Properties at St Mary’s comprise both freehold and leasehold types. Before transferring a title at the Land Registry, a Deed of Covenant with St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited must be completed.

This page aims to guide prospective buyers by outlining how the development is managed.

Each property is subject to specific restrictive covenants, which vary by property type. These covenants automatically transfer to new owners upon sale and apply not only to individual properties but also to the communal grounds of St Mary’s, situated between Woodbridge Road and Trafalgar Close. Their purpose is to maintain the estate’s appearance and quality while fostering a harmonious living environment.

St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited was originally established by the developer, Hopkins Homes Limited, which appointed a Hertford-based property management firm to oversee the estate and collect service charges. Initially, the company’s directors were personnel from this management firm. This arrangement persisted even after the developers left the site in 2006–07.

To bring management closer to residents, a public meeting was held, during which several residents volunteered to become Directors, replacing the Hertford-based representatives. This resident-led governance model continues today.

Following the transition, the new Directors appointed EWS Chartered Accountants (now EWS Property Management) as managing agents, effective July 1, 2008. Except for a short section of St Mary’s Road (between Woodbridge Road and the St Anthony’s Crescent junction), all areas of the development are privately maintained.

EWS oversees day-to-day management, works closely with the Board of Directors, and collects service charges to fund maintenance and operations. The Directors, who meet every 6–8 weeks, serve on a voluntary basis, ensuring responsible budget management and directing EWS on necessary projects.

Landlords and Tenants

A small number of properties within the St Mary’s development are rented out by their owners. Most tenants appreciate the peaceful, wooded surroundings and are valued members of the community.

However, landlords remain responsible for ensuring that their tenants comply with the property use and communal area restrictions outlined in their Deed of Covenant with St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited. Due to past issues, we strongly recommend that landlords inform tenants of these covenant terms.

Additionally, landlords are legally responsible for paying the annual service charge. Please ensure EWS has your up-to-date contact details.

Buyers

When purchasing a property within the development, new owners must become members of the Management Company, as specified in the Deed of Covenant. Each property, whether owned individually or jointly, holds equal membership.

The development comprises 124 properties in total, consisting of 64 houses and three buildings that contain a total of 60 flats. The annual management maintenance charge is shared equally between all properties. Two of the three buildings of flats are leasehold, and these, along with the grounds of St Mary’s, are also managed by EWS and incur additional annual charges to cover building maintenance and upkeep

Property conveyancing within the development must align with both the standard freehold or leasehold transfer and the Deed of Covenant with St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Ltd.

Important Considerations Before Purchase:

• Prospective buyers should be informed of property use restrictions and rights concerning Landscaped Open Spaces. These details are outlined in each property’s original transfer and Land Registry documentation.
• The seller must ensure the service charge is fully paid before the transfer. The Management Company will not approve a transfer if outstanding charges remain. Any necessary financial adjustments should be negotiated between the buyer and seller.
• Buyers must acknowledge their obligation to become a member of St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited, contributing to the upkeep of the development. Sellers should provide information on the current service charge and recent Management Company reports.
• Before a property transfer can be registered, the buyer must complete a Deed of Covenant with St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited. This legally binds the buyer to uphold restrictive covenants and meet financial obligations.
• Buyers’ solicitors should consult the original transfer documentation for Deed of Covenant wording and contact the Management Company’s solicitor as early as possible to prevent delays.

For legal inquiries, buyers’ solicitors should contact the following at the earliest opportunity

St Mary’s (Ipswich) Management Company Limited

Registered office: 41 Barrack Square, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RF

Company number: 04378820

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DISCLAIMER

These notes provide general guidance as of October 2020 and do not replace professional legal advice. They are intended to help avoid delays and issues with property transfers.