Churchill FAQs

How do you buy a retirement property?

Simply visit a Churchill development of your choice. Choose the apartment which suits your own individual needs and reserve with a deposit. The purchase then proceeds exactly the same way as any other property purchase.

We will ask you to exchange contracts once your Solicitors have satisfied themselves that the lease and local searches have been properly scrutinised. Final completion usually takes place a short time after exchange.

Your local Churchill Retirement Living Sales Executive will be happy to help you through the apartment purchase process. We aim to make this as simple and easy as possible.

Will I own my retirement apartment?

Yes. All Churchill Retirement Living apartments are sold on a leasehold basis and you are free to choose to sell the apartment whenever you like. All new apartments released for sale from January 2018 onwards will be sold with a 999 year lease. Apartments released for sale prior to January 2018 are sold with a 125 year lease.

Will my retirement flat be freehold or leasehold?

As is common with all apartment buildings, Churchill Retirement Living apartments are sold on a leasehold basis. All new apartments released for sale from January 2018 onwards are sold with a 999 year lease. Apartments released for sale prior to January 2018 are sold with a 125 year lease.

Can I sell my retirement apartment?

Yes, you can sell your retirement apartment at any time on the open market or through our preferred retirement property agent - Churchill Sales & Lettings, which specialises in the sale of retirement apartments. The apartment is owned by you and you do not need to ask permission to sell it. However, under the terms of the lease, you do require written approval from the landlord to assign the lease, should you wish to sell or rent your apartment.

All Churchill apartments are subject to a 1% contingency fee on sale or sublet of the property. Some Churchill apartments are also subject to a further 1% or 2% of the gross sale price which is payable as a Community Event
Fee to Churchill Retirement Living, to help fund the provision of the communal areas which are a key feature of retirement communities. 

What happens if I pass away whilst owning a retirement apartment? 

The apartment will become an asset owned by your estate. It will pass to whoever it was bequeathed to in your will. They are free to sell it as soon as Probate is granted.

Can my family buy the retirement apartment for me?

Yes. Anyone can own one of our apartments but only those over 60, or partners of those over 60 who themselves are over 55, can live in the apartment.

Do you consider part exchange or offer other help to move to a Churchill apartment?

Yes, we are happy to consider part exchange when you wish to move into a new Churchill apartment. We can arrange for your property to be purchased for cash, making your move quick and hassle-free. We can also provide a financial contribution towards your estate agent fees, legal fees and even pay for your removal costs. Our Sales Executives will be happy to explain all these in more detail.

Can I get a mortgage to buy a retirement apartment?

Yes, there are mortgage products available to help you buy one of our apartments. The Sales Executive will be able to give you more details.

Can you rent out retirement homes?

Yes, you can rent out your apartment. Your tenants must be over 60 years old and you must get permission from the management company, Churchill Estates Management.

Do I have any fees if I rent out my retirement apartment?

You will still be responsible for the service charge and ground rent on the apartment. You will also incur a contingency fee of 1% of the market value of your apartment at that time.

Do you offer help with moving in?

Yes. Churchill Retirement Living staff will be delighted to help you arrange removals. We can help you with the purchasing and installation of carpets, curtains - and even new furniture if required.

Is there a service charge and what does it cover?

There is a service charge for each apartment which covers the cost of providing the Lodge Manager, security systems and call monitoring, external maintenance of the building and grounds, building insurance, heating, lighting and provision of all of the furnishings for the Owners' Lounge and communal areas.

A full budget analysis is available for each individual development and we aim to keep the cost as low as possible. As with any property, you have to pay your Council Tax according to the band allocated by the local council. You will also have to pay for the electricity you use in your own apartment and for your own TV licence. A TV licence is free for those over 75, but this has to be applied for.

While buildings insurance is covered by the service charge, you will need to take out your own contents insurance. Due to the excellent safety and security of our buildings, contents insurance premiums are typically lower than the ones offered to those living in their own houses.

Are there any other charges which I have to pay?

As with any property, you have to pay your local Council Tax - within the band allocated by the local council. Additionally, you will have to pay for the electricity you use in your own apartment.

You will have to pay for your own TV licence. However, if you are over 75 you may be eligible for a free TV licence but you will need to apply for it.

There are no other hidden day-to-day charges to pay.

Who pays for repairs?

Repairs to the fabric of the building, the communal areas, the safety and security systems (including those inside your apartment) and the garden are all covered by the service charge and will be taken care of by the management company, Churchill Estates Management.

Repairs in your own apartment are your responsibility but, of course, the Lodge Manager can provide you with help and advice.

Who looks after the management of the building on behalf of Churchill Retirement Living?

All of our Lodges are managed by our specialist property management company, Churchill Estates Management.

Is there a guarantee on a new retirement apartment?

Yes. Churchill Retirement Living is the only major housebuilder to offer a 3 year warranty period as standard. Churchill  is also a member of the National House-Building Council and every Churchill apartment is also covered by a 10 year NHBC Buildmark warranty.

