Know more about retirement living from our guides
Top 10 tips for family members
Helping loved ones make the decision about where to spend their retirement. ...
Your guide to getting started
All about village life, an overview of costs, living options, legal terms and more....
Your living options explained
Is independent living or residential aged care right for you? Find out here....
Know more about retirement living from our guides
Explore our villages
Testimonials
"Our Mum has been so well looked after and it has been a huge weight off our shoulders knowing the care and companionship from you and your wonderful staff. Thank you again, keep up the good work, you have been marvellous!"
Edgewater Village- Resident's daughter
"What an awesome place for the retired. I have visited my aunt there and she loves it. Great community feel with a cafe.pool.gym and much more for them to do. Jigsaw puzzles are scattered around to do and all the folk seem to know each other."
Google Review for Waitakere Gardens
"Beautiful my mother lives in her great 2-bed apartment what a great restaurant excellent like a hotel Not a retirement village very clean. "
Google Review for Dannemora Gardens
"I've been coming and going for 10 years to visit my nana and the staff have always been so kind, the restaurant is always clean and has good food and overall a lovely environment."
Google Review for Waitakere Gardens
FAQs
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.
* An Occupation Right Agreement is a legal document that gives you the right to occupy that unit and sets out the terms of your occupation.
Management Fee
The Management Fee, also referred to as the Deferred Management 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
For independent living units and serviced apartments, the Management 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. This may vary slightly from village to village, so it's best to check which services are included within the fee and which ones you'll need to organise yourself.
By paying a Village Fee, the hassle of paying existing multiple bills is eliminated – one fee takes care of it all. Our transparent fee is reviewed once per year and won't increase more than the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), helping to give you certainty over your annual outgoings.
Your own costs
Metlifecare is generally responsible for repairs/ maintenance to operator’s interior fittings and fixtures, except if damage is due to carelessness or negligence. Ask our sales team to clarify these details.
You will be responsible for the costs of utilities to the unit such as power, internet and telecommunications, as well as motor vehicle insurance if you have a vehicle. We also recommend you maintain contents insurance for your possessions.
Choosing the right retirement living option for your loved one can be overwhelming, but it's important to consider factors such as their health, mobility, social needs, and budget. Researching different options and touring facilities can also help you make an informed decision.
Many retirement living communities offer amenities such as fitness centres, swimming pools, libraries, social activities, and dining options. It's important to ask about specific amenities when touring facilities to ensure they meet your loved one's preferences.
Transitioning a loved one into a retirement living community can be a big change for both them and their family members. It's important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process, communicate openly with them about the transition, and provide emotional support during the move. Additionally, working with the facility's staff to ensure a smooth transition can help ease the process.