Choosing the right retirement community is a big step, and it’s natural to have questions. To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most common ones here. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, our friendly team is always happy to chat—just give us a call on 1300 687 738.
Explore the FAQs below to find the answers you’re looking for.
A retirement village is a residential community designed for older Australians who want to live reasonably independently while enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle. These villages offer private homes, such as units or apartments, shared facilities, services, and social opportunities.
RetireAustralia is a leading owner, operator and developer of high-quality retirement villages in Australia. Founded in 2006, we’re committed to making retirement living the best it can be by creating thriving communities where older Australians live the life they choose in their own home, supported by seamless support and care pathways and quality age-friendly homes.
Find out more about us.
Most retirement villages require residents to be at least 55 years old. However, the homes, facilities and services at retirement villages are designed to suit the needs of older adults, with most residents typically aged 75 and over. At RetireAustralia, the average entry age is 78.
Retirement villages are designed for people who want to live independently in a community of like-minded people with access to amenities, social activities and optional support services. In contrast, residential aged care provides higher levels of medical and personal care for individuals who can no longer live independently and require daily care.
Many RetireAustralia communities offer both independent living and serviced apartments, care apartments or care suites, as well as respite care, and home care services. So, no matter how life changes, you can feel confident and supported in the home and community you choose.
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We currently have 29 retirement villages across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Find a RetireAustralia community near you.
We’re also planning a range of new communities.
People choose to live in a retirement village for a variety of reasons, including the desire for safety, security, and a sense of community. RetireAustralia villages offer low maintenance living with peace of mind, knowing that care and support are available if needed. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own homes while being part of a thriving, like-minded community. Additionally, the convenience of on-site services like maintenance, gardening and care services adds to the appeal.
Read more about why people choose to live in a retirement village.
Life in a RetireAustralia village is all about choice—it’s as social or as private as you want it to be. Some residents enjoy the social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to connect, while others prefer a quieter, more independent lifestyle. Our villages offer communal areas, organised activities, and special interest groups to foster social interaction, whether it’s fitness classes, book clubs, happy hours, or simply chatting with neighbours.
You can engage as much or as little as you like—it’s your community, your lifestyle. Many of our residents say the best part of living in a village is the strong sense of community and the chance to make meaningful connections with others who are at a similar stage of life.
Hear what residents John and Margy have to say about their life at Boambee Gardens Retirement Village.
Moving into a retirement village can enhance your quality of life by offering a welcoming, supportive, and socially connected community. Research shows that people living in retirement communities are happier, more physically active, and experience better health outcomes.
Village life makes it easy to build and maintain friendships, with shared spaces, regular events, and access to amenities and services that help you stay as social and active as you choose while maintaining your independence. Retirement villages also provide a secure, low maintenance living environment with care and support services available if needed—giving you peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy life on your terms.
Many of our residents continue to work while enjoying the benefits of retirement village living. You can maintain your career or professional pursuits while enjoying the security, supportive community, and lifestyle a retirement village offers. Whether you’re working part-time, consulting, volunteering or pursuing a passion, retirement village life allows you to balance your personal goals with a fulfilling lifestyle.
Finding the right retirement village is a personal decision, so it’s important to focus on what matters most to you. Consider location, available home options, amenities, access to care and services, and whether you’d like to be near family and friends.
Read more about what to consider when choosing a retirement village.
Yes, your home in the village is your own, and you’re always welcome to invite guests for short visits. While policies on overnight stays may vary depending on your village, we encourage you to have family involvement and welcome visitors. We just ask that guests respect the community and its residents. In fact, many of our villages often see grandchildren visiting and enjoying the amenities with their grandparents. It’s all about making the most of your space and connections.
We know that pets are an important part of our residents’ lives, which is why they’re welcome in most of our villages. To find out whether a particular RetireAustralia village welcomes pets, look out for the snapshot on the village page or contact the village manager. We want you and your furry friend to feel at home.
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Our residents tell us they don’t think there are a lot of rules, and those that exist are based on common sense and mutual respect. The focus is on creating a friendly and considerate community where everyone can enjoy their home and the village atmosphere.
