---
title: "Moving into a retirement village: what we check"
description: You choose the village, and we check what it costs to go in, to live there and to leave.
---

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# Moving into a retirement village: what we check

## You choose the village, and we check what it costs to go in, to live there and to leave.

You choose the village. We never choose it for you. Before you sign, we check the contract and the village's accounts, so you and your family know what it costs to go in, what it costs while you live there, and what comes back when you leave.

### What we check

- **The ingoing contribution:** what you pay to go in, and how it's funded
- **Ongoing fees:** the general services charge and other regular costs
- **The deferred management fee:** how it's worked out, and when it applies
- **Capital gains and losses:** how any change in value is shared
- **Exit costs:** what comes back to you when you leave, after fees and refurbishment

### How it works

1. Send us the contract and the village's fee details when you have them. With your letter of authority, we can ask the village for anything missing.
2. We explain the contract in plain English. If you're weighing up villages, we compare the true cost of each.
3. Where needed, we introduce a lawyer.
4. You sign the contract once we've checked it, and approve the payment at settlement.
5. Once you've settled in, forward us the first fee notice. We check the fees match the contract.

Your advice covers how the village fits with your income, Centrelink and spending, before and after settlement.

### If care is needed later

We're also the aged care team, so if you or your partner need care later, tell us first. For Victorian villages, ask us for our fact sheet on how the village may help with aged care accommodation payments.

For anything about your own money, talk to your adviser.

Questions? Text us on 0489 274 766 or email admin@primeyears.com.au.

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