FAQ's
You will no doubt have many questions
that you will want to ask, and our staff are always pleased to talk these
through and help wherever possible.
The following are a selection of the more common questions we are asked
-
What is the reservation procedure?
Specific apartments can be reserved on payment of a nominal deposit
which counts towards the final purchase price. In return, your chosen
apartment is withdrawn from the market and solicitors instructed to prepare
contracts.
What happens if I need to sell my own home first?
Many purchasers are in this position, hence we like to hold on to
your chosen apartment for as long as possible, and regularly discuss progress
with you to ensure that we can help you meet the completion date.
Will I own my new home?
Yes, all our apartments are on long leases (typically 125 years)
Am I allowed to rent my property out?
No. As we need to ensure that all occupants are suitable, we regret
that sub-letting to non family members is not permissible.
Am I allowed to have pets?
Yes – usually. We fully appreciate that pets can be great companions,
though living in an apartment can present difficulties for some pets.
We prefer to leave this to the owner's discretion, unless of course a
pet presents a nuisance to other owners or neighbours.
Will my friends be able to come and stay?
Yes. A guest suite is available to hire by the night, with a full
linen/laundry service.
I may shortly have to go into hospital for an operation, is extra
help available?
Yes. We recommend that you discuss this in advance with our Care Consultant,
so that any extra medical or domestic help can be booked for you in good
time.
The service charge includes some domestic help, what can I do if
I need more?
This is readily available, and can be discussed with our Care Consultant.
If I need to have my apartment adapted, what facilities are available?
These days there is a wide and comprehensive range of aids available, including
ceiling tracked hoists, sani-chairs, heat sensors, movement detectors,
electronically-closing windows, panic alarms, electronic medication dispensers
etc.
What does the service charge cover?
Just about all the basic essentials that ensure you can enjoy life without
unnecessary complications or stress.
Can my family buy the apartment for me?
Yes, though the occupancy restriction prevents the property being let to
a tenant who is not a family member.
Can you help with advice on mortgage products and bridging finance?
We are not able to give specific advice ourselves, though we have an established
relationship with the Royal Bank of Scotland, who have indicated their
willingness to discuss short-term finance and bridging-loan facilities.
We will be pleased to arrange an introduction if required.
Is the property covered by a 10-year guarantee?
Yes, we are members of the National House Building Council and every property
we build includes their 10-year guarantee.
What type of food is available each day?
All menus are chosen with considerable care to be nutritious and well-balanced,
and we aim to provide one substantial meal each day. All meals are prepared
and cooked from fresh and locally-sourced ingredients to the highest standards.
Comments and suggestions from owners will always be welcomed.
Will I have privacy in the gardens?
While the gardens are all communal, our designs usually enable owners of
ground-floor apartments to have a patio area with an element of privacy,
and even to personalise areas of garden with plants of their choice.
Will the service charge rise each year?
The service charge is based on the cost of providing the level of service
that our owners require. It can certainly rise (often in line with inflation),
though it only reflects the actual costs incurred. We accept that our
Owners are usually limited by fixed incomes, and review all costs continually
to ensure that we are providing maximum value for money. We welcome Owners
suggestions and comments, and present annual budgets for consideration.
You may have a number of other questions that you
would
like to ask, please contact us and we will be pleased to help.
