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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 home? Most NZ villages use a Licence to Occupy (LTO) model, where you buy the right to live there for $300k-$1M+ instead of owning the property.
This involves weekly fees and a significant Deferred Management Fee (DMF) of 20-30% deducted when you leave. Residents typically don't benefit from capital gains. Key downsides include this lack of ownership and village rules.
Before committing, visit several villages, compare costs with alternatives like downsizing, and always seek independent legal advice.
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
Author
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