FAQs
Retirement Living
Q. Can anyone live at Wyrley Court?
A. No, Wyrley Court apartments are reserved exclusively for those aged 55+ and, in the case of couples, at least one householder must be at least 55 years old.
Q. Is Wyrley Court a sheltered housing development?
A. No, Wyrley Court offers those 55+ the opportunity to live independently within their own private apartments, set within a supportive new retirement community. Additional help and support services must be privately arranged. For your reassurance and convenience, or for couples with different health and care needs, Wyrley Rose, a MACC Care home is in the adjacent building.
Buying an Apartment
Q. Is shared ownership an option with MACC Retirement?
A. No. Buyers must purchase 100%.
Q. Do you rent any apartments out?
A. No. All apartments will be owner-occupied.
Q. Can I rent my apartment out?
A. No, all apartments must be owner-occupied.
Q. Could my family buy an apartment for me?
A. Yes, providing the proposed main resident, you, meet current admission criteria.
Q. What happens when I want to sell my apartment?
A. You are free to use any agent you wish to assist you in the sale of your property.
Q. Do you charge an event or exit fee when I sell?
A. No. Unlike many retirement living providers we don’t penalise you or your estate and beneficiaries by charging a percentage of the sale price of your apartment as an event or exit fee.
Q. What guarantees does MACC Retirement give on its properties?
A. MACC Retirement provides a 10-year structural warranty with Global Home Warranties Ltd.
Buyers of new build homes are protected under the Consumer Code for New Homes – visit www.consumercodefornewhomes.com for details.
Wyrley Court
Q. Do you allow pets?
A. Yes, pets are allowed at Wyrley Court.
Q. Is there car parking?
A. Yes, a designated space comes with each apartment with option to install an electric car charge if required. Guest parking is also available.
Q. Do I need a car to live at Wyrley Court?
A. No. There is a good selection of local shops, pubs and amenities nearby and the development is well served by local transport.
Q. Is there anywhere to keep my electric scooter?
A. Yes, electric scooters can be kept in the secure parking area.
Q. Is there a guest suite?
A. No, there is no guest suite at Wyrley Court but friends or family are free to stay in your apartment with you, for as long as you like, as it is your own home.
Q. Can I have family or friends to stay in my own apartment and for how long?
A. Yes, it is your own home, and they may stay as long as you wish.
Q. Can I make alterations to my home?
A. Non-structural alterations can be made with the permission of the landlord, however, structural alterations cannot be made.
Q. Can I smoke in my own apartment?
A. Yes, but not in any communal areas, inside or out.
Service Charge
Q. Why do I have to pay a service charge?
A. There are many different costs involved with running and maintaining a building with shared facilities and it is typical for residents to contribute to the upkeep of their environment through a service charge fee. But when these costs are divided among a number of people they become surprisingly affordable.
Q. What does the service charge cover?
A. A full breakdown is available from the management company and our agents Connells but they include:
- Concierge/reception desk cover during office hours for security and support
- Maintenance of and utilities to all communal areas inside and out including cleaning, heating and repairs
- Maintenance of safety and security features such as intruder alarms, video intercom cameras, sprinklers and other fire protection, regular water safety testing
- Water rates
- Sewerage rates
- Buildings insurance
Q. How often do I pay my service charge?
A. For simplicity and certainty, residents pay just one monthly service charge, in advance.
Q. How much profit does MACC Retirement make money out of my service charge?
A. None, the service charge is set up in the residents’ interests and run by a management company on a not-for-profit basis – your costs are the same as our costs, we simply recharge them with no margin. Detailed budgets are available to residents for total transparency.
Q. How is my service charge calculated?
A. Service charges are calculated based on the usable floor areas of each apartment.
Q. Will my service charge change?
A. The service charge will only vary to reflect the costs associated with upkeep and maintenance of the development and therefore will likely rise in line with the Retail Price Index. The budget will be reviewed on an annual basis and we will give a months’ notice of any change in the amount payable.
Q. Does my service charge include Council Tax?
A. No. Talk to Connells for details of council tax bandings on the apartment you are interested in.
Q. Do I pay ground rent?
A. Yes, ground rent costs £250 per year.
Q. How long is the lease?
A. The lease is 250 years.
