Your questions answered

The following 'frequently asked questions' are intended to answer the most common enquiries
regarding The Laureates

Q. Am I able to reserve the apartment that I want?
A. Yes you are. There is a reservation fee of £1,000. Should you decide to withdraw from the purchase, the reservation fee will not be returned to you.

Q. How much will I need to pay on exchange of contracts?
A. Your solicitor will arrange for 10% of the agreed purchase price to be paid to Anchor Trust when contracts have been exchanged.

Q. Can I reserve a plot now?
A. You are welcome to make a reservation, but we would only advise you to do so if you are in a position to exchange contracts in the near future.
Manning Stainton Estate Agents in Guiseley will be able to assist you in choosing your plot. There are site plans and floor flans available that will also help you to make your choice.

Q. Will I own my own home?
A. Yes you will. As with most retirement properties, the purchase of your apartment is based on a 125 year lease dated from 7 February 2008. Being a leaseholder means that you own your home for the duration of the lease term. Your lease will give information about your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder, including repairs and internal works.

Q. How much is the service charge?
A. The cost of the service charge and ground rent will be around £200 per month. It is collected each calendar month. A full breakdown of what the service charge is and exactly what it covers will be available on request.

Q. What is included in the service charge?
A. This covers the cost of a range of services including:

  • external window cleaning,
  • gardening and maintenance of the grounds and external areas,
  • upkeep of private roads within the Laureates
  • use of the spa room, lounge, dining room and courtyard
  • maintenance of the boiler in your apartment
  • staff costs
  • buildings insurance,
  • heating, lighting and maintenance of communal areas,
  • maintenance of lifts,
  • 24 hour emergency call system,
  • fire equipment
  • ground rent
Also included in the service charge is a management fee which is paid to Anchor for organising and running all the services within the Laureates

The service charge is a way of paying for the range of services you currently get in your own home but you pay for separately. The advantage of this way is that you do not have the worry of arranging for contractors to visit, making sure servicing happens, being assured that your contractor is reputable. You will know exactly what you are paying for the forthcoming year and because we provide services for thousands of customers we can ensure that you enjoy excellent value for money on many service charge items.

Q. How much will the service charge go up every year?
A. The service charge is reviewed once a year and every owner receives a budget-statement showing the expected expenditure for the coming year. We will also hold an annual meeting with residents to explain the service charge costs and listen to comments and feedback about the services we provide. If costs rise or fall the service charge will be altered accordingly. We cannot give guarantees about the level of service charge in future years as it is mainly influenced by the cost of goods and services on the open market. You can be sure that Anchor will use its influence and negotiate the best value for money for the services we purchase for you.

Q. How are major repairs to the building paid for?
A. To reduce the burden of major repairs, you make a contribution to the Major Repairs Fund when your property is sold. However a monthly payment option can be arranged if this better suits your needs. Your contribution will be based on a percentage of the original purchase price plus Retail Price Index for each year of occupation. Providing for future major repairs/renewal by way of a Major Repairs Fund makes sure that the Laureates is always kept in a good state of repair. This should ensure that properties continue to be popular and a good investment in the future.

The Major Repairs Fund reduces the burden of major repairs on owners as Anchor manages all significant works to the exterior of the property and its structure. You can be assured that works are carried out professionally and efficiently.

Major Repairs Funds are normal practice in retirement housing developments. If you want to know more, see Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM) code of practice.

Q. What type of heating system will be in my apartment?
A. Your apartment will have an individual gas boiler which controls the heating and hot water. The boilers are ‘Ideal Standard ISAR HE’ condensing Combi-boilers which are one of the most energy efficient boilers available. There will not be a hot water tank.

Whether you like it a cooler temperature or really warm, you will have total control of the temperature in your home and will be able to manage your own heating bills.

The heating system in the communal areas of the building i.e. corridors, dining room, is also heated by a gas system, the cost of which is included in the monthly service charge.

Q. What will I do if my boiler breaks down?
A. The maintenance and repair of your boiler is included in your monthly service charge. Your Manager will arrange for a contractor, approved by Anchor, to attend to the repair at no cost to you.

Q. Can I choose my own energy supplier?
A. You will be able to choose your own energy supplier just as you do now in your current home. In the communal areas, Anchor will benefit from their bulk purchasing arrangement ensuring lowest costs possible.

Q. What is the council tax banding?
A. This has yet to be established.

Q. What does NHBC “Buildmark choice” warranty cover?
A. The National House Building Council is a regulatory body for the new homes industry. Properties with the "buildmark" are checked at various stages of build to ensure all work is up to standard.

Q. What kitchen appliances are included?
A. One particular brand has been chosen because of its reputation for the quality of its appliances. Your apartment will include the following:

  • AEG built-in single fan assisted electric oven;
  • AEG built-in stainless steel 800w microwave;
  • AEG electric ceramic hob; built in cooker hood;
  • AEG combi frost free fridge freezer (energy efficiency rating:A);
  • AEG integrated Washer/Condenser Drier (wash spin energy efficiency rating:A).
Q. Can I choose the kitchen units, tiles and floor finishes?
A. There will be three styles to choose from for the kitchen units, wall tiles and floor finishes. However, due to the construction programme, these choices will not be available after 15 September 2008. If you miss this opportunity, Anchor can guarantee that the choices made by them will be attractive, modern yet practical.

Q. Will I be allowed to let the property?
A. The lease will not allow your property to be let. Anchor has an obligation to all its residents to ensure that the terms of the lease are adhered to.

Q. Can I bring my pet?
A. Yes, as a responsible pet owner you will be able to bring your pet to the Laureates by agreement with the Manager. Our pet policy is available on request.

Q. What will the Managers role be?
A. The Manager will organise and administer the day to day running of the Laureates. They will make sure everything runs smoothly and will be your key point of contact. They will make sure that there are a range of activities on offer and the Manager will be open to ideas.

Their responsibilities will also cover all the services being delivered into the Laureates for example the 24 hour care team and the Handy Person service.

Q. What services are delivered at the Laureates?
A. A personal care service will be delivered at the Laureates. A 24 hour dedicated care team can provide you with help you may need to make daily living easier. You will be able to discuss your needs with the team and they will design an individual service plan to suit you.

Any other services you may require can be discussed with the Manager.

Q. Can I get help with my cleaning?
A. Yes, our housekeeping service can offer help from the simple tasks such as washing up and ironing to the full spring clean. This service is not included in the service charge instead it is charged at a competitive rate and you can buy it when you need it.

Q. Is there car parking?
A. Car parking at the Laureates is available on a first come first served basis.

Q. What are the prices of the properties?
A. There are a number of different styles and sizes of properties, therefore the prices of the apartments vary. The prices range from £199,950 to £259,950 and there is a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments.

Q. What activities will be arranged?
A. We are intending to put on activities that will appeal to the range of residents who move into The Laureates. We will find out what people want and then arrange it. We already know the sort of things that are popular so you could expect to see: outings to the theatre, day trips, bridge and games evenings, seasonal celebrations, book clubs, talks and classes. Depending on the activity, some will be free whilst other activities will be charged for.

Q. Will residents be able to organise their own activities?
A. Any residents or group of residents who want to organise an activity or event will be welcome to. In fact, most of our estates have a Residents Association who do just that. Residents Associations have greater statutory consultation rights then individual owners and can act as a body for representing and promoting the views of residents, as well as being the focal point for social activities at the estate. We would welcome and support the formation of a Residents Association at The Laureates.