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Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans upset by US election results

An Italian village in Sardinia, Italy is offering one-euro homes to Americans seeking a new start following the results of the 2024 U.S election that saw Donald Trump being re-elected as president. Ollolai has long been trying to persuade outsiders to move in to revive the community after decades of depopulation. Now, it's selling dilapidated houses for as little as one euro — just over a US dollar or $AU1.60 — to entice Americans to move abroad. Following the November 5 outcome, they have launched a website aimed at potential American expats, offering cheap homes in hopes that those disappointed by the result and seeking a fresh start will snap up one of their empty properties. "Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?" the website read. "It's time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia." Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was specifically created to attract American voters in the wake of the presidential elections. The mayor loves the United States and is convinced Americans would be the best people to revive the community. "We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all," he said. "We can't of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card." The village is offering three tiers of accommodation: Free temporary homes to certain digital nomads, ($1.6) homes in need of renovations, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to $160,000. The mayor also set up a special team to guide interested buyers through every step of the process including finding contractors, builders and navigating required paperwork. "Of course, we can't specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he's the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country," Columbo added. "We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs. The first edition of our digital nomad scheme which launched last year was already solely for Americans." Photos and plans of available empty properties will soon be uploaded to the website. The website has since received nearly 38,000 requests for information on houses, with most of them coming from the United States In the past century, Ollolai's population has shrunk from 2,250 to 1,300 with only a handful of babies born each year. Over the last few years, this has dropped 1,150 residents. Image: Shutterstock

International Travel

Gold medallist sleeps in Paris park to protest "disappointing" Olympic village conditions

A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow." The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100m backstroke, had already complained publicly about the accommodations in the Olympic Village, after he failed to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday. Since the commencement of the Paris Games, many athletes have spoken out about the conditions in the Olympic village, saying the beds are uncomfortable, the rooms are poorly air conditioned and the food is poor quality. “There is no air-conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon said, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29673636/thomas-ceccon-sleeping-park-conditions-olympic-village-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun. </a> “Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows." “I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.” Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling The Times of London, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.” “And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.” A number of athletes, including the entire US women’s tennis team (with the exception of Coco Gauff) have left the village and searched for alternate accommodation for the duration of the Games. Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

Huge names on board to overturn Hamish and Andy’s Olympic Village ban

Hamish and Andy's lifetime ban from entering the Olympic village could soon be overturned, as high profile supporters sign a petition for their return. Just last week the duo made headlines around the country when Andy revealed that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2012, after they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/hilarious-reason-why-hamish-and-andy-are-banned-for-life-from-olympic-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke security protocols</a> at the London Games. The boys, who were invited to the event, could not get into the Olympic village due to a clerical error, so they decided to sneak in with the help of an Aussie who helped them get in through someone else's pass. After telling the hilarious story on air, Triple M's Rush Hour have launched a petition called: “We Urge the IOC to Revoke Hamish and Andy’s Olympic Ban.” Several high profile individuals have since signed the petition including Mark Geyer, Grant Hackett, Tom Rockliffe and Wil Anderson. And now, Queensland premier Steven Miles has also jumped on board. “This does sound like a real injustice to me,” he said on the show on Thursday. “I’ve been hearing about your campaign and I’ve signed the petition.” He also said that he would do whatever he can to convince the IOC to have the ban overturned by the time Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032. “I’ll do whatever I can to try to convince the IOC to make changes, and obviously come 2032, we’ll have some say in the arrangements then too,” he said. “Hamish and Andy, they’ve served their time, and it’s time to let them back in.” Image: Triple M

Travel Trouble

Hilarious reason why Hamish and Andy are "banned for life" from Olympic village

It's not easy to get banned from the Olympic village, but somehow Andy Lee and Hamish Blake have managed to do just that. Despite being warned to “not to talk about this ever”, Andy threw caution to the wind during an interview with Triple M's The Rush Hour With Leisel Jones, Liam & Dobbo on Tuesday. He explained that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee after an incident during the 2012 London games. “Hamish and I were given the honour of speaking to the (Australian) Olympians before it started,” Andy began. “There’s a lot of applications and security you have to fill out to get into the Olympic village … and someone who filled out the forms put my birth date as that day’s date," he continued. Despite that fact that it was clearly an admin error, the authorities refused entry to the duo on the day of the speech. Funnily enough, a quick-thinking Aussie came to the rescue and managed to sneak him in. “I won’t name who, but someone on the team said, ‘Hey, I can bring an outfit out. You look a little bit like one of the high jumpers,’” Andy recalled. “Suddenly I went through on someone else’s (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight.” Hamish and Andy delivered their speech and mingled with all the athletes, but their little lie was called out 90 minutes later, when the security team realised they'd been tricked. “They dragged us and put us in separate rooms and there was a lot of interrogation,” Andy said. “We were … just tight-lipped, and then the head of security came in.” In another stroke of luck, the head of security turned out to be an Aussie, who recognised the duo. “He went, ‘Hamish and Andy, what are you guys doing here?’ We explained, and he was more understanding,” the comedian said. However, because of their actions, the Australian Olympic team was also punished, with some of their visitor passes revoked. “That’s why I wasn’t really proud of what happened,” Andy said. “I hate the fact that some people missed out.” The IOC also made it clear to the duo that they weren't welcome back to the village. “We had to agree to be banned for life,” Andy recalled to the amusement of the Triple M hosts. Liam Flanagan jokingly suggested to Andy: “I think the campaign needs to start here. We need the ban lifted for Brisbane 2032!” To which he replied: “or, (we could try) another sneak in … let’s double down!” Images: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Read this before choosing a retirement village

