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What happens if I need Residential Aged Care?
Dalkeith Gardens is located on the same site as Dalkeith Heights. Dalkeith Gardens is a residential aged care facility offers 112 places and 24 hours, 7 days a week nursing care. To learn more about Dalkeith Gardens speak to our village staff or contact the Benetas Customer Centre on 1300 23 63 82. Entry to Dalkeith Gardens is subject to availability.
Are staff able to assist me if I become ill?
While personal care is not a part of the services offered directly by Dalkeith Heights, we can assist you to find suitable service providers when needed. Benetas, operator of Dalkeith Heights, offers home based services including personal care, operating from the community centre and may be a service provider you can use. Our village staff are available to talk to you about the options.
Is there a Deferred Management Fee (DMF)?
On the re-leasing of your unit, a deferred management fee (DMF) is payable.
As is the case with most properties in Retirement Villages, deferment of fees is a method used to reduce the purchase price or ‘buy in’ amount.
The DMF is a fee that Retirement Villages charge at the end of occupancy or exit, which is a recoupment of costs associated with the setting up of the village, and supplying all of the wonderful facilities. We have created a beautiful place to live, but if we tried to charge an amount per unit up front, that would assist in the cover of these establishment costs, nobody would ever be able to afford the buy in costs to live in the village. So we ‘defer’ the fee until exit.
The DMF for Dalkeith Heights is calculated at 3% per annum for each year that a resident lives in the village, on a pro-rata basis for up to 10 years. Never reaching any higher than 30% in total. Eg. A resident lives in the village for 3 years, they would pay 3% x 3 = 9% calculated on the resale value of the home, or what it sells for. A component of this fee (0.5%) is a contribution to the Major Maintenance Fund (MMF) which is set aside as a building maintenance fund.
The DMF is deducted from the refund provided within 14 days of when the next occupant settles and takes up residence. The outgoing resident is never out of pocket for this expense.
An example: You purchased a unit for $300,000 at Dalkeith Heights and lived in it for three years. The re-lease price after three years might be $337,000, based on a 4% capital growth*.
Capital gain: $37,000
DMF and MMF: 9% (3% x 3 years)
Actual DMF and MMF payable: $30,330 (9% of $337,000 = $30,330)
The portion of the refund would be: $306,670** ($337,000 - $30,330 = $306,670)
* This calculation is an example and should only be used as a guide
** This is excluding any other costs which may be applicable including refurbishment costs.
Can my family and friends stay with me?
Yes, of course – Dalkeith Heights is your home! Your family and friends are welcome to come and stay whenever they wish. We just ask that you are with them when they stay, and that if they wish to stay for longer than five days, we ask you to please advise the staff at Dalkeith Heights, so that in the event of an emergency – we know who we are looking for.
Are there any house keeping services available?
Yes, Dalkeith Heights staff can assist in arranging the Benetas Home Care team, or private housekeeping services. You can apply through My Aged Care or arrange for an assessment through your GP to see whether you qualify for Government subsidised services. Whilst Dalkeith Heights can assist you to arrange these services, they are considered a private arrangement and residents will be responsible for paying for these services.
Is the homes leasehold or strata title?
All Dalkeith Heights homes are leasehold.
If I decide to leave, how is my home advertised?
Dalkeith Heights can market your unit to achieve the maximum resale value, or you can choose an external agent of your choice. We are here to help as much as possible.
Is there a legal cost when I move in?
Yes, there is a once off $1800 legal fee incurred at settlement.
Are there any ongoing fees to live in the village?
There is a monthly maintenance charge/service fee of $475.42 that is payable monthly in advance, commencing as per your contract. This fee is payable until such time as the unit is re-sold, or six months from when it has been vacated (whichever is sooner). The fee will increase from 1st of July, each year in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act. This fee allows us to provide the following services:
- Building/public liability insurance for the home.
- Monitoring of the 24 hour emergency call system
- Day to day management of the village.
- Maintenance and repairs to the exterior of your homes.
- Gardening, mowing and landscaping of common areas and front yards.
- Use and maintenance of all community facilities including the village bus.
