Whether you’re ready to downsize, thinking about moving closer to family or are ready for a whole new retirement lifestyle, there’s much to think about. Our team will be happy to answer your questions, or our FAQs may have the information you are looking for:
Whether you’re ready to downsize, thinking about moving closer to family or are ready for a whole new retirement lifestyle, there’s much to think about. Our team will be happy to answer your questions, or our FAQs may have the information you are looking for:
Retirement Living
Essentially, yes. Both terms are used for housing reserved for older people, able to live independently in their own homes, albeit within a secured community and with a little bit of extra help if needed.
Our communities are exclusively for those aged 60+ and, in the case of couples, at least one householder must be at least 60. (Age 55+ for Lovekin Gate, part of the exclusive Blossomfield Park development in Solihull)
Yes, personal care support can be provided for those with some degree of personal care needs, at extra costs, in our Close Care developments (where the retirement apartments share the same site as a MACC care home). This care will be delivered by our award-wining sister company MACC Care or a carefully selected external provider. Our retirement communities are not suitable for those requiring residential care, or those with significant dementia care needs.
Buying an Apartment
Buying ‘off-plan’ means committing to buy a property before it’s finished being built and it has lots of advantages: you get the pick of all available apartments and can have a say on the fixtures and fittings, making your own choice from the wide array of standard and upgrade options offered for a truly personalised home.
£1000 typically secures your chosen apartment. Reservation fees may vary according to the development – please contact us for details.
No. Buyers must purchase 100%.
No. All apartments will be owner-occupied.
No. All apartments will be owner-occupied.
Yes. Providing the proposed main resident, you, meet current admission criteria.
You are free to use any agent you wish to assist you in the sale of your property, you may sell it yourself or we can assist you with the property sale. Ask us for more details.
No. Unlike many retirement living providers we don’t penalise you or your estate and beneficiaries by charging a percentage of the sale price of your apartment as an event or exit fee.
We follow the Consumer Code for New Homes – please visit www.consumercodefornewhomes.com for details.
We also provide a 10 years structural warranty with Global Home Warranties Ltd.
Communities
Please refer to sales team for the most up to date estimated completion date for your chosen development.
No, none other than minor teething problems if any, as occupancy will only begin once all communal areas are completed.
Yes, subject to a suitability assessment by the management company.
Not necessarily. Our developments are well-located, only a short walk from local amenities and well served by regular public transport. Local taxis can be arranged by the concierge.
Electric scooters can be kept in secure parking areas. Please check with your chosen development for details.
Most developments feature a Guest Suite, with an en-suite, which can be booked via the concierge for a small subsidised fee. Nevertheless, friends or family are free to stay in your apartment with you, for as long as you like, as it is your own home.
Yes, it is your own home, and they may stay as long as you wish.
Non-structural alterations can be made with the permission of the landlord; however, structural alterations cannot be made.
Yes, but not in any communal areas, inside or out.
Service Charge
There are many different costs involved with running and maintaining a building with shared facilities and services as safe, secure and luxurious as those offered at MACC Retirement developments so that’s why all residents contribute to the upkeep of their environment through a service charge fee. However, when these costs are divided among a number of people, they become surprisingly affordable and service charge costs start from as little as £7.50 per day, per apartment, and in many cases work out as less expensive than living a comparable lifestyle independently.
A full breakdown is available from each development’s management company.
Typically, the service charge includes:
- Telecare around the clock so residents are safe 24/7, with help available at the touch of a button
- Maintenance of and utilities to all communal areas inside and out including cleaning, heating and repairs
- Maintenance of safety and security features such as intruder alarms, door entry systems, cameras, sprinklers and other fire protection, regular water safety testing
- Water rates
- Sewerage rates
- Buildings insurance
- Concierge services, 9am to 5pm daily for security and support (where available)
For simplicity and certainty, residents pay just one monthly service charge, in advance.
Service charges are calculated based on the usable floor areas of each apartment.
The service charge will only vary to reflect the costs associated with upkeep and maintenance of the development and therefore will likely rise in line with the Retail Price Index. The budget will be reviewed on an annual basis and we will give a months’ notice of any change in the amount payable.
No council tax is included. Please enquire about council tax bandings for the apartments.
Yes, but it is small at just £250 per year.
Leases range from 250 to 999 years. Consult your agent for details.