How will I know if it is the right time to move into Aura Resort?

There are many reasons why people decide to move into an independent living apartment, and it varies from person to person. Generally, people are ready to move into Aura when they are ready for a lifestyle change, such as downsizing to a more manageable home. Most residents tell us they made the decision because they wanted to make the most of their retirement through the benefits of a maintenance-free home, freedom to come and go as they please, security and friendly staff on hand and the comfort and peace of mind that comes with a vibrant and safe community environment. We often hear that retirement village residents wish they had moved in sooner.

Why would I choose independent living over my own home?

Aura sets a new standard in retirement living in the west of Adelaide. We have built and designed this resort to a five star hotel living standard and contemporary setting. Whilst living In an Aura independent living apartment, you don’t have to worry about the repair and maintenance of your home or garden because we’ll manage it for you. This allows more time to do the things you enjoy.

You can relish a sense of security in a like-minded community, along with freedom to come and go as you please. 

Aura will have its own unique lifestyle facilities that include a fine dining restaurant, bar, cafe, pool, gymnasium, cinema, bowling green, billiards, golf simulator, library and business hub with free Wi-Fi. 

Who can live at Aura Findon?

Aura by Livewell Communities is for retirees or individuals who are over 55 years of age that can live independently and who are not working full time.

Who owns and operates Aura by Livewell Communities?

Aura at Findon is owned by Livewell Communities Pty Ltd, an Adelaide based property developer group. 

Purchasing an Apartment at Aura

What is a ‘Licence to Occupy’? 

Aura by Livewell Communities operates a Licence to Occupy agreement. The Licence is the formal Residence Contract between Aura and you and sets out all the conditions and responsibilities of both parties.

You are free to terminate your License when you choose. Aura requires appropriate notice as outlined in the Residence Contract.

A Licence to occupy gives you an ongoing licence to live in your apartment. This does not mean you own the property; however, you do have a licence to live there, and this long-term lease provides you with similar rights as a freehold title. 

What’s included in my new apartment at Aura?

Quality floor coverings, energy efficient light fittings, SMEG appliances, block out window treatments in all areas of the apartment, reverse ducted air conditioning, video intercom, keyless entry. 

Is there Stamp Duty payable?

The great benefit about moving into a Retirement Village in South Australia is stamp duty is not payable. This is a significant saving on the purchase price of your apartment. 

I want to live at Aura how does this work?

1. Choose from our many beautifully appointed 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Our sales team can discuss each of the apartments available and assist in selecting what suits your lifestyle.

2. Register your interest in your selected apartment with our sales team who will then provide a copy of the Residence Contract and answer any questions you may have. You cannot sign a Residence Contract during the mandatory 10-day review period as stated in the Retirement Villages Act. Ensure you seek independent advice during this time with your solicitor and/or accountant before formalizing your purchase. Once the Residence Contract is executed a $5,000 deposit is required. Should for some reason move into Aura your deposit is fully refundable. The most important factor for Aura is that you feel comfortable with the arrangements and as such, we urge you to discuss it with friends, family and advisors.

Is a car park included? And who can use it?

Yes, one car park space per apartment is included. There are also visitor car parks available at the entrance of Aura for family and friends when visiting.

Is storage already available?

Yes, a dedicated storage cage is available as part of the carpark area. Aura also offers off site storage with business partner Epic Storage at a discounted rate.

What happens if I want to sell my apartment? 

You are free to vacate your apartment when you choose. Upon leaving, the apartment will be resold by Aura and another licence granted to the new occupant. As is the normal process of selling a property there will be sales commission fixed at $3,000 plus GST for re-marketing the property.

Why are there ingoing and deferred fees?

The ingoing contribution model was originally set up in the interest of retirees by public-minded people. One reason it exists is so people can live in a higher quality, age-adaptive environment with amenities that sometimes may be unaffordable to them otherwise.

The deferred management fee will be a percentage of the market resale value of your apartment based on your period of occupation as follows. 

• If the period of occupation is not more than the settling in period (90 days) – nil (fair market rent will apply)

• If the period of occupation is more than 90 days but not move than one year – 10% of the market resale value of the apartment

• If the period of occupation is more than 1 year but not more than 2 years – 15% of the market resale value of the apartment

• If the period of occupation is more than 2 years but not more than 3 years – 20% of the market resale value of the apartment

• If the period of occupation is more than 3 years but not more than 4 years – 25% of the market resale value of the apartment

• If the period of occupation is more than 4 years and above – 30% of the market resale value of the apartment.

