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Seeking independent advice
If you’re at a stage where you’re looking to understand the contracts and obligations associated with retirement living, you should consider turning to advisers you can trust.
You want to make sure that you're taking the best course of action for you. Seeking advice from independent financial advisors and lawyers that specialise in retirement living and aged care is recommended.
Getting referrals from friends and family can be useful, but always search online to ensure any practitioner you approach holds appropriate credentials, current licences and has relevant expertise.
Financial advisors
If you have questions about retirement living, superannuation and government support payments, it's best to speak with an independent financial planner that specialises in retirement living and aged care.
A financial advisor or accountant can look over your contract to help you understand the moving in, living in and leaving costs involved with any retirement living option. They can help anticipate the potential impact of downsizing on your income, superannuation and your tax requirements. They will also be able to help you understand the impacts this will have on your pension or other entitlements.
Real estate agents
If you’re selling your home to move into a retirement property, you’ll likely use a real estate agent. It’s a good idea to approach a number of different agencies to learn more about how they work, their sales and auction approach, their commissions, their advertising rates, and other fees.
Searching current property sales in your area will show you who the most active real estate agents and agencies are - these are often a good place to start.
Lawyers
An independent lawyer can help you understand retirement village contracts and what’s involved in any retirement living option you choose.
Lawyers can explain the language in the contract and ensure you’re clear about the obligations outlined.
Be sure to ask your lawyer plenty of questions. What does the contract say about renovations? Pets? What are the rules you need to follow? Contracts and disclosure statements must be very clear about everything, from costs, pets, and visitors to the kind of support you will receive. Your lawyer will be able to guide you through everything you need to know.
Also remember that all retirement villages are different, with varying contracts. When you ask your lawyer about village-specific advice, this same advice might not apply to another village.
It's also vital that you work with your lawyer to update any existing documents you might have. Documents like a power of attorney, a will, and any advanced care directives may need to be changed to reflect your new living situation.
In some cases - for example, some freehold contracts - you may be able to use a conveyancer to handle the contract for you, should you wish to.
What to look for in a lawyer
Independent lawyer Danielle Lims says to make sure that your lawyer is someone you trust and feel comfortable with and, importantly, someone who truly understands the retirement living industry.
She says retirees should look for lawyers who have:
- Answers to your questions – no matter how many you might have
- A clear understanding of the process and documents, so you know what to expect
- A comparison of village types
- Information that helps you make or validate your decision
- Input that makes the move into a village as simple and stress free as possible
- Support in preparing you for the future, e.g. wills and powers of attorneys
- Awareness of the ins and outs of moving in, living in and leaving a village
- Help to understand legal documentation and your rights as a resident
- Assistance with documentation you need to help you make your decision to move.
When exploring retirement village contracts, it's vital to lean on the support of your trusted legal and financial advisors. Their expertise can help you understand contracts so that you can make an informed decision that aligns with your best interests.
The information provided is current as at April 2024 and is subject to change. It is general in nature and is not personalised for your unique needs, objectives or financial situation. Some information may be provided by a third party. Aveo encourages you to seek independent legal and financial advice about your particular circumstances before moving to an Aveo retirement village