Frequently asked questions

General

Is there a minimum age to live in a Summerset retirement village?

Our villages are designed for over 70s, and most of our residents are that age or older.

What do you do about security at night?

You can feel safe in the knowledge that each village will have CCTV, and the majority of homes are within the village perimeter which is fully fenced with remote-access gates after hours. Once the village is completed, we’ll have staff onsite 24 hours a day, every day. You’ll also have a call bell system in your home for your security and peace of mind, meaning help is just the push of a button away — 24/7.

Can my family and friends come and stay?

Of course. Your family and friends are welcome to stay in your home. Just check with the Village Manager first if they will be staying more than two weeks. Your visitors can use the parking in the village.

Is there space for my car?

All of our independent living homes have either a garage or carpark.

Can I bring my pet with me?

We welcome pets because they are so much a part of your family. But to make sure that your pets will be comfortable and that your new home will be suitable for them, please check with your Village Manager.

What levels of care do you offer?

We offer a continuum of care in our villages, from independent living to assisted living in serviced apartments to our care home. There are certain types of specialist care that we do not offer, such as psycho-geriatric care. Visit our care and support page to learn more.

How do I transfer to the care home at the village?

Moving into the care home requires a clinical assessment to determine if we can provide the care required and is subject to availability. Our care home manager will assess and provide guidance on whether we can provide the right level of care to support your needs. If we were unable to provide care (for example due to specialist needs required like psycho-geriatric care that we can’t provide) we will do our best to help you find alternative care with another provider.

Who do I talk to if I’m worried about something?

We want you to love living in our village. If you have a concern, please raise the matter with one of our team members or the Village Manager. If the matter is serious, we have a formal complaints procedure. We also hold regular meetings with residents to talk through any issues. You’re welcome to attend.

Transferring between homes

Can I move between homes within the village?

Absolutely. Our continuum of care model means you have first priority to move between homes if your needs change (subject to availability and entry criteria).

Do I have to pay anything to transfer?

You don’t have to make any capital outlay to move between an independent unit and a serviced apartment. We can also structure your transfer to our care home so that, again, there is no capital outlay. Ask your Sales Manager for more information about this.

What happens if I need care and the care home is full?

If there isn’t a current vacancy then we’ll do our best to look after you in your existing home until a suitable option becomes available. If this isn’t possible, then we’ll work with you to make alternative arrangements, for example we might assist you to find a room at another facility.

Financial

What happens when I sign my Residence Contract?

You pay the balance of the ingoing contribution to our solicitors after you sign the Residence Contract, which secures the lease of your home. You do this before you take possession and move in.

What happens if I change my mind after moving in?

Our Summerset Sure guarantee means that, if you decide 90 days after moving into your independent living home or serviced apartment that Summerset is not right for you, we will refund your ingoing contribution without deduction of the deferred management fee (some conditions apply). The only costs you will have to pay are any costs you have incurred for legal advice, together with the weekly fee and any other outstanding charges.

What happens with capital gains and losses?

There are no capital gains or losses. When you purchase your home with us, you’re not buying the building or the title to any land. Instead, you’re buying a lease for your home for your lifetime or until your Residence Contract is terminated. When someone else buys the home, we set the price for them based on market conditions, meaning you neither gain nor lose capital in that transaction.

How are my rights protected?

The Victorian Retirement Villages Act ensures that any subsequent owners of the land that your home is located on are bound by the Residence Contract. Your right to your repayment sum is also secured against the village land by a statutory charge that applies to Summerset and to any future owners of the land. That means your rights to continue to live in your home and to receive your repayment sum are always protected.

Do I need to pay to refurbish my home and to market it when I move out?

No. We cover these. You will only be responsible for refurbishment costs if the damage is beyond fair wear and tear.

Who pays to maintain the village?

We meet all the costs to maintain the village and facilities.

What happens when I leave?

Leaving can be a difficult time for everyone and we want to support you as much as possible. That’s why your weekly fee stops as soon as you permanently vacate your home. We undertake marketing and resale of your home once you’ve left. Your repayment sum will be paid to you when your home is on-sold or within 6 months, whichever is earlier.