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 often also buying into a building or development with other apartments just like yours. This affects the salability of your apartment in the future.

1. 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.  This can sometimes take years, so you need to hold onto the apartment for a prolonged period before realizing worthwhile gains. However, it’s important to remember, there’s also the risk of capital loss in a soft or unreliable real-estate market or financial neutrality.

2. Urban Convenience: Living in an inner city setting often places you right in the heart of action—close to cafes, restaurants, and public transport.  Obviously this is true for a property in the inner city, including retirement villages.

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 add to the monthly outgoings and are subject to regular increases.

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 with lower weekly living costs.

1. 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 in an Archer Village, significant expenses like rates, building insurance, and repairs are covered by the village.  You’re only responsible for the modest weekly fee contribution so are sheltered from rates and insurance increase.

2. Community: Living in a village offers a ready-made community where neighbors are likely to foster close relationships s they are of a similar age and share similar interests.

3. Affordability: Interestingly, villas in Archer Villages are priced below $700,000, based on 2024 valuations our premium villas are often around the $600,000 mark.

Costs Involved

• Utility and Living Costs: Your primary outlay will be your own power and a minimal weekly fee, making it a financially sound decision for many.