St Ives Group Retirement Living & Retirement Villages Guide
Reviewed by: Villages.com.au Editorial Team
Last Updated: July 2026
St Ives Group is a Western Australian retirement living provider specialising in independent retirement villages across Perth and regional WA. With more than four decades of experience, the organisation focuses on helping older Australians downsize into well-located communities that combine independent living with lifestyle opportunities and access to additional support services when required.
About St Ives Group
Founded in 1982, St Ives Group has become one of Western Australia's best-known retirement living operators. The privately owned organisation develops, owns and manages retirement villages, while also offering real estate services and access to home care through its partnership with Encompass Homecare.
Unlike many national providers, St Ives focuses exclusively on Western Australia. Its communities are located in established suburbs close to shopping centres, public transport, healthcare providers and recreational facilities, making it easier for residents to remain connected with family, friends and local services.
Quick Facts
Feature | Details |
Operator | St Ives Group |
Established | 1982 |
Ownership | Privately owned |
Primary focus | Independent retirement living |
Retirement villages | Seven across Western Australia |
States | Western Australia |
Home care | Available through Encompass Homecare partnership |
Residential aged care | Not operated directly by St Ives |
Why People Choose St Ives Group
Many retirees choose St Ives because the organisation focuses solely on retirement living rather than operating across multiple sectors of aged care.
Residents can choose from boutique villages or larger communities depending on the lifestyle they prefer. The villages are designed to encourage independence while making it easier to enjoy social activities, meet neighbours and access everyday conveniences nearby.
Another point of difference is the operator's long history within Western Australia. With decades of local experience, St Ives has developed communities in locations that appeal to downsizers who want to stay close to familiar neighbourhoods.
Retirement Living
St Ives specialises in independent retirement villages for people generally aged over 60 who want to enjoy a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
Residents own or lease their retirement village home under the applicable retirement village contract while enjoying shared community facilities, organised social activities and village management. Retirement living is designed for independent older Australians and is different from residential aged care, where daily personal and clinical care is provided.
Depending on the village, residents may also arrange additional support services through external providers or through St Ives' partnership with Encompass Homecare if their needs change over time.
Care & Support Services
St Ives does not operate residential aged care homes.
Instead, the organisation offers access to home care through its partnership with Encompass Homecare. This allows eligible residents to receive assistance such as personal care or domestic support while continuing to live independently within their retirement village where appropriate.
The availability of services varies depending on individual circumstances and eligibility.
Services
Service | Availability |
|---|---|
Independent retirement living | ✓ |
Retirement villages | ✓ |
Retirement apartments | ✓ Selected communities |
Retirement villas | ✓ Selected communities |
Home care | ✓ Through Encompass Homecare partnership |
Personal care | ✓ Via home care services where eligible |
Domestic assistance | ✓ Via home care services where eligible |
Allied health services | ✓ May be arranged through external providers |
Residential aged care | ✗ |
Dementia care | ✗ |
Respite care | ✗ |
Serviced apartments | ✗ |
Locations
St Ives operates retirement villages across metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia.
State | Locations |
Western Australia | Albany, Carine, Jolimont, Kallaroo, Lesmurdie, Murdoch, Myaree |
What Makes St Ives Group Different?
Rather than operating nationally, St Ives has built its reputation by concentrating entirely on Western Australia.
Its villages range from boutique communities through to larger lifestyle-focused developments, giving retirees more choice depending on their preferred environment.
The organisation also places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and community participation. Shared facilities, resident activities and opportunities to remain socially connected are intended to support both physical and emotional wellbeing throughout retirement.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation varies between villages but generally includes independent living:
Villas
Apartments
Retirement units
Larger homes in selected communities
Home designs differ depending on the village, with some communities offering modern apartments close to amenities while others provide freestanding homes with additional space and gardens.
Availability changes regularly as homes are bought and sold.
Costs & Fees
The cost of living in a St Ives retirement village depends on several factors, including:
The village location
Property type
Home size
Purchase price
Ongoing village fees
The terms of the retirement village contract
As with all retirement villages, prospective residents should carefully review the residence contract, disclosure documents and any exit or deferred management fees before making a decision. Asking for a full breakdown of ongoing costs can help avoid surprises later.
Who Is St Ives Group Best Suited For?
St Ives may suit retirees who:
Want to remain living independently
Prefer staying within Western Australia
Are looking to downsize from a larger home
Value an established community environment
Want access to organised social opportunities
Would like the option to arrange home care if needed
It may be particularly attractive for people who want a retirement village lifestyle without moving into an aged care setting.
What Should Consumers Consider?
Every retirement village offers a different lifestyle, so it is worth comparing several communities before deciding.
When visiting a St Ives village, consider the location, home design, ongoing fees, community atmosphere and proximity to family, healthcare services and public transport. It is also important to understand the financial arrangements that apply when leaving the village, as these can differ between operators and contracts.
How to Enquire
The best way to assess whether a St Ives community is right for you is to arrange a village tour.
Visiting in person allows you to inspect available homes, meet staff and residents, ask questions about contracts and fees, and experience the atmosphere of the community before making any decisions.