Typically, the deferred fees are used by Livewell Communities for the following items:

• The initial funding of the communal areas

• Recovery of funding for infrastructure and utilities requirements

• Recovery of building costs such as quality construction specifications

• Recovery of upfront expenses

• Income to allow a high standard of ongoing asset management for the village which in the long run will assist in maximizing the return for both Aura and the resident at the village

Does Aura have a Capital Replacement Fund or Reselling Fee?

Unlike other Villages, at Aura, we have made the financials very straight forward to ensure there are no hidden costs at the end of your tenure. There will be no reselling fees (except for the sales commission of $3,000 plus GST for remarketing) and there is no ongoing Capital Replacement Fund or refurbishment cost on exit (unless willful damage by the resident has occurred). Aura will manage all replacement of capital, if new equipment is required. 

What other charges may apply on exit?

Any outstanding personal services fees or maintenance fees as well as required repairs for non-wear and tear costs (as stated in the Residence Contract) may also be deducted. 

Maintenance Fees 

One of the fantastic benefits of living in a Livewell Communities Retirement Resort, is the ease of monthly budgeting, and not having to worry about putting money away for expensive bills that arise from time to time. We have bundled up the common costs for maintaining your home, the communal areas and the services provided to you in the resort. This is your maintenance fee.

As a resident, you are required to pay a monthly maintenance fee. The fee covers the operation of the property and the services that are specifically covered in your contract. These may include:

• Rates and taxes – Emergency Services Levy

• Security and Safety Measures 

• Insurance (excluding contents) of building, common areas, plant and equipment

• Costs associated with shared spaces such as public lighting, power and light replacement 

• Access to craft and hobby activities

• Access to pool (including aqua aerobics classes), gymnasium, bowls, and associated activities 

• Access to business centre and library including free WIFI and access to computers 

• Medical consulting rooms for visiting health professionals (any personal service fees at cost of resident)

• Access to Hairdresser and Wellbeing Centre (Hair Cuts and services at cost of resident)

• Movie theatre room and associated costs

• Concierge service

• Repairs, painting and maintenance of buildings, plants and equipment

• Upkeep, maintenance and repairs to grounds and gardens

• Window Cleaning of apartments and communal areas twice a year

• Administration costs and employment of village management and staff, including long service leave and superannuation obligations – administration, accounting, audit costs, gardening and maintenance staff

• Cleaning of common areas, rubbish removal

• Access to luxurious Aura vehicles for appointments

• Replacement of hot water services, air conditioning (installed by Livewell Communities), appliances, floor coverings (fair wear and tear needs to be considered) that were supplied in the unit when it was first occupied by the resident.

This fee is reviewed annually.

What else will I need to pay for 

Along with the Maintenance Fee you will be responsible for paying the following:

• Telephone and Internet Costs

• Council Rates

• Water and Sewerage 

• Foxtel/Netflix/Stan

• Electricity 

• Personal contents insurance

How will I be charged for council rates?

Council rates will be calculated for each apartment by the City of Charles Sturt. This amount will be charged to the residents directly. 

How will I be charged for electricity and water?

As each apartment will be individually metered through a preferred embedded network provider, you will only be charged directly for the electricity. We will bill you quarterly for water applicable to your apartment.

Can I run an account for any extra services I pay for separately?

Absolutely. Much like hotels, you will be able to charge back to your room expenses such as restaurant, café, bar, cleaning and laundry services.

Are friends and family allowed to visit? Can they stay with us in our apartment?

Aura welcomes all family and friends and we encourage you to invite visitors to your home, or to lunch, dinner or have a coffee at Allison’s Kitchen. Visitors can stay at your because it is your home, but we do ask that you tell us if you have friends or relatives staying, and that guests abide by village rules to ensure the comfort of everyone. Like all luxury 5 star hotels, at all times visitors must respect the quiet enjoyment of other residents.

Prior written consent is required if guests stay with you for more than a 10-day period in any one year.

You can show off the amenities to visitors and even have the grand kids use the pool. The dining area and café is a great meeting place at Aura, and they are more than welcome to attend any special events that happen in the complex. Visitors and guests must be accompanied by you when using the communal facilities at Aura.

Please note residents are not able to have other persons reside permanently in their apartment. 

Can we have pets at Aura?

Livewell Communities has a policy in place whereby intending residents can seek permission for an existing pet to be considered when moving into an apartment on a case-by-case scenario.