A new web site promises to open doors for the disabled looking for a place to live or holiday that suits their needs.

The Accessible Property Register [LINK: http://accessible-property.org.uk/] is a new venture that has around 40,000 visitors a month looking for accommodation with easy access.

Run by Conrad Hodgkinson and Dr Christine Barton, a couple from Sheffield, the site lists homes for rent and sale all over the UK.

As a wheelchair user, Dr Barton can empathise with many browsing the site for a home.

The web site has developed in to a one-stop shop advertising adapted homes and holiday accommodation with adapted or wheelchair access.

Private and social housing properties are listed for sale and rent.

Easy to access homes

“Estate agents sometimes seem to think adaptation will put people off so they suggest, sometimes subtly, sometimes not so subtly, removing them or ask people not to mention them,’’ said Mr Hodgkinson.

“Increasingly we have estate agents coming to us saying there’s a wheelchair-accessible property available and we’d like to advertise it with you.”

Unlike many property web sites, The Accessible Property Register details enhancements for the disabled.

To meet the web sites strict ‘accessible’ property definition, all listings meet the following conditions:

• Off-street or unrestricted on-street parking

• No steps between the closest parking and property entrance

• Level or ramped access to at least one entrance

• Level access to all main living rooms

• A WC on the same level as the entrance

Wheelchair-friendly

Other factors considered to make a property easier to use for someone in a wheelchair or suffering a physical problem include:

• Entrance level bath or shower

• Adapted bathroom with features like an electrically-operated seat, walk-in bath or fixed handrails

• Adapted kitchen with lowered working services and appliances

• Wider-than-standard doorways

• Stair\wheelchair lifts to upper floors

• Fixed or tracking ceiling hoist

• Environment or SMART controls

• Intercom and remote door opening

• Supported living

Most advertising is free, although some charges are involved if homeowners need help with posting their property details online.

Around 460 properties are advertised for sale or rent in the UK and some overseas locations. property listings include holiday lets as well as permanent homes.

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