Buying a retirement home is one of life’s biggest decisions, so it’s important to understand all of the costs involved—not just the purchase price.
Many retirement developments charge what are commonly known as “Pay to Leave” fees, also called Exit Fees, Deferred Management Fees or Event Fees.
At St James Oaks, we believe in complete transparency. That’s why we do not charge any Pay to Leave Fees, Exit Fees or Deferred Management Fees. When the time comes to sell your home, there are no additional management charges payable to us from your estate.
An exit fee is an additional charge that becomes payable when a retirement property is sold.
The fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the property’s sale price or original purchase price and can sometimes increase depending on how long the property has been owned.
These charges may also be referred to as:
• Exit Fees
• Deferred Management Fees
• Event Fees
• Transfer Fees (in some developments)
Because the charge is only payable when the property is sold, some buyers don’t become fully aware of it until much later. For this reason, it’s always worth asking about any future charges before purchasing a retirement property.
Most people carefully compare purchase prices and annual service charges, but future exit costs can sometimes be overlooked.
Depending on the terms of the development, a Pay to Leave Fee could reduce the amount you or your family receive when the property is eventually sold. Understanding these charges before you buy helps you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected costs later.
At St James Oaks we believe retirement living should be simple, transparent and fair. That’s why we have chosen not to charge:
• Exit Fees
• Deferred Management Fees
• Pay to Leave Fees
• Event Fees
When you sell your home, there are no additional management charges deducted by us from the proceeds of the sale. We believe your investment should remain yours.
We prefer to be completely open about the ongoing costs of living within our community. Residents pay a clearly explained annual service charge that helps maintain the high standards of the development and provides a wide range of valuable services, including:
• 24-hour security
• Two on-site House Managers
• Buildings insurance
• Beautifully maintained communal gardens
• Professional maintenance of shared areas
• Temporary support services
• Window cleaning
• Licensed clubhouse
• Regular newsletter
There are no hidden charges waiting for you years down the line.
Every retirement development operates differently, so it’s worth asking these important questions before making your decision:
If so, how are they calculated?
Is the charge due when the property is sold or transferred?
Is the fee a fixed amount or a percentage of the property’s value?
Are these costs already included within the annual service charge?
Understanding the answers will help you compare developments fairly and avoid surprises in the future.
At St James Oaks, we believe that choosing your retirement home should bring peace of mind—not uncertainty. That’s why we’re proud to offer:
• No Pay to Leave Fees
• No Exit Fees
• No Deferred Management Fees
• Competitive annual service charges
• Carefully managed annual increases
• A welcoming, professionally managed community in Gravesend.
It’s all part of our commitment to providing retirement living that is honest, transparent and designed around the needs of our residents
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I have been here for 5 years, I love living here, the residents and staff are great, our security guys are the best, I feel really safe and lucky to be here.
St James Oaks has changed my life. After my husband passed, I moved here and it was the best thing I did. Staff at the office are very professional and willing to help. I would recommend St James Oaks to anyone.
My moving into St James Oaks was the best thing I could have done. I have met a lot of very nice people whom I now consider my friends.
I moved to St James Oaks just over a year ago and really enjoy living here. The flats are perfect size and everyone here is really friendly with plenty of activities to join in with in the Ivy Room.
I Love living at St James Oaks, I have made many good friend and I always feel safe. The people in the office are always kind and helpful and we have many social events.
Felt like home from the first day I moved in, friendship of all residents was very welcoming, so many interesting things in the Ivy Room to go to. Security and office so helpful, a perfect place to live.