What can I expect to receive as a resident of a retirement village?
Retirement village living includes security, companionship and peace of mind with more time to enjoy leisure pursuits. Residents often enjoy getting to know neighbours with a similar demographic. Retirement villages can also offer a number of optional home support services and use of facilities, including social activities where interested.
You can expect to receive day-to-day village administration and management, general village maintenance and gardening.
How much does it cost to enter a retirement village?
The cost depends on many different factors, including village location, size and type of accommodation, services and facilities available and market factors. You are required to pay an ingoing contribution to the operator of the village, which allows you to reside in the accommodation unit of your choice and enjoy the services and facilities available.
We have a web page about costs and fees where you can find out more.
Do I buy or lease my retirement village unit?
There are many different types of tenure schemes available, the most common form being purchasing the unit or apartment under a licence to occupy arrangement. Cooling off provisions apply and no stamp duty is payable. The units and apartments are revalued annually.
The Settling in Period is a period of 90 days after you commence occupation. If you terminate during the Settling in Period, you will be entitled to a full refund less costs of re-licensing and, if applicable, any rental amount. Residents can leave Clayton Church Homes’ villages with written notice to management.
Is there a cooling off period?
Under the Retirement Villages Act 2016, a cooling off period of 15 business days applies from the signing of your contract. The deposit is refunded in full when cooling off.
How much will it cost me to live in the retirement village?
Our retirement villages are resident funded villages, meaning residents contribute to the costs associated with day-to-day and ongoing management and maintenance of the village.
As a resident, you are required to pay a maintenance fee, which is set annually in consultation with the residents and covers the running costs of the village, e.g. day-to-day village management and administration, general village maintenance, council rates, insurance, security costs and gardening.
We have a web page on Retirement Living costs.
Who is responsible for maintaining the Independent Living Units (ILUs) and Apartments?
Clayton Church Homes is responsible for providing the “Standard Services” as identified in the Residents Contract. Standard Services include general maintenance of units and apartments (including gardens), rates and taxes, building insurance and general administration.
The Resident is responsible for the costs of Contents Insurance, electricity, gas, and telephone.
Residents Committee
Under the Retirement Villages Act 2016, provision exists for the establishment of a Residents Committee. Each Village may elect to establish a Residents Committee. Through the Residents Committee (if applicable), residents are consulted on the annual operating budget.
What legislation applies to Retirement Villages?
Retirement Villages in South Australia are covered under the Retirement Villages Act 2016.
You can find out more by reading the Information Booklet provided by The Office for the Ageing, covering obligations and protections for residents.