FAQs

  1. Why should I consider a move to a retirement village?

    There are a variety of personal and practical reasons why people choose to retire to a retirement village
    • The option to be free of the responsibilities of a larger home, with the freedom to travel knowing that all is cared for whilst you are away.
    • The companionship and friendship of the Village lifestyle that allows you to pursue, at your own pace, a wide variety of activities.
    • The support of caring staff, and the new friendships that will evolve.
    • The security of additional care should it become necessary at some future time.
    • The knowledge, comfort and freedom to your family that you are part of a caring Village community, and they are no more than a phone call away.
    However, it is finally you who should determine what the Village lifestyle has to offer you.

  2. What age do I have to be?

    Either yourself, your spouse or your partner must be a minimum of 60 years. However, consideration may be given in other circumstances.

  3. Who should I talk to, to assist with this decision?

    Well, firstly, there is no substitute for family. The Village staff encourage the members of your family to be involved not only in the decision making process but also in the choice of Village lifestyles available to you. Feel free to talk to Village residents, as they have made their own decision and are only too happy to assist new residents. Village staff are trained to assist, but finally it is you who should be clear and relaxed about the decision. If necessary we would encourage you to seek financial or legal advice about this decision. There are many law firms now experienced with retirement village documentation.

  4. What say do I have in Village affairs?

    A Management Advisory Committee has been established to advise the Management of the Village on matters concerning the residents welfare etc. This committee consists of six persons, namely one representative from the Council of the Ageing, two representatives from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, two Village residents (elected by the residents) and one representative of Community Villages Australia. There is also a trustee to ensure the continuation of a high standard of maintenance.

  5. What happens if the Village is sold and there is a change of management that differs from the current style of management?

    There can naturally be no guarantees that this situation would not occur. However, the founder and actual builder of The Village Glen is still actively engaged in the management of the Village, and has in place a training and succession plan for family members to join with the existing management team to ensure the continuance of The Village Glen philosophies. However, any new management would be bound to abide by the terms and conditions of the existing License Agreement.

  6. Is there a Residents' Committee?

    The Village Glen Residents' Club has a committee elected yearly by the residents to design and initiate the Village social activities, with the assistance of Village staff.
    There are independent resident committees for bowls, croquet, golf, craft, socials, trips and tours, bridge, gardening etc. Every month there is a residents' meeting chaired by the President of the Residents' Club.
    Management attends these meetings to present a monthly report, and to act as advisor to the Residents' Club.

  7. What types of accommodation are available at the Village Glen?

    The Village Glen has a variety of fourteen villa floor plans consisting of one, two or three bedrooms, or two bedrooms with study. All Villas have either a garage, carport or car space.
    The Villas have been skillfully arranged in clusters like small villages around landscaped courtyards which provide added security and peace of mind. The level nature of the Village allows easy access to all the Villas and recreational facilities. Within the Village are the Terraced Apartments. They are self contained one bedroom Apartments with kitchen, lounge and ensuite bathrooms.
    Adjoining the Village is a privately operated 60 bed hostel known as Brickendon Lodge. The Ti-Tree Gardens nursing home, also privately operated, is also adjacent to the Village.

  8. May I bring my pet?

    The Village Glen Management understands the strong attachment that many people have to their pets, and we will do everything we can to accommodate their needs. Small indoor pets are often not a problem but larger pets are sometimes impractical. Pets are naturally not permitted in the Apartment Building. You should seek approval from management for your particular pet. There are pet rules to abide by, one of which is that a pet may not be replaced. You should ask the sales staff for a copy of these rules.

  9. What facilities and activities are available to me as a resident?

    The Main Administration Building, known as "The Hub", consists of the general reception and management offices, the Village shop, hairdresser, doctor's consulting rooms, nurse's station, dining room, billiard room, library and computer club. Activities catered for include concerts, meetings, cards and a host of special functions. Adjoining the Hub are the Village Apartments. The Sports Building is situated between the bowls and croquet rinks that cater for both pennant and social bowls. The building allows indoor bowls on those inclement days. Table tennis, and exercise classes also fit into the busy calendar.
    The unique Craft Building allows residents to discover their artistic skills at pottery, china painting, art classes and a host of other craft pursuits.
    There is no charge for most of these activities as they are provided for through the Service Fee. The Village Workshop is located between the Vegetable Garden and Glass Houses, and the Boat and Caravan Storage Area. There are residents' committees to promote all the Village recreational activities including theatre excursions, trips and tours. Feel free to join us in whatever activities take your pleasure, or suggest additional activities or pursuits. There are charges, naturally, for some activities.
    At present we are considering the construction of a Village Chapel and a nine hole par 3 golf course, putting green and an additional sports building to incorporate an indoor pool and gymnasium.

