Location and lifestyle
Where a village is located can influence your daily life as much as the home itself. Living close to loved ones can make visits easier and more frequent, while having cafes, libraries and walking tracks nearby can foster a fulfilling lifestyle in retirement. Easy access to supermarkets, public transport and healthcare facilities can make day to day living simpler.
The feel of the neighbourhood matters too. While some people look for a quiet coastal village with sea breeze and open views, others prefer the buzz of a suburban hub and the convenience of being near the city.
Tip: Visit potential retirement village locations at different times of day on both weekdays and weekends to get a sense of busyness, traffic, if amenities and or public transport are close by, and the overall vibe of the suburb the village is located in.
Care and support for the future
Your needs may change over time, so it’s worth asking the team at the villages you visit what care and support are available on site. It can be reassuring to know if your health needs change in the future, there is care available on the same site (subject to availability).
Community, culture and connection
A retirement village isn’t just bricks and mortar - it’s the people who make it come alive. Every Bupa village has its own character; whether you enjoy a lively atmosphere with regular activities and clubs, or a more relaxed pace.
You may enjoy a village where neighbours share a cuppa in the lounge or tend the gardens together, or perhaps you value privacy with the option to join in activities when it suits you. Talking to residents when you visit a village is often the best way to understand what daily life is really like.
Tip: Ask about resident-run clubs, shared gardens, or organised outings to see if they match your interests.
Costs, contracts and what’s included
Before you fall in love with your future home, it’s important to understand how the finances work at retirement villages. There are different ways of structuring entry payments, weekly or variable fees, and services. Ask what the weekly fee covers - for example rates, insurance, and maintenance of the shared facilities - and whether there are any extra services for things like meals, housekeeping or transport (at an additional cost).
It’s also important to find out what happens if you decide to leave – how your home is marketed, how your interest in your home is resold, when your entry payment is repaid, and how deferred management fees (a percentage of the entry payment retained by the village operator) works. All of this is set out in the Occupation Right Agreement, (always seek independent legal advice before signing), and having clarity on financial details means you can plan ahead with confidence. You can read more about our fees and other information here.
Safety, security and accessibility
A home should always feel safe and easy to live in, not just now but as the years go by. A well-maintained, accessible village helps you stay independent for longer and reassures both you and your family. This ensures your energy can go into enjoying life, not worrying about the logistics or the ‘what ifs’.
Equally important is how well the village is maintained in terms of good lighting, secure doors and clean communal areas which can reduce hazards and stress. Tidy grounds and regular maintenance are signs that the village keeps up with repairs and prioritises a safe environment.
Visiting a village in person
No brochure or website can replace the feeling you get from walking through a village yourself. Take the time to visit a few places, explore the gardens and shared spaces, and pay attention to how residents and the village team interact with each other. This is the best way to know if a village feels right for you.
Consider bringing along a family member or a trusted friend; two sets of eyes can help you notice details you might otherwise miss. And don’t be shy about asking questions - the more you know, the easier it is to feel confident about your decision.
Whenever you’re ready, our team at Bupa is here to answer your questions and show you around.