FAQs

A: You can register interest now - book an appointment or reserve your pad by calling our free phone number or by emailing us. Alternatively visit us at our Sales Centre: Champley’s Mews, 26a Pickering, Market Place, Pickering YO18 7AE.

Q2: What is the relevance of “55”?

A: There is an occupancy restriction in place that means at least one person living in the pad must be aged 55 or over. This doesn’t stop ownership for those that are under 55, but it means that they can’t occupy the pad and they would still be responsible for all service charges and taxes.

Q3: What is buying “off plan”?

A: Buying off-plan is a way to secure an early purchase before the pads are completed. This is done here by paying a reservation fee of £2,000 and exchanging contracts six weeks later.

Q4: Why doesn't Commonhold seem to be common yet!

A: Introduced by the UK Government in 2004, Commonhold is a response to a perceived weakness in traditional leasehold tenure. It is very similar to Strata Title used in Australia for over 40 years and to the condominium system used in the United States.

Commonhold has specifically addressed the wasting value of leases as they converge on their expiry date and problems associated with the enforcement of positive covenants. Ideally suited to developments that contain a mixture of apartments and detached homes, it is a form of tenure that has now been recognised by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, paving the way for more schemes to be registered by UK Developers.

Q5: Can I get a mortgage for my pad?

A: Yes, each pad and its individual title, is fully mortgageable dependent on your own circumstances. You are advised to seek your own independent financial advice or contact our affiliated and Independent Financial Adviser – Fidelis Financial Solutions on 01751 474 400.

Q6: Can I sell my pad or leave it to my offspring?

A:Yes, you are free to sell your pad through whichever route you choose, subject to an exit fee of 0.75% payable to the Commonhold Association, as a contribution to its Reserve Fund. Your offspring are allowed to own it although the residency covenant is still enforced (see Q2).

Q7: Should I update my will when I buy a pad – if so how do I do it?

A: As with any major change in your life, it is a good idea to keep your will up to date as your circumstances and priorities alter. Sensible inclusions such as the gift of the 'nil rate band' between spouses are often overlooked and can impact as to whether your pad is owned jointly or as tenants in common. Either your own solicitor, Mary Chappell at Hague & Dixon and/or John Hough at Fidelis Financial Solutions would be delighted to advise you as to any appropriate action to consider.

Q8: What security do I have for my deposit during construction?

A: Your deposit is insured by the warranty provider, Premier Guarantee, should any major problems occur with the development during construction.

Q9: Who is building my pad?

A: We at pad55 believe that it is always best to support the local economy through sourcing local skills and tradesmen, which help reduce the carbon impact of Spire View. To that end we are pleased to be using DJ Lumley Ltd from Marton as the main contractor. To see his work and to enjoy a very good lunch, visit the renowned visitor centre at Scampston Walled garden. We know that you will like it! www.scampston.co.uk

Q10: How secure are the perimeter and access gates?

A: Our buyers all tell us that good security is essential for them, both when in residence and away. Whilst Pickering happily enjoys a low crime rate we are always focussed on your security and peace of mind; to this end we have included subtle design features to ensure this. Around the perimeter of the scheme is a high brick or stonewall. Both the pedestrian and vehicle access gates have electronic security activated by either a key fob or pin. Each pad is fitted with an alarm system and external lighting is subtly designed to detract intruders. In addition there is always the Concierge whose job it is to keep an eye on things for you.

Q11: What is EcoHomes 2006?

A: pad55 always considers the broad environmental concerns of climate change and resource use balanced against the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy internal environment. The EcoHomes credentials are delivered through careful consideration in the concept, design and detail of the scheme. EcoHomes considers the 'bigger picture' of the development on the environment and demands certain standards are achieved in many areas ranging from the proximity of the development to local amenities, through to the use of carbon and sustainable resources. For further information visit www.breeam.org/page.jsp?id=21, or, please call us and we will explain it further.

Q12: What is a sedum roof and how long does it last for?

A: Extensive green roofs are constructed using low maintenance planting such as sedums (succulents) and indigenous herbs and grasses, which provide excellent cover and increased protection to the waterproofing system. Extensive green roofs are primarily used for their ecological benefits and/or aesthetic appearance and are low maintenance.

Q13: Why should my energy bills be lower when I own a pad?

