Steps to buying a unit in a retirement village

Shop around

Think about where you want to live and what sort of village might suit you best.

When you start comparing villages, ask lots of questions and try to speak to existing residents about what it is like to live in their village.

You may wish to think about whether:

  • the amenities and facilities that the village has to offer suit you
  • the housing options in the village suit your needs; for example, whether the rooms are big enough and the kitchen is to your liking
  • the climate suits you
  • the location of the village is close to family and friends, shops, transport, medical centres, churches, hospitals and other services you would like nearby
  • they offer emergency call services
  • pets are allowed
  • family and friends can stay over
  • they provide social activities you would like to join
  • you are ready for retirement village living
  • you think you’d be happy living in this village.

The Compare retirement villages website can help you identify villages that may meet your needs.

In this guide:

  1. Know the risks of retirement units as investments
  2. Shop around
  3. Compare different villages
  4. Get legal advice
  5. Find out the costs

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