Retirement Communities Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Australian Unity welcomes compliments, suggestions or complaints from residents, their representatives, relatives and visitors. Australian Unity is committed to ensuring that residents’ lives are as comfortable as they would wish. To enable us to meet that commitment we invite residents or their representatives to provide feedback at any time, either positively as a compliment, as a suggestion or in the form of a complaint.

Complaints Internal Dispute Handling Information Guide NSW RC(PDF- 444.0KB)