Frequently asked questions

Waterbrook prides itself on anticipating any question you may have regarding our Resorts, whether it be financial structure or Resort Operations. The information below is not designed to replace conversations with Waterbrook merely to provide a guide to perhaps ascertain if Waterbrook is of further interest to you.  We always here to chat and happy to help.

• Tell me about Waterbrook?

  Waterbrook is a small group of premium Retirement Lifestyle Resorts for over 55’s.  Waterbrook Resorts provide hotel-like facilities and services, 24/7, with support and care if required.  Developed in premium locations that are positioned in close proximity to local services and amenities.

• What Resort facilities are provided?

  Residents will enjoy easy access to vibrant Resort facilities, including 24/7 concierge, restaurant, café, lounge bar, creative studios, library, games room, grandchildren’s playground, golf buggies, cinema, wellness studios, indoor pool, gym, courtesy vehicles and retail spaces.

• How does the Waterbrook courtesy vehicle work?

  Waterbrook offers a courtesy shuttle bus for Residents’ convenience. A weekly timetable is provided for Residents’ transport to local shops, regular outings and local medical appointments are all catered for.

• What staff are onsite at Waterbrook?

  General Manager
  Front Office Manager
  24/7 Concierge Team
  Executive Chef
  Restaurant Manager
  Sommelier
  Registered Nurse
  Wellness Team
  Catering Team
  Maintenance and IT Team
  Gardening and Grounds Team

• How do the restaurants and cafés work?

  Like a hotel, Waterbrook’s various dining options are available for Residents and their guests. Akuna cafe, restaurant and bar operate at each Resort providing espresso coffee, morning & afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. Menus change regularly and our Executive Chef provides for all dietary requirements.  Waterbrook’s restaurants provide in-house dining, private dining, room service and event catering, either in our restaurants, private dining space or in residences.

  Similar to many club style operations, Waterbrook also requires a monthly, minimum spend of $180 per person, which can be used in the cafe, restaurant and bar. Should Residents be away for an extended period, their monthly minimum spend will be credited to their account.

• Who is responsible for maintenance within the residence… changing lights, fixing leaking taps and the like?

  Waterbrook is responsible for all maintenance within the residence and the Resort. Our handyman will also gladly assist with hanging  pictures within the apartment or any other small job for which you might require some assistance.

• What type of healthcare can be provided if required?

  Our Registered Nurse forms an integral part of the Waterbrook Wellness Team and is available to all Residents both on a complimentary and user pays basis. Should Residents require additional care, our Registered Nurse will facilitate that care. There are many excellent home care service providers in the market who provide a host of services to our Residents in the comfort and privacy of their residences should the need arise. Such care is supplied on a user-pays basis and we can provide more detailed information if required.

• How do Residents have a say in the operation of Waterbrook?

  Residents are able to elect a Residents’ Committee that meets on a regular basis to review the monthly operation of the Resort and to approve budgets and rules in accordance with the Retirement Village Act 1999.

• Is the deposit refundable?

  Yes – at any time, up until you are required to complete the Lease Agreement and settle your residence Lease purchase.

• How much stamp duty needs to be paid?

  Stamp Duty is no longer applicable on a Retirement Village Lease.

• Are there any restrictions on who sells the residence?

  No. When the time comes, you or your family are free to choose whomever you would like to sell your Waterbrook residence. However the Waterbrook Team are always available to assist in your search for a potential buyer (a fee may apply).

• What is the departure fee?

  When you vacate your Waterbrook residence, there is a fee payable, which typically provides for a number of essential areas:

  1. It funds capital replacement for the Resort and residences.
  2. It covers the expense of refurbishing your residence once you have vacated, in order to maximise the resale price before it is placed  on the market. All expenses incurred in this regard are covered by this fee.
  3. The departure fee provides for operational shortfall – a component of this is the shortfall in our Akuna Dining Operations.
  4. The departure fee also provides for income for Resort management.

