New Retirement Villages Opening in Australia in 2025: Overview and Insights

Understanding Retirement Villages in Australia in 2025

Retirement villages in Australia are communities primarily designed for those over 55, providing independent or assisted living options with social, recreational, and support facilities. New villages focus on resort-style living with health and wellness features, social connectivity, sustainability, and closeness to essential services.

Whether located in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, or other areas, the structure of retirement village offerings typically includes:

• One, two, or three-bedroom residences such as independent living units, villas, or apartments.
• Access to facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, community clubhouses, libraries, and diverse social clubs.
• Legal and financial structures regulated by state-specific legislation to safeguard residents’ rights.
• Payment models including upfront entry contributions, ongoing fees, and exit or deferred management charges.

New Retirement Villages and Pricing Information by Location

Melbourne Area

Keyton Villages manages 28 retirement villages across Victoria, including multiple locations in Melbourne suburbs such as Altona, Berwick, Blackburn, Brighton, Malvern, and Richmond. Among new developments, Sherwin Rise in Wollert (Melbourne metro area) is scheduled to open mid-2025 with prices beginning around $499,500. Currently, there is a promotion offering no service fees for two years; prospective residents should verify these details directly with the operator for accuracy and applicability.

Keyton villages usually offer a range of housing choices, including one, two, and three-bedroom independent living homes, villas, and apartments. Villages are located in urban and coastal environments, often near shopping centres, cafes, golf courses, and walking paths.

Further details for Melbourne villages:

• Prices outside Sherwin Rise are generally not publicly disclosed and can be requested.
• Common amenities include fitness centres, heated pools, art and craft rooms, libraries, and walking groups.
• Some villages provide Serviced Apartments, which may include additional care services such as meals and emergency response.
• Ongoing fees cover maintenance, services, and security, with weekly rates subject to adjustment; always confirm current fees directly with management.

Brisbane Area

The retirement village market in Brisbane is expanding with several innovative projects:

• GemLife Moreton Bay is a $340 million sustainable land lease community crafted for over 50s near Brisbane. It is Australia’s first 5-star Green Star certified land lease retirement community. Homes are designed to be fully electric and energy efficient to help reduce living expenses. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and should be requested from the developer for up-to-date details.
• Seasons Mango Hill offers community programs such as social clubs, aqua fitness, and music groups. Pricing information is not publicly available and can be obtained from Seasons’ management.
• Regional developments such as Aliria on Dean in Rockhampton (Queensland) include three-bedroom duplex homes starting from around $565,000, featuring amenities like clubhouses, pools, and gyms.

Points to consider when exploring Brisbane retirement villages:

• Contact developers for detailed pricing and availability at new estates.
• Sustainable, energy-efficient projects aim to control living costs.
• Active lifestyle activities are emphasized in many villages.
• Review all legal and financial agreements thoroughly before committing.

Sydney Area

Sydney’s new retirement living projects provide a variety of housing options with amenity-rich environments:

• Aveo Bella Vista Haven plans to open a new residential building, Corymbia, in August 2025, comprising 83 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms including penthouses. Pricing is not yet available publicly, and expressions of interest are currently open. Prospective residents should contact Aveo for the latest updates.
• The village offers a range of amenities including pools, gyms, cinemas, restaurants, and an onsite or nearby aged care facility housing 135 beds.
• Other projects include Aveo’s Minkara Resort on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which is undergoing a $1.5 million enhancement to its community centre and lifestyle amenities.
• Arcadia Group operates multiple villages in NSW, known for community continuity and resident satisfaction, although prices are not publicly shared.

Sydney market observations:

• Due to limited public disclosure, prices are generally available only upon request.
• Amenities commonly support resort-style living with social and wellness facilities.
• Proximity to medical, retail, and transport hubs enhances location appeal.

Financial and Legal Considerations in 2025

Grasping financial obligations and contractual terms is critical when considering new retirement villages.

