Who is Uniting Agewell?
Uniting Agewell is an organisation of the Uniting Church in Australia and has a long history of providing quality residential and community services to older Australians across Victoria and Tasmania. Our focus is on supporting older people to experience a sense of wellbeing, choice and independence at every age and stage of their lives; to feel valued members of their community and to have easy access to the services they need to live the life they want.
Do I own my apartment?
Apartments at Manningtree – like most retirement living developments – are structured on a Lifetime Leasehold basis. This means you are buying the right to live here, and when it’s time, you are selling that right. No stamp duty is payable. You decorate and enjoy your new home as you wish.
What security of tenure does a lifetime lease provide?
Residents are well protected under the Retirement Villages Act (1986), which is administered by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Do I pay stamp duty on my apartment?
No, so you are effectively saving close to five per cent of the price of your chosen apartment.
Do I need legal advice before buying my apartment at Manningtree?
Buying property at any stage is a significant step, so we do recommend you seek advice from your legal and financial advisors before proceeding.
How do I purchase an apartment at Manningtree?
Initially we assist you to select an apartment appropriate to your needs. You then secure this apartment with a fully refundable $2,000 Reservation Fee. From the time you receive your Agreements, usually within 10 days, you have 21 days to consider this, discuss with your advisors and ask any questions. Provided you are comfortable to proceed, you then sign the Agreements (an Agreement to Lease as you are buying “off the plan”; and a Residence and Management Contract) and pay a 5% deposit (less the $2,000 reservation fee). You will have a further three (3) days cooling off period at this time. Over the following months you will receive regular updates regarding the progress of the development and have the opportunity to meet with other future residents at social occasions and events. From there, you plan your move, as we work with you to organise the details of your occupancy. The balance of settlement funds is payable at the time of occupancy, and you can then start your eagerly anticipated new chapter at Manningtree.
What facilities are there at Manningtree?
Facilities at Manningtree include a restaurant/dining area, café/bar, lounge, library, gym, billiards room and crafts room. There’s also a hair and beauty salon, cinema, a wine tasting room, including personal wine storage, an al fresco terrace and bbq area, community vegetable garden and a Men’s Shed. With everything at your fingertips, you’ll never be short of a moment or experience to enjoy.
How secure are Residents?
Access to Manningtree will be either by security fob or coded entry. There will be Closed Circuit TV and a 24/7 staff member on site.
Is there car parking at Manningtree?
Each apartment is allocated one car space, with the larger apartments having two car spaces in the secure, underground car park. You may be able to secure an additional car space on an annual lease basis, but this will be subject to availability and issued on a first come, first served basis.
Can I bring my pet?
Uniting AgeWell recognises that pets are important to many of us however we need to be mindful of the comfort of others. A Resident must obtain the prior written approval of Uniting AgeWell to keep any bird or animal, and if approval is given, there are by-laws around the care, supervision and behaviour of pets to ensure they are not a nuisance to others.
How is rubbish collected?
Recyclables and garbage are collected on a regular basis. Manningtree will have in place a convenient and inconspicuous disposal method for Residents.
What public transport is available?
Hawthorn train station is located approx. 650m from Manningtree. Tram 70 and 75 run along Power Street to Richmond and the City, alternatively they travel towards Camberwell and/or Vermont. Hawthorn’s shopping precinct is within 300m. Local shops include a gourmet IGA, bakery, pharmacy, butcher plus a wonderful array of dining options.
Is there a Residents’ Committee?
It is a requirement of the Retirement Villages Act (1986) that residents be invited to form a Committee within six months of the opening of Manningtree. The Residents’ Committee has an active say in the decisions pertinent to the success of Manningtree.
What are the ongoing costs at Manningtree?
In relation to your apartment, the costs you need to consider as a Resident are: council rates, water rates, contents insurance, electricity expenses and telephony expenses, including internet and perhaps Foxtel. Expenses relating to the communal areas of Manningtree are funded through the service fees.
How am I charged for electricity, council and water rates?
All apartments are individually metered for these utility charges. Communal charges are funded through the service fee.
Are additional services available when I need them?
As we go through life’s changes, our needs change too. One of the many benefits of life at Manningtree is ready access to additional services to meet those changing needs. As one of Victoria’s largest senior services providers, Uniting AgeWell can connect you to a range of health and wellbeing and in-home support services such as cleaning, ironing, personal care and shopping. These services can be either privately funded or, if eligible, accessed via a federal government funded home care package. Talk to us when you wish, and together we can find the best solution to make your life a little easier.
What about capital gain on my apartment?
You keep 100% of the capital gain on your apartment. Manningtree is located in Hawthorn, a blue ribbon eastern suburb, with close proximity to sought after facilities and places of interest and only minutes from public transport. Past growth in this area has been impressive but we need to be mindful we are part of the property market and therefore will experience its fluctuations.