See the true cost of retirement living before you move

Downsizing is one of the biggest lifestyle and financial decisions you’ll ever make. But when it comes to retirement living, it can be difficult to understand what you’ll really pay — and what you’ll get back when you leave.

That’s why Village Guru has partnered with Downsizing.com.au to bring you the TrueCost Report.

This report puts all the numbers in one place so you can compare options side-by-side and avoid surprises down the track.

Watch: How the TrueCost Report powered by Village Guru works

What’s inside a Village Guru Report?

Every report shows you:

Ingoing costs — what you’ll pay to move in (purchase price, entry fees, bonds).
Ongoing costs — the regular fees you’ll pay while living there (service charges, maintenance, extras).
Outgoing costs — what happens when you leave (exit fees, what you get back, and how soon).
Pension & rent assistance impacts — how your Centrelink entitlements may change depending on the community and contract type.

Why it matters

Many people focus only on the entry price when comparing retirement communities. But ongoing fees and exit costs can make a huge difference to affordability.

The TrueCost Report powered by Village Guru helps you:

Compare retirement communities side by side
See the full financial picture — not just the entry price
Understand how different contracts can impact your Age Pension and Rent Assistance
Make decisions with greater peace of mind

Where to find it

You don’t need to crunch the numbers yourself.

When you see the TrueCost badge on a retirement village listing at Downsizing.com.au, it means you can access a TrueCost Report powered by Village Guru.

This free report shows you the ingoing, ongoing and outgoing costs, plus how your pension and rent assistance could be affected — all in one place.

Final thoughts

Moving into a retirement community is about more than choosing a new home — it’s about making sure the lifestyle and the finances work for you.

💡 Before you sign a contract, check for the TrueCost badge on Downsizing.com.au to access a report powered by Village Guru. It’s free, independent, and could save you from costly surprises later on.

Living well after 50 — insights from the GemLife Lifestyle Forum

Retirement village costs explained: Exit fees, pensions, and what you need to know

Can I afford aged care after paying a 35% exit fee?

Rachel Lane on Studio 10

The ultimate downsizing guide

Let Noel Whittaker and Rachel Lane guide you through the legal and financial maze, explain how a move can affect your lifestyle, superannuation, pension and benefits, and share some real life stories from readers.

Whether you’re moving to a townhouse or apartment in a strata title development, considering a granny flat or tiny house with family, looking at collaborative housing with like-minded people, or making the move to a retirement community, listen to the experts, and make it your best move.

Stay up-to-date with our newsletter

About

The Downsizing Made Simple website was created as an educational resource for people looking to downsize. Our aim is to help you understand all that’s involved, both practical and financial, so you can make the move with confidence.

Quick links

Get in touch

The information on this website is for general information only.
It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the website owner – Aged Care Gurus trading as Downsizing Made Simple.
Aged Care Gurus is not a financial adviser. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the website information relates to your unique circumstances.
Aged Care Gurus is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of this website.