Types of Costs to Anticipate

• Ingoing Contribution / Entry Fee: An upfront payment securing your right to occupy a residence. Amounts vary by location, size, and contract type. For instance, at Queensland’s Allora Gardens Retirement Village, ingoing contributions range from about $470,000 to $765,000 depending on these factors.
• Ongoing Charges: Residents generally pay weekly fees known as General Services Charges and Maintenance Reserve Fund contributions (e.g., roughly $117.80/week for general services at Allora Gardens). These fees cover village operations, upkeep, security, insurance (often excluding contents), and utilities. Separate accounts are usually needed for electricity and phone.
• Exit Fees / Deferred Management Fees: Many agreements impose exit fees when leaving the village, calculated from the unit’s sale. Some contracts allow prepaid management fees to avoid exit fees; specific conditions differ and should be examined carefully.

Contract Types

Typical contractual arrangements include:

• Participating Contracts: Management fees deferred and shared from capital gains.
• Prepaid Plans: Fees paid upfront, enabling residents to benefit from capital appreciation.
• Refundable Contribution Contracts: Higher upfront fees without management fees on exit.
• Pay-As-You-Go: Monthly payments and refundable deposits with no exit fees.

Legal Protections and Guidance

• Retirement villages are regulated by state laws such as the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (QLD) or similar legislation elsewhere.
• Operators must provide Village Comparison Documents and Prospective Costs Documents detailing fees and contract terms.
• Prospective residents are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice before signing contracts to understand financial, contractual, and legal ramifications.
• Advisory services like the Queensland Retirement Village and Parks Advice Service (QRVPAS) offer advice on contracts and residents’ rights.

Lifestyle and Community Features in New Retirement Villages

In 2025, new villages highlight community living and wellness with features including:

• Resort-Style Amenities: Such as heated pools, gyms, yoga lawns, golf courses, cinemas, and libraries.
• Active Lifestyle Activities: Including aqua fitness, Tai Chi, walking groups, pickleball, and arts and crafts.
• Social Spaces: Clubhouses with dining, bars, games rooms, and communal gardens.
• Support Services: Onsite management, emergency systems, and optional care services.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Focus on eco-friendly building certifications, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.

Operators like Keyton (Victoria), Aveo (nationwide), GemLife (Queensland), and Seasons (Queensland) aim to enhance residents’ wellbeing through social opportunities and wellness programs.

Selecting a Retirement Village in 2025

Tips for Prospective Residents

• Research: Find villages that fit your lifestyle preferences and location requirements.
• Visit: Arrange tours to experience the community atmosphere and inspect homes.
• Request Pricing and Contracts: Contact providers directly if pricing is not publicly listed.
• Review Documents: Thoroughly examine Village Comparison and Prospective Costs documentation.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult qualified retirement village lawyers or financial advisers.
• Evaluate Lifestyle Fit: Consider access to health care, amenities, activities, and social options.
• Analyze Financial Impact: Understand ongoing fees, exit costs, and effects on pensions or benefits.
• Make an Informed Decision: Utilize legal cooling-off periods and protections provided by regulation.

Illustrative Pricing Examples in 2025

Location	Example Village / Project	Starting Price Range (AUD)	Notes
Melbourne (VIC)	Keyton Sherwin Rise (Wollert)	From $499,500	No service fees for 2 years promotion; confirm current terms
Brisbane (QLD)	GemLife Moreton Bay	Not publicly disclosed	Energy-efficient homes; pricing upon request
Brisbane (QLD)	Aliria on Dean (Rockhampton)	From $565,000	Three-bedroom duplex homes
Sydney (NSW)	Aveo Bella Vista Haven (Corymbia)	Pricing not publicly available	Luxury apartments; expressions of interest open

Conclusion

Australia’s new retirement villages in 2025 present a variety of living choices, from affordable over-50s communities to apartments with resort-style amenities. Prices vary depending on location, accommodation type, and contract specifics. Potential residents should carefully review legal documents and understand financial commitments, seeking independent advice to support informed decisions.

Whether you seek urban culture, coastal settings, or sustainable communities, Australia’s retirement villages continue to evolve in line with the health, wellbeing, and social needs of residents.

Sources

• Keyton Villages - Victoria Retirement Living
• Explore Australia’s Retirement Living Choices 2025 - The Senior
• Allora Gardens Retirement Village - Village Comparison Document March 2025

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