Making the move from your own home into a retirement village is a huge decision. And with more than 2,000 villages around the country there’s a world of choice. These are some of the things you need to know before you make the move. Get your priorities straight Think about the kind of village you can see yourself living in. Make a list of features that you absolutely must have and a list of those that are desirable but not essential. Don’t be tempted to compromise on the first list because you could end up very unhappy in the long run. Do your research and find a village that meets your requirements. Don’t rush into somewhere that you aren’t completely sure about. Money, money, money Retirement villages aren’t cheap so you’ll need to be realistic about what it’s going to cost and how much you have to spend. It’s a good idea to see a professional financial adviser to get a complete picture of your financial situation, including things like selling your current home, super and any shares you own. You will have to sign a contract with the village before you move in, so get your financial adviser or a lawyer to go over it with you and make sure you understand all your obligations. Location is key As with any move, you need to think carefully about location. If the village is a long way from your current residence it can drastically alter your social life and connections with friends and family. You also need to think about proximity to public transport, shops, health services and community activities. Choose your style Retirement villages range from self-contained independent living to serviced accommodation and residential aged care. They also vary greatly in size from just a handful of units to villages with hundreds of residents. Larger villages tend to have more facilities, so if you’re an active person who loves to swim or play tennis then this could be the choice for you. However, extra facilities come with extra costs so if these aren’t important to you then you could find a cheaper option. You’ll also want to find out about communal dining options and social activities or groups within the village. Get the help you need As with accommodation styles, there is a wide range in the levels of assistance available. This can be as basic as having a cleaner come once a week right up to full nursing care. Some villages have the option to raise your level of care as you age or become unwell, which can be a better option than moving into a new village. Stick to the rules Can visitors stay the night? Can I have a pet? Is there a system for resolving disputes? You’ll want to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the village so read the fine print in your contract or ask questions before you commit. Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Life

Planning the move to a retirement village

For many, retirement brings with it a new lease on life – whether that comes in the form of an opportunity to seek fresh challenges, studying something you’ve always been interested in, volunteer, travelling, help looking after your grandchildren or learning new skills. In any case, planning what you want your retirement years to look like is the best way to discover what direction you might like to go in. Planning allows you to be well prepared – both financially and emotionally – and gives you the best chance of achieving the financial security and lifestyle you would like in the years ahead. Ultimately it also gives you the ability to take control of your life. Do it when you are healthy and independent and can make well-informed decisions. Here are some things to consider when you start making plans to move to a retirement village. A time of change Where you live in retirement can greatly affect your quality of life. It is hard to predict what the type of housing that suits you early in your retirement may not suit your needs later. The need to change housing or location can be triggered by changing health needs, the loss of a driver’s licence or the need to be closer to essential services. You may need to occasionally reassess where you are living to see whether it still suits your needs. What are your options? Only you can decide what housing will suit you best but here are some option and issues to consider, whether you choose to stay in your home, or move either to other private accommodation, public housing, a retirement village or nursing home. Location, location, location Before you decide to move, ask yourself the following questions: <ul> <li>What type of accommodation will suit your needs?</li> <li>Where are the shops, support services and transport located?</li> <li>What is the cost of public transport and how accessible is it?</li> <li>How accessible will your family and friends be?</li> <li>Will the activities you enjoy be easily accessible?</li> </ul> Also consider all options before you move to your favourite destination. It can be very different when you are living somewhere rather than just visiting on holiday. Sometimes holiday destinations lack a range of suitable amenities and you could be forced to relocate if your needs change. Retirement villages Retirement villages usually have self-contained units with one or two bedrooms and some communal facilities and regulated by the Retirement Villages Act 2000. While retirement village living does not suit everyone, many people thrive on the companionship and feel safe and secure in the environment. It is important to be fully aware of the economic, legal and lifestyle implications involved in moving to a retirement involved in moving to a retirement village. Some of the issues to consider include: Money wise The earlier you develop a financial plan, the more likely you are to achiever your financial goals and preferred lifestyle in retirement. Do you need a financial advisor? It is worthwhile taking to an experienced and licensed financial advisor to review your total financial status and offer advice about what might make your assets work for you in the best way, taking into consideration your income, goals, objectives and attitude towards financial risk. Images: Shutterstock

Retirement Life

10 European villages you haven’t been to

Of course everyone has heard about London, Paris and Rome, but sometimes it’s the hidden gems that provide the most memorable experiences for travellers. Travel + Leisure has put together a 10 of the best secret European villages. They might not be as well known, but they’re just as captivating as a place to visit in their own right. To see the villages, scroll through the gallery below. <ol> <li>Giornico, Switzerland</li> <li>Staufen im Breisgau, Germany</li> <li>Aberdour, Scotland</li> <li>Norcia, Italy</li> <li>Folégandros, Greece</li> <li>Marvão, Portugal</li> <li>Terschelling, The Netherlands</li> <li>Hellnar, Iceland</li> <li>St. Mawes, England</li> <li>Plios, Russia</li> </ol> Have you been to any of these secret villages? Do you have a holiday on the cards, and if so where are you going? Images: Getty Images

International Travel

Tips for choosing a retirement village

Making the decision to move to a retirement village is a big step. There is a lot to consider and it’s something you want to make sure you get right the first time. Given all of that, take your time. You're more likely to choose the right place to retire if you don't make a quick decision. Here are our top tips to help you make the right choice. <ul> <li>Think ahead and consider what you might need in the future - will you be able to continue to live there if your health or mobility declines?</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Imagine the lifestyle you'd like to have in a retirement village, and make a list of the things you think are most important.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Visit different villages and find out about the lifestyles they offer, including housing options, facilities and services.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Talk to the residents - they know better than anyone what life is like in the village they live in.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Read the disclosure statement and occupation right agreement for the village.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Find out the total costs. What will you have to pay on entry? What are the ongoing expenses? Will you share in any capital gain when you leave? Will you have to pay for any capital loss? How will these affect your future and the choices you have?</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Get independent financial advice from a financial planner or accountant with experience in retirement villages.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Get independent legal advice from a lawyer with experience in retirement villages. Ask them about the different legal titles and what they mean.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Involve your family or friends in your decision.</li> </ul>

Retirement Life

Crime scene established after suspected murder-suicide at retirement village

An elderly couple who were found dead in their unit at an Adelaide retirement village have been identified, with police treating their deaths as a murder-suicide. Barbara and Dennis Willshire, both 92, were found on Wednesday morning by a staff member during morning rounds, though police say it is unclear when the couple died. After the staff member raised the alarm, police and paramedics were called to the unit, which is part of a larger retirement and nursing home precinct in Glynde. The quiet village quickly became a crime scene, with major crime detectives working all day to piece together what happened in the leadup to the couple’s death. Superintendent Matt Nairn of South Australia Police said it was believed that the man killed his wife and then himself, though a full investigation would be conducted. “We believe it is a murder-suicide and, at this stage, we believe the man has killed potentially his wife and then taken his own life,” Nairn said. He added that there was nothing untoward known about the couple’s relationship and that their children had been notified. “As you can imagine, this is very tragic for a family,” Nairn said. Barbara and Dennis were known for being social and their deaths have sent shockwaves through their community, with neighbours saying it was “one of those things you don’t face every day”. “Living in a courtyard like this you get to know people,” one neighbour said. “Very sorry for everyone. It’s one of those things you don’t face every day,” another said. The couple’s best friends of 30 years, who moved into a neighbouring unit to be close to them, were particularly affected. “We did a lot of things together as older people,” the couple said. “It’s a big shock to us… it’s hard to accept. “If you wanted to know anything you asked Dennis because he was a very bright person.” Dennis and Barbara’s friends also said Barbara has become increasingly unwell over the past four months. “She was very unwell and Dennis was very distressed about the whole situation, she’d been unwell for about three months,” one said. “It’s hard to accept that they’ve gone… I still can’t believe it.” A spokesperson for Lutheran Homes Group, which operates the retirement village, told the ABC the pair had been living independently in the unit where they were found, and that the village was offering both pastoral and counselling support for those who needed it. “Pastoral support is being offered to residents, as well as counselling support for staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our Glynde community at this difficult time,” they said. If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au. Image: Nine News

