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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
Thinking about a retirement village? Most in NZ use a Licence to Occupy (LTO) model, where you buy the right to live there, not the property itself. Initial costs range from $300,000 to over $1M, plus weekly fees.
A key factor is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF), often 20-30% of the purchase price, which is deducted when you leave. You typically don't receive capital gains. Always seek independent legal advice before signing any agreement.
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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