Questions that people often ask

WILL I OWN MY HOME?
All our apartments are purchased by way of a 99 year lease with the added advantage of not having to pay stamp duty, as in freehold title. The Title Deed and Lease are registered in your name with the relevant State Government department* in N.S.W. with the Department of Lands. In Victoria, The Titles Office has the registered Title to the whole Retirement Village, The Lease you sign for 99 years, automatically relates back to the Title held at the Titles Office. *Registered in all states except Victoria. Legislation in Victoria still offers the same protection.

IS THERE A GENERAL SERVICES CHARGE OR RECURRENT CHARGES?
Yes. In all retirement villages, residents pay a weekly fee, which covers the costs associated with the day to day running of the village. These costs are apportioned to each unit on an "equal share" basis by way of a charge known as the General Services (Recurrent) Charge. They are billed monthly.

DO I HAVE TO SELL MY CURRENT HOME BEFORE I CAN MOVE INTO SUNRISE?
No. Often, the need for extra support and care does not happen when you are prepared for it. So it’s not always possible to sell your current home before moving into your new Sunrise home. At Sunrise, we offer more than adequate time to arrange for the sale of your current home and our purchase price is sorted out, when your home eventually sells. In such cases, we can assist you with sales advice and can put you in touch with real estate specialists in your area who will be able to assist you.

DO I HAVE TO JOIN IN THE COMMUNITY’S SOCIAL EVENTS?
Not if you don’t wish to. It’s your home, and as always it is your choice as to what you want to do in your own home. Although we have a full and popular activities schedule, we understand that not everyone has the same capacity, needs and desires to join in. You are always free to choose how much or how little, if at all, you wish to participate. Naturally, you are always welcome.

CAN I GO ON HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE MY HOME EMPTY?
Yes. However it is a good idea that you advise Sunrises’ management that you will be away, so they can keep a close eye on your home for you. If you wish, we could also collect your mail for you while you are away.

CAN I RETAIN MY CURRENT MEDICAL CARE ARRANGEMENTS?
Yes. You can continue to use the same care service providers.

CAN MY PERSONAL DOCTOR VISIT THE COMMUNITY?
If your doctor makes house calls, a visit can be arranged any time they choose to see you in your home or in the Consulting Room. The Consulting Room is available to local doctors and other practitioners wishing to see their patients.

CAN MY FAMILY STILL MANAGE MY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, particularly if your family’s assistance with your medical management is important to you. If there is any change in your condition or medication requirements, we would ask that you or your family inform Sunrises’ Care Manager so that we are able to help should an emergency situation arise.

CAN I MAKE ALTERATIONS TO MY PROPERTY?
With Sunrises’ consent, minor internal alterations and improvements can be made . Please be mindful that when the lease is assigned, the right is reserved to restore the property to its original condition at the expense of the outgoing resident.

CAN VISITORS STAY IN MY HOME?
Of course they can. Grandchildren, sons, daughters and friends are welcome to stay with you in your home. We encourage your right to live in your home as you always have with as much normality as possible.

HOW IS THE RESALE PRICE OF MY HOME DECIDED?
Several market factors add value to the resale potential of your home. Real estate values in your area coupled with an ever demanding aging population, usually has a posative effect on the value of your apartment. Other things, including services and amenities designed to enhance retirement living, maintenance programs, security and care services, certainly assist with the desirability and by default the appreciation of the resale price. Pricing is usually guided by sales prices achieved by similar properties in our community. Another advantage is that Sunrise will take responsibility for you or your estate in the resale process. The actual price set will be agreed by you or your representatives and Sunrise onsite management.

WILL WE RECEIVE A REGULAR STATEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY’S FINANCES?
Yes. Legislation in all States requires management to provide residents with regular statements and budgets in relation to charges levied for the upkeep of the village. Any additional personal services provided to residents throughout each month, a statement will be issued monthly.

DOES THE COMMUNITY HAVE A RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE?
Most Sunrise communities have a residents’ committee that works with management to maintain or enhance the quality of the community’s life. As with many organisations, being a member of the committee is not compulsory but it is your choice whether or not to be involved.

HOW DOES THE EMERGENCY SYSTEM WORK?
Emergency call buttons in each home provide a 24-hour monitoring service, linked directly to care staff, for their immediate response. All staff, including administration, hold a current Level 2 First Aid Certificate. Most communities offer to keep a confidential file record of the resident’s medical history. The manager will ask the resident to authorise the release of this information to medical or emergency services in the event of an emergency.

CAN I BRING A PET OR HAVE A NEW ONE?
We welcome pets such as cats, dogs, birds or fish. For obvious reasons, it is essential that they are well behaved and that they don't interfere with other resident's enjoyment of the community. They must also comply with Council by-laws and are subject to Village Manager's decretion.