Frequently Asked Questions
Downsizing can offer a fresh start in later life, but the process of moving can raise many questions and trigger powerful emotions. This FAQ section attempts to answer some of our more frequent questions. However, the best way to find out more is to speak with one of our advisors, who will listen and find out what’s important to you, answer all your specific questions, and consider what’s right for you first and foremost.
Who is Birchgrove?
Birchgrove is an award-winning specialist developer of modern retirement homes in Surrey, Kent and London. We offer high-quality self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that are beautifully designed for people in later life.
Where are your properties located?
Our portfolio of retirement communities is growing rapidly in the South East of England. We have properties in Surrey, Kent and London.
One ingredient of this success is the diverse breadth and depth of experience behind the Birchgrove name. All working together to create a community where people can age well by staying healthier, happier and stronger for longer.
Rental and costs
The UK is fast becoming a rental market – especially for retirees. Renting in retirement is becoming more and more popular because it offers all the benefits of independent living without any of the stress of owning a house. At Birchgrove, our high-quality assisted living apartments are solely for rent – there is no pressure to buy once you move in.
Why do you only offer rental properties?
Buying an apartment in your retirement isn’t always the best option - so why should it be the only option.
Birchgrove offers another way; one with all the benefits of independent living, but without the complications of owning a house. We take care of the day-to-day like building repairs and mowing the lawn, so you're free to get on with the things you really want to do.
How much does it cost?
Birchgrove apartments are priced individually, and rents will be advised based on apartment type, number of rooms and location.
Our cost structure is an inclusive rental model which covers all the large-ticket expenses (eg electricity, gas, water, etc). The inclusive rent includes the costs of providing the communal facilities, smart technology and 24-hour support from staff in the event of an emergency. In addition, a one-off joining fee is payable.
What’s included in the rent?
The inclusive rent covers electricity, water, heating, broadband & WIFI, buildings insurance, buildings maintenance (e.g. plumbing) line rental and telephone calls, security, general maintenance, rubbish collection, 24hr emergency aid, window cleaning and weekly housekeeping (one hour per property).
The inclusive rent also provides access to a wide range of communal facilities, including an on-site restaurant, club room, licensed bar, wellness suite, landscaped gardens and greenhouse, a monthly events calendar and much more.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
There is no Tenancy Deposit or Holding Deposit, as is common when renting. The only additional cost to the rent is the joining fee which is payable per apartment.
Why do you charge a joining fee?
The one-off joining fee covers the cost of the Moveasy Service and access to a Financial Planner. Together with the inclusive rent, the joining fee contributes to the costs of major repairs, building maintenance and future major capital works (roofs etc). No additional liabilities is payable by residents.
The joining fee is payable per apartment irrespective of number of tenants or size of apartment. There is no Tenancy Deposit or Holding Deposit, as is common when renting.
When do the rent prices go up?
Our inclusive rent makes it easier to manage your finances. It is reviewed once annually and adjusted in line with the retail price index.
Do you charge service charges or exit fees?
We don’t charge additional service charges, nor do we charge exit fees. All you pay is the inclusive rent and the one-off joining fee.
What other costs are involved?
Aside from the inclusive rent, the only other charge is a one-time joining fee which you pay on reserving a Birchgrove apartment.
The rent covers all the large-ticket expenses however you will need to make allowance for council tax, TV licence, contents insurance, food and any other incidental costs you may have.
Are there any charges payable on leaving?
The joining fee together with the inclusive rent contributes to repairs and redecoration required as a result of fair wear and tear on leaving the apartment, and the costs of major repairs, building maintenance and future major capital works (eg roof, etc). This does not include the cost of remedying any structural alterations made by residents.
Are there any restrictions for renting with Birchgrove?
One resident in each apartment must be over 65 years old. Please note that subletting is prohibited.
What is the notice period for terminating my tenancy?
A notice period of two months is required in writing. On death a month’s notice period is automatically triggered.
Retirement properties
Birchgrove retirement communities are built specifically for people in later life to allow residents to live more comfortably. The self-contained apartments are easily accessible with large doors and corridors for wheelchair access; waist height appliances in the fully fitted kitchens and walk-in showers.
What is a retirement community?
A retirement community enables you to live in your own self-contained home and keep the things that make it feel like your own, whilst having access to communal facilities and services like a restaurant, club room, and much more.
Retirement communities are designed to provide a supportive and engaging environment while also offering various levels of support and assistance according to your individual needs.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living, sometimes referred to as ‘extra care housing’ or 'integrated retirement community', is a housing development specifically designed for people in later life. The same as a retirement community, they typically offer a self-contained home as well as additional amenities and services that promote an active and social lifestyle for residents with staff available to offer support and assistance. The term assisted living and retirement community is often used interchangeably.
What facilities do you have?
At Birchgrove we’re more than just lovely apartments. We have a great range of additional facilities on offer too to include onsite restaurant, licensed bar, club room, wellness suite, spa/salon, library, activities room, landscaped gardens and greenhouse and much more. Facilities may vary at each location.
Can my friends stay?
Your guests are welcome to stay and use the facilities at Birchgrove. Subject to terms and conditions.
The Stayover guest suite is also available for your guests to use. The guest suite can be booked in advance for up to 3 nights (subject to availability) at an additional charge. A continental breakfast is included.
How safe/secure are your properties?
Each Birchgrove development is manned 24 hours a day and security cameras are in operation around the external perimeter of the building. The main entrance door will require a key fob to unlock. Access to apartment corridors is also fob controlled.
Can I bring my pet?
You are welcome to bring your well-behaved dog, cat or other pet with you to Birchgrove. Subject to terms and conditions.
How do I receive a brochure about your retirement communities?
We’d be delighted to provide you with further information about our retirement communities. Please complete the contact form providing your full name and contact details and one of our advisors will be in touch.
How can I arrange a viewing of your show suites?
If you would like to book your own personal tour of one of our show suites please complete the contact form providing your full name and contact details. One of our advisors will be in touch to arrange the viewing on a day and time most suitable for you.
Care and support
Care on your terms. All our residents receive housekeeping assistance every week included as part of the rent. If you require additional support, we work in partnership with hand-picked homecare operators in each community. Our partner provider can work with you and your family to tailor the most appropriate personal care package and can adapt this over time to suit your needs as required.
What support is provided?
Each apartment is fitted with smart technology to provide a safe living environment. This also includes wearable technology to alert staff in the case of emergency.
In addition support from our staff is included in the inclusive rent for assistance with housekeeping.
Should residents require additional care and support this can be arranged with our homecare partner or you can make your own private arrangements with a provider of your choice.
Do you have staff on-site?
Each Birchgrove community has 24-hour staff presence, 7 days a week. The staff team, include a general manager, chef, housekeeping, concierge, etc.
Are your retirement properties suitable for people with dementia and other health related issues?
Our properties are for people who want to remain independent in their own self-contained home. Residents can arrange for additional care and support according to their individual needs. However, we do not provide nursing or dementia care.
At what age can I rent one of your retirement properties?
Our properties are available to people 65 years and over.
Ready to make yourself at home?
Our Advisors are available to answer your questions. We can visit you at home to better understand what is important to you or bring you for a tour at one of our show suites.