Property & Home

Retirement Villages & Lifestyle Communities

Even with no plans to retire, Susan is enjoying the advantages of retirement living. Image source: Supplied

Considering a Retirement Village

“Today’s retirement villages are not what they used to be”

Even if you don’t have plans to retire soon – or at all, you can still enjoy the advantages of retirement living if you’re over 55.

Written byOak Tree Group

Good health

The secret ingredient to a happier and healthier retirement

The secret ingredient to a happier and healthier retirement

Feeling a sense of belonging and having a community plays an important role to your physical and mental wellbeing.

Belonging to a vibrant, warm community may have a positive impact on your health, especially during challenging times. Image source: Supplied

Considering a Retirement Village

What are the financial benefits of living in a retirement village?

What are the financial benefits of living in a retirement village?

The answer might surprise you!

Industry ExpertMark Bindon

Retirement village living provides benefits and amenities not found in general residential living. Image source: Getty

Considering a Retirement Village

Retirement village fees and charges: what you need to know

Retirement village fees and charges: what you need to know

An industry expert shares what you can expect to help you budget and prepare.

Industry ExpertMark Bindon

There are a lot of things to consider before moving into a retirement village, cost is one of the biggest factors. Image source: Supplied

Considering a Retirement Village

Conventional versus retirement apartments: how do they stack up?

Conventional versus retirement apartments: how do they stack up?

Vertical retirement villages are on the rise but experts warn they’re not all built the same.

Industry ExpertMark Bindon

Staying close to the things they were familiar with was important to Carol and Keith Elphick when considering their move into retirement. Image source: Supplied

Considering a Retirement Village

Avoiding loneliness and isolation in retirement

Avoiding loneliness and isolation in retirement

Experiencing strong relationships with like-minded people can help improve quality of life, longevity and overall wellbeing.

Written byOak Tree Group

An afternoon packed full of ‘old fashioned fun’ at Oak Tree Toowoomba’s winter event. Image source: Oak Tree Group

Considering a Retirement Village

5 key things to consider before moving to a retirement village

5 key things to consider before moving to a retirement village

Oak Tree’s Co-Founder and Director Mark Bindon shares his key considerations to help you navigate your way in deciding on the best option for you and your future needs.

Industry ExpertMark Bindon

Every Australian deserves a relaxed, secure, lower maintenance
retirement where you can stay and thrive in the community you already know and love. Image source: Oak Tree Group

Considering a Retirement Village

5 unique benefits of a boutique retirement village

5 unique benefits of a boutique retirement village

Smaller, boutique retirement villages are known for their close-knit community where you are not just a number, but you are recognised as a person.

Written byOak Tree Group

Oak Tree Group specialises in providing affordable, stylish and secure retirement communities throughout Australia. Image source: Oak Tree

Crafts

Buy From The Bush Festival to breathe life back into the bush

Buy From The Bush Festival to breathe life back into the bush

Makers, growers, producers, artists, and businesses from across rural Australia will be showcasing their wares this weekend at the inaugural festival.

Written byAimee Courtney

There will be plenty to see, taste and buy at Buy From The Bush Festival this Saturday. Source: Getty

Considering a Lifestyle Community

Lifestyle community vs retirement village: Which one suits you?

Lifestyle community vs retirement village: Which one suits you?

There are a few key differences to consider, including outgoing costs, upfront fees, facilities and contracts. We've taken a look at what you need to know.

Written byJessica Galley

When it comes to choosing between a lifestyle community and retirement village, there are many factors you need to consider. Source: Getty.

Essential Reads

Downsizing your home

New retirement village versus old: The benefits and pitfalls

by Jessica Galley

Considering a Lifestyle Community

Lifestyle community vs retirement village: Which one suits you?

by Jessica Galley

Downsizing your home

Renting in retirement: Here’s what it looks like

by Rachel Lane

Retirement village living has really grown on me

by Sue Musry

The real-life pros and cons of living in a retirement village

The real-life pros and cons of living in a retirement village

Get the inside scoop about retirement village living from someone who has experienced it firsthand. Things you should know as you consider your options

Expert contributors

PROPERTY EXPERTRachel LaneThe Retirement Living and Aged Care Guru

Money ExpertRodney HorinThe Wealth and Aged Care Specialist

LIFESTYLE EXPERTSDi and Geoff EastRetirement Reviewers

Julie is considering retirement village living in her next stage. Source: Getty Images

Bloggers

‘Journey Noir: Are you ready for the retirement village?’

