Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is an annual service charge that is paid quarterly in advance. It covers the cost of providing the services and amenities that make our estates such secure and convenient places to live, including the day-to-day care and maintenance of the gardens and buildings and the employment of our local estate managers. The service charge is shared equally between all the properties on an estate and includes an annual contribution towards the long-term maintenance reserve fund, which covers things like the cyclical external redecoration of the buildings and all other major works.

There are no hidden charges. Cognatum does not apply additional charges for services such as landlord permissions. As a not-for-profit organisation monies are only collected to cover the costs of the management and services provided to leaseholders.

All of the apartments at Les Blancs Bois are purchased on a long leasehold basis. It is also easy to apply for an extension of the lease that is readily granted for a fixed fee. To find out more contact the Les Blancs Bois estate managers or call 01491 821150.

Naturally every family is unique. However, owning one of our retirement properties compares very favourably with the stereotypical costs of running a home. The arithmetic confirms that living on a Cognatum Estates estate should significantly reduce your annual household expenditure, in addition to the financial benefit of releasing immediately accessible capital by downsizing.

Cognatum Estates, and life at Les Blancs Bois, is about independent living, so while every estate offers a 24-hour emergency response service we do not provide ongoing or hands on care. However, should a care package become necessary, our estate managers can help to arrange for one to be put in place.

All our properties have a personal emergency alarm system with a 24-hour monitoring service, and our estate managers will also respond as necessary.

Protecting the capital value of our owners’ properties is one of the principal objects in the Cognatum Estates constitution. Over the past 40 years properties on our estates have generally held their values relative to the market, indeed often outperforming the market as they receive regular care and maintenance.

Les Blancs Bois has an active waiting list of potential purchasers, and our estate managers are heavily involved in the listing and sales process for each apartment.

As a Cognatum Estates homeowner you will be responsible for your annual service charge, Tax on Real Property and Parochial Rates, the insurance of personal possessions and looking after the interior of your home - although our estate managers can always put you in touch with local suppliers and tradespeople.

Well behaved pets are generally readily welcomed to the estates. However, each case is considered individually, and permission will need to be sought from Cognatum.