What is the Minimum Age for a Retirement Village in New Zealand?

If you're thinking about moving into a retirement village in New Zealand, you might be wondering about the minimum age requirement. Generally, the minimum age to enter a retirement village is 55 years old. However, many villages set their own age restrictions, and it’s common for the minimum to be 65. Some villages may allow a younger person to move in if their partner meets the age requirement.

It’s important to remember that every retirement village has its own rules. Some focus more on independent living for active retirees, while others offer advanced care facilities. Before you sign any agreement, make sure you carefully review the Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) and speak to a lawyer. This helps ensure you fully understand your rights, obligations, and the costs involved.

Lifestyle Village vs. Retirement Village: What’s the Difference?

When planning for your next stage of life, you might also come across lifestyle villages and wonder how they differ from retirement villages.

Lifestyle villages are designed for younger, active adults, often starting from around 55 years old. They offer a resort-style, low-maintenance way of living. Expect facilities like swimming pools, gyms, bowling greens, and vibrant community centres. These villages focus on independent living, social connection, and leisure, rather than healthcare. You’re generally buying into a fun, active lifestyle, not a care environment.

Retirement villages, on the other hand, typically cater to people aged 65/70 and over. They provide a greater level of support, offering everything from independent villas to serviced apartments and full rest home care. Healthcare, security, and aging-in-place services are a strong focus. Retirement villages are ideal for those wanting peace of mind as they grow older, knowing that additional care is available if needed.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Whether a lifestyle village or a retirement village suits you better depends on your age, health, and lifestyle goals. If you’re younger, active, and not yet thinking about healthcare needs, a lifestyle village might be perfect. If you prefer to plan ahead and want access to future care options, a retirement village could be the better choice.

Always visit several villages, ask plenty of questions, and get legal advice before making a decision.