  The maximum departure fee is calculated at 20% of the resale price of your Waterbrook residence, and is calculated over a 4 year period.  ie – 5% each year.

• Is social activity organised?

  You can do a little – or do a lot …  Waterbrook provides a monthly social program filled with activities of varying  interests everyday. In addition, the Resort Concierge will organise a variety of social events for group or private enjoyment, theme dinners in the restaurant, movie nights, theatre trips, and even short-term holidays. The only limit to activities is your imagination.

• Home services?

  The Concierge Team arrange for local businesses to supply and deliver items such as groceries, pharmacy items, newspapers and magazines to your front door. In addition the Concierge are happy to facilitate housekeeping and other personal services if required.

• Is there public transport nearby?

  When selecting the location of Waterbrook communities, convenient access to local shops and public transport is essential. All Residents have access to the Waterbrook courtesy vehicle which is operated on a daily timetable.

• Can my visitors stay at Waterbrook?

  Family and friends are most welcome at any time – we also love entertaining Residents family and friends, especially grandchildren!

• Tell me about Resident parking

  All Residences are provided with secure garaging with generous storage, power and easy access.

• Is there visitor parking?

  Yes – there is ample visitor parking available at all Waterbrook locations.

• What is the purpose of the Concierge desk?

  The Concierge is always there to meet and greet visitors to Waterbrook, ensuring security at all times. The Concierge is also there to assist with any issues or request, large or small that may be required, just like a hotel. The Concierge desk operates 24/7, ensuring there is always someone to call upon in an emergency, Waterbrook staff are fully trained to assist and facilitate any issue or emergency.

   

• Are pets allowed?

  Yes, small house pets are most welcome.

• What is a Retirement Leasehold Agreement?

  In 1999 the Retirement Villages Act was established by the NSW State Government, with the primary focus to protect retirees’ investments, abolish stamp duty and to make operators accountable for the day to day operation and maintenance costs of their villages. Lease structures available under the Retirement Villages Act include a 99 year Leasehold Agreement, which has been adopted by Waterbrook. Unlike traditional Lease Transfers, Waterbrook Leases are restored to their full term upon sale – the Retirement Village Leasehold Agreements do not diminish. When the time comes for a Resident to sell their property, the new purchaser receives a new 99 year lease, rather than a transfer of the unexpired portion of the original Lease. Residents who purchase a retirement Lease Agreement are registered on Title, similar to registered proprietors of residential property.

• Why do I need a Disclosure Statement?

  Under the Retirement Villages Legalisation, retirement villages must provide you with a Disclosure Statement at least 14 days prior to you entering into a Contract with an Operator. This Disclosure Statement will include the financials for the village, the apartment / villa prices, plus the daily costs to live in the village and costs associated with departing the village.

• What is the monthly levy?

  All Residents are required to pay a monthly levy to meet the expenses of operating the Resort 24/7. The levies are determined annually in accordance with the annual budget. The budget includes costs for staff, most Resort operations, insurances, building maintenance, utilities (water and Council rates) and a variety of other day-to-day operational costs. Any deficit in the annual accounts of the Resort is funded by the Operator. The amount of levy paid is calculated on the approximate size of the residence, typically levies start from $1,000 per month.

• Who owns Waterbrook?

  Waterbrook Lifestyle Resort is a privately owned company and operates as a partnership between Kevin Ryan, Managing Director and Colin Sim, Director. Kevin Ryan is the founder of Waterbrook. He is the innovator behind the unique Resort lifestyle model and is responsible for setting strategy and overseeing the Operations of Waterbrook – which is now in its 18th year of operation.  His commitment to the retirement industry is demonstrated by his executive profile and past participation in both the National and State Boards of the Retirement Village Association in Australia and the Property Council of Australia’s ‘Senior Living Council’. Colin has extensive experience in property development and construction. His career in Australia spans 40 years where he has been an entrepreneur, shareholder and investor in a range of industries spanning mining, retail, manufacturing, investments, equities and property.