Thinking of moving into aged care? Here’s what you should know

June 24, 2026 — 5:01am

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The latest Retirement Living Council/PwC Retirement Village Census paints a picture of an industry at a turning point. With record participation, the 2025 census provides the most comprehensive snapshot yet, representing more than 100,000 units across 1123 villages and more than 100 operators.

The headline is clear: demand is strong, supply is constrained. But beneath the numbers are two issues that will define the next decade – contracts and care. Retirement villages are more than property transactions. They are lifestyle choices, financial decisions and increasingly, a pathway through ageing.

For residents and their families, understanding the costs means understanding three stages: going in, staying and leaving. The average ingoing price of a two-bedroom unit nationally is $711,000, around 61 per cent of the median house price in........

© The Age