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?