Question 1

What is the cost of living in a retirement village?

Accepted Answer

The cost of living in a retirement village like Amberley Country Estate includes weekly fees, which cover essential services such as maintenance, community facilities, insurance, and rates. The Deferred Management Fee (DMF), which is paid when you sell your villa, also covers the cost of refurbishment and sale. For more details, please contact us for a personalised breakdown of costs.

Question 2

What age can I move into a retirement village?

Accepted Answer

At Amberley Country Estate, we accept residents who are aged 65 and over. However, the age to move into a retirement village in New Zealand can vary between villages, so it's best to check with the specific retirement village.

Question 3

What does Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) mean and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Your Amberley Country Estate Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) provides you with the right to live in your villa for as long as you want to or are able to. This agreement ensures your security and peace of mind in your retirement home.

Question 4

What’s the difference between a retirement village and a lifestyle village in NZ?

Accepted Answer

In New Zealand, a retirement village is typically designed for older adults who may require some level of care or prefer an age-restricted community. A lifestyle village, on the other hand, is generally for those still fully independent but seeking a relaxed, community-oriented environment. Amberley Country Estate is a retirement village for residents aged 65 and over.

Question 5

What amenities are available at Amberley Country Estate?

Accepted Answer

Amberley Country Estate offers a range of amenities designed to make retirement living comfortable and enjoyable. These include beautifully landscaped gardens, community facilities, recreational spaces, and easy access to local shops and services.

Our 350m2 Clubhouse - already completed - features a social lounge with bar, home theatre, pool table and darts board, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, plus a library and crafts room, pétanque and croquet, gym and spa pool. Residents enjoy regular social gatherings such as movie night, fish’n’chip night, games night, quiz night and happy hours, and regular group days out in the vans.

We’re delighted to announce that our permanent luxury resort-style Community Centre is now under  construction. The heart of the village, this grand 1,350m2 building will be built around a stunning indoor courtyard and will feature an indoor swimming pool, spa pool and sauna, commercial kitchen, café and bar, a games room with pool tables, a multifunction room/dance floor/exercise floor, a library, a crafts room, a gymnasium, beauty therapy, consulting rooms and meeting rooms as well as a ‘Men’s Shed’, Bowling green, Pétanque and Croquet, plus all the social events, day trip excursions and activities that we currently run. We hope to have the new Clubhouse open towards the end of 2026.  
 
There are also planned future developments to include Care facilities to support residents' ongoing health needs.

Question 6

Can I still work or volunteer while living in a retirement village?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Amberley Country Estate encourages residents to remain active and engaged. Some of our residents participate in local volunteer roles, and there are plenty of opportunities to stay involved in community groups, hobbies or even work part-time if desired.

Question 7

Can I rent a home at Amberley Country Estate?

Accepted Answer

No. Amberley Country Estate provides long-term occupancy for residents only, through their Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).

Question 8

Can you explain the fee structure?

Accepted Answer

At Amberley Country Estate, our fee structure is clear and transparent. The Deferred Management Fee (DMF), which is paid when your home is sold, covers refurbishment and the cost of sale. This means there are no unexpected fees or hidden charges when you sell your property.

The weekly fees cover essential village services such as insurance, council rates, external maintenance, staff salaries, gardening, community facilities upkeep, and village operations. Costs for telephone, power, internet, and home contents insurance are your responsibility.

Question 9

Can I have pets at Amberley Country Estate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Amberley Country Estate is your home, and we welcome pets as part of the community, provided that certain conditions are met. Contact us to find out more about bringing your pet to the village.

Question 10

Who owns and runs Amberley Country Estate?

Accepted Answer

Amberley Country Estate is privately owned, and run by a Board of Directors. For more information about the team who run the village, please visit our "About Us" page.

Question 11

What if I’m new to Amberley?

Accepted Answer

Amberley is a friendly and welcoming community, eager to embrace new residents. Around one-third of Amberley’s population is over 65, and the town offers numerous clubs, social groups, and community activities that you can join. From local events to volunteer roles, there’s always something happening to make you feel part of the Amberley community.

Question 12

Can I have my own garden at Amberley?

Accepted Answer

While we manage the lawns and gardens at Amberley Country Estate, you are welcome to personalise your home with your own plantings. Just liaise with our Maintenance Manager regarding your gardening wishes. Whether you want to grow vegetables and herbs or just some flowers, we have options to suit. Our community garden is designed for residents wishing to grow their own produce, we have a herb garden, and fruit trees abound.

Question 13

What happens if I can’t look after myself?

Accepted Answer

Amberley Country Estate is committed to supporting you throughout your retirement. Our Villas are designed to support your as you age, with level thresholds, wider doorways and hallways and wet area bathrooms (all suitable for walkers and wheelchairs). We will assist you in staying in your villa for as long as possible, and if you need extra care, we can help you arrange it. For added peace of mind, we have plans for comprehensive care facilities to cater for your ongoing care needs.

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