  10. What form of contract do I sign?

    The Village operates on a License Agreement for the occupancy of the Villas and Apartments. The Agreement has an Entry Fee for the purchase of the Villa or Apartment License and a separate Chattels Fee. The purchase price of the Villa or Apartment License is the sum of the Entry Fee and the Chattels Fee.
    Residents of The Village Glen have the protection of the Retirement Villages Act 1986 in respect to their rights under the License Agreement.

  11. Will I have to pay a deposit?

    No deposit is necessary to reserve your selected Villa or Apartment. We offer a 60 day obligation free reservation period during which we hold the Villa or Apartment of your choice to enable you to sell your home. An extension to the reservation period can be negotiated. Your Entry Fee and Chattels Fee is paid at the time of taking possession of your Villa or Apartment.

  12. What is the purpose of having a separate Chattels Fee?

    In the first instance, it allows a resident to choose from a variety of internal finishes such as the colour, quality and value of the carpet and drapes, and the type and value of the stove and hot plate. Residents may choose, either prior to taking up residence, or later during their stay at the Village Glen, to install air conditioning, sun blinds, garage door remote control, security doors or they may recarpet or redrape their Villa. This allows in the sales procedure of either an Apartment or a Villa for the chattels to be offered independently to a prospective purchaser at a mutually agreed value. This amount without any deduction is paid to the Licensed Resident at settlement.

  13. Is there any settling-in period available to me if I should decide to purchase a Villa or Apartment?

    We consider it important that you do have a period to adjust to your new Village lifestyle. Therefore if you reside in a Villa there is a full twelve month settling-in period and in respect to an Apartment there is a three month settling-in period. The financial details, should you choose to terminate your license during these periods, are explained further in this information sheet.

  14. How does the Licensed Agreement for a Villa operate if I wish to leave the Village?

    As in all real estate, a Purchaser must be found who wishes "to buy your Villa", that is pay a New Entry Fee for a New License to occupy your Villa. They must naturally comply with the conditions of this new License. This allows your License to be terminated and your Entry Fee to be repaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of your License.
    You are free, as is your Executor, to obtain a New Licensed Resident. However part of the service provided by the Village staff employed through the Monthly Service Fee is to provide this service without any additional charge or commission. To assist Residents, a waiting list is routinely available, naturally dependent on the economic circumstances prevailing at the time. You must decide who will obtain the New Licensed Resident. For your information, in the past 20 years all sales have been handled by Village staff. If you decide to utilise the services of Village Management you, or your Executor, must give Management this authority in writing.
    If you choose, you may employ a real estate agent to ‚"sell on your behalf" and at your expense. The purchaser must naturally comply with the terms and conditions of the new License. No real estate board or advertising is permitted externally or within the Village.

  15. How is the equity in my License Agreement determined, and when is my equity repaid?

    Management will recommend to you a New Entry Fee based on their experience of similar sales within the Village. If you do not agree with the recommended value, the matter can be referred to the Australian Institute of Valuers for arbitration. Each party is responsible for their own costs.
    Any offers made by a prospective new Licensed Resident will be submitted for consideration by both parties. Similar to a normal real estate transaction, you receive repayment of your equity in your License on the settlement day of the payment of the New Entry Fee by the New Licensed Resident.
    If the written notice to obtain a New Licensed Resident for your Licensed Villa is received within your 12 month settling-in period, or should there be a bereavement of a sole Villa Resident within that period, then from the proceeds of the sale you or your estate will receive back the value of your original Entry Fee.
    There is a rental for the number of weeks that you lived in the Village which Management will deduct at settlement. Naturally this rental varies with time, and you should enquire from Management as to the current value.
    If there are any internal repairs or damage to your Villa then they are undertaken, and the cost is also deducted from the settlement monies. The Monthly Service Fee is to be paid to the date of the settlement of the sale of the New License. If your notice is received after your 12 month settling-in period, or once again in the case of a bereavement of a sole Villa Resident after the 12 months, then from the proceeds of the sale, you or your estate receive 80% of the original Entry Fee, or 80% of the New Entry Fee in the circumstances that the New Entry Fee is less than the original Entry Fee.
    If the New Entry Fee is greater than the original Entry Fee then you receive 20 per cent of that capital gain. To facilitate the sale of the License of an Apartment or a Villa, any internal repairs or maintenance are the responsibility of the Licensed Resident which are completed at the expense of, and are deducted from, the Licensed Resident’s entitlement from the sale of the License. However, in the circumstances that the New Licensed Resident requires extensive renovations to the Villa, then the cost of these renovations is at the expense of the New Licensed Resident.
    The previously agreed value of the New Entry Fee prior to these renovations is used for the calculation of the financial entitlements of the existing License Agreement.
    To allow the New Licensed Resident to enjoy the future financial return from these renovations, the value of these improvements is added to form an Adjusted New Entry Fee for their New License.
    The Chattels Fee that we explained in question 12 is settled at the same time.

