MOVING HERE
What are the benefits of downsizing?
It may be that moving would mean downsizing from your previous home. This should be seen as a positive, sensible action.
You would be free of many monthly expenses and continuous upkeep associated with larger properties - and downsizing could also release equity.
Many people find themselves unburdening a lot of financial or practical concerns by downsizing, and of course it allows you to start a new chapter in your life in a beautiful new location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BUYING YOUR HOME
Who can buy a home at Scalesceugh Hall & Villas?
Scalesceugh Hall & Villas welcomes any owners who meet the age exclusive criteria, subject to terms and conditions.
How many properties are there in the development?
There are 13 villas and 15 apartments in Scalesceugh Hall.
Will I own my own home?
Yes, you will. Unlike moving into a residential care home, which would probably involve selling your existing home to meet future costs, buying a villa or apartment at Scalesceugh Hall & Villas means the property is yours.
Are appliances included in the purchase price?
Yes. All apartments and villas are complete with fully fitted kitchens which include a range of integrated appliances. These include an induction hob with extractor, waist-height oven, combi-microwave oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher and a washer/dryer. Please refer to our brochures or ask a member of staff for further details.
Is parking provided?
Apartments
Each apartment includes one parking space. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis. One additional car parking space is available per apartment for a permit fee of £300 per year. Visitor car parking will also be available in the Spa car park adjacent to Scalesceugh Hall.
Villas
Each villa offers at least one private car parking space. Visitor car parking will be available in the Spa car park adjacent to Scalesceugh Hall.
Are the properties leasehold or freehold?
Apartments
All of our apartments are leasehold. There is no ground rent to pay.
Villas
All of our villas are freehold.
Is there lift access?
Apartments
Yes, there is lift access to all floors within Scalesceugh Hall.
Villas
Lift access in our villas isn't included as standard, however there is space in all of our villas for a lift to installed as an optional extra (additional cost applies).
How do I reserve a property?
Please contact our sales team. They will take you through the simple buying process and offer advice on making the move to our community at Scalesceugh.
COSTS AND CHARGES
Is there a service charge?
Apartments
Yes. The service charge fee for our apartments is charged at the following monthly rates for 2021:
- 1 bed apartment = £192.70 per month
- 2 bed apartment = £226.53 per month
Please note our service charge fees are payable as one lump sum annually.
The service charge for our apartments includes:
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Communal gardening and landscaping fees
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External electricity
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Private and communal water
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Sewage
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Public Liability Insurance
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Administration fees
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Lift maintenance
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Communal heating maintenance
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Cleaning of communal areas in the hall
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External window cleaning
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Buildings insurance
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An Estate Manager
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Contribution towards the running and maintenance of the Spa & Wellness Centre
Villas
Yes. The service charge fee for our villas is charged at the following monthly rate for 2021:
- £169.70 per month
Please note our service charge fees are payable as one lump sum annually.
The service charge for our villas includes:
-
Communal gardening and landscaping fees
-
Window cleaning
-
External electricity
-
Private and communal water
-
Sewage
-
Public Liability Insurance
-
Administration fees
-
Contribution towards a general estate reserve fund
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Contribution towards the running and maintenance of the Spa & Wellness Centre
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A Services/Estate Manager
Is the service charge fixed?
Any increases in service charges will only occur if the costs of providing and maintaining facilities and services increase, or if any future Government legislation causes an increase.
The management company is owned by the owners and therefore price changes have to be consulted with owners.
What expenses are not covered?
Residents’ own electricity, telephone rates and charges, as well as council tax, TV licence, satellite/cable subscription and contents insurance are not covered.
Additionally, the service charge does not cover the replacement of plant for individual plots, as well as optional services which can be requested by homeowners at an additional cost, such as cleaning or grocery shopping.
Is there a ground rent charge?
No, there will not be a charge for ground rent.
Will there be any exit fees when I sell my property?
Apartments
Yes. As the apartments are leasehold, when you sell your apartment in Scalesceugh Hall you will be required to pay a deferred management/contingency contribution. The fund covers spending for the repair of communal areas (including roofs, painting of the building, road maintenance, etc.), renewal of lifts, as well as a contribution towards management costs. The contribution is 1% of the ‘open market value’ of your apartment at the point of sale/transfer, for each year or part-year of ownership up to a maximum of 10 years.
e.g. A leaseholder who sells their apartment for £250,000 would have to pay one of the following deferred management fees depending on the number of years they had owned their apartment for:
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1 year ownership = £2,500
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2 years ownership = £5,000
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3 years ownership = £7,500
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4 years ownership = £10,000
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5 years ownership = £12,500
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6 years ownership = £15,000
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7 years ownership = £17,500
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8 years ownership = £20,000
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9 years ownership = £22,500
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10 years ownership = £25,000
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15 years ownership = £25,000
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20 years ownership = £25,000
Villas
No. As our villas are freehold, there is no exit fee to pay upon the sale of these properties.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
How is social isolation tackled?
Being in Cumbria, we are aware of the importance of communities, especial in rural areas. Social isolation - being lonely - can become a chronic condition and a long-term illness. It affects a million elderly people in the UK. We are supportive of The Cumbria Ageing Well Programme, which was set up to ensure that the county is a 'good place to grow older'. It aims to do this through 'Five Ways to Wellbeing': Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice.
The emphasis on, and importance to longevity of living active, healthy later years has been commonplace in Scandinavia and New Zealand, for example, for a number of years. Only now is the UK beginning to catch up.
We at Scalesceugh Hall & Villas are at the heart of this movement. And the hall itself will be at the heart of our own community, with a cinema room and communal lounge available for all owners to enjoy a range of activities and social events with fellow homeowners. We are offering a new perspective on later years living here at Scalesceugh. People talk about growing old with dignity and grace. To us that’s all about staying healthy and active in mind and body, keeping connected to friends and family and being part of a vibrant community.
What if I live alone?
Loneliness can have a negative effect on health, increasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety in particular. You will really appreciate the community feel at Scalesceugh Hall & Villas. It could greatly improve your health and wellbeing.
If you have any further questions about our properties and moving to our development, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 07853 190765