News

Man’s huge legal debacle after mother dies in retirement village

Heartbroken Aussies who have lost a family member at retirement villages have been left fuming after being slapped with hidden fees. Gerard Grant lost his mother Dulcie almost two years ago and grieved her death, hoping her affairs would be a simple process. Mr Grant decided to lease the unit that his mother had been staying at for 15 years when he was shocked to find that he would instead be faced with a $55,000 bill for renovations. "It was listing everything from changing over toilets, to door handles, to electrical work," he told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/aussies-warn-about-retirement-village-exit-fees/2c9a556c-c0ae-479b-be91-e33065392676" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair.</a> "It was basically gutting the entire unit and installing everything brand new, which, in our view, was incredibly unreasonable and unwarranted, an absolute waste of money.” Mr Grant was not having any of it and challenged the retirement village, which is now run by Centennial Living, who then lawyered up. Lawyers sent Mr Grant letters of demand to settle the sale of the lease which should see the family pocket a huge $500,000. However, the lawyers argued that the retirement village was entitled to the $55,000 for refurbishments. It was then that Mr Grant suspected that his mother’s unit was not empty, so he called the landline and a woman called telling him that she had moved in. Mr Grant told the woman that she shouldn’t be there because they haven’t yet given over the certificate for the lease. Ian Henschke, the chief advocate for National Seniors Australia, noted it was important for families to understand what they were getting into with retirement villages. "A lot of people don't realise is what they're often doing is simply buying a lease on the property. They don't own it," he said. He warned that families are left with costs and exit fees they never expected due to the complicated contract. Mr Henschke said it was up to the state governments to make it an easier process stating it was not fair on older citizens. Image: A Current Affair

Retirement Life

Retirees face exorbitant fees for retirement village upkeep

A group of NSW retirees are facing exorbitant fees for basic upkeep of their retirement village, as they question where their strata money has gone. At Lakes of Cherrybrook in Sydney's north west, mould coats the ceilings and walls and bright orange plastic has been stapled to every roof in the village since April to prevent water coming in. Fifty units, or 75 per cent of the entire complex, are now owned by RSL LifeCare, one is common property and there are 13 units owned by resident strata owners. Last year the residents were informed new roofs were going to be installed, which the strata owners were advised there would be a special levy for. One of the residents, Lesley, said its "unfair" to ask the retirees to front the costs of the repairs. She told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/nsw-retirees-face-exorbitant-fees-for-retirement-village/dc08ddfe-21aa-463a-b461-780f5a1f043a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>, "They have the duty of care to look after the place and the people in it." "We didn't come here to do maintenance work, we didn't come here to go to meetings month after month … It's put an awful lot of stress on people." On June 1st, the residents said they were told works would cost more than $7 million, but it looks like that could blowout, as many works are yet to be priced. According to this quote, the residents could be expected to pay up to $200,000 each, when they already pay up to $13,000 on strata fees. According to RSL Lifecare's 2021 financial results, the company has $170 million in the bank, which has left residents questioning why they're the ones who have to pay up. Another resident, Judy, said, "People are deaf, they can't hear what's going on, they don't understand; they get frustrated. It's sad, it's wrong." Image credits: A Current Affair