  16. What charges do I face by living in the Village?

    The Resident is responsible for all their normal living expenses including telephone and electricity connection and running costs. Each resident is responsible for the internal redecorating and maintenance of their Villa or Apartment. There is a Monthly Service Fee charge, payable by all Village Residents, that varies in value between Apartments and the various styles of Villas constructed throughout the Village.

  17. What does the Monthly Service Fee cover?

    The Monthly Service Fee is the proportion allocated to your Villa or Apartment of the total outgoings of the Village and includes, but is not limited, to the following:
    • Rates and charges by the Mornington Peninsula Shire, South East Water or any other body, which will be at pensioner concession level.
    • All fire insurance, including your Villa, public buildings and other structures, public risk, workers‚ compensation etc. A contents and personal effects policy is also included on your behalf. The value of the contents insurance is varied from year to year, and you should enquire as to the current level of the contents insurance. You may increase the level of cover at your expense.
    • Public lighting, lawn mowing and gardening of the common areas.
    • General and long term maintenance of the present and future Village buildings, Sports, Craft and Village centres, Administration, roads, courts etc., as well as the external maintenance of the Villas and Apartments.
    • Cost of providing or contributing to a bus service for the
      Village Residents.
    • Cost of cleaning the common areas, e.g. corridors, lounges, Craft Centre, Sports Building etc.
    • Costs of administration and management of the Village, and the resale service of your Villa or Apartment License.
    • Staff salaries, long service leave and superannuation entitlements.
    • Cost of providing and maintaining the emergency call system to the Villa or Apartment Residents.
    • State or federal charges, taxes, etc.

  18. How is the Monthly Service Fee determined?

    The Monthly Service Fee is determined by Management in accordance with the Retirement Village Act 1986. Management is required by the Act to provide an audited statement of the current prescribed year's expenses and a detailed budget for the forthcoming year. The prescribed year for the Village commences on the 1st July of each year. The budget is submitted to the Residents' Committee and to the Residents for their approval at the Annual Village Glen Residents' Meeting.

  19. Is there any Government legislation in place to protect residents' rights in retirement villages, for example in the event of the Village suffering financial difficulties?

    In Victoria in 1986 the Retirement Villages Act was proclaimed after consultation with the Retirement Village Industry and other associated community organisations.
    You may view a copy of the Act at the Village Office or you may obtain a copy from the Government Printer. Your solicitor will be conversant with the Act and will be able to advise you.
    Amongst the issues that are addressed by the Act are the financial security of Residents in a Retirement Village under the various forms of tenure including License Agreements. The Act provides that the Residents' equity has first priority, similar to a first mortgage, and that the owner must disclose any liabilities that exist on a document called a Retirement Village Notice. This Notice must be included in the Occupancy Agreement. These liabilities, if they exist, must take second priority behind the Resident's rights. For your comfort there are no financial encumbrances on the Village Glen Notice. The Retirement Village Act also determines how any increases may occur in service charges or special levies. The Act also addresses the Resident's rights in respect to transfer to other types of accommodation.
    Whilst the Retirement Village Act is not a complex document, it is far too lengthy to detail here, and Management is only too pleased to discuss the Act with you at your leisure.

  20. May I lodge a Caveat to protect my financial interest in the Village?

    As long as the Retirement Village Act 1986 with amendments, or any future Act, continues to protect a Resident's rights in a Retirement Village, then a Resident is not permitted to lodge a Caveat. The License Agreement has a copy of the Retirement Village Notice which must display any financial encumbrances that are registered on the Title of the land on which the Village is constructed. There are no financial encumbrances on the Village Glen notice.

