Retirement villages

Not every retirement village in Aotearoa New Zealand offers aged care on site, so it's important to understand exactly what support is available before you make a move. The questions below can help you compare villages and get a feel for the level of care you can expect. What services...

More than 53,000 people live in retirement villages throughout New Zealand, and research suggests that most residents report a high level of satisfaction. Of course, it all comes down to choosing a village that is right for you. Make sure you visit a village more than once before you make...

Retirement villages in Aotearoa New Zealand offer a wide range of accommodation options, including villas, townhouses, apartments, and studios ( learn more here ). Remember – whichever option you choose will become your home, so it needs to feel right for your lifestyle. Here are some questions to ask when...

The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) is a voluntary association that represents retirement village operators, managers, and commercial organisations across New Zealand. Their aim is to provide a high standard of living for village residents. Choosing an RVA member retirement village means that you are protected under the Retirement Villages Act...

Buying into a retirement village is quite different from purchasing a home in the traditional sense. There can be some legal 'fishhooks' to get your head around, the terminology is specialised, and there are important rights and responsibilities that you'll want to fully understand. That's why getting proper legal advice...

Just like any property purchase, moving into a retirement village is a big financial commitment. Every village operates a little differently, and fees or conditions can vary from village to village and region to region. Getting specialist legal advice is one of the best ways to make sure you understand...

Retirement villages in New Zealand vary greatly – in size, location, on-site offerings, ownership, philosophy and of course price. Choosing the right one really comes down to finding a village that fits your lifestyle, expectation, and future needs. Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit,...

Approximately 14% of the people aged 75 and older choose to live in a village – and that number is set to increase as our population continues to age. It is estimated that 26,000 retirement village units will need to be built by 2033 just to keep up with current...

A serviced apartment, a common retirement village option, provides for the delivery of services to people who are paying privately for services. Commonly these people are reasonably independent. Services range from meals and cleaning services to, in some cases, high-end services such as a personal chef and chauffeur. High levels...

Buying into a retirement village works differently to purchasing a regular house. In most villages, you don't actually 'own' the unit or the land it's on, as you would in a traditional property purchase. Instead, the amount you pay upfront is called your Capital Contribution , which gives you the...

When looking to a move to a retirement village, it’s important to consider how your new surroundings will suit your lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when making your shortlist: Village life Is it easy for loved ones to visit? Can your friends/whānau (such as grandchildren) stay?...

With more than 400 Retirement Villages in New Zealand, there is plenty of choice when it comes to where to live. Villages vary greatly – in size, location, on-site offerings, ownership, culture and of course, price – so it comes down to choosing the village that best suits your needs....

Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit, take your time to look around and gather as much information as you can. Talk to friends who've already done their research or who have moved into a village themselves. Explore all your options, and make sure you...