Here are our most commonly asked questions about living at The Palms. If you have any other questions, or would like to speak to someone regarding your personal circumstances, please contact us today on 8380 9358 .
Yes, at The Palms you own your own home completely unlike most retirement villages where you only have a ‘licence to occupy’ your home.
No. The Palms is affordable because you own your own home and the park owns the land including your site. You pay a weekly site fee that gives you the right to occupy your site and enjoy all Park facilities.
Current site fees vary between $167-184*/week depending upon site size and facilities. The fees are paid in advance by direct debit from date of settlement. The site fee is reviewed on 1 January each year and any increases are capped at CPI or 3.5%, whichever is greater. Site fees cover council rates, emergency services levy, water, sewerage and access to all facilities. *current fee until 31 December 2024.
Other than your own phone, electricity and gas bills, you only pay fortnightly site fees. Council, water & sewer rates and Emergency Services Levy are all included in your site fees.
No! There are no deferred management, entry or exit fees at The Palms. Overall, the costs of living at The Palms make it a truly affordable living option. There are NO hidden costs.
Residents on the Aged Pension may be eligible for Rent Assistance depending upon your financial position, which will reduce the cost of your weekly site fees. Contact Centrelink or Veteran Affairs to find out what you are entitled to receive.
Residents are eligible for ongoing government concessions via Residential Parks Resident Concessions and the Cost of Living concession. These are available to assist with bills. Apply with the Department for Human Services 1800 307 758 or at www.sa.gov.au. Search for “Residential Park resident concessions.”
Once you agree to purchase a home on The Palms, you sign a sale contract subject to meeting entry criteria. Contact the Park office within the cooling off period to arrange an appointment to sign the Site agreement and to arrange an appointment.
Your new home will be built by one of South Australia’s leading builders in transportable homes – Country Living Homes or Allsteel Transportable Homes. These homes provide an affordable, high performance, low energy, sustainable home with a 6-star energy rating.
High quality Country Living or Allsteel home (see above), carport, entertaining deck, paving, split system air-conditioning/heating and floor coverings.
Yes! Whilst we have standard floorplans, the design internally can change dependent on your requirements. It’s your home and you can make whatever interior changes you desire with the selection process and also once you move in. We do ask that you let us know of all external changes prior to commencing any works.
There are no hidden fees or charges. There is no stamp duty or conveyancing fees.
There are over 350 people living at The Palms, the majority of whom are retired, however there are people who work. Resident ages range from 50 up with most in their late 60’s or early 70’s.
The Palms’s Fixed Term Residency Agreement is in accordance with the Residential Parks Act 2007. This document prescribes rights and obligations governing both parties.
Playford Council and the State Government have zoned The Palms as a “Residential Park” which ensures it must operate as a residential park and cannot be changed to tourist use.
The Palms Residential Village is operated by Pandora Lifestyle Villages Pty Ltd (registered office at 81 Flinders Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000) which is a family business.
Your home belongs to you, so you may sell it on site and retain the full sale price, or use an agent. To purchase the home, the buyer must be of community age and meet all entry criteria. In rare instances, you may wish to remove your home from the Village. Check with Management for requirements should you choose this option.
Your home is part of your estate. You heirs may choose to sell the home, remove it (see above) or can apply to live in the home if they are of community age and meet all entry criteria. The Estate is responsible for payment of site fees until settlement.
Most people live in the Park to actively enjoy its lifestyle benefits, but you are free to join in social events or not. If you’d like a copy of the social calendar, please contact us here. These events are organised by an active volunteer social committee.
Yes, your family are most welcome to visit or stay for short periods, remembering you are responsible for their behavior while they are on the Park. Stays for longer periods require management approval and fees may apply.
The Palms has a no animals policy, however some of our residents do have birds or fish.
We do have van storage available for all residents at a small cost.
A number of factors contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the Village. The unique closeness of homes and resident vigilance is an excellent “community watch” process and doesn’t compromise your privacy. This is complemented by the 24 hr emergency phone service. The rural positioning and fenced perimeter of the property adds to its security.
Yes, Council and Park requirements for your home and site are listed in the Site Development Regulations available from the Office and are regularly updated. Please read them carefully and ask questions prior to arrival or commencing any work to avoid disappointment or even financial embarrassment if your project is non-compliant. Plans for external alteration and additions must be submitted in writing to the office.
Yes, every site has a mailbox with matching number. Mail is delivered in bulk and sorted into individual mail boxes at the office.
You can have Pay TV and/or internet access connected to your home. Contact your chosen retailer for information.
The park owns and runs it’s own community bus. The bus currently operates two mornings a week, taking residents into Virginia and to Elizabeth shopping centre and for other occasional special events. The nearest train stations are Salisbury and Elizabeth, about 15 minutes away. Taxis also service the Park.
The Palms is 5 minutes to Virginia which is well serviced with shops, supermarkets, medical facilities, pubs, cafes, etc. Both Munno Para and Elizabeth Shopping Centres are about 15 minutes drive/train-ride away. Adelaide is about a 25 minute drive from The Palms.