Karaka Pines Villages
in residents’ own words

Testimonials

Watch the short videos below to learn why these savvy people chose to move to the Karaka Pines village they’re now proud to call home.

Pete did say he would never move into a village, because he didn’t want a lot of old people around him! It wasn’t until we went to the office and we saw that it wasn’t one cookie-cutter-style house; there were different houses, different options. I just love it. I just feel really contented. Like Pete said, the people are lovely. We’re all different, but we just get on so well.

Peter and Sue

Residents

Being a little bit younger coming into the village – it’s 65 and over here – it was good to have the fixed fee for life, because then you know, as time goes on, you still know how much you’re going to be outlaying over the years.

Marylyn

Resident and avid knitter

One of the real bonuses of moving to Karaka Pines is the fact that if there’s any capital gain should we move, we get it, rather than the village. That seemed to be a much fairer system to me.

Graham and Frances

Residents

It’s been very well thought out. The bathrooms are fabulous; the showers are so easy to keep clean. The kitchen is certainly very useable in that two of us can be in there quite comfortably. The two of us can do the housework in an hour, and it’s lovely not having to do outdoor windows or clean gutters or all those maintenance things. It’s done here.

Margaret

Retired educator

You know, you come driving down the lane and it’s like coming out to a little slice of heaven here.

We hadn’t found anything we really liked the look of.

We knew as soon as we drove in that this was the place. It just felt right.

Terry, Bruce and Diane

Residents

I wouldn’t have gone anywhere that didn’t have capital gain. I think it’s greatly fairer here than some of the other options out there, and my accountant and solicitor both thought it was a very good idea. For us, capital gain was the deciding factor in choosing to come here.

Sandra

Retired business owner

The capital gains made it feel like they actually care about my mum and dad. The process has been brilliant. The communication has been great all along the way. Plus, with the capital gain Mum and Dad will benefit from, I think it’s an amazing place.

Chris

Son of Karaka Pines Villages residents

I did quite a bit of research into the management here as well, and I liked the background they’d come from – they weren’t just newbies into the industry. And then the rest stacked up after that. The share in the capital gain is a much fairer arrangement. It’s important you do your due diligence.

Terry

Retired financial services manager

We pay a fee per month, which is a lot cheaper than where we were, with rates and insurance.

And my lawyer went through with me and he said it was a really good buy. I think it’s a good investment.

John and Liz

Retired builder and gourmet food retailer

Capital gain is very important. Mum and Dad worked hard – they don’t want to lose money. Aside from that, they’re very social. They’ve made new friends in the village here, but they also have a lot of other friends outside, who they have over regularly. When I drive in, there’s always somebody waving to me. Everybody’s happy, which is part of the belonging.

Donna

Daughter of Karaka Pines Villages residents

The capital gain is a bonus – a real bonus. But that’s not the only box this place ticks. The cost of living here is lower than our old house, with the rates, insurance, and maintenance and what not, and it’s well built. A lot of places are el cheapo, but the joinery here is of good quality, and the rooms are a good size.

John
Retired builder

I love my home here. As an investment – wonderful. The capital gain was a big thing, but I also love the spaciousness of the place. It was perfect for us, with wide passages. And the companionship – I’ve made lots of friends, [had] lots of laughs. It just feels really great.

Anne
Retired antique dealer

The capital gain made it a no-brainer, we thought. We couldn’t wish to be anywhere else. It’s such a wonderful environment.

Diane
Retired business owner

This was the one that offered the best options. We had an accountant look at the figures, our solicitor also looked at the figures, and they said, ‘Yep! Fire ahead’, which we did. Everyone looking at a retirement village must consider value for money. We certainly got value for money, and I think everyone else here feels the same way.

Gus
Retired business owner

Capital gain was a big influence. It meant we knew there’d always be money left to help our kids – especially the grandchildren. But it was also the quality of the build that swayed us… it was very good. The space was more what we looked for when we moved in. All the fittings were good fittings, which I like – the soft-close doors and the appliances, which have a good reputation. Since it’s a standalone, you’ve got a bit of space around it and I can have a bit of garden. What more can you ask for? And I haven’t got to spend all week weeding it!

Michael
Resident and retired builder and cabinetmaker

It’s the best decision we’ve ever made as a couple. We looked at every other village, none of which had capital gain, but when we came here for the first time, we thought, ‘This is the place’. And moving into our new home was exciting – a complete new adventure.

Jane and Bev
Residents

I just felt it was the place to be. Everyone looks out for each other and you don’t feel isolated. It’s very friendly, but you’re also left to your own devices. You can do what you want, when you want. I think that’s a good reason to be here.

Gwin
Resident and librarian