Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum age to live in a Summerset retirement village?

We require our residents to be 70 years or older.

What do you do about security at night?

You can feel safe in the knowledge that each village has a perimeter fence and remote-access gates after hours. Once the village is completed, we’ll have staff onsite 24 hours a day, every day. You also have call bell systems in your home should you need them.

Can my family and friends come and stay?

Of course. Your family and friends are welcome to stay in your home. Just check with the Village Manager first if they will be staying more than two weeks, just so that we know who’s in the village. Your visitors can use the parking in the village.

What levels of care do you offer?

We offer a continuum of care in most of our villages, from individual services and service packages to rest home and hospital level care. Some of our villages also provide secure rest home level dementia care. Our care offering is subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Visit our care and support page to learn more.

What levels of care are available?

We offer support services, together with rest home level and hospital level care at most of our villages, and rest home level dementia care at selected villages. There are certain types of care that we cannot provide, such as psychogeriatric care.

Can I bring my pet with me?

We welcome pets because they are so much a part of your family. But to make sure that your pets will be comfortable and that your new home will be suitable for them, please check first with your Village Manager.

Is there space for my car?

Most of our villas, cottages and apartments have either a garage or allocated car park.

Who do I talk to if I’m worried about something?

We want you to love living in your village. If you have a concern, please raise the matter with one of our team members or the Village Manager. If the matter is serious, we have a formal complaints procedure. We also hold regular meetings with residents to talk through any issues. You’re welcome to attend.

Can I move between homes within the village?

Absolutely. Our continuum of care model means you have first priority to move between homes if your needs change (subject to availability and eligibility criteria).

Do I have to pay anything to transfer?

You don’t have to make any capital outlay to move between an independent unit and a serviced apartment within the same village. We can also structure your transfer to our care centre so that, again, there is no capital outlay. Ask your Sales Manager for more information about this. A transfer admin fee of 2% of the licence price for your new home will apply if you choose to transfer to a different home. However, the transfer admin fee does not apply if you transfer to a higher level of care within the same village, such as from a villa or apartment to a serviced apartment or the care centre.

How do I transfer to the care centre in the village?

Talk to the care centre manager who can assess the level of care and the best accommodation options for you.

Does Summerset guarantee residents a place in its care centres?

Summerset residents who meet the eligibility criteria have priority access to our care centres over non-residents. Access is subject to there being an available room in the care centre. However, we are generally able to accommodate residents and it would be rare for us to be unable to find you a room.

What happens if I need care and the care centre is full?

If there isn’t a current vacancy then we’ll do our best to look after you in your existing home until a suitable option becomes available. If this isn’t possible, then we’ll work with you to make alternative arrangements. For example, we might be able to offer you a room in a care centre at a different Summerset village or we may assist you to find a room at another facility.

What is a Licence to Occupy?

Like most retirement villages, Summerset operates a ‘Licence to Occupy’ model. This gives residents the right to live in their residential unit and to use village facilities according to the terms of their Occupation Right Agreement. The ownership of the land and building remain with Summerset. This is different to a rental tenancy agreement. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.

What happens when I sign my Occupation Right Agreement ?

You pay the balance of the licence payment after you sign the Occupation Right Agreement, which settles the purchase of the licence to occupy for your home. You do this before you take possession and move in.

What happens if I change my mind after moving in?

Our Summerset Sure 90-day money-back guarantee means that you will get a full refund without any deduction for the deferred management fee if, on the expiry of 90 days after taking up permanent residence in your independent living home or serviced apartment, you decide that Summerset is not for you (some conditions apply). The only costs you may have to pay are any costs you have incurred for legal advice, together with the weekly fee and any other outstanding charges. The Summerset Sure 90-day money back guarantee does not apply if you pass away or leave for health reasons.

What happens with capital gains and losses?

There are no capital gains or losses. When you purchase your home with us, you’re not buying the building or the title to any land. Instead, you’re buying a right to occupy your home for your lifetime or until your Occupation Right Agreement is terminated. When someone else buys the home, we set the price for them based on market conditions, meaning you neither gain nor lose capital in that transaction.

How are my rights protected?

Your lifetime right to occupy and your repayment sum are secured by way of a first-ranking mortgage, which Public Trust, our Statutory Supervisor, has over the assets of the village. In addition to the mortgage, a memorial has been placed on the title to the village to protect your right to continue to live in your home, whatever happens to us. That means your rights to continue to live in your home and to receive your repayment sum are always protected.

Do I need to pay to refurbish my home and to market it when I move out?

No. We cover these costs. You will only be responsible for refurbishment costs if the damage is beyond fair wear and tear.

Who pays to maintain the village?

We meet all the costs to maintain the village and facilities.

What happens when I leave?

Leaving can be a difficult time for everyone, and we want to support you as much as possible. That’s why your weekly fee stops as soon as you permanently vacate your home. We undertake marketing and resale of your home once you’ve left.