A retirement village is a community for older people who want to live independently with support and facilities nearby.
- You do not own your home like a regular house.
- You enter a legal agreement, usually a lease or licence, that gives you the right to live there. This means you have a right to occupy, not ownership.
- In most cases, you cannot transfer your lease or licence to someone else (such as a spouse or family member).
- You cannot use the property as security for a loan or mortgage.
- You will need to follow village rules relating to visitors and guests.
When choosing a retirement village, you'll need to think about finances, lifestyle, and the rules you will be expected to follow.
Where to find a retirement village
Catalyst Foundation
Use the Catalysts Foundation's Retirement Housing Directory to find a retirement village in your preferred location.
Retirement Village Register
Office for Ageing Well maintains a Register of all retirement villages in South Australia. This information can help you to decide what village is right for you.
The Register contains key information about each retirement village, including the operator’s and landowner’s details, all village site addresses, title references, manager contacts, and any other information required by the Registrar.
Go to the Retirement Villages Register
You may also contact the Retirement Villages Unit to request to see the Register during ordinary office hours.
Phone: (08) 8204 2420
Email: retirementvillages@sa.gov.au
What to consider when choosing a retirement village
When choosing a retirement village, there are some important things to consider, use the retirement village checklist to help you choose a village that suits your needs.
It is a good idea to visit several villages. This will help you decide which village is right for you.
After choosing a retirement village
After choosing a retirement village, you will need to enter a residence contract. By law, the village must give you important documents to help you understand your new living arrangement.
Find more information about entering a residence contract.
