Retirement is a time for fresh beginnings, and moving to a retirement lifestyle community can be the perfect way to embrace a fulfilling and independent way of life. Whether you're looking for a supportive community, a more manageable home, or simply a chance to focus on what matters most, careful planning is key to making the transition smooth and rewarding. Here’s what to know before moving to a lifestyle village.
Understanding Lifestyle Villages: A Modern Retirement Option
Lifestyle villages are a popular choice for retirees looking to embrace a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle. Unlike traditional retirement homes, these villages offer more than just accommodation; they provide a way of living that prioritises independence, social connection, and well-being. With beautifully maintained surroundings, a range of amenities, and an active community, lifestyle villages are designed to help retirees live life to the fullest.
What is a Lifestyle Village?
A lifestyle village is a residential community specifically designed for retirees or those approaching retirement. Residents live independently in private homes but have access to shared amenities such as recreation centres, swimming pools, walking trails, and social activities. It’s a living option that balances privacy and community involvement, making it ideal for those who want to stay socially engaged and maintain an active lifestyle.
Key Benefits of Lifestyle Villages
- A Supportive and Connected Community
Moving to a retirement village means joining a community of like-minded individuals. Social activities, communal spaces, and regular events make it easy to connect with others, form friendships, and feel part of a larger support network. - Low-Maintenance Living
Retirement lifestyle communities, like Waikerie Lifestyle Village, offer a low-maintenance way of living, where residents can enjoy a vibrant and independent lifestyle. While residents are responsible for maintaining their own homes, the Village takes care of shared facilities and common areas, ensuring beautifully maintained spaces for everyone to enjoy. This balance allows retirees to focus on what matters most—staying active, social, and engaged in the community. - A Focus on Wellness and Active Living
These villages are often located in serene, natural environments that promote physical and mental well-being. Walking trails, bushlands, and wellness programs encourage residents to stay active and healthy, while social clubs and hobby groups offer opportunities to explore new interests.
Financial Considerations When Choosing a Lifestyle Village
When choosing a lifestyle village, understanding the financial aspects can help you in preparing for retirement budget and long-term needs. Waikerie Lifestyle Village offers a value-driven and practical retirement solution, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy an independent, community-focused lifestyle through its innovative land lease model.
Understanding the Costs of Lifestyle Villages
The financial structure of lifestyle communities differs from traditional home ownership or retirement villages. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs to consider:
- Ownership:
Residents own their homes outright while leasing the land. This structure significantly reduces upfront costs compared to traditional property ownership, making it a financially flexible option for retirees. - Site Fees:
Residents pay a weekly site fee to lease the land and access shared facilities. These fees cover the upkeep of common areas, maintenance, and amenities like recreational facilities and services. - Utility and Service Charges:
Similar to living in a regular home, you’ll need to budget for utilities such as electricity and internet.
The Waikerie Lifestyle Village Advantage
Waikerie Lifestyle Village offers a competitive housing solution that removes many of the financial burdens often associated with retirement living. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- No Stamp Duty
Unlike traditional property purchases, buying a home in Waikerie Lifestyle Village means you won’t have to pay stamp duty. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars, freeing up funds for other retirement plans or investments. - No Entry or Exit Fees
Retirement villages charge entry or exit fees that can have a significant impact on your finances. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, we offer a transparent approach with no entry or exit fees, and no hidden costs like deferred management fees. Enjoy peace of mind with clear, straightforward living arrangements. - Low Site Fees
The site fees at Waikerie Lifestyle Village are designed to be competitive, ensuring you get excellent value for access to a well-maintained community, shared amenities, and essential services. Eligible residents can receive government assistance to reduce these costs further.
For more information on our financial advantages, please click here.
Community and Culture: Finding the Right Fit
When choosing from lifestyle villages in South Australia, the sense of community and shared culture is just as important as the amenities and financial benefits. Finding the right lifestyle or land lease community can make all the difference in how fulfilling and enjoyable this stage of life becomes. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, community life thrives through a warm, welcoming atmosphere, creating opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and belong. Choose a lifestyle village where you can enjoy a vibrant, supportive community—right here with us.
