Residential Village lifestyle

mezza56 · Senior Member

Residential Village lifestyle

HandyWalter · Senior Member

There is/was a sort of caravan park in Wantirna that recently got sold. It was mainly permanent residents and storage facility for people who could not store their vans RVs at home. Some people had old vans (no longer "moveable" and others who had built "temporary" cabin type structures. New owners are redeveloping the land and all are being evicted. So be careful.

mezza56 · Senior Member

Hi handy Walter, yes I am totally aware of that situation that was a caravan park with yearly tenancy , what I am talking about is residential lifestyle villages , not what you mentioned , that was a situation that was on the cards . I feel sorry for a lot of those people but they went into that blind I reckon . The lifestyle villages are a different concept altogether. There are Co's that are developing parks in lifestyle areas around mainly the east coast . Where people want to live their years out near the coast in seaside areas where land is a premium .

Dougwe · Chief one feather

How, Mezza.

I lived in one in South West Gippsland for 10 years and loved it. The only down side was the weekly fee that would increase every 12 months if you are there or out playing in the playground.

I decided after 3 years of being in the playground for 8 out of 12 months it was time to sell and go in the playground full time.

I have not looked back.

Future, probably set up in a CVP in a small town somewhere. At this stage anyway. Decide that in the future.

Desert Dweller · Guru

The proprietors of any kind of aged residential facility/lifestyle villages are in it for their shareholders profits not for any kind of charitable aspect. Call them what you like.

Therefore it's a case of user pays, fees & charges rise annually, they never decrease.

One depressing aspect of living in an over 50's facility is seeing the population slowly dwindle around you & wondering whether you'll be next to go.

Before they passed away we spent 15 years assisting all four of our parents in various lifestyle, retirement villages/ nursing homes etc & found the experience pretty ordinary.

We intend to maintain our independence for as long as we can.

Wizardofoz · Guru

Then what???

the aforementioned scenario seems inevitable to me, unless, which seems most unlikely, the children giving up their lifestyle to be full time careers. confuse

For instance, I spent 5 days in hospital over Christmas and only got 1 visit each from 2 daughters who were otherwise too busy with family matters to find more time...it is a sad time getting old but unfortunately, reality must be faced!

-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Sunday 31st of December 2017 04:37:28 PM

subaru · Veteran Member

whilst we don't live in one of those establishments,my brother and sister in law do,it took them a while

to "blend"in but now are happy they did.they now enjoy the friends they have made.however,on some

occasions they do refer to it as "god's waiting room",because as you say,they tend to hear on a regular

basis about someone else passing away.the can leave the complex in the morning and return in the

arvo and management has the flag at half mast.

Hey Jim · Guru

mezza56 wrote:
Wondering if anyone on the forum has owned or currently still owns one of these cabins / transportable homes in a residential park , ( not to be confused with a retirement village ) , also not a caravan and annexe type of caravan park , but specific park aimed at over 50's and what you think of it . What pros and cons should one consider having one as a base instead of a traditional home . Obviously most are cheaper to start with, and more than likely your place would be kept an eye on while your away , by neighbours or management. I'd like to hear any pros and cons from those who have experienced it or know someone directly that have.

Hi Mezza,

Friends of ours sold their home in WA. Moved into a life style park where they built/brought a new home. They have room to park there van in an allotment on site. they own the home, but lease the land on which it sits.

They both get a government allowance of $30 each that go's towards the rental/lease. I'm not sure if the money is weekly or fortnightly. confuse

Never the less they pay all the way. He hates living there. She likes it. The fees just keep rising.These companies are not in it for fun, to make a loss. Cross your T's and dot your I's.

Not for us.

As said above, you watch those around you peg off, one by one.

Have a good Solicitor read over every little detail, and make sure that you under stand TOTAL what you are ending up with.

Think with an open mind IMO.

Jim

-- Edited by Hey Jim on Sunday 31st of December 2017 05:03:09 PM

PeterD · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
Therefore it's a case of user pays, fees & charges rise annually, they never decrease.