If you’re heading away on holiday, our team members will keep an eye on your home while you’re away, ensuring everything remains just as you left it when you return. You can enjoy your time away knowing your home is safe.
Some of our villages offer designated spaces for boats, caravans, and other vehicles, so you can continue enjoying your hobbies and adventures. The availability of these spaces varies by location, so we encourage you to contact us to discuss your needs.
In RetireAustralia retirement villages you can access tailored care and support as you transition through life’s stages. From fully independent living to extra support in your home, through to more intensive care and support on a temporary or ongoing basis, you will have options so you can feel confident and supported in the home and community you choose. The availability of services varies by location, so we encourage you to contact us to discuss your needs.
Discover our Care and Living options.
Our independent living units in broad-acre communities, and apartments in mid-rise vertical villages are designed with over-70s in mind. They’re spacious, with plenty of natural light and feature open-plan layouts that creates an easy flow. Homes range from one to three bedrooms with one to two bathrooms, a garage, and private outdoor areas – such as a veranda, courtyard, garden or a balcony. With no home or garden maintenance to worry about, you’ll have all the time and opportunity to enjoy the things you love. Plus, all independent living homes include a 24-hour emergency call system for added peace of mind.
Enjoy the freedom of living your way, knowing support is available if you ever need it. Our reliable and experienced Support at Home team and reputable partner providers are here to make life easier – from household chores and meal preparation through to showering, dressing, and nursing care. It’s all about keeping the sense of home you love, with support that fits your life.
You can pay privately for services or use government funding. We can even guide you through the process of applying for government funding so it’s simple and stress-free.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you can stay in a private, fully furnished serviced or care apartment for as little as fourteen nights or up to six weeks. Our respite care service offers you a chance to recuperate away from home, chores, and cooking.
If you’re recovering from illness or injury, or if you live independently but need short-term extra care and support, respite care could be the ideal solution. For a daily fee and without the need for a government assessment, you’ll receive personalised care and support, including meals, cleaning, and linen services.
Our 24/7 on-site team and emergency call system provide peace of mind, and you’ll have access to social activities and village amenities during your stay. Respite care is subject to suitability and availability, so we encourage you to contact us to discuss your needs.
Serviced apartments typically feature a studio layout or a separate bedroom, with a private bathroom, kitchenette and living area. Many also include a balcony or patio. Designed for comfort and independence, they offer plenty of natural light, ample storage, and a modern, neutral décor you can personalise. With 24-hour monitored call bells and an on-site team, help is always available. Meals, linen, laundry, and cleaning services are provided.
Entry is based on suitability and availability and no government assessment or asset tests are required. Serviced apartments are ideal if your care needs are increasing but you want to continue living freely alongside your friends and family in a familiar community. In our serviced apartments, you’ll still have full access to village activities, services and amenities.
Our spacious and private care apartments are designed for individuals and couples – even if one partner requires little or no care. Unlike many aged care options, your partner can continue living with you, making this a positive alternative to traditional aged care. Entry is based on suitability and availability and no government assessment or asset tests are required. Each apartment features a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom, kitchenette, and dining space, providing a true home where you can entertain friends and family.
With24/7 on-site staff, meals, cleaning and linen services, you still have full access to village activities, services and amenities. Care Apartments are available exclusively at Glengara Care in Glengara Retirement Village in Tumbi Umbi, Central Coast, NSW.
Care suites are ideal for those needing extra support – whether for short-term respite care, recovery from surgery or illness, complex health conditions, impaired mobility or palliative care. These private one-bedroom suites feature an ensuite and kitchenette in a home-like environment, offering a compassionate alternative to traditional nursing homes.
Care Suites provide 24/7 care in a familiar environment, without the need for government assessment or asset tests. Care suites are available exclusively in the Care Hub at The Verge, located on the Gold Coast, QLD, with plans to introduce care hubs in future new communities.
RetireAustralia Support at Home services are flexible and tailored to exactly what you need, when you need it.
You can fund Support at Home services in two ways:
We can even guide you through the process of applying for government funding, so it’s simple and stress free.
