Retirement village lawyers in Melbourne
Trusted Melbourne lawyers for retirement village contracts, sales and purchases
Get guidance on retirement village contracts, rights and obligations. We help you navigate the legal complexities of buying or selling a unit.
Whether you’re moving into or selling a retirement village property, MST Lawyers provides trusted legal support to ensure your rights are protected. With deep knowledge of the legal and emotional complexities involved, our team delivers clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Victorian retirement villages are governed by the Retirement Villages Act 1986 (Vic), significantly reformed by the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2025, in force since 1 May 2026.
- Exit entitlements must now be paid within 12 months of vacant possession.
- Deferred Management Fees (DMFs) and recurrent charges are now regulated, and charges stop when you give vacant possession.
- Contracts differ by structure — leasehold, loan-licence, or strata — each with different rights and costs. Get the contract reviewed before signing.
Our Retirement Village Sales & Purchases Legal Services
The services we offer:
Retirement Village Contract Review
Contracts for retirement villages can be complex, with entry fees, ongoing charges, and exit arrangements that differ from standard property purchases. We carefully review these contracts to ensure you understand your rights, obligations and any financial implications. MST Lawyers is experienced in spotting hidden risks and ensuring our clients are fully informed before they sign.
Legal Advice on Retirement Village Purchases
Purchasing a retirement village unit is a major life decision. We offer tailored legal advice to help you understand the unique structure of these arrangements—whether leasehold, loan-licence, or strata title—so you can move forward with peace of mind. MST Lawyers is here to help you make a secure and confident investment in your future.
Negotiation of Terms and Conditions
We advocate for fairer contract terms where appropriate, helping you negotiate exit fees, refurbishment costs, and ongoing charges. Our lawyers work to secure terms that align with your needs while maintaining positive relationships with operators.
Dispute Resolution in Retirement Village Transactions
If disputes arise—whether relating to fees, maintenance, or management practices—our team helps you resolve matters efficiently and respectfully. MST Lawyers represents both residents and operators in mediation, tribunal hearings, or litigation, with a focus on resolving issues quickly and compassionately.
Compliance with Retirement Village Legislation
Operators must comply with strict retirement village legislation. Whether you are managing a retirement property or facing concerns as a resident, we can guide you through your obligations or rights under the law. MST Lawyers ensures all parties stay compliant and well-informed.
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Schedule a consult with our retirement village lawyers
If you’re buying, selling or managing a retirement village property, speak to our experienced legal team for tailored legal guidance. We’ll help you navigate the complexities with confidence. Book a consultation using our contact form or please contact our office on (03) 8540 0200, or you can email us directly at propertylaw@mst.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions about retirement village legal services
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Retirement village contracts are detailed and often contain long-term financial and legal obligations. With the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2025 (Vic) now passed in Victoria, contracts must meet stricter requirements for transparency and disclosure. You should look closely at:
The type of arrangement (e.g. loan-licence, leasehold, or strata)
Entry contributions, ongoing fees, and the Deferred Management Fee (DMF), which will be subject to new rules from 1 May 2026.
Exit entitlement timeframes (which are subject to a maximum timeframe at 12 months from vacant possession)
Maintenance and capital works responsibilities
Your rights if you decide to leave or transfer to aged care
These reforms aim to give buyers greater clarity and protections. We can review your documents and explain how the new laws may affect your rights and future costs.
Yes. Retirement village contracts are unlike standard property purchases. With the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2025 (Vic) now in force new consumer protections and standardised disclosure requirements, it’s more important than ever to get expert legal advice.
A lawyer can help you:
Understand how the reforms in force since 1 May 2026 apply to your contract
Review the financial model, including DMFs and capital gains/losses
Ensure the operator complies with updated disclosure obligations
Identify risks or clauses that could limit your rights
MST Lawyers supports buyers by providing clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected issues down the track.
Disputes might arise over fees, repairs, communication with management, or delays in exit entitlements. The amended laws provide for:
Internal complaint resolution – All operators must have a formal process
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – A new, government-backed service for low-level disputes
VCAT – The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal remains the final step for more serious or unresolved matters
Our team at MST Lawyers can help you decide the best course of action and represent you at any stage of the process.
Victorian residents have existing rights under the Retirement Villages Act 1986 (Vic), which were significantly reformed by the Retirement Villages Amendment Act 2025 (Vic), which has been in force since 1 May 2026. Key rights include:
A clear breakdown of fees and charges before you sign
Payment of your exit entitlement within 12 months of leaving
Independent oversight of the village’s operations
Protection against unfair or unexpected costs
New access to alternative dispute resolution for smaller disputes
These rights will align more closely with broader aged care reforms, making the transition from independent living to aged care smoother and more transparent.
Yes — understanding the fee structure is essential, particularly following the reforms that took effect on 1 May 2026. Common costs include:
Entry contribution – The upfront payment to secure residence
Ongoing charges – Monthly or quarterly fees for village services
Deferred Management Fee (DMF) – generally deducted when the resident leaves. For contracts entered into from 1 May 2026, the DMF must be calculated daily as a percentage of the original entry payment, based on the length of residence, and stops accruing when vacant possession is returned.
Exit entitlement – The amount you or your estate receives back, now guaranteed to be paid within 12 months of exit
Renovation or reinstatement costs – Depending on your agreement, some operators may deduct these from your final payout
We help you unpack the financial model and ensure there are no surprises, particularly where aged care planning is involved.
Our consultation provides tailored guidance to help you navigate this major life decision. It includes:
Full legal review of your retirement village contract
Clear explanation of all fees, rights, and obligations
Advice on how the reforms now in force apply to your long-term plans
Recommendations for changes or negotiations before you sign
Answers to your questions about transition to aged care, estate planning or dispute resolution
With the reforms in force since 1 May 2026, it is important to obtain advice from a lawyer who understands retirement village contracts, property transactions, aged care planning and estate planning. It’s important to have a legal advisor who understands the broader landscape. MST Lawyers will ensure you’re protected every step of the way.
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Content reviewed by Evelyn Marcou, Principal
Last reviewed: July 2026