What is an "Occupation Right Agreement"?
An Occupation Right Agreement entitles a resident to occupy a villa or apartment for their and their spouse's lifetime (subject to certain rights of termination detailed in the Agreement), together with the right to use buildings and facilities intended for common use.

Who qualifies as a resident?
• You must be 55 years of age or older.
• At the time of purchase of an Occupation Right Agreement you must be in good health.
• In certain circumstances, e.g., ill health or breach of the terms of your Agreement, the Management has the option to repurchase your unit.

How do I apply for an Occupation Right Agreement?
Simply complete the application form and send it, with a ten percent deposit, to either:

Richmond Villas
82 Richmond Street
Thames
Attn: Village Manager

What costs will I pay?
• The purchase price of your villa/apartment.
• A weekly fee of $80.
• Your own personal expenses, e.g., food, power, contents insurance.
• The Amenities Contribution.

What is the "Amenities Contribution"?
This is a fee that finances the maintenance of the Village. It accrues at the rate of ten percent per annum over three years, to a maximum of thirty percent of your Occupation Right Agreement payment.

The Amenities Contribution accrues during residency, but only becomes payable when your Occupation Right Agreement fee is refunded (on the reselling of your villa/apartment).

What does the "Weekly Fee" cover?
• Rates, levies and fees payable to any Government, territorial or local authority.
• Water, gas, electricity, telephones and other utilities or services in relation to the common areas and facilities.
• Insurance premiums and associated valuation fees.
• Salaries, wages and other renumeration of persons engaged in the management and operation of the Village.
• Costs of providing security, cleaning, gardening and other services for the general use and benefit of the residents.
• Costs of maintenance and repair of all buildings, common areas and the Village generally.
• 24 hour monitoring.
• Fees and expenses of the Scheme Supervisor and Auditor.
• Reasonable depreciation of chattels in common areas.

Can I have friends and family to stay?
Yes, your villa/apartment is your home and you most certainly can have them stay or visit with you! In addition, providing that you are with your friends and/or family, we would like you to look on the Community Centre as an extension of your home.

Can I have a garden?
Yes, if you are a keen gardener, we will do our best to cater to your requirements. If, at a later stage, you are not able to look after your garden, Management would take over the maintenance of it. We also have vegetable garden plots for those who want them, situated by the Blokes Shed.

Can I have a pet?
Yes, you can bring your existing cat/caged bird/small dog at the written discretion of the Management.

What security do I have?
• Security gates at the front entrance.
• Safe Link 24 hour monitoring. This covers Ambulance, Police or Fire.
• Night Eyes Security. 3 patrols every night.

What are my rights?
The Residents are encouraged to form their own Committee and regular meetings will be held with the Covenant Trustee Company (your representative) and Management to discuss any issues that may have arisen. Residents are welcome at the Office anytime to discuss anything that is of concern to them.

Under the Retirement Villages Bill there is a Code of Conduct for Management and a Code of Resident's Rights. These are available for viewing at the Office. Click here to download the Retirement Villages Association (RVA) Code of Practice (requires Acrobat Reader).

What facilities are close to Richmond Villas (Thames)?
1. Pak'n Save and Goldfields Mall are both just a few minutes walk.
2. Pollen Street, Thames - the main shopping area - is also only a few minutes walk.
3. Thames Hospital is a short 2-5 minute drive.
4. A variety of clubs and organisations are all close by.

Richmond Villas is ideally situated, enabling you to retain your independence even if you no longer have a vehicle.

For information on facilities and amenities near The Palms (Whangarei), please click here.

Will there be a Courtesy Van?
Yes, a Courtesy Van is supplied for Residents to use whenever they require it. It is also used for a weekly trip to the supermarket.

Can I bring my campervan?
Yes, you can. There are designated areas at the rear of the Villages where campervans and extra vehicles are to be parked. It is also intended that there will be washing facilities for vehicles here as well.

Can I have a double garage?
There are only a few places on site where double garaging is possible.
However, we do have a “Blokes Shed” by the aforementioned Parking Area which is equipped with various machinery and equipment that ‘Blokes’ like to play with.We envisage that this will be suitable for some of the projects that used to be done in garages!

My question is not answered here!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please click here to be redirected to our Contact page.