Retirement Life

Uniting at our villages

A home is a house in a community where you feel like you can be yourself around respectful, social and like-minded individuals. As we enter the later stages of our life our ability to socialise and connect with the community in our free time expands. At the same time, our friendships have changed. People move away, there is more familial importance and sometimes close friends pass. The community we once flourished in and engaged with is no longer the same. We no longer have direct access to that same community of respectful, social and like-minded individuals. That’s why community and caring are built in at every Uniting NSW/ACT retirement and independent living villages. For over 50 years, Uniting has considered the wants and desires of people entering our retirement villages and what community they want to belong in. Moving into the next phase of your life should be an exciting occasion. Uniting believes that everyone should enjoy the confidence of belonging in the forefront of retirement and independent living community design. Lucette from Mosman was someone who intimately knew this. For over 40 years she was a real estate agent in the Mosman area and whenever someone asked where they should retire, she always said the same thing, “The Garrison by Uniting.” After years of advising others, Lucette was finally looking to downsize and retire from her profession. “I knew I wanted to upsize my lifestyle whilst downsizing at the same time. From the moment I moved into my own apartment at Uniting, I have fallen in love with the lifestyle.” <img class="wp-image-52870 size-full" src="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nancys-farewell_770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Uniting villages let you be yourself around respectful, social and like-minded individuals. Lucette found the purpose-built apartments to be practical and stylish whilst having plenty of natural light and ventilation, and walls that will allow for the installation of grab rails in the future, if needed. The apartments also include spacious layouts to allow people to entertain guests and to move around easily. Having room for guests was important for Lucette. One of her first projects when joining the village was to ensure that others could enjoy the area as much as she had. It all started one day when the village manager asked her if she could help form and activate a social committee. Could she ever! Lucette has been on a social whirl ever since. “I never realised how many friends I would make!” she says. “As the head of the social committee, I’ve met so many wonderful people doing the most extraordinary things. We’ve taken harbour cruises, had meals, trivia nights, movie afternoons and even chair yoga.” The social committee is now a big staple of the village. Even during the COVID lockdowns they made sure that they stayed connected and checked in with each other. One of the first things they did when restrictions eased was hold a party to farewell the village manager. Nancy has been the village manager at The Garrison for many years and felt like family to the residents. Her presence and sunny disposition brought a spirit of caring throughout the village. The residents wanted to have one last party with Nancy and give her the send-off she deserved before she commences with another wonderful Uniting village in Leichhardt. <img class="size-full wp-image-52869" src="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nancy-and-Lucette_770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Nancy, village manager at The Garrison, with Lucette. This is just one of the many ways that Lucette has seen her social network expand and cared for. She now says that it is her true home. Lucette also enjoys the freedom that retirement living has given her. She came for the ideal home but now believes she has the ideal lifestyle in her retirement. No longer does she have to worry about mowing the lawns or the letterbox filling up whilst she is away. Uniting’s specialist staff take away the hassle of maintenance for her property and allow her to focus on what truly matters. Like Lucette, residents have the convenience of choosing their comfort zone in the many leisure spaces of a Uniting retirement and independent living village. There are spaces to entertain yourself and to entertain your loved ones, whether that be a communal vegetable garden for the green thumbs, the villages’ dedicated clubroom for trivia and crafts, or the outdoor courtyard perfect for BBQs. The village and its staff want to facilitate your interests and keep you enjoying retirement in style. Our villages are uniquely placed to offer additional opportunities to enhance community life. Our goal is spontaneous opportunities for connection. We always aim to support the creation of as many new friendships and memories as possible. Everyone deserves to discover new passions in the comfort of their home with a community full of respectful, social and like-minded individuals. We want you to retire happily with easy access to a social network, new friends and other supports whenever you want it. Most Uniting villages even have room for any pets you want to bring along. Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments are available across NSW and the ACT to accommodate and compliment a thriving retirement lifestyle, wherever you live. Our dream is for our broader communities to grow stronger and build on their solid foundations. To realise this, we want to encourage people from all walks of life to come together and contribute to a diverse and vibrant place for connecting. A Uniting village is the perfect place to find your new home and your new forever friends. Uniting doesn’t just put a roof over your head, it creates a community. In that community, we are Uniting People. Book a tour by calling 1800 864 846 or going to <a rel="noopener" href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N1080016.1907402OVERSIXTY.COM.AU/B26377396.320569577;dc_trk_aid=505626589;dc_trk_cid=156967874;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=" target="_blank">uniting.org/villages</a>. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N1080016.1907402OVERSIXTY.COM.AU/B26377396.320569577;dc_trk_aid=505626589;dc_trk_cid=156967874;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=" target="_blank">Uniting</a>.

Retirement Life

How retirement villages are Uniting people

In wisdom, we realise that our confidence comes from a sense of belonging. Being connected to a community is what gives us a sense of belonging. Over time our ability to socialise in our free time expands while our community and neighbourhoods are changing. COVID-19 has had a particularly strong influence on people seeking different needs from home design and also their communities. At Uniting we realise that confidence comes from belonging and sharing memorable moments with like-minded people. That’s why community and caring are built in at every Uniting NSW/ACT retirement village. Moving into the next phase of your life should be an exciting occasion. Uniting believes that everyone should enjoy the confidence of belonging. One person who knows this intimately is Leonie. Leonie decided to move to Uniting Mayflower Gerringong in 2010 after taking part in a village tour. She had already experienced the village when her father had previously lived there. She jumped at the opportunity and set off to make sure she could become part of the community. “One of the first things I did was set up a veggie patch,” says Leonie. “I was a talker like Dad, so it was a great excuse to have a chat.” Leonie’s veggie patch became her own social sanctuary. Many of Leonie’s good friends now do the gardening together at Mayflower and the veggie patch has become its own community centre. “There is something special about our village,” she says. “There is a spirit of caring, not just among the staff but among all the people who live here. “This is a little village and we all belong to each other. We’re family.” Since joining the village at Gerringong, Leonie has seen her social network expand and sees it as her true home. Leonie also enjoys the freedom that retirement living has given her. No longer does she have to worry about mowing the lawns or the letterbox filling up while she is away. Uniting’s specialist staff take away the hassle of maintenance for her property and allow her to focus on what truly matters. “You don’t realise the friendships and the interdependence you’ll develop when you move in,” Leonie explains. “Every day I am surrounded by things to do with my friends. There are more activities going on than anyone could ever hope to get to!” Uniting has had more than 50 years’ experience to consider each and every detail that makes retirement living more enjoyable. People like Leonie live the Uniting values and ethos. And it can only be a home when you are in a community where you belong. Everyone deserves to discover new passions in the comfort of their home. A community full of respectful, social and like-minded individuals, and their pets should they choose. Uniting wants you to retire happily, with easy access to a social network, new friends and other supports whenever you want it. There are many spaces to explore at your leisure, to entertain yourself and to entertain your loved ones, whether that be communal vegetable garden for the green thumbs, the villages’ dedicated clubroom for trivia and crafts, or the outdoor courtyard perfect for barbecues. A Uniting village is a perfect place to find your new home and your new forever friends. In that community, we are Uniting People. Book a tour by calling 1800 864 846 or go to <a rel="noopener" href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N1080016.1907402OVERSIXTY.COM.AU/B26377396.312727685;dc_trk_aid=505567170;dc_trk_cid=157190802;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=" target="_blank">uniting.org/retirementliving</a> This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N1080016.1907402OVERSIXTY.COM.AU/B26377396.312727685;dc_trk_aid=505567170;dc_trk_cid=157190802;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=" target="_blank">Uniting</a>.