  21. What are the financial details of an Apartment License Agreement?

    There are differing details based on the manner that you choose to enter the Village. If you entered the Village directly to an Apartment, the Entry Fee entitles you to a License to occupy a Village Apartment and for the use of the facilities and services mentioned above. There is a three month settling-in period available to you in a Village Apartment.
    As explained previously for Villas you have the same option that you, or your Executor, may give written notice of your intentions to sell your apartment. You may appoint Management, in writing, to obtain a New Licensed Resident. The same procedures explained for a New Villa License is used for determining the value of a New Apartment License. If the written notice is received within your three month settling-in period, then your original Entry Fee is repaid, less the cost of any repairs or outstanding charges.
    There is a rental for the number of weeks that you were living in the Village Apartment which will be adjusted at settlement. This rental varies from time to time, and you should enquire from Management as to the current value. If the notice is received after the three month settling-in period, then you receive 80% of your original Entry Fee or 80% of the New Entry Fee if it is less than the original Entry Fee. There is no payment of any percentage of any capital gain in the Apartments to the Licensed Apartment Resident.
    The chattels of the Licensed Apartment are valued and offered to the New Licensed Apartment Resident, and the agreed value is repaid without deduction at the settlement of the sale of the New License.

  22. What if I live in a Villa and wish to transfer to an Apartment?

    If either yourself or your doctor suggest that it would be in your best interest to permanently reside in an Apartment, you may transfer there when a vacancy becomes available. As a Village Resident you are given priority, subject to need, for any vacancies occurring in the Village Apartments.

  23. What happens to my Villa Entry Fee if I transfer to an apartment?

    Either yourself, or, if you elect, Management will obtain a new Licensed Resident for your Villa. Once again there is no charge for this service. The financial procedure explained earlier determines the value of your equity in the Entry Fee and Chattels Fee of your Villa. Your equity from your Villa Entry Fee remains with Management and becomes your Adjusted Entry Fee for your Apartment irrespective of the current market value of the Apartments. Your original Villa License Agreement is altered to indicate your new Apartment number.
    Your Chattels Fee is adjusted between the value of your chattels in the Villa to the chattels that you purchase in the Apartment. At some future time if you leave the Apartment or in the case of a bereavement then a new Licensed Resident is obtained for your Apartment and your previously Adjusted Entry Fee is the amount you or your estate will receive from the settlement monies from the sale of a New Apartment License. Any outstanding charges are adjusted at settlement.
    You may, however, if you choose, take your equity from the sale of the New License for your Villa and enter into a New Apartment License Agreement under the current terms and conditions of the License that applies at that time, paying the market value of the Apartment License that also exists at that time.

  24. Are the Apartments furnished?

    Residents bring with them those items of personal use and furniture which are considered necessary, including lounge furniture, beds, bed linen and TV. Carpets, drapes, light fittings, stovette, hot water service, heater and refrigerator are provided as chattels.

  25. What cost do I face moving to an Apartment from a Villa?

    Once you have packed your personal belongings Village staff will arrange for a carrier to move your furniture at your expense. The costs for any re-connection charges for telephone or electricity supply are the Resident's responsibility.

  26. What are the laundry facilities in the Apartments?

    Centralised laundry rooms equipped with washing machines, dryers and ironing facilities are available to Apartment Residents at no charge.
    A dry cleaning and laundry service is also available at the Resident's expense.
  27. Are there any housekeeping services?

    Village staff can arrange, at the Resident's expense, for private housekeeping assistance for both the Apartments and the Villas.

  28. Is there staff available to assist with maintenance?

    All external maintenance of your Villa or Apartment is paid for as part of the monthly service charge. However the Village staff can arrange for any professional services you may require for internal maintenance or odd jobs, together with any assistance with your Villa garden. There is a charge for these services.

  29. Are meals available?

    The Terrace Court Dining Room currently serves lunch daily seven days a week together with an evening meal on Thursday and on special occasions. This service may vary from time to time. Your meal tickets are purchased from reception.

  30. Can I have my meal delivered?

    Providing that the Dining Room is available as a Village Facility, then, on the advice of our medical staff, meals can be delivered from the Dining Room to either Villas or Apartments at a small charge to the Resident.

  31. Can my friends use the dining room?

    Residents are encouraged to invite guests to eat with them in the Dining Room provided prior notice is given, and arrangements are made with Management as to the numbers and cost.

  32. Is the dining room available for special functions?

    With prior notice, arrangements can be made for those special functions, such as birthdays, anniversaries or family get-togethers. The cost of these functions is at the expense of the Resident.

  33. What if I wish to temporarily leave the Village, for example vacations or hospital?

    You are naturally free to come and go as you please. All you need to do is notify Management of your intention. Naturally, your Monthly Service Fee is payable whilst you are absent. During your absence the Service Fee will attend to your lawn mowing and any external maintenance that may occur. You only have to ring us when you decide to come home and we will even turn on your heating for you.

