Retirement village options
Katikati Rotary has recently heard from two guest speakers on the subject of retirement village options. Ray Webber of Ōmokoroa Country Club started his address by saying the club is part of the Sanderson Group, founded in 1987 by Fraser Sanderson, a pioneer and leader of the concept of luxury retirement villages in New Zealand. Sanderson has developed and operated eight retirement villages/facilities. Located on Prole Road, the club has commenced building and, in a staged development, will include 162 villas. 11 sites have already been sold.
Villas range in floor area from 165 to 290 square metres. There will also be a clubhouse with a good range of amenities and a lakehouse café at an existing lake on site. The site plan also shows a health spa, bowling green, croquet and petanque, gardens, hobbies shed and a campervan parking area. A future care stage will be built from 2028 to 2030, including dementia and respite care.
The cost to buy a villa is the purchase price plus the current $185 weekly charge. 30% of the purchase price is not returned after death if the period of residence is at least 5 years.
Fiona Nelson spoke on behalf of Summerset by the Sea in Katikati, which currently has 260 residents. She says
Summerset started from humble beginnings with a simple vision to create a retirement community that parents would be happy to call home and has since become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing companies.
In 1997, the first Summerset village opened in Whanganui after founder John O’Sullivan became so disheartened at what was available for his grandmother that he decided to build a village he would be happy to see her living in.
There are now 39 villages either completed or in development from Whangārei to Dunedin, as well as a landbank of five sites in New Zealand. In Victoria, Australia there are seven properties.
Fiona says Summerset provides security, no building maintenance worries, and companionship opportunities such as happy hour. Continuing care options include serviced apartments and rest home/hospital care beds.
On-site recreational facilities include a café open to the public, heated pool, gym, games, mens shed, movie nights, and gardening options. There’s minibus transport for local trips, shopping, and medical appointments.
Apartments are $600k to $700k for a licence to occupy, plus a weekly fee of $175.