5 Surprising Benefits of Choosing a Retirement Community Sooner
When picturing their retirement, many Australians envision an independent lifestyle in a convenient, close-knit community.
However, deciding on the ‘what and where’ can be a tricky part of the process, with confusion often arising around different housing options and what they comprise in practice.
Nathan Cockerill, CEO at Keyton – a leading owner and operator of retirement villages in Australia – highlights the importance of values and transparency.
“When you move into a Keyton retirement village, you’re moving into a connected, diverse retirement community offering superior lifestyle opportunities with a focus on your overall wellbeing,” he said.
“At Keyton we lead with heart, and that is reflected in the wellbeing offerings we provide across all of our villages.”
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Finding the perfect place to retire is top of mind for many downsizers in 2024.
Key differences between retirement villages and land-lease models
Two of the most common living options for Australians aged 55 and over are retirement villages and land-lease models. Although these terms might appear interchangeable, Mr. Cockerill highlighted their distinct operational differences.
Land-lease communities:
- Residents purchase their homes but rent the land, paying site rental fees.
Retirement villages:
- Residents acquire a 99-year lease, akin to a home purchase.
- Residents are protected under state Retirement Living Acts.
Mr. Cockerill also emphasised that residents play an active role in the annual budgeting process, helping to determine fees for maintenance, gardening, and amenities.
“Keyton collaborates closely with the resident committee to deliver a balanced budget. We ensure full transparency about our contracts and offer multiple payment options,” he noted.
Australian consumer and resident protections
Australia has strict regulations to safeguard the interests of residents in retirement villages.
These protections ensure that residents understand their rights and responsibilities, making the transition to retirement living smoother and more secure.
Key protections:
- State Retirement Living Acts: These acts ensure retirement village residents are protected under state laws, providing peace of mind regarding their investment and living conditions.
- Transparent Contracts: Retirement village operators, like Keyton, provide clear and straightforward contracts to avoid any hidden costs or surprises.
Each home is designed to maximise space and natural light.
This collaboration ensures residents have a say in how their living environment is maintained and improved.
Read more here about the protections offered for retirement village residents.
Connection and community in Melbourne’s north: 5 benefits of getting in sooner
One of Keyton’s newest villages, Sherwin Rise in Wollert, showcases the best of independent retirement living within a well-serviced suburb, 26km north of Melbourne’s CBD.
The village offers a range of resort-style amenities on site, including a clubhouse, wellness hub, bowling green, pool, gym, cinema, and a dedicated health and wellbeing coordinator.
“Sherwin Rise is a wonderful community,” Mr. Cockerill remarked. “It’s a newly constructed village offering residents a stylish, independent lifestyle.
All the modern homes are architecturally designed for low maintenance and comfort.” Located in the heart of the Aurora community, Sherwin Rise provides easy access to shops, parklands, and medical centres, with new residents expected to move in next year.
Here are some of the benefits of moving into a well-connected retirement community:
1. Establishing social connections
Despite being a new village, Sherwin Rise already has a thriving community of residents enjoying the location, services, and social life. One resident, Alan, said he chose Sherwin Rise because it’s “easy to meet people”.
“Go down to happy hour and you soon get to know most people. That’s one of the reasons I’m here,” he explained. He also enjoys the walking tracks and open spaces.
Resident Jenny added, “You don’t want to live out your life being lonely. That’s not going to happen here.”
All homes in Sherwin Rise are architecturally designed for low maintenance and comfort.
2. Lifestyle of leisure
With a range of dedicated spaces for social activities and relaxation, residents can enjoy an easy life in retirement and truly flourish.
“Sherwin Rise is a place where you can connect with like-minded people and choose to dip in and out of a range of invigorating social events and activities,” Mr. Cockerill said.
From peaceful manicured gardens and walking paths to a vibrant clubhouse offering a cinema and bowling green, every day is a ‘choose your own adventure’.
“There’s something on all the time,” Jenny noted. The community is also pet-friendly, so residents can bring their furry companions.
3. Safety and security
Sherwin Rise is a gated community with a 24-hour emergency call system, providing residents with peace of mind.
Kevin, a resident, said, “The thing that really got me here was the security – you come home late at night, and you have the control to open the gates.
You feel secure because you’re getting through that next level of security before you get into your home.”
Jenny added, “The first night here I slept better than I had for ages because I knew the gate was locked. I knew if I needed somebody, there were people around me.”
4. Health and wellbeing
At Sherwin Rise, there is a dedicated on-site wellbeing coordinator to support residents in managing and improving their health and vitality.
Mr. Cockerill explained that the coordinator “immerses themselves in the village” to understand the needs of residents and then creates bespoke programs to support them.
It’s just like being on holiday with resort style facilities on offer to support health and wellbeing activities including the gym and pool that residents can use all year round, lawn bowls, library and cinema.
Life’s too short to spend it being lonely, actively making the decision to downsize can bring so much joy.
5. Thoughtful modern design
As resident Bill points out, Sherwin Rise is a community “built for people with wheelchairs,” with no steps hindering access.
Such mindful features are present throughout the shared spaces and individual villas, which are single-level and offer a variety of floor plans.
There are two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus study, and three-bedroom homes, all featuring individual facades and lock-up garages.
Each home is designed to maximise space and natural light, with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly inclusions.
Resident Mary said, “I like the open-plan living, modern concept of them all, being so nice and new.”
Kevin added, “Solar panels here mean cheaper electricity and cheaper water with recycled water.” New homes at Sherwin Rise start from $570,000.
Keyton is one of Australia’s largest retirement living owners and operators, backed by Aware Super, APG Asset Management, and Lendlease.
For more information about confidently choosing an independent lifestyle at Sherwin Rise, visit the website or enquire below.
