Retirement Village Checklist

Retirement Village Checklist

Moving into a retirement village is a big life decision — it’s not just about the unit you’ll live in, but the community you’ll join, the fees you’ll pay, and the lifestyle you want for years to come. This detailed checklist is designed to help you compare villages, know what questions to ask, and settle in smoothly once you’ve chosen the right place for you.

Use this guide as a step-by-step roadmap to make your move easier and avoid costly surprises later.

Understand Why You’re Moving

Before you even start touring villages, take a moment to think about your reasons for moving. What do you really want from village life?

• Are you looking for less home maintenance?
• Do you want more social connection?
• Do you need extra security and support as you age?
• Is location near family, shops or medical services important?

Do Your Research

Not all villages are the same. They can vary widely in price, facilities, services, management style and community feel. Make a shortlist of villages that suit your needs and budget.

Things to look for:

• Location — close to family, public transport, hospitals, shops.
• Unit style — apartment, villa, townhouse?
• Facilities — gardens, community centre, pool, library, workshops, onsite services.
• Support services — are meals, cleaning, or personal care available if you need them later?

Visit More Than Once

Visit each village at different times — weekdays, weekends, and in the evenings. Talk to current residents, not just the sales manager.

Questions to ask residents:

• Do you feel safe and supported?
• How well are maintenance issues handled?
• Are the management approachable and transparent?
• Is it easy to get involved in activities?

Check the Contract and Fees

Every village has a legal agreement — and it can be complicated. Always get independent legal advice before you sign anything. Ask your solicitor or adviser to explain:

• The ingoing contribution — what you pay upfront.
• Ongoing fees — weekly or monthly payments.
• Exit/deferred management fees — what you’ll pay when you leave.
• Who pays for repairs and refurbishments?
• How long will it take to get your money back when you leave?
• Who gets any capital gain if property values go up?

Always read the full disclosure statement and make sure you understand the costs over time — not just at entry.

Inspect the Unit Carefully

When you tour your preferred unit:

• Check for any needed repairs or upgrades — cracked tiles, leaks, old fittings.
• Look at the light, ventilation, and accessibility.
• Is it easy to get around if you use a walker or wheelchair in the future?
• What personal modifications can you make?

Understand the Community Rules

Every village has rules — sometimes called by-laws. They cover pets, visitors, parking, noise, use of common areas and more.

Check:

• Are pets allowed? Are there size or breed restrictions?
• Can grandchildren stay overnight?
• Are you allowed to rent out your unit?
• What happens if there’s a dispute with neighbours?

Know Your Rights and Protections

Each state and territory has its own Retirement Village Act. It protects your basic rights as a resident — including:

• A cooling-off period after signing.
• Clear disclosure of all fees.
• Resident committees and dispute resolution processes.
• Restrictions on how fees can increase.

But your contract still sets the fine details, so read it carefully.

Before You Sign

Tick these off before you commit:

• Get independent legal advice from a solicitor experienced in retirement villages.
• Check how the fees affect your Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
• Talk to Centrelink or a financial planner if needed.
• Review the disclosure statement and any budgets provided by the operator.
• Visit your GP to discuss how village services fit your health needs.

Preparing to Move

Once you’ve signed, the countdown begins! Here’s a simple pre-move checklist:

• Plan your moving day — book removalists and cleaners well in advance.
• Declutter — you’ll likely have less space than your family home.
• Update your address with Centrelink, banks, utilities, and the ATO.
• Label boxes clearly and pack essentials for the first night.
• Take photos of the unit’s condition when you move in.

Settling In — Make the Most of Village Life

Adjusting to village life can take time. Many new residents find it takes 3–6 months to feel settled. Here are some ideas to help:

• Attend welcome events and resident meetings.
• Introduce yourself to neighbours — pop a note in their letterbox or invite them for tea.
• Join social activities that interest you — but don’t feel pressured.
• Ask about resident committees — they’re a great way to have a say in how the village runs.
• Stay connected to family and friends outside the village too.

Keep Good Records

Keep a file with:

• Your signed contract and disclosure documents.
• Receipts for fees paid.
• Notes of any conversations with management about repairs or changes.

And make sure someone you trust knows where these documents are if something happens to you.

Printable Retirement Village Checklist

Here’s a quick summary you can print or save:

Village Comparison

• Location and unit style suit my needs
• Facilities and services match my priorities
• Visited more than once, spoke to residents

Legal and Financial

• Read disclosure statement thoroughly
• Understand all fees: entry, ongoing, exit
• Checked how fees affect pension or benefits
• Got independent legal advice

Unit and Community

• Inspected unit condition, accessibility
• Understand by-laws and resident rules
• Pets, visitors, parking okay for my needs

Moving and Settling In

• Planned move-in date
• Notified important contacts
• Joined activities or resident groups
• Kept a file of important documents

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right retirement village is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about finding a community and lifestyle that feels right for you. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.

At OMS, we’re here to help you navigate all the financial and practical aspects of retirement living so you can make confident, informed choices.

Download this checklist and keep it handy.

Talk to your family and trusted advisers.

And when you’re ready — enjoy your next chapter with peace of mind!