Retirement Living

Choosing the Right Retirement Living for Your Lifestyle

Retirement Living isn’t what it used to be — and that’s a good thing! These days, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to where you’ll live and how you’ll spend your time.

Some people want a vibrant community with a busy social calendar, others want privacy and peace, and many want something in between.

In Australia, there are plenty of retirement living options to match your lifestyle and budget.

Here’s a friendly overview of the main types — plus some things to think about when you’re deciding what’s right for you.

Independent Living Units (ILUs)

If you’re healthy and independent, an Independent Living Unit in a retirement village might feel just right.

Think of it as downsizing to a smaller home — usually a villa, townhouse, or apartment — but with the bonus of being surrounded by people at a similar stage of life.

Most ILUs come with low-maintenance gardens, no big lawns to mow, and often a little courtyard or balcony. Residents love the sense of community: morning teas, craft groups, book clubs, and movie nights are pretty common.

Perfect for you if: You want to keep your independence but enjoy having neighbours and a social network nearby. And you like the idea that if your needs change later on, you may be able to access additional services in the same village.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are like a halfway point between living fully independently and having home care support. You still have your own space, but meals, cleaning, and laundry are often included.

It’s ideal for people who want to stay in their own place but appreciate a bit more help with everyday tasks.

These are usually found within larger retirement villages, so you’ll have access to all the facilities — think gyms, pools, community centres — while letting someone else handle the housekeeping.

Perfect for you if: You value convenience and would rather not worry about cooking every meal or keeping up with housework, but you don’t need full-time care just yet.

Leasehold and Strata Villages

While these aren’t living types as such, they’re good to know about because they affect how you buy in. Leasehold villages mean you’re paying for a long-term lease, while strata-titled villages mean you own your unit just like you would an apartment — but with community rules and fees for shared spaces.

Both types can offer similar lifestyles. The key is to check the contracts carefully and know what you’re paying for — things like exit fees, maintenance charges, and who pays for what when you leave.

Perfect for you if: You want a sense of ownership and long-term stability and don’t mind shared responsibility for community upkeep.

Rental Retirement Communities

These are becoming more popular, especially for people who don’t want to tie up a big chunk of money. Instead of buying in, you pay rent — usually at a discounted rate because of government regulations or not-for-profit providers.

Many rental villages still offer social activities and communal facilities, just like leasehold or strata villages.

Some people find this option more flexible, especially if you’d rather keep your capital invested elsewhere or you want to free up money for travel or family.

Perfect for you if: You prefer not to buy into property again and like the idea of flexibility and predictable rent payments, often with age-friendly facilities.

Co-Located Aged Care and Retirement Living

Another thing to look out for is whether a village is co-located with an aged care facility.

This can be reassuring if you want to know that, should your health change down the track, you may be able to move to a higher level of care without having to leave your community entirely.

Perfect for you if: You’d like peace of mind about future care and prefer a ‘one stop’ option that lets you age in place for as long as possible.

Living at Home with Home Care Support

Of course, for many people, the best option is staying exactly where they are! Plenty of older Australians choose to remain in their family home and bring in extra help when needed through a Home Care Package or the new Support at Home program.

This isn’t a “retirement village” option but it’s worth mentioning — because it’s about your lifestyle and what feels comfortable for you.

Perfect for you if: You love your home, your garden, your neighbours — and you’d rather adapt your space or get services in than move somewhere new.

Questions to Help You Choose

If you’re trying to figure out what suits you, ask yourself these questions:

• How independent do I feel now — and how might that change in the next few years?
• Do I want to live alone, or do I enjoy being surrounded by a community?
• What lifestyle do I want — busy and social, or quiet and private?
• Do I want to own, lease, or rent my new home?
• How much of my savings am I comfortable using for this move?
• Do I want the option of extra care on site if I ever need it?

There’s no “right” answer — only what feels right for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of a buzzing village with friends on every corner, a peaceful apartment by the coast, or staying in your own family home for as long as possible, Australia’s retirement living options have come a long way.

With the right information, a good checklist, and maybe a cuppa with family to talk things through, you can make a choice that gives you comfort, security, and freedom to enjoy life your way.

If you’d like more help understanding retirement village contracts, fees, or what to look out for, check out the other guides on our website — and remember, good advice and a clear head make all the difference.

Services and Amenities

Most retirement communities offer:

• Maintenance of buildings and gardens
• Emergency call systems
• Recreational and social activities
• Transport and community outings
• On-site staff or management

Some also offer allied health services and aged care support, although these are usually limited.

Costs and Fees

Entry Contribution: A significant upfront payment, often in the form of a loan or deposit.

Ongoing Service Fees: Cover day-to-day operational costs such as maintenance, staff wages, and insurance.

Exit Fees/Deferred Management Fees (DMFs): Paid when you leave the village. Can be substantial and are often calculated as a percentage of your entry contribution per year of residence.

Understanding these fees is critical. Always ask for a full breakdown and consult a legal or financial advisor before signing any contract.

Contracts and Legal Protections

State and territory laws regulate retirement villages.

Each jurisdiction has its own Retirement Villages Act, which outlines resident rights and operator responsibilities.

Contracts should clearly set out:

• The financial arrangements
• Rights to occupy and use facilities
• The process for resale or exit

Pros of Retirement Living

• Security and peace of mind
• Community atmosphere
• Low-maintenance lifestyle
• Access to support and social opportunities

Cons of Retirement Living

• Less control compared to traditional home ownership
• Potential difficulty in exiting or reselling
• Complexity of contracts and fees

Choosing the Right Retirement Living Option

When exploring options, consider:

• Location and proximity to family and services
• Cost and affordability
• Lifestyle preferences and social opportunities
• Health needs, both now and in the future

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

• What is the total cost of moving in, living there, and leaving?
• Are there regular increases in fees?
• What happens if my care needs change?
• Who owns and manages the village?

Future-Proofing Your Decision

Some retirement communities are co-located with aged care facilities or offer additional support services that can help residents transition as care needs increase.

Final Thoughts on Retirement Living

Retirement living can offer a vibrant and secure lifestyle for older Australians, but it’s essential to fully understand the financial and contractual arrangements.

Take the time to research, visit multiple communities, and seek independent advice before making a decision.

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