--- title: Questions you should be asking before choosing a lifestyle village description: Thinking about downsizing your home and moving into a retirement village? Don’t make a decision until you read these tips from the conveyancing solicitors at East Coast Conveyancing. image: https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2027%20Resized.jpg --- - [Home](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) - [Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) - [Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) - [Business Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/business-law/) - [Contact Us](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/contact-us/) [Conveyancing](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) ### A blog for easier living Life was meant to be easy Today's world throws us many curveballs. Join us for tips & life hacks that straighten the curves & help you enjoy the ride. Sign up   [Living Blog Home](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) [Family Law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/family-law) [Conveyancing](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/conveyancing) [Featured](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/featured) [Business](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/business) # Questions you should be asking before choosing a lifestyle village Apr 8, 2019 4:15:46 PM ![Blog 27 Resized](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2027%20Resized.jpg) If you’re looking forward to retirement, you might want to consider downsizing and moving to a lifestyle village to make life easier. After all, lifestyle villages aren’t just for the frail anymore. Many of them are resort-style homes with a luxe lifestyle to match. To make sure that you find the right retirement village, you need to ask the right questions. The conveyancing experts at [East Coast Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) have compiled a comprehensive list of retirement village questions you should ask the sales staff before you sign on the dotted line: ## Questions to ask yourself before you look Before you even begin your search, you need to determine [what kind of retirement village](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/retirement-what-are-your-property-rights) you want to consider. These questions will help you narrow down your choices before you tour your various options. - Do you prefer a [suburban, city, or rural location](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/the-best-places-to-retire-in-new-south-wales)? - What kind of home do you prefer—a freestanding home, a townhouse, or apartment? - Who do you want to live close to friends, family, or medical providers? - What amenities do you want to have nearby—shopping, places of worship, gyms, or other facilities? ## Financial, legal, and management questions When you consider the question, ‘what do I need to know when moving into a retirement village?’ you need to look at the financial, legal, and management aspects of each lifestyle village option. Here are the questions you need to ask. - How is the village managed? - Who manages the village? - Is there a homeowners’ association? - What kinds of staff work at the village? - What type of contract must I enter into? - What kinds of fees, such as service, maintenance, laundry, food, and other amenities) does the village charge? - Are there departure fees, exit fees, or deferred management fees? - What is the process for addressing complaints? - Is there a maintenance or service fee? - What is included in the services and maintenance fees? - When are these fees payable? - How often will these fees increase? - Who is responsible for maintaining the homes, community facilities, gardens, and grounds? - How—and how quickly--does the village handle maintenance emergencies? ## Village life questions When you choose a home for your retirement, you want a laid-back lifestyle with fewer hassles and more amenities. Make sure you ask the right questions to address your specific concerns—be they your ability to have visitors and pets or if transportation and activities are available. Ask these questions to narrow down your selections. - May I have pets, my own garden, or overnight visitors? Are young grandchildren welcome to stay over? - Is there covered parking for my car? - What amenities are included in my monthly fees? - Does the village provide transportation? - Does the village offer regular activities and outings for residents, and if so, what kinds? - Are there doctors, shops, and a library in the village, or are they close by? - What kinds of healthcare services does the village provide? - What kind of security do you offer? - Is there a residents’ committee? - How does the residents’ committee interact with the management? - What authority does the residents’ committee have? - Is there a clubhouse in case I want to entertain a crowd? - If there is a clubhouse, what are the fees to use it and the process to reserve it? ## Contract-signing questions Before you sign a contract, you should obtain copies of several important documents. Read them carefully. If your conveyancing firm specialises in conveyancing for seniors, it would be a good idea to provide them with a copy to read over before you sign. - May I have a copy of the resident contract? - May I have a copy of the village rules? - Do you have your notice of rights under NSW state and territory laws? - Do you have all the financial information that relates to your village, its fees, and payments? - What type of contract must I sign—strata title, leasehold, or rental? After you have all the information that the facilities on your retirement village shortlist, it’s a great idea to compare them side by side. Consider your budget, your household cash flow, as well as the amenities you want. Then, if you find a retirement village that ticks off all your boxes, you can start looking at [downsizing your home](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/3-tips-to-help-you-decide-if-downsizing-your-home-is-right-for-you). If you want even more tips about preparing for retirement by downsizing your home, you need to download our new e-book, [*Downsizing Your Home: Selling and downsizing tips for seniors*](https://a0fe7bd3fd2cedd98b78-c81b5f39a3b932e2153be28026f8e821.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/1553230969-ECC%20Downsizing%20eBook%20Ver.3.pdf). Get your copy today. [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4143762/0c395962-27ce-48eb-8e15-ccf0c32a4465.