Retirement Communities Frequently Asked Questions

Life in Our Communities

What is a retirement community and how is it different from a retirement village or over 55 community?

A retirement community is a residential community designed for older people who want to live independently while enjoying a supportive, social environment.
In Australia, the term is often used interchangeably with retirement village, though villages are specifically regulated under state retirement village laws.
Over 55 or lifestyle communities may look similar but may be governed by different legal and ownership models.

How do retirement communities differ from residential aged care?

Retirement communities are designed for people who can live independently in their own home.
Residential aged care provides higher levels of personal and clinical care and requires a government assessment.

Who can live in a retirement community?

Most retirement communities are designed for people aged 55 or over, though eligibility criteria can vary by community and state.

What types of homes and living options are available?

Homes vary by location and may include apartments, villas, bungalows, or units.
Some communities also offer serviced or assisted living options, known as Serviced Apartments. Availability, home types, and inclusions differ across communities.

What amenities, services and facilities are available and what varies by community?

Many communities offer shared spaces such as community centres, gardens, libraries, fitness areas, and social lounges.
The range of amenities and services varies by location and may change over time.
Full details are set out in each community’s legislated information documents (VIC – Information Statement, NSW – General Information Document, QLD – Village Comparison Document).

Do retirement communities offer access to health or support services?

Some communities offer optional access to visiting health professionals or support services, either on‑site or through external providers.
These services are optional and may incur additional fees.
Availability varies by community.

What happens if I need emergency assistance

Most communities have emergency response systems or procedures in place, which may include call buttons or after‑hours contact arrangements.
The level and type of emergency support varies by community and is explained in the community’s legislated information documents.

Can I have visitors or have family stay with me?

Yes. Retirement community homes are your home, and visitors are welcome.
Extended stays may be subject to reasonable guidelines to ensure community safety and amenity.
Specific arrangements vary by community.

Are pets allowed?

Many retirement communities are pet‑friendly, subject to approval and community guidelines.
Pet policies vary between communities to ensure the comfort and safety of all residents.

Understanding the Costs & Contracts

What costs apply when I move in?

Depending on the community, costs may include:

a holding deposit (if applicable), and
an entry payment that gives you the right to reside in your home.

What ongoing fees will I pay and what do they cover?

Residents generally pay ongoing fees (also called recurrent charges) that contribute to the day-to-day operation of the community.
These typically cover things like management costs, shared facilities, gardens, insurance, and common area maintenance.
Optional services are usually charged separately.

What fees apply when I leave?

When you leave a retirement community, an exit fee (often called a Deferred Management Fee) may apply, depending on your contract.
Residents may also be responsible for fair reinstatement of their home.
Details and calculations are explained upfront in your contract and the legislated information documents.

When and how is my exit entitlement paid?

Exit entitlements are paid within regulated timeframes after vacant possession, in line with state retirement village laws and your contract.
Timeframes and payment terms are clearly set out before you move in.

Do I own my home or hold a lease or license?

Most Australian Unity retirement communities operate under leasehold arrangements rather than traditional property ownership.
This means you have the right to live in your home under an agreement, rather than owning the title.
Some communities may offer other arrangements which is explained prior to entry.

Where can I find the Victorian Information Statement and what does it include?

Each Victorian retirement community provides an Information Statement on its website and to prospective residents.
The Information Statement includes clear details about:

services and facilities
fees and charges
contract type
residents’ rights and obligations

It’s designed to help you make an informed decision before moving in.

Where can I find the QLD Village Comparison Document and what does it include?

Each QLD retirement community provides a Village Comparison Document on its website and to prospective residents.
The document includes clear details about:

services and facilities
fees and charges
contract type
residents’ rights and obligations

It’s designed to help you make an informed decision before moving in.

Where can I find the NSW General Information Document and what does it include?

Each NSW retirement community provides a General Information Document to prospective residents upon their enquiry.
The document includes clear details about:

services and facilities
fees and charges
contract type
residents’ rights and obligations

It’s designed to help you make an informed decision before moving in.

Get in touch

Prefer to talk?

Call our friendly team
Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

Call 1300 160 170

Enquire online

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch shortly

Enquire online

We use cookies to capture data to enhance your experience on our website.

Retirement Communities Frequently Asked Questions

Life in Our Communities

What is a retirement community and how is it different from a retirement village or over 55 community?

How do retirement communities differ from residential aged care?

Who can live in a retirement community?

What types of homes and living options are available?

What amenities, services and facilities are available and what varies by community?

Do retirement communities offer access to health or support services?

What happens if I need emergency assistance

Can I have visitors or have family stay with me?

Are pets allowed?

Understanding the Costs & Contracts

What costs apply when I move in?

What ongoing fees will I pay and what do they cover?

What fees apply when I leave?

When and how is my exit entitlement paid?

Do I own my home or hold a lease or license?

Where can I find the Victorian Information Statement and what does it include?

Where can I find the QLD Village Comparison Document and what does it include?

Where can I find the NSW General Information Document and what does it include?

Get in touch

Prefer to talk?

Enquire online