Frequently Asked Questions

• Can my friends and family stay with me?
• What if I want to redecorate my home – for example, change the wall or floor coverings?
• What if I want to go on holiday?
• Can I still apply for Government-funded financial help?
• What happens if I have an accident or get sick?
• Who is responsible for the cost of council rates, water rates etc?
• How does the fee structure work?
• Can I transfer to another Metlifecare village?
• What happens if I decide to leave the village?
• Who pays for the refurbishment of the apartment when I leave?
• What happens if my apartment doesn’t re-license straight away?

Can my friends and family stay with me?

Yes of course, this is your home. When you move into 7 Saint Vincent we understand it is important to maintain your family and social ties. Any family members or friends are able to stay for a combined total of 90 days per year. Longer stays require the agreement of the Village Manager.

What if I want to redecorate my home – for example, change the wall or floor coverings?

Your home can be redecorated to your tastes in consultation with and at the discretion of the Village Manager, at your own cost.

What if I want to go on holiday?

You have the freedom to come and go as you please. We will maintain the grounds, clear your letterbox and manage security giving you peace of mind while you are away.

Can I still apply for Government-funded financial help?

Yes, if you are 65 years or over and your ‘support needs assessment’ confirms that you may be eligible for Government financial assistance. Many of our villages have arrangements with local health authorities to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Simply chat with one of our Care Services Managers who will assist you further.

What happens if I have an accident or get sick?

If you have an accident and need immediate attention, simply press any one of the strategically placed emergency call buttons in your home or in the communal areas and a staff member will respond to your call. Where an illness is of a temporary nature, meals and other services can be arranged to assist – depending on the help you need. We aim to help you recover quickly and comfortably which can be an enormous relief to you and your family. This service is provided on a “user pays” basis.

Who is responsible for the cost of council rates, water rates etc?

When you live at 7 Saint Vincent you pay a village fee to cover costs, such as council rates, water rates, building insurance, external maintenance, the upkeep of the community facilities, gardening, salaries of the staff and village operations. This simplifies your expenses into one easy to manage fee leaving your own personal choice of phone, personal contents insurance and electricity.

How does the fee structure work?

Capital Sum

The Capital Sum is the price paid for the Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) to secure your right to occupy the unit of your choice within any Metlifecare village. The Capital Sum varies according to the size and location of the unit you choose. Once all the conditions have been met, the Capital Sum is required to be paid on settlement.

Membership Fee

The Membership Fee, also referred to as the Deferred Membership Fee (DMF), provides you with a raft of essential village and dwelling services. These include:

• The refurbishment of your unit after you leave
• The re-licensing of your unit including all marketing activity
• Legal and settlement fees
• Long term village maintenance
• Community facility chattels

The Membership Fee is capped at 30% of the original Capital Sum of your unit, with the 30% being accrued monthly at 10% per year for the first three years of occupancy. It is payable on the termination of your ORA, by way of deduction from the original price (i.e. the Capital Sum) of your unit.

Village Fee

When you live in a village you pay a Village Fee. This is a consolidated fee that captures costs such as council rates, water rates, building insurance, the upkeep of community facilities, gardening services, salaries and wages of the staff and village operations.

By paying a Village Fee, the hassle of paying existing multiple bills is eliminated – one fee takes care of it all. What’s more, Metlifecare assures this fee will not increase, thus it is fixed for life, irrespective of any increases in costs experienced by Metlifecare. This means you will always know what you are paying now and in the future, and no longer have to worry about unpredictable cost increases.

Your own costs

You are responsible for the cost of the internal maintenance of your unit, power, phone and contents insurance.

Can I transfer to another Metlifecare village?

Yes you can. We will discuss the transfer costs involved and agree these with you.

What happens if I decide to leave the village?

If you do choose to leave, simply write to the Village Manager expressing your wish to terminate your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA). One month after receiving the letter, your ORA will be terminated and Metlifecare will endeavour to re-license your apartment. Following the re-licensing you will be refunded the original purchase price less the accrued membership fee.

Who pays for the refurbishment of the apartment when I leave?

On termination of your ORA, Metlifecare is responsible for all refurbishment costs of your apartment. You may be responsible for any damage beyond fair wear and tear and any agreed reinstatement costs.

What happens if my apartment doesn’t re-license straight away?

All village fees will cease if a re-license is not reached within six months of providing Metlifecare with vacant possession of your apartment. If it takes longer than nine months to re-license, we will pay you interest on the outstanding capital.