Yes! At RetireAustralia, all of our villages offer independent and many also assisted living options, including serviced apartments and care apartments (at Glengara Care, located on the Central Coast, NSW) that are suitable for both singles and couples.
Unlike traditional aged care, our serviced and care apartments allow couples to stay together, even if your care needs are different. Each partner receives tailored support while continuing to share a home in a familiar community. Couples’ accommodation is not available in our care suites, which are designed for individuals requiring higher levels of care.
Find out more about our serviced apartments or care apartments.
Every home in a RetireAustralia village has an emergency response system ensuring you have access to emergency assistance 24/7.
At RetireAustralia, your wellbeing comes first. If your needs change, support is always close by and tailored to fit your life, not the other way around.
Support options vary by village, but flexibility is at the heart of what we do. Depending on where you live, you might:
If you ever need more comprehensive care, we’ll help connect you with trusted aged care providers you nearby. Our goal is simple: to help you live independently, in your own community, for as long as possible. We work with you and your family to make sure the right level of support is there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t.
At RetireAustralia, you won’t be charged an additional entry payment or management fee if you vacate your independent living unit and move to a RetireAustralia serviced apartment, care apartment or care hub.
There are three main costs associated with living in a retirement village:
There are no hidden costs, and you’ll know exactly what you’ll need to pay moving in, living in and moving out of your home. For more detailed information, see costs and contracts.
These ongoing village fees cover operating costs, including council rates, water rates, building insurance, building maintenance, 24-hour emergency call system and access to and upkeep of communal village facilities. For more detailed information, see costs and contracts.
Recurrent charges/ monthly fees are set on a cost-recovery basis, meaning they only cover the actual expenses of operating the village. Any increase in fees beyond a reasonable level requires approval from residents.
To ensure transparency, village finances are audited annually by an independent party. By law, these fees cannot be used to generate profit and are strictly for covering village operational costs.
The management fee gives you access to your preferred lifestyle and quality social and recreational amenities. It is the village operator’s form of income and contributes to capital improvements, community infrastructure, support staff and refurbishing and reselling your home in the village.
RetireAustralia uses a deferred management fee model, where the fee is paid when residents leave, which reduces upfront costs.
The management fee varies by village and contract type and is outlined in your Residence Agreement/Contract. It is accrued on a pro rata basis in your first few years in the village and capped at a maximum percentage, regardless of how long you stay in the village, ensuring transparency and predictability.
From the moment you move in, you’ll be able to calculate how much you’ll receive after you leave.
There are three main types of ownership agreements in retirement villages: leasehold, licence and strata.
More than 85% of RetireAustralia’s villages offer leasehold/licence agreements, which involve a long-term lease with no stamp duty or body corporate fees.
In most RetireAustralia retirement villages, you purchase a long-term lease or licence (typically 99 years), giving you the right to reside in your home, while RetireAustralia retains ownership of the land and buildings.
In four of our villages, strata ownership is available, meaning you own your home plus a share of the community facilities, with associated costs like stamp duty and strata fees.
Ownership options vary by village, so please contact us for details on the village you’re considering.
While we do not offer the option to rent in our communities, we do have a range of retirement living options to support most lifestyles and budgets.
Retirement village residences are secure, friendly environments where all residents are long-term owner-occupiers at a similar stage of life. To maintain this standard for every resident in our villages, RetireAustralia does not allow residents to rent out their homes.
Our contracts specify the protections available to you. At a high level, these include:
These protections are not available when buying properties on the open market, ensuring greater security for residents.
Our residents tell us that choosing to move into a retirement village is about far more than bricks and mortar. It’s a lifestyle investment.
Moving into a retirement village is not a financial investment; it is an investment in a lifestyle. The value offered is the ability to live in a community with people of a similar age and stage of life, with access to amenities and activities, low-maintenance living, and peace of mind that care and support are available if needed.
The management fee gives you access to your preferred lifestyle and quality social and recreational amenities.
In RetireAustralia leasehold/ licence villages, it also covers the refurbishment, sales and marketing costs of homes and the remainder is profit. This benefits you while living in the village by ensuring access to quality social and recreational amenities which would incur additional costs if you lived outside a retirement village. It also helps maintain the value of your home, which is important when it comes time to sell.