Rent rises are generally based on CPI changes. We live in an inflationary economy. Rents change like phone chargers, registration and council fees.

PeterD · Guru

mezza56 wrote:
Wondering if anyone on the forum has owned or currently still owns one of these cabins / transportable homes in a residential park ,

Yes we livi in one of the Gateway Lifestyle Communities. Over the last 17 years we have been very pleased with our community. Start by reading this. The site agreements in most states are plain language format and very easy to understand.

There are myriads of threads on the forum. Search by terms like "lifestyle village" or "Manufactured home"

PeterD · Guru

HandyWalter wrote:
There is/was a sort of caravan park in Wantirna that recently got sold. It was mainly permanent residents and storage facility for people who could not store their vans RVs at home. Some people had old vans (no longer "moveable" and others who had built "temporary" cabin type structures. New owners are redeveloping the land and all are being evicted. So be careful.

The press gave very one-sided reports on that. Those with proper site agreements were looked after under the legislation. However most of the residents did not have proper site agreements.

-- Edited by PeterD on Sunday 31st of December 2017 05:39:31 PM

mezza56 · Senior Member

Even under the site agreements they were only given 12 mths to relocate . The Vic gov VCAT is currently trying to change that scenario for the future . What that may do who knows . Caravan parks will buck against what they are proposing. From what I can ascertain lifestyle parks are completely different in their arrangements , anyone want to comment on that .

woolman · Guru

We are moving into a lifestyle village. Own the house and pay fees every 2 weeks. Works out less than our current council and water rates. We have attended functions with existing residents and have already met nice people we get on well with. All depends on what you want in life. I like a pool and no gardening and now will have both, without having to be an unpaid pool cleaner. Someone else does that. Spend time researching and get a legal opinion on the contract. Our place will be a Natures Edge, Forest Glen Qld. Worth a look. Neil

madaboutled · Guru

We're coming up to 5 years living in Faringdon Village in Nambucca Heads NSW. Best thing we've ever done, although with our travels we've only seen the house for 2 of the 5 years. The rent increases are minimal and indexed to CPI and when compared to council rate increases we're way in front. Faringdon village has a less than 5% vacancy rate, this is an important factor to consider for future resale because a higher vacancy rate equates to longer time to sell. Whilst this won't concern us cause we're happy here, but if something happened to both of us the house is willed to our sons and rent still needs to be paid.

As a contingency, we're paid up 12+ months in advance so the boys will have time to sell & seek the best possible price.

Mackayak · Veteran Member

It is a interesting question we have sold the farm and are renting looking at an over 50 place but it will not be ready for 12 months or so. I am not sure if I will like it but my wife will as I see it it is a stepping stone if it works out may be good but after a few years I am hopefully of being on the road full time as there is a lot of great spots to be so would sell it. To me the only thing I would be looking at is it registration as this will govern if it has exit fees or not. I prefer no exit fee and will see how things go but as long as you do your homework hopeful you still make a profit when you sell. Looking forward to time on the road.

brickies · Guru

When taking a step into this type if you have a financial advisor have a talk to them and get good legal advice , Lots of people go into these set up and find out the details when it is to late . There is a lot of help out there to help keep you in your own home , In your own home you can please yourself what you do , In a village you have lots of rules to follow if you don't like following the rules beware and there are lots of people watching you to make sure you compile .

Desert Dweller · Guru

Adding to our previous post, we found that in quite a few places where our parents resided there was an ''inner circle'' of people who seemed to enjoy dominating everyone else.

As others have said, stay in your own home as long as possible.

Cupie · Guru

woolman wrote:
We are moving into a lifestyle village. Own the house and pay fees every 2 weeks. Works out less than our current council and water rates. We have attended functions with existing residents and have already met nice people we get on well with. All depends on what you want in life. I like a pool and no gardening and now will have both, without having to be an unpaid pool cleaner. Someone else does that. Spend time researching and get a legal opinion on the contract. Our place will be a Natures Edge, Forest Glen Qld. Worth a look. Neil

We have close friends who have just celebrated their 3rd year in one at The Gold Coast & they couldn't be happier.

