Making the decision

When you think about moving to a retirement village you need to consider your needs, preferences, and the costs.

Living in a retirement village

Moving to a retirement village — checklists and tips

Age Concern gives free independent advice about moving to a retirement village.

Find your nearest Age Concern

If you need extra care

If you need extra care, rest homes offer more than retirement villages.

Rest homes and residential care

Find a registered retirement village

To be registered the retirement village must follow the law and the Code of Practice.

Finding a registered retirement village

Legal advice

Buying into a retirement village is different from buying a house or apartment. You need to get independent legal advice before you sign up.

Finding independent legal advice

Costs

Retirement villages can set their own fees.

You have to pay an entry payment, weekly fees and exit costs. There might be more costs if you negotiate extra services or if your healthcare needs change.

Costs and financial implications

Complain about a retirement village

If you want to make a complaint, contact the manager of the retirement village first.

Residents must be given a copy of the complaints policy if they ask for it, and there must be a copy handy for residents to read at any time.

Complaints and disputes