Which bills are my responsibility?

As with any property, you have to pay your local Council Tax - within the band allocated by the local council. Additionally, you will have to pay for the electricity you use in your own apartment.

You will have to pay for your own TV licence. However, a TV licence is free for those over 75 but has to be applied for.

There are no other hidden day-to-day charges to pay.

Will I need my own buildings or contents insurance?

Buildings Insurance is covered by the service charge, however you will need to take out your own Contents Insurance.  Because of the Safety and Security of our buildings, Contents Insurance premiums are typically much lower than offered to those living in their own houses.

Are pets allowed in the apartments?

Well behaved dogs, cats or caged birds are welcome in all our apartments. However, to ensure the privacy and comfort of other Owners, we simply ask that prior permission is obtained in writing from the Lodge Manager. Find out more about keeping pets in your retirement home here.

Can I smoke in my apartment?

Yes, you can smoke in your apartment but, in order to comply with the current regulations and for the comfort of the other Owners, not in any of the internal communal areas.

Is there car parking?

As with most retirement developments, car ownership declines soon after many Owners move in. Often two car families reduce to one car and, with close proximity to shops and amenities, car ownership is less necessary. Unreserved marked parking bays for Owners are provided at all of our Lodges. All of our car parks are free for Owners.

Can I have family (including children) and friends stay in my apartment?

Of course. Your apartment is your home and you can have whomever you like to come and stay.

Can I have Sky TV and broadband in my apartment?

Yes, but on some developments you would have to cover the cost of installation yourself, and all such installations will be connected to a communal dish. The majority of developments are Sky enabled.

Is there a garden?

All our Lodges have landscaped gardens that are easily accessible for all of our Owners. Our management company constantly maintains the gardens to ensure they are always looking their best.

Can I talk to someone who already lives in the apartments?

Please do. We think it is very important that you are able to hear from our Owners what it is like living in a Churchill Retirement apartment.

To talk to someone who lives in the development of your choice, simply let the Sales Executive know and he or she will arrange everything for you.

Can I have a washing machine in my apartment?

Some of our Lodges have a fitted washer/dryer as standard, whilst in others you’ll find provision for a washer/dryer enabling you to bring your own.

Do I have my own front door?

Yes. Just as in any non-retirement apartment block you will have keys to the block itself and keys to your own apartment.

Can I decorate and furnish the apartment as I choose?

Of course - it is your own private apartment, and you can do with it as you wish, subject to the terms of your lease. In all cases, it is advised to obtain approval from the Lodge Manager who is always on hand to guide you with any ideas you may have to ensure the safety and integrity of your apartment.

Does anyone else have keys to my apartment?

The only person who has a set of keys is the Lodge Manager so that they can get into your apartment in an emergency.

Do you provide cleaning services?

We ensure all communal areas are kept clean and tidy. We do not provide cleaning for your personal apartment but our Lodge Manager will be able to help you find suitable cleaners if you desire.

Is there a Guest Suite available?

Yes, each of our Lodges has a Guest Suite which Owners can book for any friends or family. This is one of the main reasons many Owners decide to purchase a one bedroom apartment, rather than a two bedroom apartment. Owners can of course have family and friends to stay in their own apartment whenever they like. They can also book the Guest Suite in any other Churchill development throughout the UK.

What safety and security features are there in a Churchill apartment?

• A camera entry system is installed and can be operated from your apartment.
• An intruder alarm is fitted to the front door of every apartment, and apartments on the ground floor also have sensors fitted.
• Smoke detection systems are fitted in all apartments and throughout the communal areas in the development.
• A 24 hour support system, for added peace of mind.

Can I add my own additional safety features?

Yes, as long as they do not interfere with the integral system of the Lodge. If you choose to install additional features you will have to cover the cost of these and their installation.

Do you provide medical support or general care?

We do not provide on-site care but a 24 hour emergency call alarm system is provided via a discreet personal pendant alarm and bathroom call point. In an emergency, this system provides direct contact to either your Lodge Manager, or a member of the careline team 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. If you require care visits, you can arrange these in much the same way as you would in your current property.

Has Churchill signed the letter pledging to fix any life-critical safety issues found on tall buildings (over 11m)?

Yes.

Nearly all Churchill developments are low-rise, built with conventional brick walls and tiled roofing, and none have dangerous cladding, however there are a small number which are above 11m tall and therefore we are required to sign the contract. The contract requires us to provide the Government with evidence as to the safety of these buildings, which we are happy to do. Because Churchill remains on-site to actively manage and maintain our developments throughout their lifespan we are regularly checking all aspects of building safety and will share the required information with the Government to give assurance on their safety status. If you require any further information please contact your Lodge Manager or Sales Executive in the first instance.

What security features are there in a Churchill apartment?

Camera entry system
A camera entry system is installed and can be operated via a standard TV set from your apartment.