A: pad55 incorporates many features to reduce your energy bills. For example, large areas of glazing maximises the use of natural light, the building fabric insulation exceeds the current building standards by 25%, underfloor heating is more comfortable and efficient than other methods and, of, course, saving is achieved by the CHP Plant. (See question 14.)

Q14: What is district heating and a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP)?

A:Combined heat and power (CHP) is a fuel-efficient energy technology, which, unlike conventional forms of power generation, utilizes by-product heat that is normally wasted. The system consists of a gas-fired engine to generate electricity. Heat produced in this process is reclaimed and fed, via district heating pipes, into the individual pad heating and hot water systems, whilst the electricity is distributed to the pads. The national grid meets any additional load required. All this adds up to reduced CO2 emissions, electricity and heating costs - great for you and the environment. For further information visit: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/energy/chp.htm.

Q15: What is solar gain and how has that been designed into the scheme?

A:Solar gain is the energy produced by the sun. pad55 has been designed to maximise the use of natural sun for natural lighting and winter heating.

Q16: How are my energy bills calculated and how do I pay them?

A:Electricity and heat from the CHP is metered individually at each pad and apportioned against the total CHP running cost, therefore, you only pay for the energy you use. The costs for heating and lighting the swimming pool and communal areas is collected through the Commonhold Assessment and is apportioned equally amongst all the pad55 owners. The Commonhold Association will be responsible for ensuring the energy bills are paid and appropriately apportioned between each pad.

Q17: In twenty years time should I need a carer to live with me, is this allowable?

A:Yes, the pads have been designed with this eventuality in mind by using the second/third bedroom or study. In addition all two-storey pads can be adapted for ground floor living and/or accommodate a stair lift should the need arise.

Q18: When I have visitors travelling by car, where can they park?

A:You can either book the visitor space through the Concierge or they can use the Eastgate car park adjacent to the scheme. Secure access through your intercom will allow them access into pad55, Pickering for you to meet them.

Q19: How do I book the guest suite and what conditions are attached?

A:You can book the guest suite through the Concierge at a rate of £15 per night. Visitors can enjoy their own kitchenette and en suite bathroom, plus use the pool facilities. As you would expect, we would ask them to respect other owners and their actions are your responsibility.

Q20: Can my grandchildren use the swimming pool?

A:Absolutely...can you imagine telling them they can't! Naturally, if under 16 years of age we require them to be supervised by an adult at all times.

Q21: Am I allowed to keep my pet?

A:Yes of course, as he/she will be very much part of you. If, however, the pet does become a nuisance then you may be asked to remove it through a majority decision by other members of the Commonhold Association.

Q22: If my private garden becomes too much, what do I do?

A:That is what the Concierge is there for!

Q23: If I intend to spend 4 months of the year abroad, will my pad be safe?

A:Yes of course, this is the benefit of belonging to a community such as Spire View and having the Concierge to keep an eye on things; however, you will still remain responsible for your portion of the Commonhold Assessment in your absence.

Q24: How much stamp duty do I need to pay when I buy a pad?

A:All pads will qualify for 3% stamp duty payable via your solicitor at completion.

Q25: Can I use my own solicitor for buying my pad?

A:Yes of course; however, we have negotiated very favourable terms with Hague & Dixon on a bulk basis, which we believe will most probably be cheaper than another solicitor's quote.

Q26: How can I personalise my pad and make it different from others?

A:pad55 have designed each pad so that they all have an element of individuality, offering fully designed interiors including, carpets, floor finishes, fittings, colours and integrated matching appliances and, as it is your home, you are also very welcome to introduce your own personal style - you may wish to do this yourself, or take advantage of our bespoke interior design services through our associate b-interiors. This may be no more than some shopping advice or a whole 'turnkey' delivered project. It really is up to you.

Q27: What happens during construction, how do I keep in touch with what's going on?

A:During construction you are free to keep in touch with pad55 at any time and we will strive to keep giving you the information you require. On exchange of contracts you will be given your own secure access login to the Owners’ Area on our website where you will be able to visually keep in touch with the progress on your pad. We don't mind you being nosey!

Q28: Is pad55 going to be developing other sites in the area?

A:Yes, we are passionate about what we have created and are keen to create other pad55 communities elsewhere.

intelligent living

FAQs