Q&A

A: It is for sale on a leasehold basis.

A: Retirement Villages has an option to buy the apartment back from you

when you or your executors wish to sell. Initially, we obtain a written valuation from an independent surveyor and we may offer you (subject to contract) 90% of the valuation price. Retirement Villages’ own sales team will manage the sales process for you.

A: Owners of a Retirement Villages lease are required to pay an assignment fee when their property is sold.

When a Retirement Village is developed there are very substantial capital costs involved in creating the central ‘country club’ facilities, including the restaurant, bar, kitchens, fitness centre, leisure facilities etc. The assignment fees provide the landlord company with a long term income stream which provides a return on the capital cost of that investment. At the same time, this income stream gives the landlord a common interest with the leaseholders, in ensuring that capital values of properties in the village are maintained and improved.

A common criticism of some retirement housing schemes is that ‘second hand’ properties are difficult to sell because the developer, having made his development profit, has no further interest in the investment performance of the scheme. Retirement Villages Limited develops its villages and owns them in perpetuity. We continue to invest in the up grading and refurbishment of the central facilities and individual units so as to ensure that capital values are maximised.

The level of assignment fee varies. The maximum it will be is 12.5% of the sale value and on some of our older leases it can vary considerably below this percentage level. In all cases, this fee includes the landlord’s solicitors’ costs.

Before proceeding we would advise you to take legal advice to ensure you are fully aware of exactly what the fee would be in respect of the specific property you are considering.

A: Retirement Villages does not discriminate on the grounds of age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or disability and is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and diversity.

Our retirement villages are designed to provide an enjoyable and supported environment for older people living independently. So far as we are able we will endeavour to accommodate residents in line with our diversity policy, but we will wish to be satisfied that prospective residents are able to live independently within a community which does not provide full nursing care.

Prospective purchasers will be asked to obtain from their GP a past medical history including any current medication they are taking, if applicable, and send it to the Care Manager prior to a care assessment with the Care Manager.

A: This will depend on how much care you require. There are two separate charges. The first is the Service Charge. This is currently £121 per week.

The second charge is your Personal Care Option and this will depend on the level of care you decide upon. To maintain your well being a weekly charge of £173 (as of 01/04/2011) (or £259.50 for double occupancy) is paid which includes a 24-hour immediate emergency response from trained staff. 

A: Salaries and National Insurance:

* Administration - A team of three including the Village Manager who are responsible for the supervision and control of the complete on-site management of the village

* Maintenance – Employed or contracted staff who are responsible primarily for the upkeep of the communal grounds, buildings and equipment in the village. They will also carry out minor repairs to individual properties that have arisen from structural damage, and there is an appropriate arrangement for property emergencies outside normal working hours. Where residents require further assistance i.e. electricians, plumbers etc they will be required to pay for this separately.

* Nurses – The village has a team of nurses operating an emergency 24/7 facility coverage.

Maintenance Reserve Fund (Sinking fund)

There is a programme for planned maintenance, together with the replacement of large items of equipment. The reserve fund is designed to allow for these expenditures as and when they occur, thereby reducing the need for large variations to service charges. The fund is also there should unforeseen maintenance items arise.

Communal Rates

The business rates for the office accommodation, restaurant, kiosk and all the other central facilities.

Insurance

A block policy is in place to cover the buildings insurance on each property and on all communal buildings. Furnishings in communal areas and equipment used in maintaining the village are also covered, together with employer’s and public liability.

Office Supplies/Telephone

The costs of running the office accommodation and associated services.

Repairs and Maintenance

* The external maintenance, decoration and repair of all properties on the estate including the structure, roofs and foundations.

* Internal maintenance: repair and decoration of the clubhouse and other common parts of the estate.

* The provision of a refuse collection service.

* The maintenance or replacement where necessary of such plant, machinery, and equipment as required. 

Maintenance Contracts

The payment of charges in respect of maintenance and servicing contracts for boilers, lifts, fire alarms, alarm call system and other communal equipment.

Accountancy/Legal

Auditors costs for the provision of independently certified statements of accounts and any licence fees payable.

Management Fee

The fee payable to the Landlord’s appointed manager, RV Services Ltd, for the provision of services to the on site management company and for overall accountability of providing and monitoring the entire facility.

Cleaning Materials, Window Cleaning, Garden Supplies, Uniforms, Interest and Recruitment Advertisements

A: Our assisted purchase scheme is where we act as an agent on your behalf, managing the sales process, and helping you to secure a buyer for your property.

A: We offer a full programme of care through our own domiciliary care agency called Thamesfield at Home. The Care Manager will be responsible for your care. She has her own team of qualified carers and can build a programme of care designed specifically for you.

A: No, we only employ our own staff within our ‘in-house’ agency Thamesfield at Home. We place a great deal of importance on recruiting the right people, training them, and getting to know them and we want you to get to know them too. The staff are selected for their reliability, integrity, friendliness and professionalism.

A: Yes, a trained carer, supervised by the Care Manager, will always monitor your medications if this is what you would like. We will also re-order and collect them for you.

A: Yes, for emergencies, including Christmas and New Year.

A: Yes, they are registered with the National Health. They are specially retained by us and visit Thamesfield once a week. Our GP is Dr E Collett who is a partner at the Bell Street Practice in Henley.

A: If you ring the emergency call bell it will be answered by a senior NVQ qualified carer who will assess the situation and summon the appropriate help. It is likely to be a doctor or paramedic who will treat you at Thamesfield or have you transferred to either the Royal Berks Hospital in Reading or the Wexham Park Hospital in Slough. This will be by ambulance or air ambulance if necessary.

A: We have the very latest digital CCTV system installed with cameras operating throughout the building and grounds. These are relayed through monitors into our main offices for observation and immediate recall should something prove to be of concern. We also have intruder lighting at night and electric gates which close at night.

A: We insure the buildings and the furnishings in the common parts. You just need to insure the contents within your own apartment.

A: Yes, of course. It is your home and you can bring whatever you want.

A: Yes, it will be welcome providing it is not a danger or annoyance to other apartment owners.

A: Yes, a choice of hot or cold breakfast is served from 8.15am. Coffee and home made biscuits from 10.30am. Lunch is three or four courses with a choice of three dishes at each course, served from 12.30-2pm. Guests are most welcome to join you. Afternoon tea is from 3.30pm with evening dinner from 6.30pm.

A: Yes, we can serve meals within your apartment. 

A: No, we are sorry we do not, but there is an excellent small, private hotel opposite Thamesfield. Many of our guests choose to stay there the night, spending their days here with you. They are more than welcome to join you here for all meals.

A: Yes, we have a full and varied activities programme. You are free to join in as much or as little as you please.

A: No, we are sorry but due to current legislation and our own insurance liability we can only allow our own staff, employed and trained by ourselves, to work within the apartments.

A: Yes, we can provide a cleaner, starting from one hour a week upwards. You can choose how much time you require.

A: No, not unless your GP recommends it. Our aim is to ensure that you can be cared for within your own apartment by our own team of qualified carers for as long as you need us.