Respect Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts 

Reviewed By: villages.com.au Editorial Team 
Last Updated: June 2026 

Respect is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides retirement living, home care, aged care and community services across several Australian states. Through its retirement living communities, Respect offers independent, low-maintenance living for older Australians seeking lifestyle, connection and security. This guide explains Respect locations, facilities, home ownership options, costs, community lifestyle and important considerations for prospective residents. 

About Respect 

Who Is Respect? 

Respect is a not-for-profit Australian organisation that has been supporting older Australians for more than a century through retirement living, home care, residential aged care and community services. 

The organisation operates retirement living communities across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland, with a focus on helping residents maintain independence while enjoying a supportive community environment. 

Respect's retirement communities are designed for older Australians who want to downsize from a traditional family home and enjoy a more manageable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort, privacy or social connection. 

Many Respect communities are located close to shopping centres, healthcare services, public transport and local attractions, allowing residents to remain connected to the broader community. 

What Makes Respect Different? 

Key features of Respect communities include: 

• Not-for-profit ownership and operation 

• Focus on wellbeing, independence and community connection 

• Purpose-built homes designed for older Australians 

• Low-maintenance lifestyle living 

• Access to shared community facilities 

• Opportunities for social activities and resident groups 

• Secure and welcoming neighbourhood environments 

• Pet-friendly options available in some communities 

• Access to broader Respect aged care and support services where available 

Respect At A Glance 

Where Does Respect Operate? 

Respect Communities By State 

Respect's retirement living portfolio spans multiple states. 

*Community availability may change over time. Always check current listings and availability on villages.com.au or directly with Respect. 

What Is Living at Respect Like? 

Lifestyle and Social Activities 

One of the major attractions of retirement living is the opportunity to enjoy a more social and connected lifestyle. 

Depending on the community, residents may have access to: 

• Resident social clubs 

• Group fitness classes 

• Community events 

• Hobby and interest groups 

• Arts and crafts activities 

• Book clubs 

• Walking groups 

• Community barbecues 

• Seasonal celebrations 

• Volunteer opportunities 

Many residents enjoy the balance between maintaining their independence and having opportunities to connect with neighbours when they choose. 

Wellness And Recreation Facilities 

Facilities vary between communities but may include: 

Prospective residents should confirm available facilities at their preferred community as amenities differ between locations. 

Home Ownership at Respect 

Do Residents Own Their Homes? 

Respect communities may operate under different ownership and occupancy structures depending on the location and community. 

Some communities operate under traditional retirement village arrangements, while others may utilise land lease-style models where residents purchase a home and enter into a site agreement for the land on which the home sits. 

Land lease communities differ from traditional retirement villages in several important ways: 

• Residents generally own the home itself 

• The land is leased from the community operator 

• Residents pay an ongoing site or community fee 

• Contracts are governed by different legislation than retirement villages 

• Entry and exit fee structures can differ significantly from traditional retirement village models 

• Some residents may retain a greater share of capital gains when selling their home depending on the contract terms and applicable legislation  

As ownership structures vary between communities, prospective residents should carefully review all disclosure documents and seek independent legal and financial advice before purchasing. 

Buying a Home in a Respect Community 

The purchasing process typically involves: 

1. Researching available communities 

2. Visiting and inspecting the community 

3. Touring available homes 

4. Reviewing disclosure documents and contracts 

5. Obtaining legal and financial advice 

6. Completing the purchase process 

7. Planning and completing the move 

What Types of Homes are Available? 

Depending on the community, homes may include: 

• Two-bedroom homes 

• Three-bedroom homes 

• Open-plan living designs 

• Single-level layouts 

• Lock-up garages 

• Outdoor entertaining areas 

• Modern kitchens and bathrooms 

• Energy-efficient features 

• Accessibility-friendly design elements 

Many homes are specifically designed to support ageing in place and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. 

What Does It Cost to Live at Respect? 

Home Purchase Costs 

Purchase prices vary significantly based on: 

• Community location 

• Home size 

• Home age and condition 

• Inclusions and upgrades 

• Local property market conditions 

Available homes may range from more affordable entry-level options through to premium lifestyle residences. 

Ongoing Fees and Charges 

Residents should expect ongoing costs associated with living within a retirement community. 

For communities operating under a land lease model, residents commonly pay a regular site fee that contributes to community maintenance, facilities and management. These fees differ from the recurrent charges commonly found in traditional retirement villages.  

Are There Exit Fees? 

This is one of the most important questions to ask before purchasing. 

Unlike many traditional retirement villages that may charge deferred management fees (DMFs) or exit fees, land lease communities can have different financial arrangements. Some land lease models have no traditional exit fees, while others may include transfer fees, site agreement obligations or alternative departure arrangements.  

Because Respect communities may operate under different contractual structures, prospective residents should: 

• Review the disclosure statement carefully 

• Request a full fee schedule 

• Understand any site fee review mechanisms 

• Confirm resale arrangements 

• Clarify any departure or transfer fees 

• Obtain independent legal advice 

The exact costs and exit arrangements will vary by community and contract. 

Who Is Respect Best Suited For? 

Ideal Resident Profiles 

Respect communities may appeal to: 

• Active retirees 

• Downsizers seeking less maintenance 

• Couples wanting lifestyle amenities 

• Single retirees seeking community connection 

• People looking for security and peace of mind 

• Residents wanting access to support services as they age 

• Travellers seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle 

Potential Considerations 

Before choosing a Respect community, consider: 

• Preferred location and proximity to family 

• Community culture and lifestyle 

• Home ownership structure 

• Ongoing fees and affordability 

• Future healthcare needs 

• Pet policies 

• Community rules and regulations 

• Exit and resale arrangements 

Different communities suit different lifestyles, so inspections are highly recommended. 

Find A Respect Community 

If you are considering retirement living with Respect, villages.com.au can help you: 

• Browse Respect communities 

• Compare locations across Australia 

• View available homes 

• Review community facilities 

• Request information packs 

• Arrange inspections 

• Compare Respect with other retirement living operators 

Exploring multiple communities and understanding the ownership model, fees and lifestyle offering can help you find the retirement living option that best suits your future plans.