Types of villages

Retirement villages come in many different shapes and sizes, from ‘boutique’ sized villages with only a handful of units or multi-level apartment complexes in a ‘vertical village’, to large communities with hundreds of villas.

They can be referred to by a variety of names, including over 55 lifestyle villages, lifestyle resorts, lifestyle or retirement communities, supported living communities, lifestyle estates, manufactured or relocatable homes, residential parks, or rental villages. In this guide we will be referring to all as retirement villages.

Retirement villages are designed for people over the age of 55 who generally have retired from full - time employment, as an alternative housing and lifestyle option. They are popular with people who feel they need more security, support or company, but want to maintain their independence.

While many of these communities offer similar services, there are also differences. Some are designed for a younger set of active seniors while others enable residents to continue living at the complex as their care needs increase, meaning they may never have to move again.

their members. They also provide information or advice, can mediate conflict resolutions with you and your retirement village, and more. Australia’s peak body for the residential village industry is the Retirement Living Council. It works closely with state associations, particularly in relation to legislative matters.

The Retirement Living Council advocates for the industry with Government while also encouraging high-quality village living more

Some retirement operators offer aged care accommodation in the same location which means that when you are no longer able to live independently in your own home in the future, you don’t have to leave the community.

How villages are funded Resident Funded Village

This type of residential village is owned and operated by the private sector or by a not-for-profit organisation on a commercial basis to produce a profit or surplus.

The village is funded by residents who ‘purchase’ their villa or apartment under one of the tenure arrangements. The residents also contribute to the villages’ capital infrastructure cost and to the ongoing management of the village.

Resident Funded Units are sold at market value, meaning the resident does not own the unit but purchases a loan licence agreement, giving the administration of the village an interest free loan and the resident a licence to reside in the village.

Personal support or care is not always offered in Resident Funded Villages but, in residential communities, this can be purchased for an extra fee.

Some new retirement complexes allow you to purchase the unit and land outright, so it is important to check the purchase or lease arrangements on offer.

Donor Funded Village

These villages are normally owned and operated by not-for-profit organisations. They include an element of charitable subsidy, and entry is generally restricted to the disadvantaged.

Accommodation options

Within retirement villages there are different types of accommodation you can choose from that best suit you and your financial circumstances.

Properties can include one to multiple bedrooms and vary from high or medium-rise complexes to semi detached buildings.

Accommodation options generally range from independent living units to serviced apartments with many different options in between.

Each of these housing developments comes with not only an independent home for you to live in, but also a range of services and facilities you can access if you choose.

Usually, villages will have an option to ‘own’, ‘purchase’ or ‘lease’ your new home. Some villages may offer rental accommodation.

Some villages offer only one accommodation type while other communities may have a mixture of options for you to choose from.

Independent Living Units

If you enjoy an active lifestyle and cherish independence, Independent Living Units (ILUs) may best suit your needs.

Many ILUs, regulated by State and Territory Governments, are private residences that can provide village residents with the freedom to manage daily lifestyles, but with possible added benefits such as high quality community facilities, professionally managed gardens, and the guarantee of maintenance and security already taken care of by village staff.

ILUs often feature easy, open plan living, which may include a complete kitchen, living and dining areas, bathroom, one to three bedrooms, as well as an external courtyard/ balcony/garden area and garage, carport or car space.

They may be situated within a high or medium rise complex, terrace housing arrangement, or as stand-alone or semi detached accommodation.

Serviced apartments and supported living

Sometimes referred to as ‘Assisted Living’, serviced apartments provide residents with some daily living assistance. Residents of serviced apartments usually prefer to live in the privacy and comfort of their own apartment, and are generally mobile and independent.

The apartments ordinarily feature one or two bedrooms and are part of a larger residential village complex. Services provided may include cleaning, laundry and assistance with personal care.

While a small kitchenette is usually included within the apartment, meals are served in a communal