Costs explained
Clear, predictable weekly fees — and what they include.
When you’re considering downsizing, one of the biggest questions is simple:
“What will it actually cost me?”
At Avington Living, our approach is straightforward: no hidden fees, no confusing formulas, no exit surprises.
This page has been created to provide clear, transparent information so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
If you’d like to review the full cost structure in one simple document, you can download the Avington Living info pack and review the document in your own time.
Site fees
At Avington, a weekly site fee applies.
This fee contributes to the maintenance, management and upkeep of the entire community — including our resort-style facilities.
Unlike traditional retirement models, at Avington Living there are:
No entry fees.
No deferred management fees (DMF).
No exit fees.
No stamp duty.
No council rates.
Your costs are simple. Predictable. Transparent.
For current site fee rates and to discuss how they apply to your circumstances, you can reach out to our team for a confidential conversation.
Can Rent Assistance help?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Rent Assistance is a government payment designed to help eligible pensioners and income support recipients who pay rent for their accommodation. In a land lease community, the site fee may qualify as rent for this purpose.
As at February 2026, the maximum available for a single person is:
Up to $215.40 per fortnight.
For eligible residents, this assistance may help offset the weekly site fee and improve overall affordability.
Eligibility depends on your income, assets and personal circumstances. Official details are available via Services Australia.
If you’d like to understand how the costs apply specifically to your situation, you can speak with our team for a personalised and confidential discussion.
What your site fee includes
Your weekly site fee contributes to:
✔ Resort-style facilities
Access to and ongoing maintenance of Avington’s premium amenities, including:
Heated swimming pool.
Gym.
Tennis courts.
Bowling green.
Cinema.
Billiards room.
Clubhouse including bar.
Social and recreation spaces.
✔ Upkeep of common areas
Landscaping and maintenance of shared gardens (including home front gardens), pathways and community spaces.
✔ Professional management
Day-to-day administration of the village.
For many residents, this means fewer personal responsibilities — and more time to enjoy life.
If you’d like to learn more about the facilities and what’s included, you can download our information pack — or, if you prefer to see everything for yourself, book a tour and experience the community in person.
Your personal utilities & home care
To keep the community fair and transparent, some costs remain individually managed — giving you control over what you use and how you budget.
Electricity is individually metered and paid by you.
Water usage is individually metered and paid by you.
Because each home has its own meters, you only pay for what you personally use — providing clarity and control over your household expenses.
Maintenance of your individual home also remains your responsibility, allowing you to manage your property in a way that suits you.
If you’d like clarification on how this works, our team is happy to explain the details.
Compare the costs
Many homeowners are surprised when they look at what they’re already spending each year — particularly when home and lifestyle costs are added up.
Below is an illustrative comparison for a 3–4 bedroom suburban Melbourne home, reflecting typical annual costs when services such as gardening and pool maintenance are outsourced, and wellbeing and lifestyle activities are maintained.
As many homeowners move through retirement, tasks like garden care, pool servicing and general property upkeep are often outsourced to reduce physical strain and free up time. This comparison reflects those commonly outsourced services to provide a like-for-like lifestyle view.
Figures are indicative only and will vary depending on property size, location and personal lifestyle choices.
What you may already be paying*
| Expense Category | Own Home: Annual | Own Home: Fortnightly | Avington Living: Fortnightly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $2,200 | $85 | Included |
| Garden maintenance service | $2,600 | $100 | Included (common areas & front of property) |
| Pool servicing & chemicals | $2,000 | $77 | Included |
| Pool heating electricity | $1,800 | $69 | Included (heated resort-style indoor pool) |
| Gym membership | $1,040 | $40 | Included |
| Sport & recreation | $600 | $23 | Included (tennis, bowls, putting green, sauna, car and woodwork workshops) |
| Social outings & entertainment | $1,500 | $58 | Included (cinema, games/billiards room, Clubhouse with bar, social events) |
| Site Fees | N/A | N/A | $520.91 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | $11,740 | $452 | $520.91 |
|
RENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT
Maximum support payment for an eligible single.
|
Not eligible | Not eligible | $215.40 |
| EXPENSES MINUS RENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT | $11,740 | $452 | $305.51 |
What this comparison shows
For many Melbourne homeowners, lifestyle access and recurring property costs already exceed $450 per fortnight — before factoring in:
Ongoing property responsibilities.
Time spent organising trades.
Unexpected repairs.
At Avington, these lifestyle elements are consolidated into one predictable fortnightly fee within a purpose-built community.
It’s not just about cost. It’s about simplicity and certainty in retirement.
*The financial figures shown are illustrative estimates only and are provided for general comparison purposes. This information does not constitute financial advice. Prospective homeowners should review all contractual documentation carefully and seek independent legal and financial advice before making a decision.
Own home costs are based on typical Melbourne suburban estimates and may vary depending on property size, condition, usage and personal lifestyle choices. Avington Living site fees and inclusions are correct at the time of publication but may change in accordance with applicable agreements and legislation. Rent Assistance amounts reflect the maximum rate for an eligible single person as at February 2026 and eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and government criteria.