- Cleaning and lighting of common areas including the Community Centre, keeping it all beautiful for residents use.
- Administration, audit and reception services.
- OH&S and fire safety compliance.
- Cleaning of roof gutters of homes.
- Preventative maintenance to common areas.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, we have a number of happy pets living at Dalkeith Heights. Pets are allowed subject to approvals and provided they meet a few reasonable conditions covering their ongoing care and management.
What does a refurbishment entail?
The terms under our lease include a 2.5% administration fee at exit or end of occupancy. Again, this is not an upfront charge, so outgoing residents are not out of pocket, it is simply deducted from the refund the outgoing resident receives when the unit is resold and settled. It is calculated from the resale amount. It is used to cover the staffing and administration of the refurbishment and resale of the home; to direct and arrange quotes, tradesmen and oversee the refurbishment work. This also includes the promotion and arrangement of any external advertising of the resale home, should this be necessary.
Under the terms of our Lease, the refurbishment work is assessed at the end of occupancy and vacant possession has been granted by the outgoing resident or their family. We consult with the outgoing resident about necessary works to ensure that the home is presented in a manner which will achieve the maximum New Lease Amount.
Do I need to pay stamp duty on my home?
No, stamp duty is not applicable on Dalkeith Heights Lease purchases.
Which utilities do I pay for?
Residents are responsible for utilities servicing their unit, which include:
- Telephone
- Internet
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Rates
Pensioner concessions, where applicable, apply to Water and Municipal rates and discounts are included on the notices issued by the supplier. Eligible residents receive the Annual Electricity Concession for electricity by way of direct cheque refund payment each year and also receive the Winter Gas Concession as a credit on their gas bill.
What else do I pay for once I move in?
Additional fees you may need to pay for once you move in include:
- Upkeep of interior of home and rear garden
- Contents insurance
- Any additional professional or health services you require (e.g. housekeeping, personal care)
Can I use the Village facilities to entertain?
Definitely! You can entertain your guests in the Community Centre (including private family events in the café, bar or lounge area) or the gardens. The whole village is your home.
What age do I have to be to move into Dalkeith Heights?
Yourself, your spouse or partner must be at least 55 years old, or retired from full-time work to live at Dalkeith Heights as we are an over 55’s community of choice.
Who should I talk to about making this decision?
We encourage you to speak to your family and friends about the possibility of moving into Dalkeith Heights, and to bring anyone with you to visit, should you feel more comfortable having them assist in making the decision. The Sales Manager at Dalkeith Heights is also available and knowledgeable to answer any questions you may have. We also highly recommend you seek financial and/or legal advice about this decision.
When was Dalkeith Heights established?
The first stage of construction of Dalkeith Heights was completed in March 2009, the same month which saw our first wonderful residents move into their homes.
Dalkeith Heights and Dalkeith Gardens aged care apartments (a residential aged care facility set within the village grounds) are part of the Benetas suite of services – a not-for-profit organisation offering housing, community and aged care services across Victoria. Benetas has been operating since 1948.
Why should I consider moving into Dalkeith Heights?
- The companionship and friendships that you can develop with other Dalkeith Heights residents.
- The Dalkeith Heights lifestyle will allow you to pursue a variety of activities and facilities at your leisure.
- The security of an emergency call system, monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week in every unit.
- The security of knowing that you are living amongst like-minded and respectful neighbours
- The option to be free of the responsibilities of a larger home with no exterior maintenance on that home - ever!
- Have the freedom to travel knowing your home is cared for while you are away.
- The knowledge that additional care can be arranged quickly and easily if required, as Dalkeith Heights staff can assist you to access home-based care services and support when needed.
- The knowledge, comfort and freedom to your family that you are going to be a part of a caring, fun and active community.
- You and your family will feel comforted knowing that you are going to be part of a fun, caring and active community.
- You will have direct access to well maintained community facilities including cafe, restaurant, lounge, cinema, bowling green, games room, gymnasium, library, reading room, putting green and more!
- If ever needed, you can experience a smooth transition to our aged care facility, Dalkeith Gardens, which is co-located on the same grounds.
- If your partner or friend moves to aged care, you will always be close by to visit and spend time with them.