VMCH Healthcare Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts
Reviewed By: villages.com.au Editorial Team
Last Updated: June 2026
VMCH (Villa Maria Catholic Homes) is a Victorian not-for-profit provider of retirement living, aged care, home care and disability services. Its retirement communities offer independent living for people aged 55 and over, with a focus on community connection, security, wellbeing and support when needed. This guide explains VMCH retirement village locations, facilities, ownership arrangements, costs and frequently asked questions to help you compare retirement living options on villages.com.au.
About VMCH Healthcare
Who Is VMCH Healthcare?
VMCH is one of Victoria's largest not-for-profit providers of retirement living, aged care, home care and disability services. The organisation has been supporting older Australians for more than 100 years and operates retirement communities throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Unlike lifestyle resort operators focused purely on housing, VMCH provides a continuum of support services including retirement living, home care and residential aged care. This can provide peace of mind for residents who value access to additional support services as their needs change over time.
VMCH retirement villages are designed for independent living, allowing residents to maintain their lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of a welcoming community environment. Many villages also provide access to support services and several are located alongside residential aged care homes.
What Makes VMCH Healthcare Different?
VMCH at a Glance
Where Does VMCH Healthcare Operate?
VMCH currently operates retirement villages throughout Victoria, with communities located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas.
VMCH Healthcare Communities by State
State | Communities |
Victoria | Hawthorn, Bacchus Marsh, Toorak, Deepdene, Eltham, Trentham, Kew, Brunswick West, Kyneton, Balwyn, Clayton, Camberwell, Pakenham, Greensborough, Torquay and Point Cook |
Interactive Community Directory
What Is Living at VMCH Healthcare Like?
Lifestyle and Social Activities
VMCH communities are designed to encourage residents to remain active, connected and engaged. Residents can participate in community events, social gatherings, hobby groups and wellness activities while maintaining their independence.
A key feature of VMCH retirement living is the balance between privacy and community. Residents can enjoy social activities as often as they choose while still having the freedom and independence of their own home.
Common activities may include:
Wellness and Recreation Facilities
Facilities vary between villages, particularly between boutique communities and larger developments.
Facility Type | Available at Many Communities |
Community Lounge | ✓ |
Library | ✓ |
Arts & Crafts Spaces | ✓ |
BBQ Areas | ✓ |
Hair & Beauty Services | ✓ |
Wellness Programs | ✓ |
Billiards | Community Dependent |
Indoor Bowling | Community Dependent |
Chapel or Faith Facilities | Selected Communities |
Allied Health Services | Selected Communities |
Swimming Pool | Selected Communities |
Gym | Selected Communities |
Many communities also provide:
Home Ownership at VMCH Healthcare
Do Residents Own Their Homes?
VMCH retirement villages generally operate under a retirement village leasehold model. Residents typically receive a long-term lease, commonly a 49-year lease, which provides security of tenure and the right to occupy their home within the village.
Under the VMCH model, residents receive:
Because retirement village contracts vary, prospective residents should always review the residence contract, disclosure documents and village-specific information before proceeding.
Buying a Home in a VMCH Community
The process generally includes:
Research suitable communities
Arrange a village inspection
View available homes
Review disclosure statements and contracts
Obtain independent legal and financial advice
Complete the purchase process
Move into the community
VMCH offers both apartment-style residences and villa or unit-style homes depending on the location.
What Types of Homes Are Available?
Home styles vary by community and may include:
Examples currently available range from affordable retirement units through to premium luxury apartments in suburbs such as Kew, Camberwell and Toorak.
What Does It Cost to Live at VMCH Healthcare?
Home Purchase Costs
The cost of purchasing a home within a VMCH retirement village varies significantly based on:
Current advertised homes range from approximately $580,000 through to more than $1.5 million depending on the community and residence selected.
VMCH advises that stamp duty and GST generally do not apply to retirement village homes purchased through their villages.
Ongoing Fees and Charges
Cost Type | Description |
Home Purchase | Initial cost to secure the residence |
Maintenance Fee | Monthly contribution toward village operations and communal facilities |
Utilities | Generally paid by residents |
Contents Insurance | Resident responsibility |
Building Insurance | Typically included within village operating costs |
Personal Services | Additional services if required |
VMCH states that maintenance charges contribute toward operating communal facilities and village services and are reviewed annually in consultation with resident committees.
Are There Exit Fees?
Yes. VMCH retirement villages generally include a Deferred Management Fee (DMF), sometimes referred to as an exit fee. According to VMCH, this fee is payable when a resident leaves the village and contributes toward the costs of services and facilities provided throughout residency.
Important points for prospective residents:
For current information, refer directly to VMCH retirement living documentation and village-specific disclosure statements.
Who Is VMCH Healthcare Best Suited For?
Ideal Resident Profiles
VMCH retirement villages may suit:
Potential Considerations
Before choosing a VMCH community, consider:
As with any retirement village, visiting communities and reviewing contracts carefully is recommended before making a decision.
Find a VMCH Healthcare Community
If you're considering retirement living in Victoria, VMCH offers a range of communities from boutique village settings through to larger retirement precincts.
Next steps:
Taking the time to compare villages can help you find a community that matches your lifestyle, budget and future retirement goals.
View all villages and aged care facilities of VMCH