Key Elements of Community Culture at Waikerie Lifestyle Village
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- Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere
Waikerie Lifestyle Village fosters a supportive environment where new residents are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re moving from a nearby town or relocating from further afield, you’ll quickly feel at home in this close-knit community. - Diverse Social Activities
Waikerie Lifestyle Village is ideally located near a variety of local attractions and activities, allowing residents to fully embrace the Riverland lifestyle. Popular activities include:- Sports & Recreation: Join the Waikerie Golf Club, Lions Club, or Bowls Club for an active social life.
- Food & Wine: Visit Illalangi Gourmet and Banrock Station Winery to sample regional produce and fine wines.
- River Adventures: Take a scenic cruise along the Murray River or enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fishing.
- Nature & Walking Trails: Explore the Waikerie Riverfront and local walking trails, perfect for a morning stroll or birdwatching.
- Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere
Amenities and Facilities: Enhancing Your Retirement Lifestyle
One of the biggest draws of lifestyle villages is the wide range of amenities and facilities designed to make your retirement lifestyle more enjoyable and fulfilling. These shared spaces are not just about convenience—they create opportunities for relaxation, social connection, and personal growth. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, the thoughtfully designed amenities contribute to a vibrant lifestyle in Waikerie, helping you embrace this new chapter with ease and excitement.
- The Village Hub: The Heart of the Community
For those who enjoy staying active or simply relaxing in the water, the Village’s swimming pool is a popular feature. It’s a great way to keep fit while having fun. Residents can take advantage of the pool for morning laps, aqua aerobics, or a refreshing dip on a warm day. - Swimming Pool: Stay Active and Refreshed
Retirement villages charge entry or exit fees that can have a significant impact on your finances. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, we offer a transparent approach with no entry or exit fees, and no hidden costs like deferred management fees. Enjoy peace of mind with clear, straightforward living arrangements. - Men’s Shed: A Space for Creativity and Connection
The Men’s Shed is a dedicated space for residents who love working with their hands, sharing skills, and engaging in practical projects. It’s a hub of creativity and camaraderie, ideal for tinkering, woodworking, or pursuing new hobbies. - Gym: Prioritise Your Health and Wellbeing
Staying healthy and active is essential for enjoying a vibrant retirement. The on-site gym makes it easy to incorporate fitness into your daily routine. Designed with retirees in mind, the gym is equipped with user-friendly machines and offers a range of exercise options to suit different fitness levels.
Location Matters: The Appeal of Waikerie, South Australia
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions when planning for retirement. Waikerie, South Australia, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, a welcoming community, and essential conveniences, making it an ideal spot for retirees seeking a relaxed yet connected lifestyle.
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A Serene Environment Close to Nature
Waikerie is known for its peaceful surroundings and stunning bushlands. Nestled along the banks of the iconic Murray River, the town provides picturesque river views, abundant birdlife, and beautiful sunsets. -
Access to Essential Services
The town boasts a well-equipped hospital, medical clinics, pharmacies, and other health services to ensure peace of mind. Supermarkets, hardware, and local food hubs are all within easy reach, providing convenience without the bustle of city life. -
A Vibrant Regional Hub
Regular markets, festivals, and community events offer opportunities to connect with locals and enjoy the area’s rich culture and history. The nearby Riverland wine region provides the perfect setting for leisurely weekend outings, with excellent wineries and local produce to explore. -
Outdoor Adventures on the Murray River
For those with a love of the outdoors, the Murray River is a constant source of activity. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and riverside walks are just some of the activities that residents can enjoy. The mild climate and sunny days make outdoor adventures a regular part of life.
Personalised Living Spaces: Designing Your Dream Home
One of the most exciting aspects of moving to Waikerie Lifestyle Village is the opportunity to have a home that truly reflects your lifestyle and personal taste. Unlike traditional retirement living options, we allow you to design a home that feels uniquely yours.
