Getting started
Thinking about moving into a retirement village? You've come to the right place. In this section, we start from the beginning with information about:
Tips for your search
Take your time. You're more likely to choose the right retirement village if you don't make a quick decision:
- Think ahead and consider what you might need in the future - will you be able to continue to live there if your health or mobility declines?
- Imagine the lifestyle you'd like to have in a retirement village, and make a list of the things you think are most important
- Visit different villages and find out about the lifestyles they offer, including housing options
- Talk to the residents - they know better than anyone what life is like in the village they live in
- Read the disclosure statement and occupation right agreement for the village
- Find out the total costs. What will you have to pay on entry? What are the ongoing expenses? Will you share in any capital gain when you leave? Will you have to pay for any capital loss? How will these affect your future and the choices you have?
- Get independent financial advice from a financial planner or accountant with experience in retirement villages
- Get independent legal advice from a lawyer with experience in retirement villages. Ask them about the different legal titles and what they mean
- Involve your family or friends in your decision
What retirement villages offer
Retirement villages are usually purpose-built for people ranging in age from their fifties to their nineties. Some might have just a few units or apartments and basic services, while other complexes offer a range of housing and care options, from independent villas and serviced apartments to rest home and hospital facilities. The type of village you choose will depend on your needs and the kind of lifestyle you want to have.
People moving into retirement villages often want to stay as independent as they can, with access to support and care as they get older. You might want a more easily managed home with better access, where maintenance, security and healthcare are all part of the deal.
Retirement villages may offer a range of services such as maintenance, security, gardening and transport. They may also have shared facilities, including communal lounges, libraries, shops, pools or bowling greens, and many have activities such as clubs, outings and shopping trips.
If you're considering retirement village life, you should think about the type of village you might want to live in. When you're shopping around, look at what kind of housing a village provides, the services, facilities and activities offered and what the ongoing costs are. There are also concessions associated with village living, such as privacy and autonomy - don't forget to think about these as well.
To view information on retirement villages and find one near you, visit:
Publications that list retirement villages:
A Question of Care provides an overview of services for older people. Five editions cover New Zealand and each is specific to the area concerned: Upper North Island, Middle North Island, Lower North Island, Upper South Island, Otago/Southland. For more information visit the Care Publications website or phone (03) 388 1204.
The Retirement Villages Act 2003
The Act protects people entering into and living in retirement villages. It introduces a Code of Residents' Rights and Code of Practice as well as dispute resolution.
The Act requires all retirement villages:
- To be registered
- To appoint a statutory supervisor
- To provide intending residents with a disclosure statement, occupation right agreement and other important documents before buying into the village
- To provide a process for communicating with and involving residents in the village
- To provide a process for handling complaints and disputes.
The Act requires all intending residents:
- To get an independent lawyer to explain their occupation right agreement and its implications before signing the agreement.
For more information about the Act, read the Guide to the Act on the Retirement Commission website.
The Register of Retirement Villages is operated by the Companies Office. To check a village is registered and search their required registration documents visit the Companies Office website.
