Living in a flat
Retirement flats: service charges and event fees explained
What you pay for, and the questions to ask.
Reviewed by Mark Cunningham AssocRICS MTPI MIFSM, Leasehold Director. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.
Retirement developments usually cost more to run than ordinary blocks because of house managers, alarm systems and communal facilities.
Event fees
Some leases charge a fee when a flat is sold or sublet, often a percentage of the price. Check whether it goes into the development's reserve fund or to the landlord.
Your rights
- Service charges must be reasonable and follow the lease.
- You can request cost summaries and inspect invoices.
- Retirement blocks can exercise the Right to Manage.
How we can help
Full block managementSite staffWe provide block management across Southport, Churchtown and Kew, Birkdale and Ainsdale, Formby, Ormskirk and Aughton, Crosby and Maghull, Bootle and Litherland, Liverpool, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton and Preston, Penwortham and Longton. For the law in brief, see Know the law.General information about the law in England, not advice on a particular building.