We ‘bust’ four common myths about retirement developments

There are many misconceptions about new build retirement developments, which can stop people from considering later living properties. Rightly so – why would you make a life changing move without being completely sure of the facts?

To help combat your concerns, we have busted some of the most common myths around new build retirement developments. Rest assured, Blue Cedar Homes takes a unique approach to later living and we have been actively debunking these misconceptions about retirement developments for more than ten years.

“Will I be charged a hefty bill if I need to resell?”

When unforeseen events happen, or you need to make a change to your living arrangements, the last thing you need is an unexpected bill. Whether you are selling your Blue Cedar Homes home or changing your living arrangements, there is nothing to pay us – you will receive 100% of the proceeds upon sale.

Moving into an age-exclusive home does not have to come with unexpected costs, so do not settle for anything to the contrary. Thankfully, not all retirement developers charge event fees (also sometimes known as exit fees, transfer fees, contingency fees or selling fees). We are proud to be one those few that do not. So be sure to do your research when finding the right developer for you.

What are event fees?

Event fees are payable under a term relating to a residential lease of a retirement property which are put into place when reselling or sub-letting the property. According to the Law Commission released in 2017, event fees often make specialist housing more affordable by deferring part of the payment for services until they come to sell the property. Unfortunately, this can lead to older consumers being imposed in unfair financial circumstances.

Read more about Event Fees in this useful guide from NAEA Propertymark, the UK’s leading body for estate agency personnel.

“Will I own my land?” – Leasehold scandal

There is no hiding the fact that new build homes and leasehold contracts have received bad press in the media recently, having become known as the ‘leasehold scandal’. The presence of a leasehold clause has led many new build owners to become stuck in unsellable properties, saddled with the growing costs of ground rents.

We are unique in offering freehold houses* for retirees, meaning that there are no ground rents to pay and no unexpected cost increases to dread. If you are looking to make your move into an age-exclusive property, make sure to note if it is available on a freehold basis.

“They’re cramped and strapped for space.”

Research from the Royal Institute of British Architects suggests that many buyers in the UK are finding that new builds are being constructed below comfortable standards in the perceived rise of the ‘rabbit hutch’ home. While this is a common perception, it is not strictly accurate for all new build properties.

Creating beautiful homes with more space but fewer rooms is one of our founding principles. We ensure each room is generously sized and can be easily adapted to change with the owner’s needs. We understand that many of our homeowners are downsizing and will want to bring treasured pieces of furniture to their new home, our layouts are thoughtfully designed and include clever, well considered storage.

“Will I be allowed to bring my pet?”

A common concern for many homeowners, is whether or not they can bring their much-loved pet to their new-build home. A number of property developers place costly restrictions on allowing pets, and it is not uncommon for them to refuse. Fear not, there are new build developments available that allow you to live happily with your beloved pet/s by your side.

Although written permission is required by Blue Cedar Homes management company, we believe that pet ownership when approaching or enjoying retirement has many benefits such as helping individuals to stay active and even improve mental and physical health.

As always, if you have any questions or further concerns that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to call us on 01392 441909 and a dedicated sales advisor will be on hand to assist with your queries.

*All Blue Cedar Homes properties are freehold, except in the case of an apartment.

To help combat your concerns, we have busted some of the most common myths around new build retirement developments. Rest assured, Blue Cedar Homes takes a unique approach to later living and we have been actively debunking these misconceptions about retirement developments for more than ten years.

“Will I be charged a hefty bill if I need to resell?”

When unforeseen events happen, or you need to make a change to your living arrangements, the last thing you need is an unexpected bill. Whether you are selling your Blue Cedar Homes home or changing your living arrangements, there is nothing to pay us – you will receive 100% of the proceeds upon sale.

Moving into an age-exclusive home does not have to come with unexpected costs, so do not settle for anything to the contrary. Thankfully, not all retirement developers charge event fees (also sometimes known as exit fees, transfer fees, contingency fees or selling fees). We are proud to be one those few that do not. So be sure to do your research when finding the right developer for you.

What are event fees?

Event fees are payable under a term relating to a residential lease of a retirement property which are put into place when reselling or sub-letting the property. According to the Law Commission released in 2017, event fees often make specialist housing more affordable by deferring part of the payment for services until they come to sell the property. Unfortunately, this can lead to older consumers being imposed in unfair financial circumstances.

Read more about Event Fees in this useful guide from NAEA Propertymark, the UK’s leading body for estate agency personnel.

“Will I own my land?” – Leasehold scandal

There is no hiding the fact that new build homes and leasehold contracts have received bad press in the media recently, having become known as the ‘leasehold scandal’. The presence of a leasehold clause has led many new build owners to become stuck in unsellable properties, saddled with the growing costs of ground rents.

We are unique in offering freehold houses* for retirees, meaning that there are no ground rents to pay and no unexpected cost increases to dread. If you are looking to make your move into an age-exclusive property, make sure to note if it is available on a freehold basis.

“They’re cramped and strapped for space.”

Research from the Royal Institute of British Architects suggests that many buyers in the UK are finding that new builds are being constructed below comfortable standards in the perceived rise of the ‘rabbit hutch’ home. While this is a common perception, it is not strictly accurate for all new build properties.

Creating beautiful homes with more space but fewer rooms is one of our founding principles. We ensure each room is generously sized and can be easily adapted to change with the owner’s needs. We understand that many of our homeowners are downsizing and will want to bring treasured pieces of furniture to their new home, our layouts are thoughtfully designed and include clever, well considered storage.

“Will I be allowed to bring my pet?”

A common concern for many homeowners, is whether or not they can bring their much-loved pet to their new-build home. A number of property developers place costly restrictions on allowing pets, and it is not uncommon for them to refuse. Fear not, there are new build developments available that allow you to live happily with your beloved pet/s by your side.

Although written permission is required by Blue Cedar Homes management company, we believe that pet ownership when approaching or enjoying retirement has many benefits such as helping individuals to stay active and even improve mental and physical health.

As always, if you have any questions or further concerns that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to call us on 01392 441909 and a dedicated sales advisor will be on hand to assist with your queries.

*All Blue Cedar Homes properties are freehold, except in the case of an apartment.

Company Information

The Company
Key People
Land and Planning

Blue Cedar Home Ltd is registered in England no. 6444180. Registered office: Eagle House, 1 Babbage Way, Exeter Science Park, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2FN

Warranty

For further peace of mind, all Blue Cedar Homes properties carry a 10 year NHBC 'Buildmark' warranty.

Contact Us

Exeter - 01392 441909
Bristol - 01454 201166