You Own The Home
You purchase the home itself through a separate home purchase agreement.
The home belongs to you, and you are responsible for looking after it in much the same way as other homeowners look after their property.
How It Works
Land Lease Living, Explained Simply
At Vital Bendigo, you purchase and own your home while leasing the site it sits on through a separate site agreement.
The Simple Version
The Three Things To Understand First
You Lease The Site
The land beneath the home is leased through a written Part 4A site agreement.
The site agreement explains the site rent, how it may change, relevant fees, responsibilities, park rules and other important conditions.
You Live At Vital Bendigo
You enjoy your own independent home within the Vital Bendigo community, with access to the services, common areas and community facilities that apply to residents.
The purchase of the home and the lease of the site are connected, but they are separate legal arrangements with separate documents.
The Process
From Your First Question To Moving In
Everyone’s circumstances and timing are different, but the journey generally follows these stages.
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Start With A Conversation
Tell our team what you are looking for, your preferred timing and any questions you already have.
We can explain Vital Bendigo, current home availability and whether the community may suit what you are looking for.
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Visit Vital Bendigo
Walk through the display home, explore the location and speak with our team in person.
A visit can help you understand the home layouts, finishes and everyday feel of the community.
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Explore The Available Options
Review the home designs and sites that are currently available.
Our team can provide the relevant pricing, inclusions and practical information for the options you are considering.
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Receive The Documents
Before you are asked to enter into the relevant agreements, you will receive the applicable disclosure information and contractual documents.
These explain the home purchase, site arrangement, site rent, fees, rules, services, facilities and other important matters.
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Review Everything Carefully
Take the time to read the documents and ask questions.
Independent legal and financial advice is strongly encouraged so you can understand how the arrangements apply to your own circumstances.
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Prepare For Your Move
Once the agreements and other requirements are in place, the team will explain the remaining steps leading to settlement, handover and moving into your new home.
Important Documents
What You Will Be Asked To Review
The formal documents contain the detailed terms that apply to your purchase and ongoing site arrangement. The names and structure may change where required by law or to reflect an individual transaction, but the key information generally includes the following.
Home Purchase Agreement
This covers the purchase of the home, including the agreed price, specifications, inclusions and applicable purchase conditions.
Pre-Contract Disclosure
This provides important information before you enter the site agreement, including the community, site rent, services, facilities, rules and other relevant matters.
Part 4A Site Agreement
This is the agreement under which you lease the site where your home is located. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of the site tenant and site owner, together with the applicable rent, charges and conditions.
Park Rules And Supporting Information
These explain the practical rules and processes within the community. They may also cover utilities, pets, maintenance, services, facilities, emergency arrangements and resolving concerns.
This page provides a general overview only. The documents supplied for an individual purchase are the documents that must be reviewed carefully.
Understanding The Costs
Know What Applies Before You Sign
The team should explain the applicable costs and provide the relevant information in the formal documents before you make a commitment.
Home Purchase Price
This is the agreed price for the home and the applicable inclusions. The final amount will depend on the particular home, site, specifications and any agreed changes.
Site Rent
Site rent is paid for the ongoing right to occupy the site beneath the home. The site agreement and disclosure documents explain the starting rent, when it is payable and how future increases may be calculated.
Utilities And Everyday Costs
Residents may also pay for separately metered utilities and their usual household expenses. The applicable documents explain how relevant utilities and services are supplied and billed.
Future Sale Or Departure Costs
The documents should explain any fees, charges or processes that may apply if the home is later sold, transferred or the site agreement ends. These arrangements must be reviewed in the formal documents.
Responsibilities
A Practical Overview
The formal site agreement and supporting documents explain the complete division of responsibilities. As a general guide:
The Resident Generally Looks After
- Their home and personal contents
- Cleaning and ordinary care of the home
- The presentation of their site
- Following the applicable park rules
- Promptly reporting relevant maintenance or safety concerns
- Their personal insurance and other individual arrangements
Vital Generally Looks After
- Common areas
- Community facilities
- Operator-owned infrastructure
- Community management
- Relevant shared maintenance
- Processes for residents to report common-area issues
Some responsibilities depend on the particular item, location and agreement. Visitors should rely on the formal documents for the complete position.
Common Questions
Questions People Often Ask First
Is Vital Bendigo A Retirement Village?
Vital Bendigo is presented as a land lease lifestyle community rather than a traditional retirement village.
Residents own their homes and lease their sites under the applicable land lease and residential park arrangements.
Do I Own The Land?
No. You own the home, while the land beneath it is leased under the site agreement.
What Is Site Rent?
Site rent is the ongoing amount paid for the right to occupy the site. The formal documents explain the amount, payment arrangements and how increases may work.
Can I Sell My Home Later?
The home may be sold subject to the process, requirements, fees and conditions set out in the applicable agreements and legislation. The detailed resale arrangements should be reviewed in the formal documents.
Should I Obtain Independent Advice?
Yes. Independent legal and financial advice is strongly encouraged before entering the home purchase and site agreements.
Can I Ask Questions Before I Decide?
Yes. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, review the information carefully and take the time they need to understand the arrangements.
Independent Information
Official Victorian Resources
The following Consumer Affairs Victoria resources provide general information about Part 4A dwellings, site agreements and residential parks. They are useful starting points but are not a substitute for advice about your individual circumstances.
Site Agreements In Residential Parks And Villages
An overview of when a Part 4A site agreement applies and what prospective site tenants should receive before signing.
Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria (opens in a new tab)Checklist For Signing A Site Agreement
A practical checklist covering documents, rent, rules, responsibilities and matters to consider before entering a site agreement.
View The Checklist (opens in a new tab)Part 4A Dwelling Guide
A guide to the rights and responsibilities of people who own a Part 4A dwelling and rent the site beneath it.
Read The Guide (opens in a new tab)New Residential Park Protections
Information about the updated disclosure and site-agreement requirements that apply in Victoria.
Read About The Protections (opens in a new tab)View The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 on the official Victorian legislation website (opens in a new tab).
General Information Only
This page is a general introduction to land lease living at Vital Bendigo.
It does not contain every term, fee, right, responsibility or condition that may apply. Prospective residents should carefully review the formal disclosure documents and agreements supplied for their individual purchase and obtain independent legal and financial advice.
The page content must not override or contradict the applicable agreements or Victorian law.