ACT RVRA Educational Forum: Summary

13 May 2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the ACT Retirement Village Residents Association Educational Forum hosted on 13 May 2026.

It was encouraging to see such strong engagement and thoughtful discussion around the issues that matter most to retirement village residents.

Retirement Village Move Checklist - Phillips Wealth Partners 

Be clear on your financial position. Assets and Income, debts and expenses.

What are your motivations for moving?

Identify your non negotiables that must be present for village life to work for you.

Affordability - Understand the costs upfront.

Entry Costs

☐ What is the ingoing contribution / purchase price?
☐ Is it a lease/licence or strata/freehold arrangement?

Ongoing Fees

☐ What are the weekly/fortnightly recurring charges?
☐ What do these fees include (meals, maintenance, utilities)?

Exit Costs (Critical)

☐ How is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF) calculated?

• % per year?
• Capped?
• Based on entry price or exit price?

☐ What share of capital gain (if any) applies?

Liquidity and Cash Reserves

☐ How much money you should keep liquid for emergencies , increased health care costs/aged care after the move.

Will their be any Centrelink/Age Pension implications if I have more money after a move.

☐ If you have to sell other assets such as Shares/rental properties what will the tax implications

Cash Flow & Liquidity Planning

☐ Will you:

• Pay entry in full?
• Use bridging finance while selling the home?

Lifestyle & Non-Financial Considerations

☐ Location (family, medical services)
☐ Community fit
☐ Rules / restrictions
☐ Future mobility and care needs

Pre-Move Final Checks

☐ Appropriate financial advice (qualified)
☐ Legal advice obtained
☐ Family informed and aligned
☐ Exit scenario clearly understood
☐ Cash flow stress-tested

Presentation by Craig Phillips