  34. What medical facilities are available?

    You may choose your own personal physician. For your convenience we have consulting rooms in The Hub which are currently serviced by South Coast Medical Clinic.

  35. Is there an emergency call system, and who attends those calls?

    The Village has a 24 hour a day, all year emergency call system attended by registered nurses. Some of our nursing staff reside within the Village with their families.

  36. Are the nursing staff available to assist me in case of illness or injury?

    The first priority of nursing staff is the attention to the emergency call system. However, for short periods only, and subject naturally to availability, the day nurse can assist those Residents who may require limited assistance after an operation or injury. There is an additional charge for this service.

  37. What facilities are available to me should I need hostel or nursing home care?

    Both the privately operated hostel Brickendon Lodge, and Ti-Tree Gardens Nursing Home adjoin The Village Glen. If you are medically advised, and are assessed for either form of care, then on your advice we will obtain a New Villa or Apartment Licensed Resident, and your equity from the settlement of the New License is forwarded to you. Entry to Brickendon Lodge or Ti-Tree Gardens or any other hostel or nursing home is, naturally, subject to vacancies.
    There are varying financial arrangements available to you for entry to Brickendon Lodge or any other hostel or nursing home that you may choose.

  38. What if I do not drive or decide to sell my car. Is there transport available?

    The Shire community bus service runs Monday to Friday, through the Village, for access to the Rosebud Shopping Centre and other places of interest on the Peninsula. Once a month the Village charters a bus for a Melbourne trip. There is a moderate charge for the Melbourne bus. There is a Peninsula bus service that connects to the Frankston to Melbourne train service.

  39. May I rent or sub-let my Villa or Apartment?

    Renting or sub-letting is not allowed, in order to maintain the nature of the Village.

  40. May I have a friend stay?

    Your guests at The Village Glen, your children and grandchildren are welcome. You can feel free to entertain them in the Village Centre or the gardens. In other words, The Village Glen is your home. They must however be in your company if they are using any Village facility or engaging in any Village activity. Your guests may stay, provided you are also in occupation, for up to four (4) weeks in any one year. Any extended stay is subject to obtaining the permission of Management.

  41. Is there provision in the License Agreement for another party to own the License?

    We have provision for an annexure to be added to the License Agreement to note any financial interests of another party.
    For example a Company could purchase the Villa on your behalf, or a family member could contribute towards part or all of the Entry Fee.
    At the settlement of the sale of a New License for your Villa their financial interests would be attended to in accordance with the annexure. They can not, however, take up your License and reside in the Village.

  42. Can a family member or friend take up the License of my Villa in the event of my death?

    The License is non-transferable. However, you could request that Management give first right of refusal to that party to purchase a new License for your Villa. You could bequeath your financial equity in your License to that party, and they then pay only the difference. Naturally they must comply with the terms and conditions of the License prevailing at that time.

  43. Can a family member or friend move into the Villa permanently and not be noted on my License Agreement?

    The License Agreement for The Village Glen has provision that in the event of a sole Licensed Resident requiring permanent assistance, then a carer, for whom Management has given written approval, may take up occupancy in the Villa to assist the Resident. Naturally, the carer must vacate the Villa upon the demise of the Resident.
    There is also provision for a guest to stay for predetermined fixed periods which have been agreed to by Management.

  44. What happens if I decide to marry or remarry after I have moved into the Village?

    In that event, which has occurred several times in The Village Glen, then providing one member of that union is a minimum age of 60 years, the existing License Agreement allows for the spouse's name to be added to the Agreement. The Licensed Resident undertakes to indemnify Management against any future actions that may occur from this alteration to the existing License.

  45. What procedures are available if I am in dispute with Management?

    The Village Glen Management and staff have developed a tremendous rapport with Residents, with Senior Management always available to assist and discuss any concerns that may arise.
    The Management Advisory Committee is able to assist with any disputes. The Retirement Village Association also has a Dispute Resolution Committee for this purpose.
    However, The Village Glen prides itself that in the past nineteen years of operation to the year 2000, no matter has been referred to either Committee.

  46. And finally, what are my responsibilities?

    • To pay the legal costs in respect of the License Agreement.
    • To use your residence only as a dwelling.
    • To permit Management to inspect the condition of your residence at convenient times.
    • To make no structural alterations or additions to your residence without the written consent of Management.
    • To keep your residence clean, to repair any damages caused by wilful or negligent conduct, and to keep your personal garden areas neat and tidy.
    • To be responsible for your guests whilst they are within the Village.
    • To abide by the Residents' Village Rules, a copy of which is included in the License Agreement.