Real Estate

The last surviving village is a portal to the past

Nestled across three acres of land in north-eastern Singapore lies Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Singapore’s last surviving village where fragments of the 60s are still kicking on. Unlike Singapore’s towering skyscrapers and urban sprawl, the squat bungalows of the village remain as a snapshot of how the city used to look. The kampong - meaning “village” in Milay - is made up of about 25 wooden, single-storey dwellings with tin roofs scattered around a suaru (small mosque). Native flora that has since disappeared from the city - such as the ketapang, a native coastal tree - grow freely around the kampong. Though Singapore is now known for its soaring skyline and iconic landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands towers or colourful Gardens by the Bay, up until the 1970s kampongs were found everywhere, with researchers from the National University of Singapore estimating there were as many as 220 found on the island. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7WSk1p5to/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7WSk1p5to/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by William Ong/Singapore (@ongwill)</a> </div> </blockquote> Now, a few still exist on surrounding islands, but Lorong Buangkok is the last on the mainland. As Singapore underwent industrialisation, hundreds of traditional villages were bulldozed to make way for high-rise flats and skyscrapers. Lorong Buangkok escaped the fate of many other kampongs partly as the area surrounding it was less desirable for development than elsewhere in Singapore. The other reason is Sng Mui Hong, who has lived nearly her whole life in the village and has a resolute commitment to preserve the sole surviving kampong. Since the end of Singapore’s lockdown, local guide Kyanta Yap has noticed growing interest in Luong Buangkok. “It’s not that surprising since no-one can travel, and this is a unique local tourist spot,” he said. “There are also many who visit on their own; the general public, bikers, joggers and even groups organised on Meetup.” Though the Singapore government has attempted to redevelop the area in the past, an uproar of objections have seen the government grow to appreciate the rural relics and culture the village represents. “When the time comes for us to finalise our plans for the entire area, the government should work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure developments are carried out in a holistic and coherent way,” Desmond Lee, the Minister for National Development, has said. “This must involve deep engagement with the kampong families living there at that time, to understand and consider their needs and interests.” Nassim, one of the kampong’s residents, said: “It’s good the government now sees the importance of our kampong. “You need to leave something behind that reminds our young of how this country came about. We came from these humble huts.” Image credit: Grps / Wikipedia

International Travel

Lost Italian village emerges after decades under water

A "lost" village has emerged from an Italian lake after 71 years under water. Curon is a village in north Italy that was purposefully drowned in 1950 to become a reservoir for a hydro-electric plant. The reservoir is known as Lake Resia and usually the only sign of the 163 lost homes beneath it is a 14th-Century church tower that protrudes above the surface. Temporary draining at the lake has revealed the former alpine village, which was flooded despite protests from residents. It was flooded when a dam was built to merge two natural lakes and create the local hydro-electric plant. Lake Resia quickly became a tourist attraction due to the scary abandoned church tower sticking up in the middle. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luisa A. 🇮🇹 (@luisa2506)</a> </div> </blockquote> Around 1000 people were displaced when the village was purposefully flooded in 1950. Around 400 of those created a new village close by while the rest are said to have moved away. The past has been brought to life once again as repairs at the site have revealed quite eerie remains. Tourists and locals have been able to walk over the site and that’s resulted in some cool photography. Some great examples can be seen on Instagram account luisa2506 which shows some spooky buildings and rubble. The Instagram belongs to a local called Luisa Azzolini who has also been tweeting the amazing images.

International Travel

How to save up to $150,000 when downsizing into a new home in great lifestyle locations across Australia

Imagine being able to downsize into a new home for well under the full purchase price, allowing you to put away up to $150,000 into your retirement savings? This, in a nutshell, is how buyers are using the unique shared equity home purchase solution being offered by national over 50s lifestyle community operator Hampshire. The Hampshire Property Group is a family owned Australian company with 20 years’ experience in the retirement living industry. Its 17 communities are located in desirable coastal, regional and outer metropolitan areas across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hampshirevillages.com.au/retirement-villages/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HAMPSHIRE'S 17 COMMUNITIES HERE</a> <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839761/sponarticle10-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e02341c320e146c081d6b22b24470b91" /> Residents enjoy great facilities at Hampshire's communities, including this pool at Banksia Grove at Williamtown in NSW Hampshire has been offering its shared equity solution for the past 12 years. It allows incoming residents to purchase a new home for as little as 65 per cent of the set purchase price. OverSixty.com.au has spoken to a number of Hampshire community residents, and the company itself, to better understand the shared equity offer. Residents who’ve used shared equity In June 2020, Jim and Lorraine Mountford purchased a new two bedroom home at Hampshire’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hampshirevillages.com.au/rest-point-lifestyle-village-nowra/" target="_blank">Rest Point community at Nowra on the NSW South Coast</a>. However, instead of paying the full $360,000 purchase price, the Mountfords were able to take advantage of Hampshire’s shared equity offer and instead pay $252,000. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839760/sponarticle10-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7c906b4b44f24185bce47c866c6a150a" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Lorraine and Jim Mountford (right) and Maria Zdjelar (left) at Rest Point village</div> This means the Mountfords own 70 per cent of the dwelling, with Hampshire retaining ownership of the remaining 30 per cent. Despite this proportional ownership, the Mountfords are able to enjoy all of Rest Point’s facilities and activities, including its swimming pool and community centre, just like residents who’ve paid full price. Mr Mountford told OverSixty.com.au that his wife and himself had moved from Dapto, in Wollongong’s southern suburbs. “We had a lovely four bedroom house, but it was too big for us and still had a mortgage on it,” Mr Mountford said. “We chose to retire to Rest Point, as it’s still close enough for the rest of our family to easily visit, but it’s also near hospitals and shopping and only 15 minutes from South Coast beaches. “We were very happy with the house we ended up buying at Rest Point. “However, if we’d paid the full purchase price, we would have also had to sell our last investment property, which provides an important rental return for us. “So by using the shared equity offer, we were able to move into the community and home we wanted, but still hold on to our investment property.” Meanwhile, fellow Rest Point resident Maria Zdjelar has used the shared equity home purchase solution on several occasions to help her with everyday living expenses. Ms Zdjelar first moved into Rest Point a decade ago. Since then, she’s moved home three times, each time making a shared equity purchase. By moving into smaller homes and by using the shared equity solution, Ms Zdjelar has been able to unlock retirement funds and also continue to live in the community, which she positively likens to being on a “permanent holiday”. Shared equity an affordable housing solution Hampshire Property Group CEO Frank Sharkey said the shared equity solution was an important tool which helped people to achieve their retirement dreams. “We often find potential buyers have been holidaying for many years in the areas where our communities are located, and they like the area and want to retire there,” Mr Sharkey said. “However, they’ve been unable to afford the full purchase price to move into a new home in one of our communities. This is particularly the case for people who’ve lived for many years in regional areas, where home prices are lower than in capital cities. “Shared equity provides a real affordable housing solution to these buyers. “In addition, we also find buyers who want to use shared equity to free up their retirement savings, so they can do things on their bucket list such as buy caravans and go on holidays, or to help children and grandchildren.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839759/sponarticle10-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/771b646091f349d99efb198ce8d620d2" /> <div style="text-align: center;">A new home with caravan parking at Hampshire's Casino Lifestyle Village in northern NSW</div> Mr Sharkey said new homes in Hampshire’s communities were generally worth between $280-380,000, although could reach up to $500,000. This means using shared equity can deliver a saving of up to $150,000. Importantly, Mr Sharkey said Hampshire didn’t offer “two-tiered pricing” - in other words the full price of dwellings was static and wasn’t influenced by whether it was purchased in full or via the shared equity pathway. Details about the scheme There are some terms and conditions which apply to shared equity offers. For instance, an opportunity fee applies to shared equity purchases. This fee is linked to the value of the home and the length of the stay, and is charged to compensate Hampshire for not receiving the full purchase price. In addition, the shared equity offer is primarily available for newly-built homes and owners are required to maintain, repair and insure the whole of the home. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hampshirevillages.com.au/affordable-retirement-homes/" target="_blank">Please enquire with Hampshire at this web page to learn about other conditions</a>. Mr Sharkey says that, after weighing up all the options, around one in five buyers take up the shared equity solution. Importantly, these buyers reap many of the other financial benefits of land lease living, including owning a dwelling but at the same time being able to avoid stamp duty and council rates and being able to claim government rent assistance (subject to eligibility). Hampshire is the only national land lease community operator currently offering a shared equity solution. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hampshirevillages.com.au/affordable-retirement-homes/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAMPSHIRE'S COMMUNITIES AND ITS UNIQUE SHARED EQUITY SOLUTION</a> <div style="text-align: left;">Written by Mark Skelsey. </div> <div style="text-align: left;">This is a sponsored article in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hampshirevillages.com.au/" target="_blank">Hampshire Villages. </a></div> <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839758/sponarticle10-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0a794252eeec403b89899090fff0ed02" /> <div style="text-align: center;">A new home at Hampshire's Mudgee Lifestyle Village in regional NSW</div> <div style="text-align: left;"></div>

