10 things to know before you move into a retirement village

1. Have the conversation with your family

Moving into a retirement village is a personal decision, but  it’s one that can affect your partner or family. Starting the conversation early helps everyone feel comfortable and included. 

A relaxed chat over coffee or a meal is a good way to ease into it. Sharing why the idea appeals to you, like less home maintenance, more security or a lifestyle change can help your family understand your thinking. 

Doing some research beforehand also means you’re ready to answer questions with confidence. A good place to begin is by understanding what a retirement village is and what it offers. Retirement villages are generally designed for people over 55, who want to maintain an active, independent lifestyle within a strong and supportive community having finished up work, with some continuing working full-time or part-time.  It’s also important to know that retirement villages are very different from aged care or land lease communities. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision and clears up many common myths.

2. Location, where do you want to live?

Location can shape your entire experience. You may prefer to stay close to where you live now, be nearer to family or live some place completely new.  

It would also be worth considering the lifestyle you enjoy. Would you like a coastal lifestyle or stay close to nature? Or do you prefer city living with shops, cafés and services nearby? Don’t forget to think about transport too — will you still be driving or relying more on buses and trains?

3. The style of home that suits you

Choosing the right home is all about finding the balance between comfort and convenience. If you’re planning to downsize, think about how much space you truly need. It’s also worth considering whether you’d like an extra room for when the kids or grandkids come to stay, as well as any mobility needs you have now — or might have down the track.

And don’t forget the practical stuff: privacy, parking and outdoor space. Ask yourself things like, 'Will I require a parking space? Do I have a campervan that will need additional room?' Little details like these can make a big difference in day‑to‑day living.

Keyton offers a wide range of options, including freestanding villas, independent living apartments, serviced apartments, ultra-premium luxury villages and several new developments around Australia for you to choose from that best suits your lifestyle. 

4. The reputation and feel of the village

One of the best ways to know if a retirement village is right for you is to visit in person. Book a tour, talk to the staff and ask plenty of questions. At our villages we host plenty of free events throughout the year, making it easy to drop in, explore the amenities and get a feel for the community. 

Getting to know your potential future neighbours is an important part of choosing the right village and you’re welcome to visit as many Keyton villages as you like while you explore your options. You can chat with residents and hear them talk about their real experiences, providing valuable insight. You can also subscribe to our emails to stay updated on events and happenings at your preferred villages.

5. Understanding your contract options

Before committing to a retirement village, it’s important to clearly understand the legal and financial arrangements involved. Make sure you’ve received all the relevant information from the village and shared any documents with your solicitor or financial adviser.

Take the time to review entry costs, exit fees, resale conditions and any ongoing fees. Not all contract options include exit fees or capital gains sharing, so having clarity upfront will help you make a confident and informed decision.

Read what helped Jenny feel sure before signing her contract. 

6.Knowing your legal rights 

Every state and territory in Australia has its own Retirement Village Act, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of residents and village operators. These laws ensure transparency around fees, contracts, village management, maintenance and dispute resolution giving you confidence and clarity.

In addition to this, the Retirement Living Code of Conduct provides an extra layer of protection. It outlines the standards operators must meet throughout your entire journey: from signing a contract and moving in, to daily life in the village and even when it’s time to leave or resell your home. The Code also includes an independent process for handling complaints. Together, these frameworks are designed to safeguard your interests and ensure a fair, transparent and supportive retirement living experience.

Read more: Residents have a say in village life.

7.Knowing your monthly fees

Retirement village living includes shared services and amenities, which are covered by a monthly service fee, sometimes called a maintenance fee, recurrent charge or general services charge.

At Keyton, these fees are charged on a cost‑recovery basis only, meaning we do not profit from them. They are based solely on the actual costs of running and maintaining the village and the budget is reviewed each year in consultation with the resident committee.

Your monthly fee helps cover day‑to‑day operations, upkeep of shared spaces and access to community amenities. The exact amount will vary from village to village, depending on the amenities and services available. This transparency is supported by legislation, which sets strict rules around how these fees are calculated and reviewed, ensuring fairness and clarity for all residents.

*Inclusions can vary from village to village. Please check with your village sales manager for the details of what’s included for your village.

8.Pet policies

One of the most common questions we’re asked is, 'Can I bring my pet to a retirement village?' There’s a widespread misconception that pets and retirement living don’t go together but in many Keyton villages, they absolutely do. If you do have a pet, please ask your sales manager whether pets are allowed at your desired village.

With 69% of Aussie households owning a pet, we understand that animals aren’t just companions, they’re family. That’s why many Keyton villages welcome pets, subject to approval from the village manager. This ensures your furry friend is the right fit for the village environment and community.

Many of our villages also offer pet‑friendly features such as nearby walking trails, shared outdoor spaces and even occasional pet‑themed community events. If you’re considering retirement living and want to bring your pet, simply speak with the village manager early in your journey to confirm the specific pet policy.

Read more about our Pet Policy.

9.Safety and security

One of the key reasons many retirees choose a retirement village is the sense of safety and security it provides. 24‑hour emergency systems, well‑designed homes, gated communities, onsite staff neighbourhood watch programs and a strong sense of community means help is always close by. You’ll feel confident knowing you’re in a secure environment where your wellbeing matters.

For those who love to travel, retirement villages offer true lock‑up‑and‑leave convenience. You can head off on holidays or long adventures knowing your home is secure and your garden will still be thriving when you return.

10. Thinking ahead to future needs

While Keyton retirement villages aren’t aged care facilities, we do offer a range of support options to help residents live well for longer. Many of our villages have wellbeing programs, opportunities to connect with medical and health practitioners and access to 24-hour emergency call systems across many of our communities.

For those who may need extra day‑to‑day assistance, selected Keyton villages also offer Serviced Apartments. Available across 11 locations, these apartments provide added convenience with nutritious meals, cleaning and heavy laundry services and daily support as needed. They’re designed to give you flexibility and peace of mind, helping you to maintain your independence while receiving the level of assistance that suits your lifestyle.

Some villages, such as Sunrise Beach Village developed in partnership with Keyton by BlueCare, one of Queensland’s most trusted providers of aged care and retirement living, ensure a smoother transition should your needs change over time.

It’s a big move, but it’s worth it

Packing up the family home to moving into a retirement village is a big change. Once you’ve sorted through the stuff, packed all the boxes and moved into your new community, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner.

As you settle into your new home, you’ll be proud to invite your friends and family to come and see for themselves. With excellent amenities, vibrant social activities and a neighbourhood of new friends, you’ll fall in love with the wonderful lifestyle you’ve so wisely invested in.

For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.

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