Affordable downsizing options — what are your choices?
Not everyone planning their retirement has $500,000 or more to spend on a new home. The good news is there are affordable downsizing options available, and with a little research, you can find a community that suits your lifestyle and budget. Rental retirement communities Rental retirement communities often have the lowest entry costs. Instead of […]
Retirement village fees — your questions answered
When it comes to retirement villages and land lease communities, one of the biggest questions people have is: what will it cost me? Between entry prices, ongoing charges, and exit fees, it can be hard to compare options with confidence. Money expert Rachel Lane, creator of the the software that powers the Village Guru Report […]
VCAT Rules Lifestyle Communities’ Exit Fees Unenforceable
In a landmark decision on 7 July 2025, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) struck down exit fees charged by Lifestyle Communities to residents of its Melbourne land‑lease estates. Justice Ted Woodward found the fees, known as Deferred Management Fees (DMFs), to be void under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), citing inadequate disclosure at the […]
Age Pension thresholds go up
There’s good news for pensioners this month — from 1 July, the government is lifting a few key thresholds for the Age Pension: It’s a modest change, but if you’re one of the 63% of retirees getting some pension, it might mean a slightly higher payment in your next fortnight. What hasn’t changed are the […]
Care might be a four letter word — but it pays to plan
For many downsizers, aged care can feel like a conversation for “later.” You might be fit, independent, and enjoying your freedom — and “care” sounds like something that only applies when you’re much older. But what if your next move could be your last? What if future-proofing your downsize meant you could have aged care […]
Know you want to downsize — but where to?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with hundreds of people at our Downsizing seminars in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. No matter where we were, many of the same big questions kept coming up:“What about my Age Pension?”“What are my downsizing options?”“Should I put the money into super?” These […]
Is there a catch with land lease communities?
Land lease communities vs retirement villages When considering a move to a retirement community, you may come across two popular models — retirement villages and land lease communities. While both offer lifestyle benefits, they are fundamentally different in terms of contracts, costs, and financial implications. One of the big attractions of a land lease community […]
Vertical land lease communities: A new way to retire closer to the city
For decades, land lease communities have provided an affordable, community-oriented lifestyle for retirees, evolving from simple cabins in caravan parks to luxurious resort-style living. Traditionally, these communities have been built on large plots of land on the urban fringe or in regional areas. But now, a groundbreaking project on the Gold Coast is set to […]
Granny flats — great solution or road to disaster?
Granny flats are increasingly being seen as a quick and affordable solution to the housing crisis, with many state governments easing planning restrictions to facilitate their construction. These units offer a myriad of benefits, transforming the once humble granny flat into a valuable asset. They provide secure and comfortable homes purpose-built for aging, reduce social […]
New book on estate planning
“Wills, Death & Taxes Made Simple” by Noel Whittaker is available now, it is the ultimate guide to estate planning. Recently, Noel was having a chat with the guy who takes care of his garden, and he asked him if he had a will. He replied, “never got around to it. It all seems too […]
