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Independent Living Units in Australia

746 independent living units listings in Australia.

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About independent living units in Australia

Retirement villages are residential communities for older people who want to live independently with the option of on-site facilities and a like-minded community. They range from independent living units and serviced apartments to land-lease lifestyle communities.

A retirement village is not aged care. Residents live independently and arrange any care they need separately, often through a home care provider. The contracts that govern living in a village (and the fees on entry, while living there, and on exit) are regulated by state and territory retirement village laws, not by the aged care system.

What to look for

Contract type and exit fees
Village contracts vary widely. The deferred management fee charged when you leave can be substantial, so read the contract carefully and understand the entry, ongoing, and exit costs before committing.
What the recurring fees cover
Ongoing fees typically cover maintenance of common areas and facilities. Confirm exactly what is included and how fees can rise over time.
Care as needs change
A village is for independent living. Check whether home care can be brought in, and what the village's expectations are if a resident's needs grow beyond independent living.

Retirement village listings are drawn from public and official sources, including state retirement village registers where they exist.

Frequently asked questions

Is a retirement village the same as an aged care home?

No. A retirement village is for older people who live independently, sometimes with home care brought in. An aged care home (residential aged care) provides accommodation together with personal and clinical care on site, and is regulated under the aged care system. The two are governed by different laws and have very different cost structures.

What fees do retirement villages charge?

Most villages charge an entry payment, ongoing recurring fees while you live there, and a deferred management fee (sometimes called an exit fee) when you leave. The exit fee can be a significant proportion of the entry price. Contracts vary, so read the full schedule and seek independent advice. Our Mate is a directory and does not provide financial or legal advice.

Can I get aged care while living in a retirement village?

Yes. Living in a retirement village does not affect your eligibility for home care. Many residents arrange a home care package or other in-home support so they can keep living in their unit as their needs change. If needs grow beyond independent living, a move to residential aged care may be needed.

How are retirement villages regulated?

Retirement villages are regulated by state and territory legislation, which sets out contract disclosure rules, cooling-off periods, and how fees can be charged. This is separate from the aged care regulatory system. Check the rules in the relevant state or territory before signing a contract.

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