Residents can choose from a selection of carefully curated interior design boards, each featuring a complete set of design elements—cabinetry, countertops, paint colours, and flooring—designed to complement each other. Rather than picking individual components from different boards, you’ll select a complete package from a range of thoughtfully designed options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
For those who prefer a more immediate move, we also offer newly built spec homes. These homes are beautifully designed, ready for you to move in, and feature high-quality finishes and modern comforts. Whether you’re designing your dream home or moving into one of our spec homes, Waikerie Lifestyle Village ensures your new space is the perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality.
Questions to Ask When Visiting Potential Lifestyle Villages
Finding the right lifestyle village is about more than just location—it's about ensuring the community and financial arrangements match your lifestyle and long-term goals. Asking the right questions during your visit can help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to know before moving to a lifestyle village.
- Are there entry and exit fees?
Entry and exit fees can vary greatly. Lifestyle Villages in South Australia do not charge entry or exit fees but retirement villages in South Australia do. Knowing this and if they are deferred or upfront if they are charged can make a significant difference, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
WLV Answer:
No. Lifestyle villages in South Australia, including Waikerie Lifestyle Village, do not charge entry or exit fees. While some retirement villages in South Australia previously charged these fees, we’ve always chosen not to, even before the legislation was introduced. We believe in providing affordable retirement living without hidden costs, which is why you won’t pay deferred management fees or any additional charges when you move in or when you decide to leave. We fully support the legislation, but our commitment to transparent living arrangements has always been at the heart of what we offer. - What payment options are available?
Understand whether payments are made upfront, in progress stages during construction, or as ongoing weekly site fees. This knowledge will help you budget effectively.
WLV Answer:
At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, purchasing your home is simple and flexible. If you choose a Spec Home, you pay the full amount upfront. If you’re building your choice of home, payments are made in stages as construction progresses. Once settled, your only ongoing payment to the Village is the weekly site fee, which conveniently covers council rates and water charges.
For the updated weekly site fees, check our FAQ page. - What happens when I sell my home?
Lifestyle villages and retirement villages in South Australia have different structures when it comes to ownership. Clarify what happens if you decide to leave. Can your home be included in your will as part of your estate? How are capital gains handled? Are deferred management fees applied upon sale?
WLV Answer:
When you sell your home at Waikerie Lifestyle Village, you (or your family as part of a willable estate) retain 100% of the capital gains from the sale. There are no exit fees or deferred management fees, meaning the full sale price is yours.You have complete control over the selling process, including:- Choosing any real estate agency to list and sell your home.
- Setting your own sale price.
- Determining the condition and presentation of your home for sale.
This flexibility ensures you receive the best possible return on your investment. - What is the community culture like?
Staying healthy and active is essential for enjoying a vibrant retirement. The on-sitze gym makes it easy to incorporate fitness into your daily routine. Designed with retirees in mind, the gym is equipped with user-friendly machines and offers a range of exercise options to suit different fitness levels.
WLV Answer:
The community culture at Waikerie Lifestyle Village is vibrant, welcoming, and community-driven. Residents enjoy an active lifestyle, with many taking the initiative to lead and participate in social activities, such as health classes, group walks, and community events.The Village Hub serves as a central gathering place where residents come together for social catch-ups, games, and group activities. The swimming pool, gym, and library provide opportunities for relaxation and fitness, while the Men’s Shed offers a space for hands-on projects and camaraderie. The BBQ areas are also popular spots for casual gatherings and shared meals.
Our residents enjoy a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle where neighbours look out for one another, creating a strong sense of belonging.
We encourage anyone considering retiring to Waikerie Lifestyle Village to come down for a personal Village Tour and/or attend an Open Day to get a feel for life in the Village. If you’re not a local and want to spend some time in Waikerie to find out if this small and quiet holiday destination is right for you, be sure to stay a few nights at Echo Holiday Parks - Waikerie. And be sure to mention your tour of Waikerie Lifestyle Village for a discount on your stay! - Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
Determine which tasks are managed by the village and which are your responsibility. This may include garden maintenance, home repairs, and upkeep of communal areas.
WLV Answer:
As a homeowner at Waikerie Lifestyle Village, you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home, including any upkeep required for your private garden. However, all common areas within the Village, including gardens, roads, and shared facilities, are fully maintained by Village Management. - What healthcare services are accessible?
