HomeStories & InsightsRetirement villages: what are the costs?

Retirement villages: what are the costs?

Get a simple, step-by-step look at the costs of living at Carlyle Gardens – what you’ll pay to move in, each month, and when you leave.

Understanding retirement living costs 

If you’re new to retirement living, it’s important to know that the costs are different to buying or renting a regular home. Instead of a standard property sale, you’ll pay an entry payment for the right to live in your home, plus ongoing village fees and a management fee when you leave. Everything is designed to be clear and predictable, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Want a quick, expert overview? 

To get a better understanding of the costs of retirement living, watch this short video from retirement living expert Rachel Lane.

 

Financial clarity from day one 

Moving into a retirement village is a big decision. At Carlyle Gardens, we keep the financial side simple and transparent, so you know exactly what to expect – before you move in, while you live here and when you leave. 

 

1) Your entry payment (no stamp duty) 

Your entry payment gives you the right to live in your new home for as long as you wish under our residence contract. You won’t pay stamp duty, which can save you thousands up front. 

 

Change of mind assurances 

  • 21-day disclosure period to read your documents carefully before signing. 
  • 14-day cooling off period after signing – your deposit is refunded in full if you change your mind. 
  • 90-day settling in period after settlement; if you decide to leave in that time, we refund your entry payment less specified fees and costs. 

 

2) Monthly village fees (what they cover) 

Monthly village fees cover the everyday running of the village and the services that make life easier and more enjoyable. This includes: 

  • Managing and operating the village 
  • Operating and maintaining shared facilities (e.g. gardens, community centre, etc) 
  • Home building maintenance* 
  • Building insurance 
  • Security and safety systems 
  • Village employees 
  • Council and water rates 

By law, these fees are charged on a cost recovery basis (the operator doesn’t profit) and are audited annually by an independent party. Fees only increase in line with actual costs. 

* Except for items residents have altered, added or damaged, or anything beyond fair wear and tear. 

 

Other regular household costs 

You’ll also budget for gas, electricity, phone and internet, contents insurance, personal living expenses, and taking care of your home, for example cleaning, tidying, pest control and repairs beyond normal wear and tear. 

 

4) When you leave: simple, predictable and fair 

We work to make things easy for you and your family. 

 

We’ll get your home sale ready 

We prepare and present your home for sale, usually at no extra cost – except in cases of major damage, heavy wear and tear, or removing alternations and additions you made.

 

No sales or marketing fees 

We handle the sale professionally and don’t charge sales or marketing costs. 

Financial certainty while your home is for sale: 

  • First 90 days after you move out: you pay all fees. 
  • Day 91 to nine months: we share fees with you using the same split as the sale proceeds. 
  • After 9 months: we pay all fees. 
  • If your home hasn’t sold within 18 months, we’ll buy it back from you. 

 

Your exit entitlement is guaranteed 

Your exit entitlement won’t change with the property market or unexpected events such as floods, fires or pandemics. Any gain or loss is covered by RetireAustralia. 

 

5) The management fee (capped at 35%) 

The management fee is payable when you leave and helps keep entry costs competitive. It also covers costs like renovating, marketing and selling your home, essential support roles, and capital improvements that keep the village modern and comfortable for everyone. 

  • Capped at 35% of your entry payment. 
  • Accrues over your first 3 years. 
  • No further increases after 3 years – no matter how long you stay. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparing options 

The best way to compare retirement living options is to visit Carlyle Gardens, speak with our team about your circumstances and to review your current household budget. 

 

Why people choose retirement living 

For many residents, the real value is lifestyle: a friendly environment, peace of mind and low maintenance living. Plus, access to services and amenities that make everyday life effortlessly enjoyable. Choosing Carlyle Gardens, it’s an investment in you and the way you want to live. 

 

Ready to find out more? 

If you’d like to understand in detail how Carlyle Gardens costs work, or want to see for yourself what’s included, we’re here to help. 

Book a visit to tour the village and chat with our team or give us a call. We’re happy to answer your questions and walk you through the details.