Frequently Asked Questions

“Because it’s a not-for-profit, there are advantages”

Lou Bice

Downsizing to the best time of your life takes some thought and preparation, and you’re probably going to have a lot of questions. Hopefully, the next few pages will answer questions you and your family have about independent retirement living at Woodbridge.

Moving in FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements?

For you to be eligible to move into Woodbridge, you need to be over 55 years of age and retired from full-time employment.

Do I own the title of the building?

No. Residents do not own the building or land. When moving into a Woodbridge property, you are doing so under a licence to occupy agreement which gives you the right to live in the property for as long as you choose. Woodbridge owns the building and is responsible for maintaining it, giving you peace of mind your home will always be taken care of.

What is a licence to occupy?

A licence to occupy contract is where you pay a fee to live in the retirement village but do not own your apartment or unit. The ingoing cost (known as an ingoing contribution) is essentially an interest-free loan to the retirement village in exchange for your right to live there for as long as you choose and subject to your residence contract.

Do I pay stamp duty?

No, there is no stamp duty payable for purchasing a licence to occupy in a retirement village in South Australia.

What consumer protection is there for me?

Woodbridge residents have peace of mind that you are protected by the Retirement Villages Act and Regulations (SA) which provide the rights and statutory obligations of retirement village operators and residents.

Should I obtain independent legal advice?

Woodbridge strongly encourages prospective residents to obtain their own independent legal advice from a solicitor who is familiar with retirement villages before entering into a Residence Contract.

How long can I take to move?

When you have signed your Residence Contract you are given up to 90 days to move in.

Can I move into my unit before my home settles?

Yes. Woodbridge allows you to move into your new home just prior to settlement to help ease the stress of moving subject to you signing a Deed Poll with terms and conditions.

Can I have a mortgage over the property?

No. Purchasing your licence to occupy the property must be in full. Your purchase can be subject to the sale of your home with full payment to Woodbridge once your home has sold and settled.

Living here FAQs

Can I have a pet?

We are a pet-friendly community. It is necessary to obtain approval from Woodbridge for you to keep a small pet. The approval process considers the age and temperament of the animal and its suitability for living in the village. If we approve you to keep a pet, you will be required to ensure your animal is kept in accordance with the requirements of your Residence Contract and the residence rules. Woodbridge reserves the right to withdraw its approval if your pet creates an unreasonable noise or nuisance, attacks or threatens people or other animals, causes damage to village property or if the residence rules or conditions in the Residence Contract are broken.

Can I have visitors and grandchildren stay with me?

Of course! You are welcome to have an occasional overnight or weekend visitor stay in your home.

If you have someone you’d like to stay for more than seven nights please speak with the Woodbridge Office about obtaining permission which may be subject to conditions.

Can I make alterations to my property?

Approved alterations and additions can be made to your home. There is a process in place that needs to be followed prior to any works to ensure the integrity and aesthetic qualities of the property and village remain and that works are carried out in a safe manner.

Can I park my caravan or boat in the village?

Woodbridge has restricted parking. Woodbridge does not have caravan or boat parking available in the village. However, residents may seek permission from the Woodbridge Office to bring their boat or caravan to the village for a short period of time to ready it for a trip.

What if I leave my property for an extended time?

Your property does have to be your main place of residence. One of the benefits of living at Woodbridge is that your neighbours look out for each other. If you are going away for an extended period, you will need to inform the Woodbridge Office so we can gain permission to enter if any maintenance is required and so that we know you are not there.

What if I need help in my home?

Woodbridge has a Wellbeing Coordinator on staff who can assist residents with wellbeing support and provide tailored advice on My Aged Care, services to help you at home, linking residents into community programs and much more. We also have a unique partnership with leading aged care provider, Rembrandt Living, who have an on-site office, which gives our residents easy access to the very best in high quality in-home care, respite and community services.

What if another resident and I don’t get along?

Woodbridge encourages residents to try and negotiate a resolution amongst themselves. However, Woodbridge does have a dispute resolution policy that
can be applied if needed.

What if I can no longer live in my home?

In the first instance, Woodbridge will try and assist you to receive support and services so you can stay at home. We have a Wellbeing Coordinator on staff ready to support residents when they need it. We also have a unique partnership with leading aged care provider, Rembrandt Living, who have an on-site office so that residents can easily access home care support and services. If this is not suitable, the Wellbeing Coordinator can assist with information on residential care.

What are the maintenance fees and what do they cover?

Maintenance fees cover the general cost of running the village. At Woodbridge a calendar monthly maintenance fee is payable from the date you move in with us. The fee covers:

Repairs and maintenance to your home and front garden including ovens, roller-doors, hot water services and air-conditioners
Council rates, water and sewer rates and the emergency services levy
Building and public liability insurance
Administration and village management
Maintenance and up-keep of communal gardens, paths, lighting and roadways
Scheduled internal and external maintenance.

How are costs controlled?

Woodbridge is operated by an experienced team. The Woodbridge team has a close working relationship with the Residents Committee and will consider and discuss the need to increase charges or whether there is a more cost-effective solution.

Who insures the village?

Woodbridge arranges building, public liability and volunteer insurance which is paid through the maintenance fund. Individual residents are liable to cover their own personal contents and legal liability insurance.

Are there any other on-going costs?

Just like living in your own home, you will be responsible for the payment of your own electricity and gas consumption, internet, telephone, emergency call pendant, contents and legal liability insurance. Rear gardens are also the responsibility of the resident to maintain including garden sheds, garden beds and verandahs. Residents are also responsible for any personal services such as cleaning, window cleaning and in-home care services.

Moving out FAQs

When will I receive my refund?

When you vacate your Woodbridge home you are guaranteed your refund within 120 days, or until probate is granted. You do not have to wait for your unit to be sold.

What are the costs when it comes time to leave the village?

Outgoing charges include a deferred management fee and any outstanding monthly maintenance fees. Unlike many other retirement villages in South Australia, Woodbridge does not charge re-licensing or marketing fees or any refurbishment or vacancy costs when you leave.

What is the deferred management fee?

This is the fee that is deducted from the amount you or your estate receives when you leave Woodbridge. To provide residents clarity and certainty, Woodbridge calculates the deferred management fee on your ingoing contribution — this means you know exactly how much you will be repaid when you sign your Residence Contract. If a resident has been with us for more than three years, then you or your estate will be repaid 77% of the ingoing contribution.

Do I share the capital gain?

No.

Do you charge a capital replacement fee?

No. Unlike many other retirement villages in South Australia, Woodbridge does not charge outgoing residents a capital replacement fee.

Properties

Social activities

We'd Love to hear from you.

Ready to downsize? There's nothing like having a chat and organising a visit to the place
you're thinking of calling 'home'. Please complete the form below and we'll give you a call. Or
feel free to call us on (08) 8347 6200.