Basically, a retirement village can offer any golden oldie a range of accommodation choices, services, facilities, and lifestyle features.

Written byJulie Grenness

Retirement Villages & Lifestyle Communities

‘I thought retirement communities were for old people, but The Grace Albert Park proved me wrong’

‘I thought retirement communities were for old people, but The Grace Albert Park proved me wrong’

The Grace’s generous floor plans, sensational views over Melbourne, high-end furnishings, theatrette and indoor gardens will have you totally re-evaluating your impressions of a retirement community.

Written byLiz Sier

The idyllic Albert Park Lake and surrounding area provides the perfect backdrop for residents at The Grace. Source: The Grace Albert Park

Considering a Lifestyle Community

The financial pros and cons of choosing a lifestyle community

The financial pros and cons of choosing a lifestyle community

Lifestyle communities remain a popular option among older Australians, but do you know what costs and fees are involved?

Written byJessica Galley

If you are considering downsizing, then a lifestyle community could be an option for you. But do you know the costs involved? Source: Getty.

Retirement Villages & Lifestyle Communities

The perfect space for a single: ‘Strathalan’s apartments are so huge, I downsized twice!’

The perfect space for a single: ‘Strathalan’s apartments are so huge, I downsized twice!’

With just his dog as a flatmate and with intentions of enjoying every bit of community life, John found an apartment at Strathalan offered more than enough space for a man and his dog.

Written byBaptcare

Whether you’re a couple or a single - or just have a faithful fur friend - Baptcare’s Strathalan village has something to appeal to every discerning retiree (and their best mate).

Bloggers

‘Behave yourself: The seriously comedic antics of some over-60s I know’

‘Behave yourself: The seriously comedic antics of some over-60s I know’

“Behave yourself!” This was a comment of rebuke dished up to all of us at some stage.

Written byJulie Grenness

Catch me if you can! Source: Getty Images

Sponsored

Finding a new forever home: ‘The Orchards ticks every retirement lifestyle box for us’

Finding a new forever home: ‘The Orchards ticks every retirement lifestyle box for us’

Peter and Lyn decided to buy into a retirement community in their 60s and The Orchards Templestowe has everything they wanted and more.

Written byBaptcare

Retirement communities don’t have to be boring - The Orchards is proof of that.

Downsizing your home

Dip your toes into a new style of retirement living

Dip your toes into a new style of retirement living

Looking for a sea change? Then check out what’s on offer at Stockland’s Newport Retirement Living Resort.

LIFESTYLE EXPERTSDi and Geoff East

The Newport Retirement Living apartments take in the best of everything Newport has to offer.

Money

A guru’s foolproof guide to making an informed downsizing decision

A guru’s foolproof guide to making an informed downsizing decision

You can't predict the future, but when it comes to downsizing, you can make smart preparations.

Written byRachael Rosel

Making a roadmap for your downsizing plans could be the key to getting it right. Source: Getty.

Downsizing your home

The biggest retirement village myths busted

The biggest retirement village myths busted

Uncover the truth behind the biggest retirement village myths, the unexpected upsides of retirement village living, retirement village costs, contracts and more.

The biggest retirement village myths busted

Downsizing your home

Ardency Kennedy Place may be Australia’s most luxurious place to retire

Ardency Kennedy Place may be Australia’s most luxurious place to retire

Stay in the city near family and friends but with the security and services of an exclusive over-55s community.

Written byArdency Kennedy Place

A wellness centre with heated pool, 40-seat private cinema, well-stocked library and exclusive residents' Masters Lounge will be among the facilities available to over-55s who live at Ardency Kennedy Place.

Q&A

Retirement Villages & Lifestyle Communities

‘What’s the difference between a land-lease community and strata title?’

by Rachel Lane

‘I’m a young 52! Should I wait until I’m older to buy into a land-lease community?’

by Rachel Lane

Financial planning

‘How much Rent Assistance can I get with a pension and nearly $600K in assets?’

by Rachel Lane

‘We need to downsize but can’t sell our home. Can we get a bridging loan?’

by Jim Kilkenny