Falmouth Student Accommodation

These are the commonly asked questions, if you have any others please contact us.

1. Are the properties being sold freehold?
   The studios are being sold with a 999 year lease from 31 December 2007.
2. How much is the Ground Rent anticipated to be?
   Ground Rent is set at £50 per annum.
3. How much are the Service Charges and what is included?
   Service charges are estimated to be £600 in the first year. This will include Building Insurance - but not contents, the provision of a Building Manager/Caretaker, maintenance and servicing of the lift, maintenance and cleaning of the communal areas and the general external maintenance.
4. What guarantees will the building have?
   Zurich Municipal will provide a 10 year Insurance Certificate upon Practical Completion. Full details of what this covers will be provided by them to your solicitors.
5. What are the costs for the purchase of a studio?
   A non-refundable reservation fee of £2,000 is required, and this will form part of the purchase monies. A 10% deposit will be required at Exchange of Contracts, which should take place within 28 days of the purchasers' solicitors receiving the contract pack. If required a starter pack can be ordered following Exchange of Contracts - see below for fuller details of the costs of this option. No further payment is required until Legal Completion. You will also have to pay your solicitors costs and the disbursements such as Local Searches, Land Registry etc, and any costs incurred by your in arranging finances (where applicable).
6. Starter Pack - How much is it & what is included?
   A starter pack costs £850 and includes items such as kettle, toaster, iron, saucepans, crockery and cutlery, bedding and towels while additional options offered include a flat screen TV and installation for £400 and bistro table with 2 chairs £250. If required 2 additional chairs can be provided at £100. For more details click here.
7. How do I buy a starter pack?
   Following Exchange of Contracts an order should be placed with the agent, together with a 25% non-refundable deposit, the balance to be paid on Legal Completion before the keys are released. However, owners and tenants should be aware that Devington Homes do not carry any responsibility for accidental damage and breakages or faulty equipment - they must take out their own Contents Insurance cover and register with the manufacturers for their warranties to be valid.
8. Can the lease be amended?
   It is important that all leases are the same, so variations will not be possible. This means that individual purchasers know exactly what conditions apply to other owners, and each owner is responsible for ensuring that the students comply with the requirements of the lease which governs the use of the building as a whole and sets certain standards.
9. What speed is the broadband?
   Broad band connectivity is available in each apartment subject to small charge to cover the costs and the Common Room will have wireless installation. The provider will be BT and the studios will get the best speed available, but Devington Homes cannot advise what it will be at this stage, as it depends on distance from exchange, number of persons using broad band etc. We are assured by the supplier of the equipment that we will get a satisfactory service across the building.
10. What tariff is the electric?
    Devington Homes will negotiate with a provider for the most competitive rates available, once power has been connected to the building. Following Legal Completion, owners will have the prerogative to choose their individual supplier.
11. What furniture/fixtures/fittings come with the flats & larger studios?
    All studios are provided with the same basic fixtures and fittings - a fitted kitchen with a range of appliances as seen in the show studio, a foldaway double bed, wardrobe, desk, electric heating, wood laminate floor throughout except in the bathroom where vinyl flooring is fitted and Venetian blinds. The bathroom has a tiled shower cubicle, wc and wash basin with a light with electric shaver socket and mirror over, and a heated towel rail. The larger 1 bedroom studios have a free standing double bed, and are fitted with a standard wardrobe and desk. The desk may be located in the living room/ area.
12. Are there going to be curtains/blinds in the studios?
    Venetian blinds will be provided to windows in each studio.
13. How far is it to the Wood Lane and Tremough Campus and what public transport is available?
    The Wood Lane campus is within 10-15 minutes walk from Maritime Studios, as is the Falmouth town centre. There is a branch line railway station (Falmouth Docks) adjacent to the development which connects to Truro mainline station via Penryn station, about 10 -15 minutes walk from Tremough campus. The existing bus routes which students can travel on at discounted rates, include the First Group bus route 41 which connects Falmouth Docks with the town centre and Tremough on a daily basis - further information on 0845 6001420 or www.firstgroup.com
14. With the shower/hot taps - Is it instant hot water?
    The shower is electric therefore instantaneous. Each flat has an electric heater to supply hot water to the taps so again the answer is yes.
15. What is the decibel of wall/window installation?
    The sound insulation provided meets both current Building Regulations and Zurich's requirements for a development of this nature. Our architect advises that it is 31db facing the cliff and 36 db facing the dockyard.