Last updated 31 October 2022
Here are some questions a person who is considering moving into a retirement village might ask themselves or obtain legal advice about:
- What are the terms of the Village Comparison Document and the contract documents provided by the operator?
- How secure is the tenure in the village?
- What is the reputation and track record of the operator or management?
- How good is the investment?
- Is there a statutory charge registered against the village?
- What do existing residents think about the village?
- How much are the services charges and can I afford them?
- How will moving into a village affect my social security entitlements (if applicable)?
- Can I move into an aged-care facility if the need arises, and what guarantees does the operator give that I can move into such a facility?
- How much money am I likely to get back when I leave, and will it be easy to sell the unit?
- How well maintained is the village?
- Should I check with the relevant government department (Office of Fair Trading) about the village?
- What are the facilities in the village?
- What is the dispute resolution process in the village?
- Have there been lots of disputes in the village?
- What do the by-laws of the village say?
- Are there convenient transport, shopping and medical facilities?
- Is there a 24-hour emergency call button in the unit?
- Can I put my boat or caravan somewhere convenient, and what does it cost?
- What are the rules about visitors (especially children)?
- Does the unit have a garage?
- Should I be looking for a one, two or even a three-bedroom unit?
- Is it near family and friends?
- Would I be happy living there?