Downsizing

The benefits of living independently in the comfort of a secure community

For many, downsizing and moving into a retirement home is not an easy decision. After all, you’re leaving the home you’ve known and loved for many years of your life. However, not having to worry about the daily upkeep of your home and garden could be considered a blessing – especially if your knees aren’t quite what they used to be! With retirement living communities being designed with comfort, convenience and your ideal lifestyle in mind, countless retirees are finding it easier to make the switch – in fact, many of Uniting’s residents who are currently enjoying all the benefits of a retirement living community say they wish they’d done it sooner. What’s the difference between independent and assisted living? It’s important to know that there is a difference between independent and assisted living. <a href="https://www.uniting.org/uniting-westmead/retirement-independent-living">Independent living</a> means that you’re able to live your life exactly as you’re used to, but with more friends around as many retirement communities are a “village within a village”. This means that you’re surrounded by a supportive community but are still able to relax in the privacy of your own home. <a href="https://www.uniting.org/uniting-westmead/assisted-living">Assisted living</a> means you’re able to get support if you need it, perhaps if you’re finding the chores more difficult than they used to be. It can also be helpful if you just want more free time for yourself. Some retirement communities, such as <a href="https://www.uniting.org/uniting-westmead">Uniting Westmead</a>, offer a range of services that can suit your needs. Warwick and Barbara are new Uniting Westmead residents, and they couldn’t be more thrilled about the change. “The house was a bit too much for us now,” explains Barbara. “We don’t have to worry about changing lightbulbs or tap washers now, and we have a community of people we can now mix with,” laughs Warwick. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VzvLbe4ft2U"></iframe></div> How do I know which one is for me? Independent living is ideal if you’re looking to hand over the upkeep of your home and garden and enjoy your time in a retirement village. With so many amenities on offer at Uniting Westmead, such as a seniors’ gym, hair and beauty salon, a community café and a vegetable garden, you’ll have more than enough on your plate to keep your schedule jam-packed. However, if you find that you’re struggling to keep on top of the housework or are having a bit more trouble physically with things than you used to, assisted living is for you. The right level of support can be tailored to each person’s requirements and you are able to add extra services to your plan if you need them. What do the apartments look like? The apartments have been designed with you in mind, with features that are bound to make your life easier. These include generous doorways, windows and corridors as well as level flooring. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838279/body-uniting.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6cdaf209f8bb4a88bc0988e6447c1a39" /> If you’re worried about what might happen if you’re injured in your home, you needn’t be. This is due to the 24-hour emergency call system that’s in place in every apartment. You can relax and enjoy open plan living spaces, a private balcony or courtyard as well as stainless steel appliances included in the apartment. In the hotter summer months, it’s easy to keep cool with air conditioning as well as window furnishing, which are included. Uniting Westmead is also right in the heart of Sydney, which is a key concern for Barbara and Warwick. “The location is perfect, it’s across the road from Parramatta Park, which is ideal for the grandchildren,” says Barbara. Warwick is also impressed with the location of the units. “We didn’t want to be too far away from hospitals, but still wanted to be close to the family,” he explains. “We did our research, and as far as we’re concerned, Uniting ticked all the boxes.” See what you may be missing out on, as you can chat to someone today who has made the move into Uniting Westmead. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/478579433;284977294;l">Uniting Westmead</a>.

Retirement Life

Meet the couple who moved into a new retirement village apartment...without visiting it first

A decision by a NSW couple to buy a retirement village apartment - without physically inspecting it first - has illustrated how COVID-19 has transformed the downsizing real estate market. In late June 2020, John and Rosemary Gooch moved 500km from Mudgee in the NSW central-west to <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/11035/queens-lake-retirement-village">Stockland Queens Lake</a> at Laurieton on the State’s mid-north coast. Although Ms Gooch knew the Laurieton area well, having previously lived near there, neither she or her husband had actually been inside their future one and half bedroom apartment. A Stockland salesperson gave the couple several online tours on her mobile phone, and also helped by taking measurements of key areas. “I’d looked at the apartment so many times (online), I knew it backwards,” Ms Gooch said. “I knew every room, every little bit, so we knew it was going to be good. “The sales person did a video of it, and walked us through, and we had a floor plan. Because we had seen it so much, we knew how beautiful it was. “When we actually arrived, it was actually better than what we thought. It is bigger than what we thought, it is a beautiful location and it’s quiet.” Dea Gardner, sales professional at Queens Lake Retirement Village, said it was important to make the customer feel comfortable and confident when making the big decision to move, especially when it comes to downsizing. “I just kept in regular contact and made sure I had a lot of information to help them (the Goochs) understand any concerns or questions they had,” Ms Gardner said. “I made myself available to them entirely, having several conversations on what from their furnishings would or wouldn’t fit, and happily took measurements for them so they knew as much information as possible before moving. I think this relieved a lot of their stresses.” The Goochs said they were happy to make the purchase after taking part in virtual tours, given this meant they avoided a 500km trip during a time of COVID-19 restrictions. The couple purchased the apartment for $245,000. More retirement living operators are turning to virtual tours and open days to market their properties, either in response to government restrictions or because potential buyers may be keen to avoid travelling. Downsizing.com.au has <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/739/New-online-events-promotion-is-the-key-to-sales-success-with-downsizers">launched a new initiative</a> which supports clients being able to showcase virtual tours and online events, along with traditional in-person events. Find out more information about the <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/11035/queens-lake-retirement-village">Queens Lake retirement village here.</a>

