Our leasehold properties are sold on a new 99 year lease at a ground rent of £100 P.A. (This only applies to newly refurbished properties being sold by the owners as existing residents will have their own individual leases)

The price of a property on our popular licence deposit scheme is typically 15% less than the market value. This means that some people are able to occupy properties at Southdowns that they otherwise may not be able to afford. If you decide to move at any time you simply provide 3 months notice to us and your deposit* will be returned.

There are no long delays whilst you try and sell the property or selling fees and you do not need to instruct an estate agent. You do not even need to use a solicitor – you simply write to us and the deposit* is returned to you. This also applies if you pass away and your estate deals with the matter. The deposit* will simply be returned to ‘your estate’.

You are immune from changes in property prices in respect of your property at Southdowns. If the value of the property falls you will receive your original deposit* back whereas otherwise, you may have made a loss. Of course, if property prices increase then you would still get your original deposit* back. You would use your own solicitor to act for you when you enter into an agreement with us who would of course ensure that you are fully protected.

*A lease for life arrangement allows you to purchase the property for life or until you vacate. Once you vacate, the property will revert to Southdowns Village Limited. The property cannot therefore be left as part of your estate. The actual price required for a lease for life will depend on the age of the occupier(s) and a quote can be provided if you are interested. In all other respects a lease for life is the same as a standard Southdowns lease and your solicitor would give you advice on the transaction.  The stamp duty payable on a lease for life would be less than a normal lease as the purchase price is less.