“One of the things that makes living here easy is knowing what our outgoings will be each month. We don’t worry about the unexpected costs that come with a home.”
– Julie H., Hills local
That kind of certainty is often the real luxury. Not extravagance, but ease. When the financial side is clearly explained, it’s simpler to plan ahead, enjoy the everyday, and live well without the background stress of surprise repairs, urgent quotes, and rising bills.
Retirement village living is generally shaped by three parts:
• Ingoing contribution (entry payment): Secures your long-term right to live in your home and helps establish the village community.
• Ongoing service fee: Supports the day-to-day running of the village, including management and staffing, maintenance of shared areas and gardens, and the operation of community facilities.
• Exit fee (often called a Deferred Management Fee): Agreed upfront and applied when you leave, helping fund long-term upkeep and future improvements so the community remains consistently well maintained.
Because villages differ, the right comparison is not headline numbers, it’s what’s included, how fees change over time, and how the exit arrangement is calculated.
What matters most is how the structure supports the way you want to live. A clearer framework can replace stop-start home ownership costs with a steadier rhythm, freeing up time and headspace for travel, family, wellbeing, and the simple pleasure of a home that stays beautifully cared for.
At Marston Living, reassurance comes from transparency. We walk you through the costs with worked examples, based on realistic timeframes, so you can see how the numbers may look over time and ask questions early, in plain language, before you make a decision.
M: 0410 036 357
W: www.marstonliving.com.au
