Understanding the Retirement Village Purchase Process

Moving into a retirement village is an exciting new chapter - but terms like Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), Licence to Occupy (LTO) and Outgoing Charges can sometimes make the process feel more complicated than it really is.

At Presbyterian Support Central (PSC), we aim to make the retirement village purchase process simple, transparent and supportive. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are You Actually Purchasing?

When you “purchase” a villa at one of our retirement villages, you are signing an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) and paying an entry payment.

By signing the ORA:

• You receive an exclusive Licence to Occupy (LTO) your chosen villa for as long as you are able to live independently.
• You have shared access to communal facilities and village amenities.
• The underlying ownership of the villa remains with Presbyterian Support Central.

This licence-to-occupy model is standard across most New Zealand retirement villages and is designed to provide security, clarity and peace of mind.

The Retirement Village Purchase Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Consider Your Options

Start by thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. Location? Community? Low-maintenance living? Access to care services?

We encourage you to ask questions about:

• The Occupation Right Agreement
• Entry payments and ongoing fees
• Village facilities
• Day-to-day life in the community

Our team is always happy to talk you through how the licence-to-occupy system works.

Step 2: Express Your Interest

The process differs slightly depending on whether the village is under construction or already established.

If the Village Is Under Construction

You may complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. This involves:

• Paying a fully refundable $2,000 deposit to the Statutory Supervisor.
• Securing your place in the development process.

Approximately six months before completion, you may move to the next stage - signing an Agreement for Occupation Right Agreement (AORA) for your chosen villa.

If the Village Is Already Established

Once you’ve selected a villa, you will complete the AORA for that specific home.

Our friendly sales agent will guide you through this document. It gathers the details required to prepare your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).

Step 3: Medical Assessment

To ensure the villa environment is the right fit, you’ll need to complete a medical form with your GP or medical practitioner.

This confirms that you are able to live independently in a retirement village villa.

Once completed, you’ll arrange a meeting with the Village Manager.

Step 4: Meet the Village Manager

Bring your completed medical form to your meeting.

This is an important opportunity to:

• Ask further questions
• Discuss village life
• Ensure the community is the right fit for you

We want you to feel confident and comfortable in your decision.

Step 5: Sign the Occupation Right Agreement (ORA)

We will send the ORA to your lawyer so you can receive independent legal advice.

Once signed and returned:

• A 15-day cooling-off period begins.
• During this time, you may cancel the agreement for any reason.

You can move into your villa once the cooling-off period has expired.

Step 6: Settlement

On the agreed settlement date:

• The balance of your entry payment is due.
• Once settlement is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your villa.

Step 7: Move In and Enjoy Village Life

Welcome home.

From low-maintenance living to community connection and support when you need it, retirement village life at Presbyterian Support Central is designed to help you enjoy this next stage with confidence and independence.