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Financial information

The money side of things

Moving into a retirement community is a big life decision — and understanding the financial side is just as important as choosing the right place to live. At Arvida, we believe in keeping things clear, upfront, and easy to understand. There are no hidden surprises — just a straightforward approach so you can focus on living life your way.
Whether you're comparing weekly fees, exploring your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), or planning for future care needs, we’re here to help you make informed choices with confidence.

Breaking news: Set repayment timeframes

In December 2025, Arvida introduced repayment timeframes into the terms of its ORAs for its independent units. 

ORAs entered into from 19 December 2025 will include a 12 month standard repayment timeframe. This means that if we have not received full payment from an incoming resident within 12 months after you vacate your unit, we will refund you your exit payment (less any deductions) within 5 days of the 12 month anniversary of you vacating your unit. Care Suites already have a 3 month repayment timeframe. 

TIP: When considering what retirement community is best for you make sure that things like repayment terms are included in your ORA. The Arvida’s ORAs also contain an option where you can choose an earlier repayment option at 6 months, in exchange for a higher Deferred Management Fee (DMF). If you select this option, we will refund you your exit payment (less any deductions) within 5 days of the 6 month anniversary of you vacating your unit. There are some terms and conditions, but these are all set out in the ORA and should be reviewed with your legal advisors.

No surprises _ two weekly fee options that put you in control



When it comes to money, certainty matters - but so does choice. That’s why we offer two weekly fee options, so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and plans. If you want to chat through what’s best for you, we’re always happy to help. You select which fee type you want to go with when you sign your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).

    1. Indexed weekly fee

    Start with a lower weekly fee that gradually adjusts over time, linked to NZ Superannuation

    2. Fixed weekly fee for life

    Your weekly fee is locked in from day one - and it stays the same for as long as you live in your home.

Indexed weekly fee example
• If NZ Superannuation is $500 per week and increases by 3% to $515, your weekly fee also increases by 3%.
• If your indexed weekly fee was $200, a 3% increase means a $6 adjustment.


Your weekly fee includes


  • Resident-led wellness programme
  • Community activities and events
  • All electricity and heating
  • Council rates including water
  • WiFi in communal areas
  • regular security
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • 24 hour emergency call monitoring
  • Building and common area insurance

Deferred management fees (DMF)



Your contribution helps keep our communities running smoothly, covering things like ongoing maintenance, management, and the refurbishment and sale of your home when you leave.

The DMF is capped at a four year term for Villas, Townhouses, Living Well Apartments and Apartments and a two year term for Serviced Apartments and Care Suites.

It’s all about fairness and transparency, so you can feel confident in your decision. No fees once you move out. We don’t believe in charging you when you’re no longer here. That’s why: Your weekly fee and DMF stop the moment you move out, remove all your belongings and return the keys. No ongoing costs hanging over you or your family. It’s your money, your home, your way.

Frequently asked questions



Absolutely. With your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), you can live in your home for as long as you choose, or until you need additional care and support.

You have two choices when it comes to weekly fees:

• Indexed — Your fee starts lower and adjusts annually based on NZ Superannuation increases, keeping it fair and manageable.

• Fixed for life — Your weekly fee is locked in and won’t change, giving you long-term certainty.

*Some conditions apply

With our 90-day change of mind promise, if you decide within 90 days of moving in that it's not the right fit — we'll refund your money (minus a $10,000 DMF). Please consult with your Village Manager as some conditions apply.
*Some conditions apply

Yes, we make moving within Arvida easy. If you want a change of scene, need to be closer to family, or require extra assistance, you can transfer within or between communities, subject to availability.

We’ll guide you through the details and costs.

If you’re assessed as needing more support, you’ll have priority access (over non-Arvida residents) to an Arvida care centre, depending on availability and your care needs. This could either be in your current community or another Arvida location.

The DMF helps cover the ongoing maintenance, security and management of your home and community, as well as the refurbishment and sale of your home when you leave.

The DMF is capped at a four year term for Villas, Townhouses, Living Well Apartments and Apartments and a two year term for Serviced Apartments and Care Suites

Your weekly fee and DMF stop once you’ve given formal notice, moved out, removed all your belongings, and returned the keys.

Once your home is re-sold and settled, you’ll receive your exit payment (less any deductions) within 5 working days.

If you enter into an ORA from 19 December 2025, your ORA will include a 12 month set repayment timeframe. This means that we will pay you your exit payment (less deductions) 5 working days after the 12 month anniversary of your vacation date. You can now also choose to be repaid earlier, at 6 months, in exchange for a higher DMF of 35%.

If for any reason we haven't paid you your exit payment (less any deductions) within six months of you leaving, we will accrue interest owing until we settle the balance with you (or your estate).

There are some legal terms and conditions, but these are all set out in the ORA and should be reviewed with your legal advisors.

If your home increases in value over time, any capital gain stays with Arvida — so you don’t need to worry about fluctuating market values.

No, you’ll never take a loss on your home — the amount repaid to you is protected, even if property values decline.

Every Arvida community is a little different, so our sales team’s happy to talk you through weekly fees and what’s included at the community you’re interested in. We’ll make sure you’ve got all the info you need to make the decision that feels right for you.
Terms and conditions of the Arvida Promise can be found in your Occupation Right Agreement.

Questions?

Give us a call on 0800 278 432 

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