How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in a Retirement Village in NZ?
- Longridge Country Estate
- Jan 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 11
People spend a long time researching retirement villages before they make a decision. The costs can feel confusing at first because every village does things a little differently. Here is how it actually works and how Longridge approaches it.
The price for our beautifully designed villas starts at just $755,000, offering spacious, sun-filled homes with stunning views of the Coromandel Ranges. But for many residents, the appeal of Longridge is not just the villa itself. It’s the space, lower-maintenance lifestyle, and sense of freedom that comes with it. See our range of available villas.
What are the Weekly Fees?
Our current weekly fees are $169 and cover village costs, including insurance, council rates, water rates, external maintenance, staff salaries, gardening, upkeep of community facilities, and village operations. For couples aged 75 or older, these fees are fixed for life, giving you peace of mind knowing there won’t be any unexpected increases.
Read our FAQ's here.
Deferred Management Fee
The Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is capped at 30% after four years, with no surprise refurbishment costs unless there’s significant damage beyond normal wear and tear. This ensures your family won’t face unexpected financial hurdles down the track.
How Does It Compare to Your Current Home?
For many residents, moving to Longridge can make day to day costs easier to manage compared to staying in a larger family home. Our villas are designed to be warm and energy efficient, and we take care of exterior maintenance, lawns, and gardens, helping reduce some of the ongoing costs and upkeep that often come with home ownership.
Many people are also surprised by how much more space and value they can get in Paeroa compared to larger centres such as Auckland or Tauranga. If you’d like to learn more about how pricing and weekly fees work at Longridge, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Room to Breathe in the Best Location
Longridge offers something many other villages can’t – SPACE! Nestled on 60 acres of land, we give you room to breathe, relax, and enjoy life without the hustle of city living. And while we’re surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, we’re still only a short drive to Auckland, Tauranga, or Hamilton. And don’t just take our word for it – read our testimonials to find out why residents love it here.
Pros and Cons of Retirement Village Living
Pros
You know exactly what your weekly costs will be each week
No more rates bills landing in the letterbox
Someone else maintains the exterior, lawns and gardens
Security systems and medical alerts are included
You still have your own standalone home with space and privacy
It is easy to travel knowing the village will keep an eye on things
Cons
There is a significant upfront entry price
You do not own the land under the villa
A Deferred Management Fee is deducted when you eventually leave
Some villages have lots of rules. At Longridge we are known as the Yes Village. If it makes sense and improves life, the answer is usually yes.
Retirement Village vs Rest Home
People sometimes mix up the two, but they serve very different needs.
A retirement village like Longridge is for people who are still independent. You live in your own villa, cook your own meals, drive your car, have visitors stay, and go about your daily life as you choose. You pay a weekly fee for the village services and maintenance, but you remain in control of your own home and lifestyle.
A rest home or aged care facility is for people who need regular help with daily tasks such as dressing, showering, medication, or mobility. This is full-time residential care with nursing support, which is a completely different level of service.
In short: Retirement villages are for independent people who want less maintenance and more community. Rest homes or aged care are for those requiring full-time medical support.
For the latest detailed figures and pricing at Longridge, have a look at our page on current retirement village costs in NZ.
Retirement Villages in Auckland or Tauranga? Consider Longridge!
While Longridge is based in Paeroa, many of our residents have moved from Auckland, Tauranga, and other larger centres. People are often surprised by how much more space, privacy, and value they find here compared to busier city villages.
Longridge offers standalone villas, wide streets, mountain views, and a quieter pace of life, while still being within easy reach of Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Waihi Beach.
If you’re exploring retirement village options, Longridge is well worth a visit. Come and see the village for yourself, have a look around, and get a feel for what makes it different.
Call us on 0800 928 928
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm | Saturday to Sunday, 10am – 3pm
