OWNERSHIP


Are there any age restrictions for living in a Blue Cedar Homes development?

All Blue Cedar Homes properties are offered for sale to the retired market. The permanent occupier or at least one spouse must be over the age of 55 (or 65 in some locations).
 

Can a Family Trust, or similar, buy the property on behalf of parents etc?

Ownership of a Blue Cedar Homes property is not restricted - only its occupation. Blue Cedar Homes properties may be owned by residents, members of their family, friends, Charities, Trusts or Companies.
 

What is the tenure of my property?

The properties are available on a freehold basis (except in the case of an apartment)
 

I am considerably older than my wife/husband; if I die can my under aged spouse/children stay in occupation?

Under age spouses can stay in the property if widowed. Children are not allowed to be permanently resident in the property unless they act as official carers and only with the approval of Blue Cedar Homes, but are naturally welcome to stay as guests at any time.


Can I let the property?

Owners may let their property should they wish to do so: however only "qualifying" tenants may occupy the property. As Blue Cedar Homes does not handle rentals itself, it is best to arrange this with the Management Company through a professional letting agency. Blue Cedar Homes Management Company should be able to assist you in recommending a suitable agency. Any letting is subject to a minimum period of one year. Blue Cedar Homes does not encourage ‘Buy to Let’.


FINANCES AND CHARGES
 

Is there a Service Charge and what does it cover?

There is an annual service charge which is set up to cover the expenditure associated with managing the development, with an additional element to cover major periodic planned costs. The service charge covers all aspects of managing the development, not unlike managing your own property. Typically, key headings are: employment and associated costs of the estate manager; communal water and electricity charges; lighting of communal areas; maintenance of gate entry system; maintenance of grounds; upkeep of any shared areas; the periodic external painting and decoration of houses; gutter clearance; insurance (for the communal area, etc); external window cleaning of all properties; management fee; provisions for periodic costs.
It is intended that the service charge represents excellent value for money. Further services will also be available as and when required on a discretionary basis (paid for as required).


How much does the service charge increase each year?

The service charge covers costs including those from external companies and organisations (e.g. utility companies, insurances, window cleaners etc) and any rise is influenced by the increases imposed by those sources. Blue Cedar Homes Management Company will manage the costs proficiently and it aims to keep any increases to a reasonable level.


When is the service charge payable?

Payment of service charge is quarterly.

 

Will I still have to pay Council Tax if I move to a Blue Cedar Homes property?

Council Tax has to be paid by the occupier of every property: the tax bands vary.
 

What is the ground rent?

There is no ground rent payable.

 

Are there any transfer/assignment fees when selling a Blue Cedar Homes property?


No, we do not charge transfer/assignment fees (ie you will receive 100% of the proceeds upon sale).
 

Are there water meters and who pays the water charges?

Water meters are installed in each property. The charges for water used in the communal areas form part of the annual service charge. The design of the appliances and fittings are efficient in terms of water consumption. Rainwater is collected in underground tanks to be used for landscape watering in many of our developments.
 

PROPERTIES
 

Can I have a security alarm fitted?

Security alarms are fitted as part of the specification. Alarm boxes cannot be fitted to the outside of the property without Blue Cedar Homes’ approval.


Can I have Sky television/satellite dish?

A communal television satellite dish is provided on all developments. Each property is ‘wired’ to enable simple connection to the central system. Normal subscription costs will still apply.


Can I have broadband installed?

Yes – subject to local network availability.


Storage is important – would I have a loft?

Storage areas are incorporated into the design of all Blue Cedar Homes, and where possible, conveniently positioned at normal floor levels.


Can I have a conservatory fitted?

Approval for the installation of a conservatory lies first with Blue Cedar Homes and second with the Local Planning Authority. Residents should also obtain the agreement of their neighbours, who may well be affected. Once Blue Cedar Homes is satisfied that the proposed design is acceptable and in keeping with the development, it is the resident's responsibility to apply for appropriate planning approvals. Once granted and when the conservatory has been erected, the resident and any future occupant will remain responsible for any maintenance that may be required in the future.


How will my home be heated?

