Notice of Charge & Management Compnay

Cheillie2020

Hi, 
I’m currently in the process of buying a freehold house on a new development (two years old) that as a management company involved to maintain the public grounds (which I think is pretty normal these days with local councils not wanting to take on the responsibility).

Anyway, my solicitor has asked the Sun a solicitor the following question: 

“Please ask the Management Company to confirm in writing that the fee of £200 includes fee for Notice of Charge as well.”

Can someone explain what this means as when I try and Google it I can only see references for NOC and Management Companies for leasehold properties. 

Also, as a side note, as The estate is only two years old (although it is completely finished) The management company have confirmed that they have not yet taken responsibility and therefore there is no current charge.

My solicitor has asked for clarification on who is maintaining the public grounds correctly.

Does anyone know who this would be? Is it likely to be the council currently or is it likely to be the developer even though the development finished two years ago? 

Thanks in advance. 

Tiglet2

You are buying the property with the aid of a mortgage.  That mortgage will be shown on your title deeds as a "charge" with the name of your lender.  The Notice of Charge that the solicitor sends the management company is just to advise them that the property has changed hands, with your name as the new owner and details of who your lender is.  The management company charges a fee for "receipting" the Notice and so your solicitor is asking whether the fee of £200 includes or excludes the fee for receipting the Notice.

I would assume that the developer has been maintaining the grounds up to now but have now handed over to the management company, if the developer has now left the site.  Your solicitor is asking the sellers/management company to confirm the current arrangements.