As we get older, our needs and priorities shift. We might want to be closer to family, reduce the burden of home maintenance, or find something safer and easier to manage.

But let’s be honest, choosing where to live as you age can be a tough conversation. It’s not just about housing. It’s about independence, dignity, family, finances, and what kind of lifestyle you want in the years ahead.

This guide outlines the primary living options available to older New Zealanders. No jargon. No sales pitch. Just a practical, thoughtful look at what’s out there so you and your whānau can make the right decision together.

 Your Main Options – With Pros, Considerations, and Who They Suit:

👉 1. Retirement Villages

What it is: Purpose-built communities for older adults. You usually pay for a “license to occupy” (not full ownership) and get access to shared facilities, care services, and support.

Benefits:

• Safe, secure environments
• On-site healthcare and support
• No maintenance worries
• Great for social connection

Things to consider:

• You don’t own the unit outright
• Exit fees can be high (often up to 30%)
• Limited flexibility or personalisation
• No capital gain on the resale
• Complex contracts
• May not suit people who value privacy

Best suited for: 
Older individuals or couples who value a strong sense of safety, social connection, and convenience. This option is ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle, want easy access to healthcare and support services, and are looking to downsize while staying part of an active, age-friendly community. It’s especially appealing to those who no longer want the hassle of home maintenance or the loneliness of living alone.

👉 2. Lifestyle Villages

What it is: Like retirement villages, but often focused more on independence and lifestyle. Typically open to 50+ residents, with a less focus on care services.

Benefits:

• Designed for active, independent living
• Often newer and located in scenic areas
• Quiet, friendly communities
• Ideal for people who enjoy socialising and travelling

Things to consider:

• Still usually leasehold (you don’t own the land)
• Weekly fees still apply
• Limited support if your health changes
• Can be restrictive if you want to modify or resell

Best suited for:
Independent retirees who are still active and healthy but ready to simplify their lives. Ideal for those who want to downsize, enjoy a strong social atmosphere, and live in a low-maintenance setting, without needing medical or care support just yet. Perfect for those wanting freedom, community, and peace of mind while staying in control of their day-to-day living.

 👉 3. Move In with Your Children (Under One Roof)

What it is: Living inside your adult child’s home, often in a spare room or converted space.

Benefits:

• Close connection with family
• Very low cost
• Support nearby if needed
• No council consents or separate utilities required

Things to consider:

• Shared space means limited privacy
• Can create strain on relationships over time
• Important to set clear boundaries early on
• Harder to maintain full independence
• Not always future-proof if care needs grow

Best suited for:
Families who have open communication, trust, and mutual respect and who are willing to plan carefully and set clear boundaries. It works best when everyone is on the same page, and the home layout allows for privacy and independence. A good option when whānau want to stay close and support each other, without stepping on toes.

👉 4. Move Into Your Own HouseMe Home on Family Land

Enjoy the freedom of your own space, without losing the connection to your loved ones. HouseMe delivers fully-built, self-contained homes straight to your family’s property, so you can stay independent while being just a few steps away from support.

What it is:
A permanent, transportable home placed on family land. It’s warm, modern, private, and completely yours. You’ll have your own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and bedroom - all designed for comfort and ease. You’re close enough for shared dinners or help when needed, but still have full control of your day-to-day life.

It’s not just a clever option, it’s a real solution for Kiwis who want to age in place without compromise.

Benefits:

• Your own space, designed for your lifestyle
• Low-cost entry point – very affordable
• You own the home - it’s your asset
• No village fees or leasehold rules
• Fast turnaround (6-8 weeks in many cases)
• Customisable to suit your needs
•Built to the NZ Building Code

Options for wheelchair-friendly living, including:

• Wide doorways and open-plan layouts
• Wet-floor bathrooms and accessible showers
• Level access entryways
• Custom fittings for mobility or health needs
• Can be relocated or passed down if needed

Things to consider:

• You’ll need suitable land
• Building consent is usually required (though upcoming law changes are simplifying this)
• Upfront cost required
• Family communication is key to long-term success

Best suited for:
Older Kiwis who want to maintain their independence, privacy, and daily routine, but still stay close to whānau. This option suits those who value having full control over their space, with the added benefit of being future-ready for potential changes in health or mobility needs. Ideal for those wanting comfort, dignity, and connection without compromising on lifestyle.

👉 5. Stay in Your Own Home and Modify It

What it is: Updating your current home to make it safer and more accessible, like installing ramps, railings, wet-floor bathrooms, or stair lifts.

Benefits:

• Stay in familiar surroundings
• Maintain your independence
• Keep connections in your community
• Funding may be available for some modifications

Things to consider:

• Home maintenance still falls on you
• Modifications can be expensive
• May not suit everyone long-term
• Social isolation can become an issue if you're living alone
• If your health changes, you may still need to move later

Best suited for:
Independent individuals in good health who aren’t ready for structured care but want to remain in familiar surroundings. Works well for those with a solid local support network, like nearby family, neighbours, or community groups, who can step in when needed. A great option for those who value routine, independence, and staying connected to their own community.

👉 6. Public or Council Housing (Kāinga Ora)

What it is: Government-funded housing for those who meet eligibility criteria. Rent is typically based on income and personal needs.

Benefits:

• Affordable living
• Warm, dry homes with basic comforts
• May be located close to services

Things to consider:

• Long waitlists in many regions
• Limited control over location or neighbours
• Availability can be unpredictable
• Basic designs - not highly customisable

Best suited for:
Older New Zealanders on a limited income, with few assets or family support. This option provides a safety net for those who may not have the means to live independently or buy into retirement housing. It’s often accessed through government support and suits individuals needing affordable, secure housing with some level of assistance or oversight.

✔️ What Matters Most

At the heart of this decision are some very human needs:

• To feel safe
• To maintain dignity and independence
• To be close to those we love
• To have control over where and how we live
• To leave something behind, if that’s important to us

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, just the one that fits you best. Whether it’s a serviced village, your own space on the family property, or simply being near the grandkids, the goal stays the same: feeling comfortable, secure, and at home.

❓ Questions to Help You Choose

• Do I want to be around family, or live separately?
• How important is owning the home versus just living in it?
• Am I looking for care and support, or more freedom?
• How will this choice affect my finances or what I leave behind?
• If my health changes, will I still be okay where I am?

Here are the seven HouseMe Show Home locations across New Zealand - check one out near you:

• Whangārei – 91 Porowini Ave, next to Northland Toyota

• Auckland – 23 Inlet Road, Takanini

• Waikato – 183A Victoria Road, Hautapu (Cambridge) 

• Bay of Plenty – 89 Taurikura Drive, Tauriko (The Lakes)

• Hawke’s Bay – 1006 Karamu Road North, Mayfair (Hastings)

• Manawatu – 361 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North 

• Christchurch – 101 Hayton Road, Wigram

Why drop in?

• See HouseMe’s range firsthand—from studios to family homes.

• Get ideas for layout, finishes, and design.

• Chat with the team, ask your questions, and visualise your future home.

How to find them: 

Call 0800 468 736 or visit www.houseme.co.nz/show‑homes to check opening hours and directions

Take a look in person. It’s the easiest way to know if a HouseMe home fits your lifestyle.