It is Blue Cedar Homes’ intention to have all their properties heated by gas central heating with the ground floor accommodation heated by an under floor distribution system - thereby providing an even temperature and avoiding any clashes between soft furnishings and radiators. The upstairs of the property is heated with strategically positioned radiators. It should be noted in certain locations mains gas may not be available. Please contact us for specific details relating to your preferred development site.


Will the property be energy efficient?

All Blue Cedar Homes properties conform to NHBC building regulations relating to SAP (Standard Assessment Procedures) values which have changed dramatically in recent years. The high levels of insulation ensure minimal heat loss and therefore encourage high energy efficiency. Furthermore, energy efficient condensing boilers and 'A' rated kitchen appliances are standard within our properties.  
 

BLUE CEDAR LIFE


Can I lock up & leave for several months?

One of the many benefits of a Blue Cedar Homes property is just this - you can lock up and leave the property for a period of time safe in the knowledge that the Estate Manager will be keeping an eye on it for you, as well as your neighbours. If asked, the Estate Manager will even water the plants in your absence (subject to a reasonable charge). However, it would be wise to verify that the length of your absence does not negate your home insurance policy.


Can I help in the gardens?

Maintenance of the garden is the responsibility of the Estate Manager. However all houses have their own private patio and garden. Residents, if and for so long as they wish to do so, may maintain the rear garden areas adjoining their property, providing this conforms, and is compatible with, the Management Company’s overall "garden plan". Any additional work in the gardens must be approved and coordinated by the Management Company.
 

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted, providing written permission has been obtained from the Management Company (at its complete discretion). Pets are welcome but must be kept under strict control to avoid nuisance to other residents. Dogs must be exercised off the development and whilst on the development must be on a lead at all times.


Is there an emergency call out service?

Each property has a Tunstall installation, which enables a resident to subscribe to a 24/7 call out centre support service. A range of additional support devices are also available to enhance the system’s capabilities.
 

Are there communal facilities?

All developments have superb landscaped grounds, generally including a beautiful summerhouse.


How is refuse dealt with?

Each development has a recycling/refuse bin store conveniently located close to the main gates, which are emptied regularly by the Local Authority. Residents are encouraged to put their refuse in the appropriate bins. Each property has caddy bins within the kitchen design. The Estate Manager will collect bags from individual properties on a regular basis if required (subject to a small charge).


What happens if I need nursing or other help in the home?

You are free to have domestic and nursing help as and when required. The Management Company will aim to provide further information on companies providing the relevant services in your area. All houses are specifically designed so that, if necessary, a resident can live on the ground floor with a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, shower room and patio garden – with the accommodation upstairs available for live-in help if required. Your Blue Cedar Home has also been designed to be versatile and adaptable to suit numerous living needs.


ESTATE MANAGERS

 

What care do the Estate Managers give?

The visiting Estate Managers act as good neighbours. They do not hold nursing qualifications, nor are they permitted to administer medicines.


MAINTENANCE AND DECORATION


Who is responsible for the decoration of my property?

Blue Cedar Homes Management Company has responsibility for the periodic redecoration of the exterior of the properties. Individual owners are responsible for internal decoration.

 

How often is the external decorating done?

External decoration is part of the planned cyclical maintenance contained in the service charge. This usually takes place every 4/5 years.
 

Internal structural alterations: can I knock down internal walls?

Yes, changes may be made internally to the structure of a property, provided these changes are reasonable and conform to any necessary planning/building approvals. Your Blue Cedar Home has been designed to be capable of adaptation to suit numerous living needs. The Management Company offers a design advice consultancy for such adaptation (subject to a charge).



MORE INFORMATION


Where can I get more information on the Management Company?

Please go to the ‘Contact Us’ page of our website for further contact details - www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk. We will be very happy to answer any specific questions that you might have, or to send you additional information as relevant.


Can I ask more questions?

Of course. We will be pleased to help. There are numerous ways that we can be contacted:


1 Speak to our Selling Agent, or alternatively:
2 Email us sales@bluecedarhomes.co.uk
3 Call us 01392 825920
4 Fax us 01392 823706
5 Write to us

Blue Cedar Homes Limited
Palatine House
Matford Court
Exeter
EX2 8NL
 

If we are unable to provide an immediate response we will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible.