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Your questions answered
- Is there a service charge and what does it cover?
- Yes there is a service charge for each of our apartments. The service charge covers the cost of providing the Lodge Manager, Security Systems and call monitoring, external maintenance of the building and grounds, heating and lighting of the Owners' Lounge and Communal areas. Your water rates are also included in the service charge - together with all electricity used in the Laundry Room for washing and drying. A full budget analysis is available for each individual site - and we aim to keep the cost as low as possible.
- Will I own my apartment?
- Yes. All Churchill Retirement Living apartments are sold on a 125 year lease.
- What Safety and Security features are there?
- All developments are fitted with a video door entry system operated via your television set, intruder alarms in all ground floor apartments, fire detection equipment, a 24 hour care and support system and a Lodge Manager on duty Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
- Are there any other charges which I have to pay?
- As with any property, you have to pay your local council tax – within the band allocated by the local council. Additionally, you will have to pay for the electricity you use in your own apartment. You will have to pay for your own TV licence. However, a TV licence is free for those over 75, but has to be applied for. There are no other hidden day-to-day charges to pay.
- Can I sell my apartment?
- Yes, you can sell your apartment at any time on the open market. The apartment is owned by you and you do not need to ask permission to sell it. However, there is often a waiting list of interested people wanting to buy and we would encourage you to talk to the Lodge Manager who may be able to help you avoid estate agents fees if you want to sell.
- Are Churchill Retirement Living registered with the NHBC?
- Churchill Retirement Living is a registered builder with the National House-Building Council (NHBC). Every Churchill apartment has a 10 year NHBC build mark warranty. Individual sales consultants will be delighted to give you full details.
- Are pets allowed in the apartments?
- Dogs, cats or caged birds are welcome in all Apartments. However, so as to ensure the privacy and comfort of other apartment owners, we ask that prior permission is obtained in writing from the Lodge Manager. The only other condition is that the pet should be well behaved and not cause a nuisance to other apartment owners.
- Who looks after the building on behalf of Churchill Retirement Living?
- Millstream Management Services Limited are leaders in the day to day management of retirement schemes. They have been appointed by Churchill Retirement Living to employ a Lodge Manager who acts as a good neighbour and helps to ensure that Apartment Owners’ lead a comfortable and enjoyable life. The Lodge Manager is supported by Millstream Management Services to provide a property management service – which is included in the service charges.
- Is there any age restriction for those living in a Churchill apartment?
- The Apartment Owner or at least one of the people living in the Apartment must be aged over 60 with the partner being 55+. However, local councils are usually very flexible when it comes to considering those with disabilities.
- How do I actually buy an apartment?
- Simply visit the Churchill location of your choice. Choose the apartment, which suits your own individual purposes and reserve with a £1,000 deposit. The purchase then proceeds exactly the same as any other property purchase. We will ask you to exchange contracts, once your solicitors have satisfied themselves that the lease and local searches have been properly scrutinised. Final completion usually takes place a short time after exchange. Your local Churchill Retirement Living sales consultant will be happy to help you through the apartment purchase process. We aim to make this as simple and easy as possible.
- Is there a guest suite available?
- Yes. - Every development includes a twin bedded guest suite with en-suite facilities. Guests are provided with tea and coffee making facilities. There is a small nominal charge, which is returned to the individual Lodge budget – so as to help reduce service charges.
- Do you offer help with moving in?
- Yes. - Churchill Retirement Living staff will be delighted to help you arrange removals – we can help you with purchasing and installation of carpets, curtains (and even new furniture if required).
- What about car parking?
- Every Lodge is provided with unallocated car parking.
- What happens if I pass away whilst owning an apartment?
- The Apartment ownership then transfers to your estate – or to whomever you have bequeathed it to within your Will. It is theirs to sell.
Communal Facilities Available
Car Parking
There is no charge for parking but spaces are limited and available on
a ‘first come, first served’ daily basis.
Visitors should only park if there are specially allocated marked visitors’ spaces.
If none are available then visitors may only pick up or drop off Owners
and must park off site.
Guest Suite
A Guest Suite is provided for visiting relatives or friends and a charge is made for its use. Reservations are arranged via your Lodge Manager. Priority may be given to a visitor helping a sick Owner.
Laundry
Most Lodge/Developments have communal laundry facilities, which are available to all Owners. The costs of running the laundry, including servicing and repairs, are paid for through the service charge.
Owners’ Lounge
The Owners’ lounge is for the use of all Owners as a casual meeting place or for an organised event. It is also available for private hire by Owners, on payment of a fee which is placed in the Lodge/Development’s trust account. Advance notice must be given to the Lodge Manager in order to make a booking.
