A buyer’s guide

We talk to Sam Weller, Sales Director, about the buying process at Charteroak.

With over 45 years’ experience in the domestic property market across the West Country, 14 years of which has been specialising in selling luxury holiday homes, Sam has developed a real understanding of the buying process, buyers’ expectations and the need for a high level of aftersales service.

“At Charteroak, my primary role is as Sales Director working with prospective purchasers, selling at the two current sites in Cornwall – Southern Halt and Stonerush Lakes. I’m very much involved in the whole process from the initial design and interior specification, through to the build, and on to the handover of the completed lodge to the purchaser,” says Sam. “In terms of the buying process the most critical thing for me is to develop an understanding of each buyer’s individual requirements.”

Purchasers have two options when it comes to buying on a Charteroak site. They can purchase a lodge for their own exclusive use, which they are free to share with family and friends. Alternatively, purchasers can opt for what Sam calls an “investment / lifestyle blend” that allows them to generate rental income, while at the same time being able to use the lodge as a holiday home for part of the year. There are also two options when it comes to the rental option as Sam explains: “If a client joins our three-year guaranteed income option, they get full lodge management, including marketing, maintenance and housekeeping as well as a guaranteed income regardless of the level of lettings.”

The guaranteed income option, which is only available at the point of sale, allows the purchaser to enjoy one high-season week, two mid-season weeks and two low-season weeks for their own use each year. Sam comments: “We find that this scheme works really well for customers who are working or in business. They can enjoy those five weeks in their lodge in Cornwall while still having time to enjoy additional foreign holidays if they wish. If a purchaser doesn’t want a guaranteed income, but still wants a return on their investment then they can opt for the standard letting scheme where they have up to nine weeks’ own use – three high-season weeks, three mid-season weeks and three low-season weeks. They get the same level of management support and marketing, the only difference is that they will receive the actual income that their home generates.” The standard letting scheme also allows the flexibility for investment only purchasers to swap to this scheme if they decide that they would like to rent their lodge.

Sam finds that most of his customers are more mature purchasers who have the funds to invest in a holiday home and value the sites for the environment in which they are built and the quality of the build on offer. “My owners enjoy the fact that it’s a relaxing holiday in lovely tranquil surroundings. They are looking for peace and quiet and use their holiday home as a base to enjoy Cornwall in all its splendour,” says Sam. “I sell some of the lodges to purchasers who are buying exclusively for investment. In fact, I’ve recently sold to a couple living in Cornwall who wanted somewhere they could invest their money for a decent rate of return. However, most are sold to those living out of county and looking to invest, but also to enjoy a holiday in Cornwall. Some of our buyers are based in the West Country as they can enjoy a holiday just a couple of hours’ drive away.”

While Sam always keeps a stock of lodges, he also has a range of plots where he can build to the order of the purchaser: “Buying off-plan gives the client the ability to choose their own interiors and colour schemes. The exterior cedar cladding remains the same, but internally I can offer a choice of one, two, three or four bedrooms as well as a range of kitchens, sanitaryware, tiling, and so on… With the stock lodges we go for a modern and contemporary look that has a broad appeal.”

Sam points out two key aspects to consider if you are thinking of investing in a lodge with Charteroak: “Firstly, if you purchase one of our lodges you don’t pay stamp duty. The properties are designated as holiday homes, so they do not incur the stamp duty uplift that would normally apply for a second home. Secondly, our legal documents are very simple. There is no need to instruct a solicitor so the whole process can happen very quickly. Normally speaking, we work to a 28-day sales period, but I have had a number of sales that have gone through in just a few days.” A holiday lodge with Charteroak makes a great investment. Not only does it provide a lifetime of wonderful holidays but ownership of your lodge can be transferred as part of your inheritance, meaning that your family can continue to enjoy holidays for years to come.

What are the benefits?

• Stamp duty and Council Tax free

• Simplified purchase, with no conveyancing fees

• Hassle free, pre-arranged letting service with one of the UK’s leading holiday rental specialists

• 125-year licence

• No commission or transfer fees are payable should you wish to sell or transfer your asset in the future

• All lodge purchase prices include a standard furniture and equipment pack making them owner and rental ready

Typical costs:

• Lodge prices start at £184,950 fully furnished and equipped

• Annual rates, insurance and utilities

• Annual plot fee to cover grounds upkeep

A sumptuous new lodge from Charteroak in the Cornish countryside is not simply a place to stay, unwind and relax in glorious surroundings, although of course, it is all of these things. Crucially, it’s the base from which all your new adventures start. The locations, Southern Halt and Stonerush Lakes, are perfectly located to reach some of Cornwall’s most beautiful landmarks, gardens, beaches and attractions – some you may know well, and others yet to be discovered. With this brand new, free magazine, Experience, Charteroak aims to give you just a small flavour of some of the many wonders that await your arrival.

REQUEST YOUR FREE COPY OF CHARTEROAK’S NEW BROCHURE, EXPERIENCE