Our residents certainly think so, or they wouldn’t be residents! It is widely acknowledged that residents enjoy many benefits that are not available in a family home, such as:

• knowing that help is just a phone call away. Every Aveo retirement village has an emergency call system, monitored 24/7 by trained first-aid staff.
• the companionship that thrives in the retirement village environment. You have access to amenities and a variety of activities to share with like-minded people if you choose.
• the economy of sharing costs and the ability to budget fixed outgoings takes much of the uncertainty out of financial planning.
• the ability to live independently and yet be an active part of the resident village enables you to control what you choose to incorporate into your lifestyle.

For most people, the choice of retirement village is governed by location - they want to stay close to friends and family, so they may be prepared to overlook other considerations.

For people able to look further afield, we recommend taking as much time as you need to reach a decision, and visiting the retirement village that most appeals as often as possible. That way you will build up a detailed and accurate picture of the retirement village on which to base your decision.

We encourage all prospective purchasers to take a full tour of our retirement villages. Most of these also have fully furnished displays for visitors to view. Family, friends, relatives, financial advisors, and all other interested parties are all welcome to join you in an inspection. To arrange an inspection, simply call 13 28 36.

The decision to enter a retirement village is one only you can make. Many of our residents joined us soon after retiring while others took longer to reach a decision. Many tell us they wish they had made the decision sooner.

It’s a big, life-changing decision, so do your homework. Remember that most purchasing decisions are based on emotional grounds rather than logical ones, so try to be as objective as possible when making your decision. Talk to a legal professional, ideally one with experience of the retirement living market, as there are some areas of difference to regular real estate. It also makes good sense to consult an accountant.

It is a formal method of assessing that the retirement village meets the high standards of excellence and customer satisfaction set by the Retirement Village Association. Accredited communities display a mark to show that they have successfully undergone the rigorous process of assessment by an independent accreditation team.

You can find full information at www.rva.com.au.

Retirement village legislation (Retirement Villages Act) as been enacted in every state and territory of Australia. While it is not uniform, it addresses a range of common issues and reflects the input of retirement village residents, community groups and the retirement village industry. Your tenure at an Aveo Live Well retirement village is protected by this and is designed mainly to protect the rights of residents. It covers such areas as Licence to Occupy, resident consultation about community management and re-selling entitlements.

Tenure’ is the legal term which describes the different bases in law for various forms of occupation or ownership rights used in the retirement living industry.

Aveo Live Well retirement villages offer several different types of tenure.

Leasehold title is the most common form of tenure in retirement villages. The lease is long term (usually for over 40 years).

Another common tenure type is a licence arrangement, which is very similar to leasehold title.

Some Aveo Live Well communities are freehold/strata title tenure - you purchase the residence and are registered on the title deed.

Another tenure type is company share arrangements with related residency entitlements.

All these options include provisions for resident consultation about the management of the community.

It’s sensible to consult a solicitor with experience in this area in order to ensure you fully understand individual tenure arrangements at the community of your choice.

Whatever form of tenure you purchase, you are afforded protection by the relevant state legislation.

We ask you for an initial reservation fee. We will then provide you with all the necessary pre-purchase documentation (also referred to as disclosure documentation) which you should discuss with your solicitor.

You are then required to pay a deposit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price within 28 days (but not before 21 days from the reservation date) to secure your new home. Your reservation fee becomes part of the 10% deposit, and the whole sum is held in trust by our solicitors. The balance of the agreed purchase price is payable on settlement.

The market determines the value of any residential property but in a retirement village, there are some factors which add value to resale potential. Stable management, attractive surroundings and relevant services and activities all influence buyers. The only restriction is that buyers should be aged 55+.

Our retirement villages are built on a constant and secure environment promoting feelings of emotional attachment and security within our residents. It is reassuring to know that all your neighbours are permanent occupants.
As such, Aveo does not permit rental or sub-letting of residences as this is contrary to the philosophy of community life.

You can make alterations to the interior or exterior of your villa, within reason. Obviously there are policies in place to protect the safety and comfort of all residents and to safeguard the aesthetic qualities and integrity of the retirement village. These must be complied with. Alterations involving electricity, gas, plumbing or building structure and external appearance must be approved by management before any work is carried out and all work must be carried out by qualified, registered tradespeople.

You can, of course, redecorate the interior of your home more or less as you choose although the village manager must be kept informed.

You do not need building insurance but you must insure your personal contents.

Residents are responsible for their own utility charges and council rates. Some retirement villages have free internet access in their community centres via the Federal Government’s Broadband for Seniors programme.

At some of our retirement villages, pets are permitted within the Independent Living precincts. As restrictions vary from place to place, it is best to ask a consultant about the particular community you have in mind.

This will vary depending on the size and facilities available at each retirement village. Please contact 13 28 36 to discuss.

Yes, most certainly. Most retirement villages have visitor car parking, BBQ facilities, private dining rooms, etc for you to entertain family and friends – just as you would in your present home.  Please contact an Aveo Consultant about the facilities available to you and your family and friends.

Many Aveo retirement vilages welcome the services of visiting healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, physiotherapists and podiatrists. Private purpose-designed suites are provided for their use.

Aveo retirement villages are located on or close to public transport routes.

With new residences, your purchase contract will include a complete list of fixtures and fittings.  For existing residences, variations of fixtures and fittings may apply.  Please contact an Aveo consultant to discuss.

All Aveo retirement villages pride themselves on their security. Any resident leaving for an extended period is asked to notify the Village Manager as a further precaution.

Residents Committees are in place at most Aveo Live Well retirement villages. They work with their community’s management to maintain and enhance the retirement community lifestyle. Committee members are nominated and elected by residents annually.

Aveo Live Well encourage harmonious living conditions for all residents, Rules and regulations are created to promote this retirement lifestyle. We make all rules as straightforward as possible and only rarely have to invoke them. A copy of the regulations will be provided with your pre-deposit documentation and you should read them carefully before you make your final decision.