transport Links are a must:
Long commuting hours are taking their toll - Britons also insist they need to be near to good transport links (66%) and a short journey to work (45%).

Welsh most worried about crime:
It is the Welsh who are most concerned about crime rates in their area, considering it to be the most essential factor when settling down – 86% - compared to 71% of Londoners.  

Friendly Scottish Spirit:
The Scots are those in the UK who most consider an area with a vibrant community spirit an important factor for where they live – 38%, compared to just 20% of those in the North East.
 
Nigel Brittle, Director at Combined Insurance commented: “The research shows that community spirit goes beyond just “do-gooding” for the local neighbourhood. Today, people want peace of mind and the personal touch and this is reflected in people’s attitudes to the communities in which they choose to settle down. At Combined Insurance, we can also offer peace of mind to people within the communities through the products we offer to help protect the families financial future, and the way we do business – a face to face personal service.”

Notes to Editors:

* http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-an-army-of-choosy-shoppers-could-see-off-greedy-retailers-820869.html

For more information and to arrange interviews please contact:
Lindsay Wienand / Guy Bellamy                 
FD Consumer Dynamics
020 7269 7265 / 7177
lindsay.wienand@fd.com

Notes to Editors:

Since 1919, Combined Insurance www.acelimited.com.