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4143762/0c395962-27ce-48eb-8e15-ccf0c32a4465) Share [Return to Blog](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog) ### Archive ##### Archive 2022 [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2022/01) 2021 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/11) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/05) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/01) 2020 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/07) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/02) 2019 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/01) 2018 [December](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/12) [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/02) 2017 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/07) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/02) 2016 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/07) 2015 [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/09) - ![Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Domestic-Violence-ebook-Mockup-Web.png) #### Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships ## Whether it is you, a friend or a relative at risk, it is important to know that there is help available. This ebook will help answer some of the common issues surrounding domestic and family violence including: - What is domestic violence? - What are the signs of a controlling relationship? - Where can you get support? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/domestic-family-violence-ebook-download) - ![Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Downsizing-eBook-Mockup-Resize2.png) #### Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors ## This free ebook has downsizing tips for seniors and practical advice if you're thinking about moving home, including:   - When the right time to downsize is - How to calculate your retirement budget - How to find a new home - What you should keep and let go [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/downsizing-ebook-lp) - ![Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Care-and-Protection-eBook-Mockup-Resized.png) #### Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support ## Download this guide to find out information on child care and protection services:   Answer questions such as: - What is child care and protection? - When can a child be taken from their parents? - What are your rights as a parent? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-care-and-protection-ebook-lp?hsCtaTracking=0650839b-3d5b-41b5-94e3-2d63abb88d3a%7C8955ac85-c33c-411b-acb8-af786fe0439d) - ![Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Investment-Properties-ebook-CTA.png) #### Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties ## This free ebook can help you turn a big profit with property   Find out more about: - How to find the best properties - How to finance your investment - How to negotiate with agents - How to make profit from your property Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/investment-properties-how-to-get-the-best-deal-ebook) - ![Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Property-Settlement-ebook-CTA.png) #### Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets ## Helping you navigate the waters of a property settlement with your former partner   Find out these answers and more: - How soon you can get divorced - When you can begin property settlement - How to get a fair outcome Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-property-settlement-ebook-lp) ### Recent Posts ##### Recent Articles [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/divorce-3194994_1920.jpg) How to get a Divorce Jan 13, 2022 11:17:13 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-get-a-divorce) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/con.jpg) What is a Conveyancer? What do they do? When do you need one? Nov 27, 2021 7:13:45 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-a-conveyancer-what-do-they-do-when-do-you-need-one) [![power_of_attorney](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201-1.jpg) What is an enduring power of attorney? Jun 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-an-enduring-power-of-attorney) [![the_cooling_off_period_australia](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/House_On_Icecream.jpg) Cooling-off period: what home buyers need to know Jun 1, 2021 9:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/cooling-off-period-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![Coercive_Control](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201.jpg) Coercive Control: What Is It and Where Can I Get Help? May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/coercive-control-what-is-it-and-where-can-i-get-help) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic10.jpg) Retirement Village Contracts: What You Need to Know May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/retirement-village-contracts-what-you-need-to-know) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20-%20Option%202.jpg) How to navigate de facto property settlement Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-navigate-de-facto-property-settlement) [![granny-flat](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20-%20Option%201.jpg) How to establish a granny flat on your existing property Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-establish-a-granny-flat-on-your-existing-property) [![property-inspections](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) Pre-settlement inspection: what home buyers need to know Mar 1, 2021 1:11:00 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/pre-settlement-inspection-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![child-support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) How to ensure your child is in the best situation: Negotiating child support Mar 1, 2021 1:04:43 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-ensure-your-child-is-in-the-best-situation-negotiating-child-support) ###### Never miss an Article ## Get the latest articles straight to your inbox ## See how our other specialised services can help you: [![East Coast law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/East_Coast_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.svg?t=1538115486151)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) [![Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-conveyancing.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) [![Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-fm.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) #### Newcastle [02 4920 6511](tel:02%204920%206511) 2/342 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 **PO Address** PO Box 512, Newcastle NSW 2300 #### Maitland [02 4934 1679](tel:02%204934%201679) 38 Elgin St, Maitland NSW 2320 **PO Address** PO Box 34, Maitland NSW 2320 #### Toukley [02 4397 1788](tel:02%204397%201788) Shop C/ 229 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 **PO Address** PO Box 718, Toukley NSW 2263 #### Port Macquarie [02 6583 7949](tel:02%206583%207949) Galleria Building Suite 3, 128 William St Port Macquarie NSW 2444 **PO Address** PO Box 2625, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 #### Edgeworth [02 4958 5363](tel:02%204958%205363) 3 Aluminium Close, Edgeworth NSW 2285 **PO Address** PO Box 4061, Edgeworth NSW 2285 [East Coast law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. © 2018 East Coast Law Group. [Disclaimer](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/disclaimer/). [Privacy](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/privacy-policy/). - - **Address:** **Phone:** [1300 735 947](tel:1300%20735%20947) Next Previous ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=202366093720199&ev=PageView%20%20%20&noscript=1)