YOUR GUIDE TO
Independent Living
Your Own Apartment or Village Living?
Your questions answered
Deciding between living in your own apartment or choosing village life is a big step, especially when you’re planning to move out of your family home.
This blog discusses the pros and cons of both options to help you make the right choice for your next move.
Weighing Your Options: Apartment vs. Village Living
Let’s imagine you have a budget of $700,000 for this exciting next chapter of your life. With that, you could either invest in an inner-city apartment or opt for a refurbished villa in an Archer Village. Both come with their unique sets of perks and are similar in size and specifications.
Before we dive deeper, let’s paint a picture of what each option offers. Imagine comfortable open-plan living spaces featuring a master bedroom, a second smaller bedroom, a bathroom, and a garage. Both possibilities cover these basics. Now, let’s break down the advantages and possible costs that come with both choices.
Advantages of an Apartment
Apartments often appeal to those who enjoy city life or are looking to invest in real estate with potential capital gains. When you buy an apartment, you’re not just purchasing a living space; you’re placing an investment in a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Investment Potential: Apartments can offer the chance of capital gains. Over time, your property could increase in value, providing a reasonable return when it’s time to sell. However, it’s important to remember, there’s also the risk of capital loss or financial neutrality.
Urban Convenience: Living in an inner city setting often places you right in the heart of action—close to cafes, restaurants, and public transport.
Costs Involved
Utilities: You’ll be responsible for monthly utilities like power, internet, and any subscription services you choose to have.
Regular Expenses: Ownership comes with regular payments for rates, building insurance, repairs, and maintenance. Additionally, body corporate fees can add to the monthly outgoings.
Embracing Village Life: The Villa Experience
On the other hand, opting for village living comes with its own share of economic and lifestyle incentives, particularly attractive if you appreciate community-centric living.
Reduced Financial Burden: One of the standout features of village living in an Archer Village is the reduced cost of living. When you purchase a villa here, significant expenses like rates, building insurance, and repairs are covered by the village itself.
Community: Living in a village offers a ready-made community where neighbors are likely to foster close relationships.
Affordability: Interestingly, villas in Archer Villages are priced below $700,000, based on 2024 valuations our premium villas are often under $600,000. This means you’ll save around $100,000 right off the bat, now that’s affordable living.
Costs Involved
Utility and Living Costs: Your primary outlay will be capped to utilities and a minimal weekly fee, making it a financially sound decision for many.
Factors to Consider
When making this choice, consider your current lifestyle preferences and financial goals. Here are some questions to ponder:
Are you seeking an investment that might grow in value, or do you prefer a worry-free living with reduced financial responsibilities?
Is being in an urban environment important to your lifestyle, or do you value the peace and community of village life?
Final Thoughts
Choosing between an apartment and a villa in an Archer Village is not just about comparing financial implications. It’s about lifestyle, community, and personal preference. Both options present unique benefits, allowing you to tailor your living situation to match your needs.
Whether you lean towards the lively hustle and bustle of city life or you find yourself yearning for a more serene, community-centric environment, weighing the advantages and potential costs makes a significant difference in reaching a decision.
Consider visiting both options, speaking to current residents if possible, and getting a firsthand experience of what each lifestyle offers. After all, your next move is not just a place to live; it’s where you will make memories and build your future.
Special Note:
This video series ‘Your guide to independent living’ is intended to provide an overview only, depending on when it is viewed, may contain outdated information. For the most current details, please refer to the village’s Disclosure Statement and Occupational Right Agreement.
Archer
Villages
With four superbly located retirement villages in Christchurch, Archer has the right home for you in the location you love. Find a village below to learn more or get in touch.
Beckenham Village & Home
Nestled in the heart of the Beckenham shopping precinct, near the picturesque hills and in a prime central location, Archer Beckenham Village offers a welcoming and convenient lifestyle. Many residents choose Archer Beckenham for the vibrant, “close to the heart of the village” atmosphere that makes the area so special.
Beckenham
Thorrington Village & Home
Often described and ‘green and leafy’ the gardens and surrounding at Archer Thorrington are best experienced than described. Set in the quiet and sheltered “Beckenham Loop’ area, the village and care home offers peace and tranquillity in extensive park like surroundings.
Beckenham
Maryville Courts Village
Maryville Courts Village is a haven in the inner city and brings together the convenience of city living, the closeness of a friendly community and the comfort of a spacious surroundings.
Central City
Linrose Village
Linrose Village is an independent-living village and provides an affordable living option compared to many retirement villages in the city. It is located on a bus route and near to Eastgate Mall and in close proximity to the Brighton and Sumner Coastline.
