Churchill Retirement Living teams up with Dame Esther Rantzen DBE to reveal how downsizing can help retirees manage their finances and protect their retirement pot 

With the cost-of-living on the rise, Churchill Retirement Living has teamed up with Dame Esther Rantzen DBE to conduct an energy audit on how downsizing from a typical three-bedroom property to a Churchill apartment can help to make big savings when it comes to energy efficiency.

Recent research conducted by Churchill discovered that 1 in 4 retirees are giving up their retirement and are returning to work, due to feeling the pressure to cover their monthly outgoings. Churchill invited an independent energy expert to test an average Churchill apartment against a standard three-bedroom semi-detached property. The comparisons made demonstrated the potential savings to be made by downsizing to a Churchill apartment meaning those who don’t want to return to work, don’t have to.

The tests looked at thermal imaging, to assess where heat was being lost in each property; air pressure testing to see how much air leaks out of the space and find holes within the building; insulation to ensure heat is kept in the home during winter, and kept out in warmer months; and heating and hot water systems, comparing the efficiency of heat systems in new vs older properties.

Across all four tests, the Churchill Retirement Living apartment came out on top – showing less heat loss, better insulation, and newer, more energy-efficient ground source heat pumps rather than boilers, resulting in cheaper energy bills and a more comfortable, cosier winter.

The results from the comparisons in the energy survey were outstanding and showed that retirees could potentially save over £1,000 per year just on energy bills alone by downsizing to a Churchill apartment*.

Taking all savings into account, not just energy, downsizing to a Churchill apartment could save an average of £2,300 per year on overall household bills and maintenance.

Dame Esther Rantzen said: “When you’ve retired being careful with money is second nature. Many of us are used to living on a budget, however the apartments at Churchill are perfect for those who want to maintain their standards of living without having to take drastic measures. Downsizing can help to save on energy bills, help manage finances and protect your retirement pot.”

Churchill’s Chairman and CEO Spencer McCarthy said: “Our end goal is to make sure our owners are enjoying their apartment and making the most of their retirement with no need to worry about keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We spend considerable time and effort on our apartments to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible. They are also tested to make sure that the air leakage is minimal and that the heat is retained as much as possible to ensure a comfortable living environment.” 

To find out more about the energy audit conducted you can watch the full video HERE. And to discover more about the benefits of downsizing to reduce your household costs and enjoy a relaxing retirement, visit churchillretirement.co.uk.

*Compared to the older 3 bed property and energy prices at time of filming