You and your family will have certainty about the amount you will be paid when you leave the village. Your exit entitlement is not affected by capital gains or losses, and you will receive your entry payment back, minus the management fee.
Leasehold/Licence villages In most cases, RetireAustralia will handle the preparation, marketing, and sale of your home at no extra cost to you. However, you may be responsible for costs if there is exceptional wear and tear or if alterations you made need to be removed.
Strata/Freehold villages Reinstatement costs are determined by your contract. These costs may be covered by the outgoing resident, RetireAustralia, or shared between both parties.
For refurbishments, a Refurbishment Deed is usually negotiated between RetireAustralia and the outgoing resident. This agreement determines how refurbishment costs are shared based on capital gain and management/exit fee percentages.
A Refurbishment Deed benefits both parties by helping to maximise the resale price, which in turn increases the outgoing resident’s exit entitlement.
We want you to feel secure and confident with your decision to move into one of our villages, so our contract includes disclosure, cooling-off and settling-in periods. If you decide within 90 days of your settlement date that a RetireAustralia community isn’t right for you, we will refund your entry payment less any accrued services fees and a pro-rata rental fee for your time in the community, as well as any reasonable costs incurred for renovations made at your request.
Moving into a retirement village is a lifestyle choice, not an investment opportunity. While you may not see a financial gain when you leave, the entry cost is typically lower than the local median house price. This can allow you to free up funds from the sale of your family home, helping to support your retirement and care needs. Retirement villages are designed to offer value through lifestyle, care, community, and peace of mind rather than financial returns.
Yes, your money is secure with RetireAustralia. The payment you make to move into a retirement village is protected by the Retirement Villages Act, which ensures your funds are secured against the property. In the unlikely event that a village faces financial difficulty, your entitlement to a refund is given priority over most other creditors, providing you with added peace of mind.
Your council rates are included in your monthly service fee.
Residents are responsible for their gas, electricity, internet and telephone bills.
Building insurance is taken care of through your village service fees. We recommend that residents take out personal contents insurance to protect their furniture and belongings.
The Retirement Villages Act is a state-based legislation created to protect your rights as a resident living in a retirement community. A copy of the Retirement Villages Act is free to access online. You can search for a copy of the Act on Google or source this through the appropriate legislative body in your state.
The Retirement Villages Act is a state-based legislation that protects the rights of residents and sets out the responsibilities of both village operators and residents. It ensures fair practices in areas like contracts, fees, services, and dispute resolution. Each state and territory has its own Act, with specific requirements operators must follow.
Retirement villages are regulated by state governments, primarily through the Retirement Villages Act and other relevant legislation. These regulations ensure that retirement villages operate in a way that protects the rights of residents and provides a high standard of care and services. The specific rules and legislation may vary by state, but they all aim to ensure that retirement villages meet safety, quality, and fairness standards for residents.
The Retirement Living Code of Conduct aims to sets high standards in the marketing, selling and operation of retirement communities, including complaints and dispute management procedures for operators and residents. Voluntarily signing up to the Code confirms our commitment to providing reliable, trustworthy and high-quality retirement living and care options.
Visitors to our villages often say that there’s a wonderful, vibrant sense of community—and that’s exactly what we strive for. Our villages are active, social, and welcoming, giving residents the freedom to enjoy life their way, with the comfort and security of a like-minded community and care and support if needed.
Residents are at the heart of everything we do. We create inclusive, inviting spaces where you’ll always feel at home, both now and in the future. Our homes and villages are thoughtfully designed–perfect for now and ideal for later, with our trusted team never far away if you need support.
With over 5,000 residents across New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, our experienced and friendly team is here to make every day the best it can be – because we understand retirement living and the needs of older Australians.
While both offer similar lifestyle benefits for older Australians, they differ in costs, ownership models and legal protections.
In a retirement village, you typically pay an entry fee and ongoing service fees, with residents having a long-term lease or licence agreement. Retirement villages are governed by the Retirement Villages Act, which provides clear protections for residents, including structured entry and exit processes.