Ask about proximity to medical services and any on-site healthcare options. Easy access to healthcare is essential for long-term well-being.
WLV Answer:
Here are some hospitals and clinics near Waikerie Lifestyle Village that offer a range of healthcare services:
- Waikerie Health Service (1.2 km away)
Location: 1 Lawrie Terrace, Waikerie SA
Services: Waikerie Health Service provides emergency care, inpatient services, medical treatment, and outpatient clinics. It offers essential health services, including general medical care, surgery, and aged care services.
- Waikerie Medical Centre (1.2 km away)
Location: 2 Strangman Rd, Waikerie SA
Services: Waikerie Medical Centre offers general practice services, including consultations with GPs, health assessments, immunizations, and chronic disease management. It is a key resource for day-to-day healthcare needs. - Riverland General Hospital (63 km away)
Location: 10 Maddern St., Berri SA
Services: Riverland General Hospital provides more extensive medical services, including emergency care, surgery, specialist clinics, diagnostic services, and maternity care. It is the primary hospital for residents in the Riverland region.
- Waikerie Health Service (1.2 km away)
- Are there any community rules or restrictions?
Every lifestyle village has guidelines to maintain harmony. Ask about rules regarding pets, visitors, and any restrictions on home modifications or renovations.
WLV Answer:
Yes, Waikerie Lifestyle Village has some community guidelines designed to maintain harmony and ensure a peaceful living environment for all residents.
Home Modifications: As you own your home at Waikerie Lifestyle Village, you are welcome to customise your home and garden to suit your style. However, some external or structural changes may require approval from the management and council.
Visitors: Visitors are welcome to stay for up to 30 days at a time (with a total of 50 days per calendar year) with the knowledge of the Community Manager. For those looking for other accommodation options, guests can take advantage of discounted rates at Echo Holiday Parks - Waikerie across the road.
Pets: Household pets are allowed to live with you at Waikerie Lifestyle Village as we recognise the important role pets play in enhancing your lifestyle and well-being.
Why Choose Waikerie Lifestyle Village for Your Retirement?
Choosing the right place to enjoy your retirement is a life-changing decision. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, we offer a vibrant living environment. Whether you’re seeking a serene riverside setting, a welcoming community, or modern amenities, Waikerie Lifestyle Village has it all. Here’s why it stands out as the best lifestyle village for retirees.
- Cost-effective Living with Financial Clarity
One of the most significant advantages of Waikerie Lifestyle Village is its cost-effective living model. We offer a land lease system, which reduces the financial burden compared to traditional property purchases. With no stamp duty, no entry fees, and low ongoing site fees, your retirement savings can stretch further. - A Strong Sense of Community
Retirement is more than just a change of pace—it’s an opportunity to become part of something bigger. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, you’ll find a tight-knit community where residents share common interests and build lasting friendships. - The Beauty of Waikerie’s Location
Located in the heart of the Riverland region, Waikerie Lifestyle Village offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. The Village is nestled close to the Murray River, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, riverside walks, and outdoor activities. - Flexible Living Options
Your home should reflect your lifestyle and personal taste. At Waikerie Lifestyle Village, you have the flexibility to design your home according to your preferences. Choose from bespoke floorplans and selection boards or opt for a newly built spec home to start living your dream retirement.
Want to know if Waikerie Lifestyle Village is the perfect choice for you? Start by attending retirement village expos to explore other options and get a feel of what you want for your retirement home. To fully immerse yourself in the Village experience, consider spending a few days at Echo Holiday Parks - Waikerie to get a firsthand feel. This will give you the opportunity to explore the area, enjoy the local amenities, and see if it’s the right retirement lifestyle community for you.
Want to experience Waikerie Lifestyle Village for yourself?
Book a tour today and see first hand why so many people over 55s are choosing to make the move.
Try Before You Decide! Stay at Echo Holiday Parks - Waikerie to experience the Riverland lifestyle before making your move.
Call 1300 435 094 or visit https://waikerielifestylevillage.com.au/ to learn more.