It is an excellent facility in which they own the new 3 bedroom home & rent/lease the land with rent assistance from the Govt.

The complex was built by Pradella family like several others in Qld & perhaps NSW. It has everything that you could wish for like pools, free BBQ areas with individual small pools & full facilities, tennis & bowling courts, theatre, Pool tables, craft & workshops, gym & bistro as well as a library & (lousy) wine cellar (needs some work). The whole complex is beautifully landscaped & maintained with a hotel & shopping complex across the road & a short drive to The Broadwater. Everything is top quality.

I could live there amongst the great community life that is there if you are interested.

If it wasn't so far from my kids I think I would have already moved. There is space for the van & 4WD, even an undercover option at a small fee. But we find it hard to move from our great home & neighbours. The move would give us a tremendous amount of spare capital. Tempting!

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 1st of January 2018 11:44:24 AM

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

We are in the process of moving to a lifestyle village, made the decision now ,not when it would be impossible to stay where we are due to ill health.
Also if I was no longer around the move would then be left up to Sue to down size, our present home far too big for one.
This move will also release some capital yes there are pros and cons but have to weigh that up. The village we are moving to has indoor and outdoor pools, bowling greens and tennis courts a gymnasium, a magnificent club house, minimal upkeep and this is important to me as I have had a number of major health problems in the last 18 months and I have not recovered to back to where I was 2 years ago.
I no longer have a license and the location of the village will mean it's easier to travel on public transport plus the village has a bus so I may regain some greater independence.
Two years back I wouldn't have been interested in moving but things change.
Cheers
David

brickies · Guru

Most Grey nomads don't want bells and whistle when on the road , Now the people that like Lifestyle villages all the bells and whistle, stay in caravan parks when on the road or free camp .

PeterD · Guru

brickies wrote:
1.. When taking a step into this type if you have a financial advisor have a talk to them and get good legal advice , Lots of people go into these set up and find out the details when it is to late .
2.. There is a lot of help out there to help keep you in your own home , In your own home you can please yourself what you do ,
3..In a village you have lots of rules to follow if you don't like following the rules beware and there are lots of people watching you to make sure you compile.

1.. Agreed. When you are spending large amounts of your investments you should always do plenty of research. Carefully review any agreements you sign, particularly the site agreement/lease. If you can't understand them get professional advice. I'm not sure that a financial adviser is a good person, a conveyancer or solicitor would be more suitable. If you put "Residential Parks legislation" into a search engine (I used DuckDuckGo for my results) you will get plenty of links for most states. The NSW links are a little dates so open this link for the NSW legislation.

AGED CARE Alert: Changes to residential communities legislation is an interesting link, It points out a little known change to the latest legislation. Trailing commissions are allowable in NSW for reduced rents, however if the park owner offers those he must also offer the option of full rent without trailing costs.

2.. That same assistance is also available to those of us in manufactured home villages. The thing is that for those in our villages the residents are more aware of them as there are plenty of others are already using them.

3.. These rules are generally based on common courtesies to others. Again the rules must be issued to you before you make your decision on a village. Yes the anarchists will not like some of the rules. That is OK, we don't want you types amongst us anyway, stay in your isolation in the suburbs. i am happy with the rules in our village

Cupie · Guru

Roving-Dutchy wrote:
We are in the process of moving to a lifestyle village, made the decision now ,not when it would be impossible to stay where we are due to ill health.
Also if I was no longer around the move would then be left up to Sue to down size, our present home far too big for one.
This move will also release some capital yes there are pros and cons but have to weigh that up. The village we are moving to has indoor and outdoor pools, bowling greens and tennis courts a gymnasium, a magnificent club house, minimal upkeep and this is important to me as I have had a number of major health problems in the last 18 months and I have not recovered to back to where I was 2 years ago.
I no longer have a license and the location of the village will mean it's easier to travel on public transport plus the village has a bus so I may regain some greater independence.
Two years back I wouldn't have been interested in moving but things change.
Cheers
David

Something in what you say David.

