Elder Law

As New Zealand has an ageing population, it’s inevitable that the number of retirement villages is on the increase.

Retirement villages usually comprise of independent living options in townhouses, villas or apartments, and as your needs increase, they can also include serviced apartments, care suites, rest homes, hospitals and dementia care units.

The Retirement Villages Act 2003 stipulates that an intending resident must receive independent legal advice from a lawyer before signing an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).

Unlike purchasing a unit (as you might purchase a home), you’re purchasing instead the right to occupy it and to use the facilities and services that are available to you at the village. The ORA is not an interest in land, so you won’t acquire ownership rights.

If you’re interested in occupying a property in a retirement village, then please contact us to arrange a time for a call, where we can discuss in further detail.