As retirement community options rapidly expand across Melbourne’s suburbs, the expectations of buyers are steadily growing too.
Factors such as an active community, modern designs, a health and well-being focus, and flexible contract choices are high on buyers’ lists.
“Residents really love the well-being program because it is unique to the village’s needs,” says Nathan Cockerill, CEO, Keyton.
“Tai Chi, meditation, and chair yoga are popular, and residents also get involved in the regular happy hours.”
Keyton’s new retirement village, Sherwin Rise in Wollert[1], is out in front when it comes to delivering more than just a residential opportunity.
“At Keyton, we strive to ‘lead with heart’, and that is reflected in the well-being offerings we provide across all our villages,” he says.
Sherwin Rise by Keyton is a lifestyle-focused community for retirees in Melbourne’s north.
Community counts
When residents are easing into retirement, they value the opportunity to make new connections with people at a similar life stage.
Retirement communities that create an environment for this to happen are proving the most attractive to discerning buyers and those seeking connection
“At Sherwin Rise, our masterplan helps create a vibrant living environment.
“It has a central clubhouse with a range of amenities for communal use, including a cinema, lawn bowls, gym, pool, and veggie garden,” says Cockerill.
Sherwin Rise resident Jenny says that her daily life now reminds her of when she grew up and everyone looked out for each other and would say hello in the street.
“It’s a really great community, there is something on all the time, and my sister will ring me and ask, ‘what’s on your social calendar today, can I see you today?’” she says with a laugh.
Stylish, sustainable living
In addition to a great sense of community, buyers are looking for a home that is stylish, comfortable, and sustainable.
“Sherwin Rise has two-bedroom, two bedrooms plus study, and three-bedroom single-level homes which are designed for low maintenance and comfort,” says Cockerill.
Modern, open-plan living, quality finishes, and Fisher & Paykel appliances are just some of the features appealing to buyers, as are the step-free designs for future-proof living.
“Each home has an individual façade with a choice of colour schemes and outside you have a covered alfresco for entertaining, and a private and secure backyard,” he says.
Meeting the growing call for energy efficiency, the homes all feature an eco-friendly 3kW solar panel system.
Wellbeing at your doorstep
Today’s retirement living buyers desire to live a healthy lifestyle for as long as possible and want a community that supports this.
At Sherwin Rise, there is an on-site health and well-being coordinator to oversee programs that promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of residents.
“This includes fitness classes, access to healthcare professionals, and personalised support that fosters healthy lifestyles, maintains independence, and ensures residents feel connected and valued,” says Cockerill.
The coordinator takes an active individual interest in residents, helping them to tailor a program to their personal needs and adjust activities based on their feedback.
Wellbeing and connection are at the heart of living at a Keyton community.
Out and about
Another factor in well-being is having access to great amenities for daily shopping needs, cafes and restaurants, and entertainment.
At Sherwin Rise, residents benefit from access to the broader community of Aurora, ensuring that there are plenty of local shops and services to make the most of.
“Aurora Shopping Village is just a 5-minute drive away and it is close to the Northern hospitals and key arterial roads,” says Cockerill.
There is also a village community bus available for residents, meaning accessing all that the local area has to offer is easier than ever.
Contract choice
Making the move to retirement living can require some research into the right financial model for each individual buyer.
“Each state has a specific retirement village legislation to protect the rights and interests of residents,” Cockerill says.
Keyton offers buyers multiple payment options, including the DMF (deferred management fee) non-participating contract.
It features a lower purchase price and lower ongoing costs, and when you sell, the sale covers any outstanding costs.
This model comes with no stamp duty, a 6-month guaranteed buyback option, and no selling fees.
“This means you have more money in your pocket to live your best life now,” he says.
There are many paths to ownership at Sherwin Rise that retirees can use to secure their new home.
Construction complete – homes ready to move in.
In addition to community, well-being, design, and contract choice, Sherwin Rise focuses on value for money.
Two bedrooms start from $499,500* and three bedrooms from $566,100*.
“Stage 3 is now finished, and residents have already begun moving into their new homes,” says Cockerill.
The display homes are open and you’re invited to explore during the Open Homes from 6–8 October, 10am–2pm, with more events happening throughout the month. You can also drop in for a guided tour every Friday from 2–4pm.
Disclaimer:
*Prices as advertised are available on our non-participating (NP) contract type only. Residents do not share in any capital gain on resale of the property under a NP contract. Please refer to the full contract for details.
References
- ^ Sherwin Rise in Wollert (keyton.com.au)