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Feature article
Retirement homes in New Zealand: What you need to know
There’s more to retirement home living than you might think.
26 November 2025
AI summary
Considering a retirement village? Most use a Licence to Occupy (LTO) model, costing $300k to over $1M for the right to live there. You won't own the property or typically receive capital gains.
When you leave, a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) of 20-30% is deducted from your refund, and weekly fees apply for maintenance. Key downsides include village rules and lack of ownership. Always seek independent legal advice before signing any agreement.
What you’ll learn
How much does it cost to live in a retirement home in New Zealand?
Some pricing examples (as of November 2025)
Auckland retirement villages
Wellington retirement villages
Christchurch / Canterbury retirement villages
What’s the alternative to a retirement village in New Zealand?
What age can you go into a retirement home?
What are the downsides of living in a retirement village?
Planning your next move
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