FAQs

Frequently asked questions about your purchase (retirement villages)

1. What are the arrangements for TV aerials and digital/satellite TV?

All homes at The Chocolate Quarter are connected to a central TV and satellite system, negating the need for multiple aerials and dishes. It is the residents’ responsibility to pay for their own satellite TV service. Residents do not need to pay for a TV licence as there is a communal arrangement.

2. Building insurance is included as part of the service charge. What about home contents?

The St Monica Trust arranges and maintains insurance cover for buildings, public liability and employer’s liability. Residents contribute to the cost through the service charge. It is the residents’ responsibility to obtain contents insurance for their home.

3. Can someone else buy an apartment for me/us?

The charity wishes to keep its dealings with residents as simple as possible so the owner and the occupier of each apartment should be one and the same person or couple. We know that sometimes family members come to their own private arrangement amongst themselves in gathering the capital for purchase or allocating funds at the time of surrender, but these do not involve the Trust in any way. We usually advise individuals to speak to their own solicitor about any special arrangements of this nature.

4. How long do I/we have in which to complete my/our purchase?

From the date you make a reservation, we usually expect new residents to be able to complete their purchase and begin paying their service charge within three months. We have a maximum number of rental and shared ownership agreements we can accommodate at any given time across the Trust’s villages. Should we be at maximum capacity at the time your reservation period draws to a close and you are not in a position to complete your purchase with us, we will work with you and extend your reservation period out until such time that either a rental opportunity becomes available or you are able to complete your purchase.

5. Do I pay for my own utilities and council tax?

Electricity, gas and water utilities are all payable by individual residents. All residents are responsible for paying council tax directly to the council. This is by far the most efficient way of ensuring that any possible allowances are accessible by residents.

6. Do I/we need to instruct a solicitor in relation to my/our purchase?

A solicitor must be engaged to conduct the necessary conveyance as per a normal property purchase.

7. Do I/we pay stamp duty?

Yes, and your solicitor will be able to advise you on this. You can visit www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax-rates for further information.

Only applicable to The Chocolate Quarter

1. Which parts of The Chocolate Quarter are open to non-resident access?

You will no doubt be aware of our commitment to ensuring The Chocolate Quarter maintains a high profile role in community life within the wider Keynsham area. For this reason there are areas of the ground floor that are open to non-residents including the restaurants, bistro, cinema, health spa and swimming pool, hairdressers/barbers, nail bar and craft studio. Individuals who come into The Chocolate Quarter to use our facilities will pay non-resident rates for doing so and the income we receive will go towards the operating costs of the site.