I just finished the housework while SWMBO did the ironing. The heat & humidity was overwhelming & I was stuffed by the time I had done the three bathrooms, 5 bedrooms 2 lounges & kitchen plus breakfast room and dining room ... yes the two of us need all that... not.

SWMBO remarked "It's time we got a smaller house". You know she might just be right. Perhaps a few decisions after my Angiogram results next Friday.

It might be time to start cleaning out 25 years of junk while I am still able.

Anyway, I felt great after my afternoon nap, waking at 4pm! Time for my daily ration of 3 good reds.

( I found a great Coronary Specialist who says 3 a day every day is good)

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 1st of January 2018 05:22:31 PM

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 1st of January 2018 05:24:01 PM

brickies · Guru

A lawyer will look after your legal affair, but not the right person to look after your financial affairs, so you need to cover both sides at our age we can't afford to get it wrong unless you have lots of money .

bill12 · Guru

I have a cabin in a mixed park on the sth coast ,NSW , to get away from the NQ summers. I am classed as an 'annual", as ther are permanants in the park, and I am only here for 6 months of the year.I think its great except when the site frees go up, and the management puts up the utilities charges. Last rise was 800%- yes thats right -8 times the old cost. you pay an access fee to get power water, etc. The power charge went from $3.50 a month to $48 a month, and you pay this whether you are here or not. A few of the owners took this to fair trading, and it was dropped to $24 a moth. Before you pay for the elec you use.This is illegal, but they make the rules , and can kick you out, if you make waves.Other wise its a great spot, and the people are friendly, and the fishing is good.I didn,t pay much for the cabin but it suits me.Some better system would be helpful. Bill

madaboutled · Guru

bill12 wrote:
I have a cabin in a mixed park on the sth coast ,NSW , to get away from the NQ summers. I am classed as an 'annual", as ther are permanants in the park, and I am only here for 6 months of the year.I think its great except when the site frees go up, and the management puts up the utilities charges. Last rise was 800%- yes thats right -8 times the old cost. you pay an access fee to get power water, etc. The power charge went from $3.50 a month to $48 a month, and you pay this whether you are here or not. A few of the owners took this to fair trading, and it was dropped to $24 a moth. Before you pay for the elec you use.This is illegal, but they make the rules , and can kick you out, if you make waves.Other wise its a great spot, and the people are friendly, and the fishing is good.I didn,t pay much for the cabin but it suits me.Some better system would be helpful. Bill

In a nutshell that's the big difference between permanent living in a Caravan Park and a Lifestyle Village in NSW. Lifestyle Villages have more protection for the residents. Any increase must be approved by a tribunal and can't be more than CPI increase. The land has a fixed use as a residential village with both council and state government whereas a caravan park could close any time and its owners apply to council for rezoning.

Been in our village for nearly 5 years, in that time our rent has increased less than $15 a week from what we were paying when we first moved in. Increases thus far have been less than $5 per week each year.

Yendys200 · Member

Hi Mezza56

We have lived in a over 50's lifestyle village for 5 years we were one of the first residence we have a new transportable home in the village a 30ft motor home when we first moved in we had no problem parking in the village but as the village developed parking became premium. We were away when the built the compound for the caravans suitable for 10 vans so we missed out on one, there are 160 residences and 30 plus vans we have to make other arrangements for out motor home, ( at our cost ) some are able to park near there home in village but a lot are missing out check if you will be able to keep your van there and get it in writing

Land is valuable in the villages near the citys and coast, we have come across a couple of villages catering for this type of lifestyle but are very expensive to buy into Look into it with great care

bill12 · Guru

rI am not regarded as a permanant in the park where I am. The permanants do not have to pay the exorbitant fee increases as they are covered by law in NSW. I am regarded as an annual as I am only here for 6months. Its a ripoff in my opinion. Where else would you have an 800% increase. Some people are not paying it.

-- Edited by bill12 on Wednesday 3rd of January 2018 12:36:06 PM