When considering a move to a retirement community, it’s about much more than the home itself. You want to know what day-to-day life will look like, how costs work, and whether you'll have peace of mind both now and in the future. At Elmbridge Village, we're always looking for ways to make retirement living more affordable, simple and certain. That's why selected properties are now available on the Guaranteed Repayment Lease. The Guaranteed Repayment Lease is designed to give homeowners greater certainty about ongoing and future costs, a clearer understanding of what they'll receive when they leave the village and a hassle-free process when it comes to selling.
Introducing the Guaranteed Repayment Lease
The Guaranteed Repayment Lease offers a different approach to buying and selling a home in a retirement community. It provides lower ongoing management fees while you live here, in exchange for a Deferred Management Fee when you leave.
If you purchase a property on the Guaranteed Repayment lease at Elmbridge Village, you will pay a fixed management fee rather than a variable service charge, so you always know what you're paying month to month. We know how important transparency over costs is, and this change is designed to make budgeting simpler and more predictable.
What is the Guaranteed Repayment Lease?
The Guaranteed Repayment Lease is a new lease option that gives you greater certainty about what you, or your estate, could expect to receive when you leave the village. In simple terms, it offers lower ongoing costs while you're living in the village, in exchange for a fixed Deferred Management Fee when you leave.
For many people, it's a straightforward way to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of village living while having greater confidence around future financial planning.
Greater Certainty, Fewer Surprises
One of the key benefits of the Guaranteed Repayment Lease is predictability.
Unlike a variable service charge, the management fee is index-linked and increases annually in line with CPIH inflation. Any overspend in village running costs or unforeseen maintenance expenses are covered by Retirement Villages Group (RVG), rather than the homeowner. There is also no ground rent
For buyers who value knowing where they stand financially, this added certainty can be incredibly reassuring.
A Simpler Process When the Time Comes to Sell
Thinking about selling may seem a long way off when you're moving into a new home but understanding how things will work in the future is important for both residents and their families.
Under the Guaranteed Repayment Lease, the repayment amount is based on the original purchase price, less the Deferred Management Fee, meaning you know from the outset what you or your estate can expect to receive when you leave the village.
The Deferred Management Fee is:
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8% of the original purchase price if leaving within the first year
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16% if leaving within the second year
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24% if you leave after the second year
This means the repayment amount is based on the original price you paid, rather than the future resale value of the property. This is a key difference compared to the Open Market Lease, where the resale value of the property will depend on the property market at the time.
Less to Worry About
Importantly, your management fee stops just two months after giving notice to vacate, so you're never left paying ongoing management fees on a home that's standing empty while it's being resold.
RVG takes care of the practical aspects involved when a property is sold, so you or your estate doesn’t have to: This includes managing any refurbishment work required and preparing the property for sale.
For residents and families, this can help reduce some of the stress, cost and uncertainty that often comes with selling a home.
Enjoy the Lifestyle That Comes with It
Of course, choosing a home at Elmbridge Village is about much more than lease options. It's about becoming part of a welcoming community set within the beautiful Surrey countryside, with access to extensive facilities, social activities and opportunities to enjoy life on your own terms. Residents can make the most of the clubhouse, restaurant, allotments, croquet lawn, wellness facilities and the many clubs and groups that help create the welcoming and active community atmosphere the village is known for. Alongside the lifestyle on offer today, Elmbridge Village is also benefiting from ongoing investment and enhancement programmes, reflecting our long-term commitment to maintaining and improving the community for both current and future residents.
Whether you're looking for more freedom, less home maintenance, new friendships or simply a lifestyle that feels easier and more fulfilling, Elmbridge Village offers a community designed to support independent living.
Could the Guaranteed Repayment Lease Be Right for You?
Because everyone's circumstances are different, the best place to start is with a conversation.
Our dedicated Sales Consultant, Emma Lewis, can explain how the Guaranteed Repayment lease works and help you understand what it could mean for you and your future plans.
These things are always best discussed face to face, so we recommend booking a visit with Emma. She’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Because retirement living should feel simple, transparent and reassuring from day one. And that's exactly what the Guaranteed Repayment Lease has been designed to offer.
Hear from our CEO
The Guaranteed Repayment Lease was first introduced within our Thrive Living communities and is now also available on selected properties at Elmbridge Village. Watch our CEO explain the thinking behind the new lease and how it works in practice.
