Find information about moving into a retirement village
Considering making a move to a retirement village? Our resource retirementvillages.co.nz is New Zealand’s most comprehensive guide to retirement villages, and showcases every retirement village in Aotearoa. It hosts the country’s largest selection of properties for sale, with more than 500 properties currently listed. Search available properties across every region...
My village unit has been flood damaged. What are my options?
If your retirement village unit has incurred damage as a result of a natural disaster (such as a flood), your village operator should let you know what happens next. If you need to evacuate , your village operator should give you clear instructions about what to do and where to...
Is a villa in a retirement village the right option for me?
There is a range of different accommodation options to choose from in retirement villages across New Zealand. A popular choice for many people is a villa. A villa is a good option for people wanting to maximise space. Villas are commonly free standing and offer a modern open plan kitchen,...
Retirement Village Living in New Zealand - JTJ Gold
What is the cost of leaving a village?
The major cost of leaving a village is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) that is deducted from the original capital sum you paid when ‘purchasing’ into the village. It is to cover the cost of the management and refurbishment of the village (roading, footpaths, lighting, communal amenities etc). The industry...
How can I leave a retirement village? Can I change my mind?
You have the right to leave a retirement village whenever you choose but you need to be aware that there are costs associated when you do. Learn more about the costs of exiting a village. Remember: even after you sign an ORA, you have a ’15-day ‘cooling off’ period during...
How do I make a complaint about a retirement village?
It is important for retirement village residents to know they have the right to make a complaint. Every retirement village operator in New Zealand is required to have a complaint policy that follows the Retirement Villages Code of Practice. This policy should be accessible to residents and potential residents in...
Rates Rebate in a retirement village
Retirement village residents who hold a Licence to Occupy may be eligible for the Government's full Rates Rebate, as long as they meet the income criteria. Each year, usually in mid-June, the Government updates the income and rebate thresholds. You can find more information on rates rebates in retirement villages...
How are rest homes different to retirement villages?
Care homes (also known as rest homes or residential care facilities) and retirement villages are often talked about as if they're the same thing, but they're not. They serve different purposes and are governed by different legislation and regulations. Care home / residential care Many people use the term rest...
What is the Deferred Management Fee: Leaving a village
You may be planning on making a retirement village your forever home, but life can be unpredictable. That's why it's helpful to understand the process of leaving a village before you move into one. You're free to leave a retirement village at any time you want. One important protection to...
At what age am I eligible for a Retirement Village?
Although you can choose to retire at any age you want, the official retirement age in New Zealand is 65. This is when you become eligible to receive NZ Super (your pension) and typically gain access to their KiwiSaver. The age that you need to be to enter a Retirement...
What to weigh-up if considering a retirement village?
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...
Should I choose retirement village that belongs to the RVA?
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...
What is the Retirement Villages Association (RVA)?
The Retirement Villages Association (RVA) is the professional body which represents most retirement villages across New Zealand. Villages choose to become members and pay a fee to belong. In return, the RVA advocates for them in a number of areas, such as: Lobbying politicians, helping them understand the sector, raising...
What is a Retirement Village?
Retirement villages are becoming an increasingly popular choice for older New Zealanders who want to live independently among a like-minded community of people. But what exactly is a retirement village, and what can you expect if you decide to move into one? Here's the legal definition Under Section 6 of...
What's the best way to use this website?
Eldernet Life is about change and whatever your next step, Eldernet is here to help you make decisions that are right for you. Residential Care Search New Zealand’s most comprehensive directory of rest homes and specialist residential care – including up-to-date vacancies. While you’re there, why not order yourself a...
What is the asset limit for the rest home subsidy 2025-2026?
If you are single the limit is $291,825. If you are a couple and you both need care the limit is $291,825. If you are a couple, and one of you needs care there are two threshold options: Combined assets of $159,810, not including the value of your home and...
Keeping safe at home
We should all feel safe and secure in our homes, whether we own, rent, or live in a retirement village. Here, we share some valuable home safety tips for people of all ages as well as some useful tools for older people looking for extra security measures to assist when...
What accommodation options are there in a care home?
Care homes offer a wide range of accommodation options, at varying price levels. Something that costs extra in one home (like an ensuite) may be included at no additional cost in another, so it's good to ask lots of questions and make comparisons. Years ago, most rest homes in New...
Thinking of retirement living? Here are the legal must-dos
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...