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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
Retirement homes in New Zealand typically use a Licence to Occupy (LTO) model, where you buy the right to live there, not the property itself. Costs range from $300k to over $1M, plus weekly fees.
When you leave, a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) of 20-30% is deducted, and you don't receive capital gains. Before committing, it's crucial to:
- Get independent legal advice
- Visit several villages
- Compare costs with alternatives like downsizing
Understanding these unique financial conditions is key.
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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