Land lease communities, on the other hand, operate under the same legislation as caravan and mobile home parks. Residents usually own their home but lease the land it sits on. While these communities define operator and resident obligations, they do not offer the same consumer protections as the Retirement Villages Act.
Choosing the right option depends on your priorities, financial situation, and what you value most in your retirement lifestyle.
It’s important for anyone looking to make a move into a retirement community to understand the ins and outs of retirement living, including the costs, the community, the lifestyle, and the village facilities. Throughout the purchase process, we actively encourage—both verbally and in writing—prospective residents to seek independent legal and financial advice. This ensures you have a clear understanding of your contract and how it aligns with your personal circumstances, giving you confidence in your decision.
Absolutely. Touring a retirement village is the best way to experience the community firsthand and get a true feel for village life. We offer personalised, private tours where you can explore the village, become familiar with the facilities, meet residents and get answers to all of your questions.
You can book an appointment to tour the village of your choice via the village’s page on our website. Find a RetireAustralia community near you. Alternatively, you can call our customer service team on 1300 687 738 to arrange a suitable time.
While moving into a retirement village requires financial planning, they offer value through included services, amenities, and security. Costs vary based on location, size, and contract type. It’s crucial to understand all associated fees, including when you move in, live in and leave a village. Retirement villages are an investment in your lifestyle, not a financial investment. Seeking legal and financial advice can help you make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances.
RetireAustralia villages offer a wide range of amenities and wellness initiatives designed to help you live your best retirement. While each village is unique, common features may include community centres, bar areas, libraries, hairdressing salons, outdoor spaces, swimming pools, cafes and bowling greens. Our villages are designed for convenience, with easy access from residential areas to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
When choosing a retirement village, it’s important to consider amenities that enhance your quality of life, such as care services, outdoor spaces, social activities, safety features, and transportation options. To learn more about what’s available in a specific village, contact your sales consultant or village manager.
Read more about the amenities to look for in a retirement village.
Many of our villages offer community centres, function rooms, or outdoor areas that residents can use for private gatherings and celebrations with family and friends. Facilities vary by village, so we recommend speaking to us to learn more about availability and any booking requirements.
Yes! Our villages offer parking spaces for residents, as well as visitor parking for guests. Depending on the village, some homes also feature attached garages or undercover basement parking for added convenience. If you have specific parking needs, your sales consultant or village manager can help you explore the available options.
Yes, our villages and homes are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, wide pathways, and easily accessible communal areas. The homes in all our new communities meet the Liveable Housing Australia – Gold Standard which ensures that homes and facilities can adapt to residents’ changing health needs, allowing them to live comfortably and independently within their community for as long as possible.
Many of our villages offer a resident minibus, providing a regular schedule of social outings and shopping trips. Additionally, RetireAustralia villages are typically located near public transport, medical facilities, and shopping centres, making it easy to access everything you need. Reliable transport options help our residents maintain independence, stay connected with the community, and access services without relying on a car.
We encourage residents to stay connected with their local communities and continue participating in the activities and clubs they enjoy. We have strong ties with nearby clubs and organisations, including bowls clubs, golf clubs, sporting groups, and more, to help you stay engaged and involved in the broader community.
The social activities available at each village may vary, but you can expect a wide range of options, including aerobics, arts and crafts, bingo, community and themed dinners, croquet, happy hour, indoor/outdoor bowls, mahjong, pilates, sewing, snooker, tai chi, tennis, gardening clubs, men’s groups, line dancing, trivia nights, and more!
Connecting with others and participating in activities is a key part of village life at RetireAustralia. Our villages offer a variety of activities, from hobby groups and social clubs to organised outings and community events. Whether you’re interested in joining an activity that aligns with your passions or simply enjoying a community gathering, there’s always something happening. We also foster a welcoming environment where residents can easily meet new people and form meaningful connections with neighbours. Our village teams are always available to help you get involved and find activities that suit your lifestyle.
Absolutely! Participation in activities and events is entirely up to you. You can join in as much or as little as you like—your lifestyle, your choice.
RetireAustralia owns and operates retirement villages in 30 unique urban, seaside, tree-side and regional locations.
