When you live at Bowling Green Court you benefit from a higher level of service than is typical for sheltered housing.
You pay a monthly service charge set by a Board of Directors in consultation with all owners. This transparent approach ensures that everyone understands what the charge covers. The charge is variable based on actual costs but our starting point is to align any annual increase with the state pension rise, helping to keep costs predictable and fair.
The service charge goes toward essential services that keep everything running smoothly and comfortably, including:
- Heating, lighting, and maintaining all communal areas
- Gardening and landscaping to keep outdoor spaces looking their best
- Cleaning of shared spaces like hallways and lounges
- Building insurance and general maintenance
- Staffing for day-to-day operations, reception, and support
- Duty manager on site 24 hours a day
- Daily checks that you are safe and well
- Emergency systems and upkeep of the safety infrastructure
- Fund for Future Maintenance (see below)
- 1.5 hours per week housekeeping per apartment for tasks such as cleaning and shopping
Part of your service charge goes into a Fund for Future Maintenance, which helps keep the building and shared spaces in good condition over the long term.
The fund is held in trust for the benefit of all owners, in line with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. It helps pay for things like:
- Regular redecoration of hallways and communal areas
- Refurbishment of shared facilities
- Repairs or replacement of major items like lifts and emergency call systems
It is based on a clear spending plan created by the Board of Directors and reviewed each year. At the annual budget meeting, residents can ask questions and share their views to help shape future plans. This forward-planning approach helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures the building remains safe, comfortable, and well looked after.
But here’s what many people overlook:
While the service charge is clearly itemised and paid monthly, it also replaces or reduces many of the costs you’d normally pay for separately in a typical home — often without noticing how quickly they add up.
Think about it: in your own home, you’d likely still be paying for…
- Property maintenance and unexpected repairs
- Garden maintenance
- Exterior window cleaning
- Building insurance
- Security or alarm systems
- Appliance repairs and replacements
- And possibly even assistance with daily tasks as needs change
When you consider these on-going expenses — often irregular, sometimes unpredictable — the difference between a standard household budget and a fixed service charge begins to narrow. Instead of juggling a dozen bills, repairs, and contractors, you have one consistent, manageable fee that takes care of the essentials — giving you more time and energy to enjoy retirement, not manage it.
The service charge at Bowling Green Court isn’t just a cost — it’s a convenient, consolidated way to manage your lifestyle. When compared to the expenses and effort of running a traditional home, it may not be as large a leap as it seems — and it offers far more in return.
Additional Living Costs and Optional Services
As an owner, you’re responsible for your own:
- Council Tax
- Utilities and telecoms (like electricity, water, phone, and internet)
- Contents insurance
- Internal decoration and upkeep of your apartment
We also offer a range of optional extra services for your convenience, all charged at set prices reviewed each year:
- Laundry and ironing
- Extra housekeeping time
- Handyperson services for small jobs
- A hot lunch is served daily in the Bistro dining room and can be delivered to your apartment if you prefer.
- If you use a mobility scooter, a small monthly fee applies for charging it on-site.
- You can also arrange an individual personal care package, tailored to your needs.
- For visiting friends or family, the Guest Suite is available to book for overnight stays.
- Emergency call pendants are available to purchase if you’d like added peace of mind
Transfer Premium
When a home is sold, a ‘transfer’ or ‘event’ fee based on the sale price is paid to the freeholder. This is calculated from the length of ownership – it’s 1% up to 1 year; 2% for 1-2 years; 3% for 2 or more years.