Albury Frequently Asked Questions

Who is developing Kensington Gardens Albury & Shepparton?

Our Kensington Gardens villages are being developed by ‘Choice Retirement Communities’, a private family-owned Queensland business that has successfully developed and operated Argyle Gardens Bundaberg, Carlyle Gardens Bargara, Carlyle Gardens Mackay and Carlyle Gardens Townsville during that time.

What choice of homes do I have?

As a prospective resident of Kensington Gardens Albury, you may select your new home from our range of 15+ three and four bedroom floor plans. Our luxurious homes feature quality brick veneer and tile construction, and range in size from a spacious 18 squares (171m2) to 27 squares (256m2). They offer you design flexibility and a choice of fittings rarely seen in a retirement estate.

Is there a Kensington Gardens village manager?

Yes – each retirement village has a manager. They are responsible for our estates’ operations and administration, including the cost-effective running and maintenance of our on-site recreation facilities to ensure that everything is beautifully maintained and presented.

What provisions are there if I need emergency assistance?

For your peace-of-mind, all Kensington Gardens’ homes are equipped with an emergency phone with 24 hour monitoring.

Can I have a pet on the estate?

House cats, house dogs or caged birds may be permitted, subject to Kensington Gardens estate rules. Goldfish are also allowed, as long as they are quiet.

 

What activities are there to enjoy at Kensington Gardens?

There are many! As a resident you’ll have complete independence. You’ll be free to join fellow residents in whatever community activities take your fancy; from indoor bowls and tai chi to cards, snooker, watching movies and more. Or of course, you can choose to simply relax and ‘do your own thing’!

Can my friends, family or relatives visit me at Kensington Gardens?

Yes of course! Your home is your own and your visitors are welcome. Longer stays are subject to village rules.

Is visitor parking available at the villages?

Yes – thanks to our retirement villages’ spacious layouts and the generous house setbacks from the road, visitor parking is available to all homes.

Can I have my own garden?

Yes, you’ll have your own front garden adjoining your home to maintain as you wish. The estate groundsman will mow and maintain your lawn, all other external gardens and common areas.

What recreation facilities are available at Kensington Gardens?

You’ll find our villages’ first class recreation facilities contribute greatly to your lifestyle at Kensington Gardens. Our Residents’ Clubhouse facilities include:

  • A ballroom/auditorium complete with stage and dance floor
  • Intimate widescreen cinema
  • Dining area
  • Fully staffed bar
  • Indoor heated swimming pool and spa
  • Fitness centre
  • Computer room
  • Library
  • Lounge
  • Arts and crafts room
  • Caravan/recreational vehicle parking (lock up on asphalt) – subject to availability 
  • Workshop
  • Outdoor dining area with BBQ
  • Friendly and active social club

 

What happens to my home when I go away on trips or holidays?

You can take a trip or holiday away from Kensington Gardens with complete peace-of-mind, knowing that we will keep a watchful eye on your home while you’re away. We’ll ensure the gardens and lawns are maintained in your absence, collect your mail if you so desire, and even forward your mail to you if you wish.

Can I rent my home while I’m away?

Yes. Provided your proposed tenants meet the same requirements for residency and responsibility for payment of recurrent fees, you may sub-let for a period of up to 12 months, or for a further period with the consent of the manager.

What is the Kensington Gardens ‘Extended Family’, and how do I apply to become a member?

Our ‘Extended Family’ is made up of people who are interested in becoming residents of Kensington Gardens, but who for one reason or another are not yet able to make the move. Becoming a member of our ‘Extended Family’ will enable you to keep up-to-date with village happenings with our regular newsletter, and you’ll also be invited to attend special functions at the estates. To become a member of our ‘Extended Family’ simply get in touch with us today.

Are residents able to hold birthday parties, anniversaries and other special functions in the Residents’ Clubhouse?

Of course! For more details just ask the estate manager. 

Is there a community vegetable garden?

Yes. The community vegetable garden is well maintained by the residents and lots are allocated to residents interested in growing their own produce.

Does the purchase price include GST and stamp duty?

Yes, it does. This is all included in the purchase price.

Where is Kensington Gardens Albury located?

Our retirement village is located on 85 acres at 100 Table Top Road, adjoining the Thurgoona Golf course in the heart of the residential growth area of Thurgoona.

How many homes will there be in Kensington Gardens Albury?

When completed, we anticipate that there will be just over 370 homes. Kensington Gardens Albury is a staged development, so the exact number and types of homes to be built will be determined by our incoming residents’ requirements.

What shopping and community facilities are available around Albury?

Kensington Gardens Albury is located in a peaceful setting adjoining the impressive Thurgoona Golf Course, which also features tennis courts. With the Hume Freeway easily accessible, Kensington Gardens is now just minutes from all of the services that Albury and Wodonga have to offer, including four hospitals (two private) and three major shopping centres. With a bus shelter located on the retirement estate boundary and convenient access to the Thurgoona Plaza, all shopping amenities are nearby, adding to the ease of life for residents at Kensington Gardens.

What are the requirements for residence in Kensington Gardens Albury?

Due to the standard of our past developments and our innovative approach we refer to Kensington Gardens Albury as a lifestyle estate, however it still operates under NSW retirement village legislation meaning that incoming residents must be 50 years of age. You don’t have to be retired to live at Kensington Gardens Albury – as a matter of fact, we have quite a few residents still working.

What security do I have as a resident of Kensington Gardens Albury?

As a resident you will have your tenancy totally secured by a 99 year Lease registered with the Office of the Registrar of Titles. The continuation of your chosen lifestyle is assured, because new Leases can only be issued to people who meet the same requirements for residence as you have. What’s more, the leasehold system ensures an ongoing commitment by the owners to the operation and quality standards of the retirement estate.

Who pays for the lifestyle estate’s operation expenses?

Our residents pay a low recurring monthly charge to our management company to cover general outgoings, including:

  • Council rates and taxes
  • Water rates
  • Administration of the lifestyle estate
  • Lawn mowing and gardening of all common areas
  • Home insurance and public liability insurance
  • Maintenance of the exterior and interior of your home
  • Workers compensation
  • 24 hour portable emergency call system
  • Use and operation of an elegant on-site recreation building
  • Street lighting
  • Sinking fund

What other expenses will residents be responsible for?

In addition to the monthly recurrent fee, as a resident you will be personally responsible for other expenses such as:

  • Insurance on your house contents
  • Electricity and gas usage (metered and charged separately, along with connection)
  • Telephone usage and connection
  • You will have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village, which will impact on the capital gain received when leaving the village.

Could you explain the financial aspects of the lease?

Residents moving into Kensington Gardens Albury, on payment of a capital sum, will enter into a 99 year Lease. To appeal to a wide range of people, Kensington Gardens Albury offers two financial options on termination or surrender of the Lease, one of which is chosen at the time the Lease is entered into.

These options are as follows:

  1. Capital Appreciation Under this option the resident/s will receive full capital gain less a departure fee upon the sale of their home. The departure fee is calculated on a sliding scale over a period of eight years, starting at 6% and up to a maximum of 33%.
  2. Non-Capital Appreciation Under this option, while the resident/s receive no capital gain, there is a flat exit fee which is a minimal 3%. This fee is calculated on the price when the home sells, deducted from the original purchase price.

Under both of these options residents will be responsible for refurbishing any accelerated wear and tear. Kensington Gardens Albury management will refurbish the home to a marketable condition if required.

Phone: 02 6049 3100

Phone: 03 5820 5100

Phone: 02 6049 3100

Phone: 03 5820 5100