Downsizing

“They’re not retirement villages”: How you can keep active and save money in a Hometown over 50s community

When Queensland couple Fiona and Rick Lodge made the decision to downsize earlier this year, they were keen to find a new home which would allow them to cherish the great outdoors and lead an active lifestyle. After all, Fiona, 62, and Rick, 74, love to spend time in the sun and be active and healthy. In fact, in the lead-up to a major event, this super-fit couple would be likely to cover nearly 400km in a single week, either through running, riding their bikes or swimming. Fiona and Rick have both run marathons and, in 2018, Fiona represented Australia in the 55-59 age group in the ITU World Championships Olympic Distance Triathlon. “All through our lives, we have always done some kind of physical activity,” Fiona said. “There wouldn’t be a day we don’t exercise.” “However, where we used to live in Brisbane, it got a bit boring running past houses and the local road system could be a bit dangerous and the environment not terribly healthy. “We wanted to find a new home and community where we could enjoy a great outdoor coastal environment, and also help financially set up our retirement.” Fiona and Rick moved into a Hometown Australia land lease community Fiona and Rick decided to shift to <a rel="noopener" href="https://hometownaustralia.com.au/qld/moreton-bay/orianna-sandstone-point/" target="_blank">Hometown Australia’s Orianna community</a> located at Sandstone Point in the Moreton Bay region, north of Brisbane. With its slow-paced coastal location, and an abundance of recreational facilities, Orianna is the perfect location for active and healthy over 50s. As Fiona points out: “It is close to the water and beach, with lots of great scenery, which is great for running and being outdoors.” Located just 100m from the edge of the Bribie Island Passage, Orianna has an outdoor fully heated pool and bowling green, along with a cinema, clubhouse, BBQ area, games room, gymnasium and wellness centre. Similar active lifestyle features are also available in many of the <a rel="noopener" href="https://hometownaustralia.com.au/communities" target="_blank">48 residential land lease communities operated by Hometown Australia</a> across Queensland, NSW and South Australia. Hometown land lease communities ideal for an active lifestyle Land lease communities are growing in popularity across Australia, in part because they are attracting active and younger downsizers. Unlike retirement villages laws in a number of States, you don’t actually need to be retired to enter a Hometown Australia land lease community. As a result, these communities are attracting an increasing number of people in their 50s and 60s who are either in the early stages of retirement, or transitioning to retirement. Some residents are actually still working part-time or full-time, while living in the community. Given the younger age profile, incoming residents tend to be more active than those in retirement villages. This helps create a more vibrant social and community atmosphere, where people are often out and about around the community. As Fiona says: “People have to look at these communities with an open mind, and not think of them as retirement villages. They are all new and modern, lots of facilities, and you don’t have to be in your 60s and 70s to move into them.” Hometown land lease communities help save you money Another reason that land lease communities attract younger downsizers is because they offer financial incentives which allow people to retire early. Under the land lease model, buyers purchase a dwelling and then benefit from a secure, long-term ground lease for this dwelling with Hometown Australia. Because no land is actually being purchased, buyers don’t have to pay stamp duty or ongoing council rates. For Fiona and Rick, this means they have avoided a $7,175 stamp duty bill and around $950 in annual council rates, which would have applied if they had bought a general home in the same area for the same amount. In addition, because of the ground lease arrangement, and because Rick is an aged pensioner, the couple are eligible to claim rent assistance via the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance/how-much-you-can-get#a1" target="_blank">Commonwealth Rent Assistance </a>scheme, to offset their monthly site fees. Hometown land lease communities have great and affordable homes Importantly, Hometown land lease communities also allow buyers to move into a range of attractive lifestyle-rich locations, at an affordable price. Many of these communities are located in some of Australia’s best-known coastal holiday spots, including Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast regions, NSW’s Mid-North, North Coast and Port Stephens regions and South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Hometown community homes start at just $250,000, with most of these having two or three bedrooms, a study, and either 1.5 or two bathrooms. Homes in Orianna start from $379,000 (for a two-bedroom home with ensuite). The affordable price point of these homes allows many retirees to top up their retirement savings, after selling their family home and moving into a Hometown community. “By moving here, we were able to shift to a great coastal area and into a new house, but still be able to put away something for our retirement,” Fiona said. “We had a look at other houses in the local area, when we were weighing everything up, but we generally found the other houses were more expensive and needed a lot of work, that would have taken money from us.” Fiona and Rick purchased a three bedroom, two bathroom home with a double garage and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas. The home also features ceiling fans and air conditioning. The Lodges use the backyard for regular Sunday get-togethers with other Orianna residents. “We liked the idea of downsizing into a standalone house and a yard, where you are part of a great community but still have your own privacy. It ticked all our boxes,” Fiona said. Find out more <a rel="noopener" href="https://hometownaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Hometown Australia’s new website</a> allows potential buyers to easily search communities across Australia and see what facilities and homes they offer. The details of the community manager are listed alongside each community, allowing you to easily find out more information. <ul> <li>SEE ALSO: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/downsizing/how-moving-into-a-land-lease-community-can-help-you-retire-early" target="_blank">How moving into a land lease community can help you retire early</a></li> <li>SEE ALSO: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/downsizing/discover-the-resort-like-over-50s-communities-helping-australia-s-grey-nomads-get-back-on-the-road" target="_blank">Discover the resort-like over 50s communities helping Australia’s ‘grey nomads’ get back on the road</a></li> </ul> Written by Mark Skelsey, this sponsored article is produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://hometownaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Hometown Australia</a>.

