Retirement villages in New Zealand vary widely, but most offer a lifestyle built around ease, connection, and support. While there are many benefits, there are also a few important considerations. This article explores both the pros and cons to help you decide if retirement village living is right for you.
Pros of living in a retirement village
1. Low maintenance living
Leave the lawns, gutters, and general property upkeep to someone else. Retirement village living often means:
- No more home maintenance stress
- Time and energy for travel, hobbies, or family
- Simplified living with fewer daily chores
2. Onsite facilities
Many villages offer shared spaces that promote social interaction and wellbeing. These may include:
- Communal lounges and dining areas
- Libraries and craft rooms
- Gyms and swimming pools
- Gardens, BBQ areas, or pet friendly zones
- Residents' workshop
It’s a good idea to think about what’s important to you, whether that’s having a pool for the grandkids or a village van if you no longer drive. Each village offers something different.
Larger retirement villages typically offer a wider range of facilities than smaller boutique villages.
3. Services
Make life a little easier with optional add ons such as:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Daily meals or meal delivery options
- Hairdressing and beauty treatments
- Village van for group outings or shopping trips
Each village is different, so be sure to ask what's available when visiting or speaking with a sales manager.
4. Community spirit
Villages often have vibrant social calendars that might include:
- Hobby and craft groups
- Exercise groups
- Excursions and events
- Volunteering opportunities
Some residents enjoy taking part in regular group activities, while others prefer a quieter lifestyle. There’s no pressure either way, it’s all about finding the balance that works for you.
5. Security and Peace of mind
Security is an important feature for many residents. Most villages provide:
- Emergency call buttons in each home and village common areas
- Onsite security guards or monitored cameras
- Staff available for after hours support
Many residents also find comfort in being surrounded by like minded people of a similar age.
6. Healthcare and support
Access to healthcare can be a drawcard for many people. Depending on the village, services may include:
- Access to registered nurses for general healthcare and monitoring
- Onsite GP clinics
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry
- Support with medication management
Villages do differ, so it’s important to speak with the village sales manager to understand what healthcare services are available.
7. Continuum of care
Many villages offer ‘continuum of care’, meaning you can access more support as your needs change. This may include:
- Home support services within your villa or apartment
- Transitioning to an onsite (or neighbouring) care facility
Not all villages that have an on-site care facility will provide every level of care. Some may offer rest home and hospital care, while others may also include secure dementia care.
Ask questions like:
- Will I have priority access to care as a resident?
- What happens if I’m assessed as needing a level of care that isn’t available?
- Does the operator have another facility nearby that could meet my needs?
Things to consider before moving
While there are many benefits, there are also a few factors to weigh up.
1. No capital gain on resale
With most villages in New Zealand, you won’t own the home you move into. Instead, you purchase a ‘license to occupy’. This means you’re unlikely to receive capital gains when you leave the village, even if property values have increased.
Some villages may offer the possibility of capital gain, but these are less common and usually come with other contractual considerations.
2. Requirement to pay a deferred management fee
This fee is deducted when you leave the village. It typically covers refurbishment of the home you occupied, long-term maintenance of the village’s communal buildings and facilities, and costs incurred during the resale process such as marketing, admin, and legal fees.
- Deducted from the proceeds you receive back after your home has been licensed to a new resident
- Typically 20–30% of your original purchase price and accrues over the first few years you’re in the village, commonly 3 - 5 years
It’s important to understand how much this fee will be and how it’s calculated, as it varies between operators and home types.
3. Less control over the sales process
In many village contracts, the operator manages the resale process on your behalf. This can be seen as a positive, as it removes the burden from you or your family. However, it also means you’ll have less control over how your home is sold and may not receive any proceeds until a new resident moves in.
- The operator sets the resale value
- You have little or no say in the marketing and sales process
Consider how comfortable you feel handing over that responsibility. For some, it’s a relief however for others, it may feel like a loss of control.
4. Proximity to neighbours
Village living often means a greater sense of community and closer contact with others.
- Shared facilities and group activities
- Neighbours in close proximity
While this appeals to many, it’s worth considering how much privacy and quiet you value.
5. Downsizing and storage
Moving into a village usually means moving into a smaller home, which can require a change in mindset.
- Smaller living space
- Selling or donating belongings
- Considering storage for items you want to keep
Take time to plan this part of the move as it can be an emotional process.
6. Availability
Popular villages or specific home types (such as two bedroom villas) may be in high demand.
- Waiting lists are common
- Some home types may have limited availability
If you have a preferred village or layout in mind, it’s a good idea to register your interest early.
Next step: visit and compare villages
Every retirement village is different. We recommend:
- Visiting villages in person
- Speaking to current residents
- Using our search tool to compare features and request information packs
Some people even join the waitlist years before they plan to move. It's never too early to start exploring your options.
Everything you need to know.
Further reading
What to expect when moving to a retirement village
