Fees and charges explained
Management Service Charge
We offer a comprehensive level of support, care and services designed to make life comfortable, enjoyable and stress-free. The core maintenance services are paid for via a management service charge, which covers many of those fundamentals that homeowners would normally pay for, such as buildings insurance, window cleaning and the cultivating of private gardens.
We tend to our communal gardens all year round, manage safety and security through our door and gate, entry and exit systems and have qualified staff on emergency 24-hour call. These are just a few of the requirements we ensure we meet.
The annual fee is chargeable weekly and collected in advance, each month. It is reviewed on the 1st September every year to reflect the changes in the cost of delivering the services, but any increases are based solely on changes in actual costs. Hence the service charge is a “variable charge”. We will provide at least 28 days’ notice of the new charge.
The service charge covers all those components that make Newlands of Stow the very warm, welcoming and special place it continues to be, including:
Property
- Routine maintenance to the buildings
- External Building Surveys (not a structural survey)
- External cleaning of windows and gutters and internal cleaning of communal areas
- Buildings insurance
Communal Facilities
- Heating, lighting and maintenance of all communal areas, including lifts
- Laundry services
- Housekeeping services
Gardens & Estate Management
- Garden and grounds maintenance for communal areas
- Refuse services
- Gardening sundries
- Handyman services
- Operation and maintenance of all external lighting
- Upkeep of private roads
- 24-hour staff present on site
Care & Support
- Initial health and well-being assessment
- 24-hour monitoring and response to emergency alarm units via on-site domiciliary care
- Assisted Living Apartment Services package (extra cost)
- Support and liaison with medical professionals and agencies
Social Events & Concierge
- Provision of concierge service seven days a week
- Coordinate and organise social events
- Liaison with local clubs and societies
- Support integration within the community
Transport
- Use of village transport for group outings
- Purchase/hire and upkeep of vehicles
- Drivers’ costs (extra charges apply for solo trips)
Customer Service & Admin
- Reception and booking services
- Advice regarding on-site services
- Quarterly meetings, minutes, disbursements
- All admin, accountancy, audit and banking costs
Reserve Fund
This covers major repairs or improvements. It is held in trust (Landlord & Tenant Act 1987), and collected as part of the service charge. If costs exceed the fund, a shortfall may be added to the service charge.
Leasehold Properties: Ground Rent
Properties are sold on 125-year leases. Ground rent is payable and reviewed every five years (existing leases only).
Newlands of Stow Property Transfer Fee
When you sell, a transfer fee applies (based on how long you’ve owned the property):
- Up to 1 year: 5%
- 1 to 2 years: 6%
- 2+ years: 7.5%
This covers use of facilities, estate agency resale support, and legal/admin costs. It’s a core term of the lease and ensures quality service continuity.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Sale for £515,000
- Up to 1 year – £25,750
- 1 to 2 years – £30,900
- 2+ years – £38,625
Example 2: Sale & upgrade to another property
Only the difference is charged. E.g. £85,000 uplift between sale and new property, charged at:
- Up to 1 year – £5,100
- 1 to 2 years – £6,800
- 2+ years – £8,500
Assisted Living Primary Package
- Daily three-course meal
- Laundry service
- Daily and weekly housekeeping
- Social activities
- Monthly well-being assessment
- Concierge service
- Transport
Managing the Finances
Annual service charge budgets are shared with residents. Feedback is welcomed. Finance 1:1 sessions are held. No financial interests exist with third-party providers.
To Note
You remain responsible for utilities, council tax, broadband, home insurance, and TV licence.