Downsizing

Retirement village deferred management fees: Your questions answered

Despite having been the mainstay of Australia’s retirement village industry for decades, deferred management fees remain a poorly-understood and confusing concept for many consumers. In fact, the first time that most consumers hear about deferred management fees is when they consider <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale" target="_blank">moving into a retirement village.</a> You won’t be charged a deferred management fee when you buy a general apartment or a house - but you will more than likely be charged such a fee by a retirement village. Deferred management fees come in many shapes and sizes. The advantage of this situation is that consumers can shop around for the best deal, and work with an operator to create a pricing model which suits their needs. The downside, however, is that there can be an overwhelming number of choices and options. However, fear not. Downsizing.com.au has put together the ultimate dummy’s guide to deferred management fees (also known as exit fees or deferred fees). What are deferred management fees? A deferred management fee is a fee you need to pay a retirement living operator when you leave the village. Deferred management fees represent an operator’s return (potentially including profit) from the villages they develop and run. Why do village operators charge deferred management fees? Deferred management fees are not well-understood, typically because they are such a different pricing model compared to general housing projects. For instance, a typical apartment developer would seek to recover its profit as a percentage of the value of the apartment, when selling it for the first time. The developer then exits the project and allows the apartment owners to manage the complex. However, this scenario is not really suitable when applied to retirement villages, which have a vastly different operating model. This is because: <ul> <li>Charging a set percentage of the dwelling price when a resident moves into a retirement village (using the above model) may be unfair if the resident only stays in the village for a very short time, such as a year or so</li> <li>State legislation can be quite strict about how operators charge monthly fees, with the aim that they recoup their costs but don’t extract a profit. As a result, the deferred management fee model has been developed by the industry to get a return on the project, because they can't get this through monthly fees</li> <li>Unlike the apartment developer example above, retirement village operators both develop the project and then continue to manage the project, which means an apartment style upfront ‘set and forget’ pricing structure may not work.</li> </ul> As a result of the above, the industry has developed the idea of the deferred management fee. The fee is linked to the length of time that the resident stays in the dwelling, which in essence is a fair and reasonable concept. What are the different types of deferred management fees? Unfortunately, not only are deferred management fees a niche and poorly-understood feature of the retirement village industry, consumers also need to learn about the many different ways that they are charged. The chart below (from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/Web/Content/News/RLC/2019/2019_Retirement_Census_snapshot_report_released.aspx" target="_blank">Property Council of Australia 2019 Retirement Living Census</a>) shows the different ways that operators seek to charge fees, including on either the incoming or outgoing price of the dwelling, and sometimes a portion of capital gain (or loss). <img src="https://img.seniorshousingonline.com.au/ed05692cb07d355e5bf4f6c2f2b069121ac45b14" alt="" width="400" height="314" /> As you can see from the chart, the most popular way that a deferred management fee is charged is on the incoming contribution, with no percentage charged on the capital gain of the dwelling while the resident has been living there. Some people argue this option provides the greatest certainty, because it means that a person will know the fee they are going to pay, when they sign on the dotted line. This is not possible if the fee is charged on the outgoing price, given this is a future variable. Consumers are also well-advised to carefully read their contract, and shop around, if the operator is proposing to extract part of the fee from the village unit’s capital gain. Although it doesn’t often happen, some contracts have been known to state that the consumer will both pay a portion of the capital gain if the price of the dwelling goes up, but also have to pay a fee to compensate the operator if the value of the dwelling falls. In other words, the consumer pays both ways - no matter what the outcome. There are two schools of thought in relation to operators linking the fee to capital gain. Some consumers, understandably, think they should wholly benefit from any capital gain, just as they would if their family home value increased. In contrast, some operators argue it is actually in the interests of both the consumer and the operator for the fee to apply on capital gain. According to this argument, a fee linked to capital gain ensures that both the resident and the operator are motivated to keep the dwelling and village well-maintained so the dwelling appreciates in value over time. What is the average cost of deferred management fees? As the chart from the Property Council 2019 Retirement Living Census below shows, there are a wide range of deferred management costs. <img src="https://img.seniorshousingonline.com.au/81ed1da922543989f76809084b527c85ef37add1" alt="" width="400" height="332" /> The maximum fee level typically ranges between 25 and 36 per cent of your home value (noting the different pricing models explained above). So it pays to shop around. What’s more, operators apply this maximum fee in different timeframes. Around half of all villages reach the maximum fee level within six years (noting that the average stay in a retirement village is around 8-9 years). Around one in five however reach the fee within just four years. Obviously, you are more likely to pay more if you sign-up with an operator with a higher fee which applies in a shorter time frame. How do I know what fee option is best for me? Not only do you need to understand what the operator is offering, and shop around, you also need to consider your own financial circumstances. Operators are likely to be willing to reduce the deferred management fee amount, if you pay a higher entry price when you sell your family home and downsize into a retirement village dwelling. This is because they will make money by earning interest when they invest this higher amount, and therefore are willing to forgo a higher fee. The potential advantage of this approach is that, by paying a higher amount, you also won’t have too much spare cash lying around and breach the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/age-pension/how-much-you-can-get/assets-test/assets" target="_blank">pension assets threshold</a> (and therefore lose all or part access to the pension). A good financial advisor should be able to help with calculating this. Separately, for some people, an option where they pay a very high fee - in some cases well over 50 per cent - but also a much lower incoming price, is preferable. This is because, without this lower entry price, the residents wouldn’t have been able to move into the village at all. In other words, the deferred management fee is simply a formula - and can be pushed and squeezed in a way which best suits your needs and financial situation. How can I compare and contrast different offers? Fortunately, the Macquarie University has developed a <a rel="noopener" href="https://rvcalculator.mq.edu.au/#/calculator" target="_blank">Retirement Village Calculator</a>, which seeks to boil all the above options (and the monthly service charge) into a simple monthly cost. This allows you to compare and contrast different operators and scenarios. In addition, some operators have done away with deferred management fees altogether - see the stories below for more information: <ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/654/Largest-in-Australia-270m-Canberra-care-centered-village-accepts-its-first-residents" target="_blank">"Largest in Australia": $270m Canberra care-centered vlllage accepts its first residents </a>(2020 story)</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://big%20changes%20in%20retirement%20living/" target="_blank">Big changes in retirement living</a> (2018 story)</li> </ul> Also check out this <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/110/What-you-need-to-know-about-legal-title-in-retirement-villages" target="_blank">expert analysis</a> of different sort of legal titles and fee pricing models in NSW retirement villages. Written by Mark Skelsey. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/700/Retirement-village-deferred-management-fees-your-questions-answered" target="_blank">Downsizing.com.au</a>.

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