Intruder alarm
An intruder alarm is fitted to the front door of every apartment. Apartments on the ground floor have sensors fitted throughout the apartment.

Detection system
Sophisticated fire and smoke detection systems are fitted in all apartments and throughout the communal areas in the development.

Can I add my own security features?

We don’t believe you will need to but you can as long as they do not interfere with the integral security systems of the Lodge. If you choose to install additional security features you will have to cover the cost of these and their installation.

Is there a 'warden' at the development?

There is a Lodge Manager at every development. You'll find them a great help, from answering day to day queries, to keeping an eye on your apartment if you go away.

Can you tell me more about Churchill Retirement Living?

We have included a full background to the Company in our Corporate Information section. Please click here to read all about Churchill Retirement Living, how we began, what we believe in and the awards we have won.

Who runs the company?

Churchill Retirement Living is independently owned by the McCarthy family, so heritage, passion, pride and family values are embedded throughout the company.

Is Churchill Retirement Living registered with the NHBC?

Churchill Retirement Living is a registered builder with the National House-Building Council (NHBC). Every Churchill apartment has a 10 year NHBC build mark warranty. Individual Sales Executives will be delighted to give you full details.

Can I speak to someone about the company?

If you would like to find out more about the Company than is provided on the website, please call 01425 462104 or contact us through another route and we will be delighted to answer any of your questions.

When can I legally retire?

For men born before 6 December 1953, the current State Pension age is 65.

For women, the current State Pension age increased from 60 to 65 from April 2010.

This affects women born on or after 6 April 1950.

You cannot claim the State Pension until you reach this age but can retire if you have a personal or company pension scheme.

What is the retirement age for women?

For women, the current State Pension age increased from 60 to 65 in April 2010. This means that women born on or after 6 April 1950 cannot retire until they are 65.

How will the retirement age change in the next 5 years?

For men born before 6 December 1953, the current State Pension age is 65.

For women, the current State Pension age increased from 60 to 65 from April 2010. This affects women born on or after 6 April 1950

From December 2018 the State Pension age for both men and women will start to increase to reach 66 in October 2020.

The current law already provides for the State Pension age for both men and women to increase to:

• 67 between 2034 and 2036
• 68 between 2044 and 2046

What is the statutory retirement age in the UK?

State Pension age, or statutory retirement age, in the UK is not the same as retirement age. Retirement age is when you choose to retire and you can still work after you have reached State Pension age.

When you reach State Pension age, the Government gives you a number of options. You can either:

• stop working and get your State Pension
• carry on working and get your State Pension as well
• carry on working and put off claiming your State Pension

If you put off claiming your State Pension, you may be able to get extra State Pension or a lump-sum payment when you do claim it.

What is the basic state pension?

The full new State Pension is £159.55 per week. The actual amount you get depends on your National Insurance record. The only reasons the amount can be higher are:

• If you have over a certain amount of Additional State Pension
• You defer (delay) taking your State Pension

You can still get a State Pension if you have other income like a personal pension or a workplace pension.

You might have to pay tax on your State Pension.

How can I calculate my pension entitlement? Do you have a pension calculator?

You have to tell the Department of Work and Pensions that you have retired and that you wish to claim your State Pension.

You can contact the Pensions Service at the Department of Work and Pensions on 08456 060 265 or go to www.direct.gov.uk. You can also find a pension calculator on the website that may help you to calculate your pension entitlement.

How do I contact the Department of Work and Pensions? 

You can contact the Pensions Service at the Department of Work and Pensions on 08456 060 265 or go to www.direct.gov.uk

Are there any specific website or magazines for retired people?

There are now lots of magazines and websites aimed at those in their retirement. The magazines are available at most large newsagents and the websites can be found through internet searches. 

Will I have to pay ground rent, and what is it for?

Where permitted under current legislation, ground round rent levels will vary according to the specific development so you should check with your Sales Executive if a ground rent is charged and how much it is. Churchill developments launched after April 2022 do not charge a ground rent. Our older developments (launched before April 2022) have a ground rent in place, which is used to fund the provision of the extensive communal areas that are an essential part of the development and are there for you to share with other apartment Owners.

Why is the ground rent higher for Churchill than for some other types of apartments?

Apartment developers do not normally provide Owners’ Lounges, Guest Suites, Wellbeing Suites, or the range of other facilities on offer at Churchill Retirement Living developments. The higher ground rent helps to pay for the provision of this space, which could otherwise be sold as apartments.

How often is ground rent reviewed?

For all developments released for sale prior to March 2020, the lease provides for a ground rent review after seven years and a review every seven years thereafter. Ground rent reviews are calculated in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI).

For all developments released for sale from March 2020 onwards, the lease provides for a ground rent review after every 10 years. Ground rent reviews on these developments are also calculated with reference to the Retail Prices Index (RPI), with the annual increase being no less than 2% and no more than 5% per year.

How often is ground rent collected?

Where it applies, the ground rent is collected twice a year, at the same time as the service charge.