Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, you don’t have to be retired to enjoy life at Bayway Village. The only requirement is that residents are over 50 years of age.

    Bayway is a welcoming community of like-minded people who value freedom, connection, and the ability to live life on their own terms - whether they’re still working, semi-retired, or fully retired.

  • Bayway Village is a land lease community for independent over-50s. You own your home and lease the land it sits on, with no stamp duty, council rates or exit fees.

    In most retirement villages, the operator owns the property and residents lease or licence their home. These often come with more complex contracts, higher ongoing costs and deferred management fees.

    Bayway Village offers simplicity, ownership and control — without the hidden costs.

  • Yes. At Bayway Village, you’ll proudly own your own home. The land your home sits on is securely leased to you under a long-term agreement.

    You simply pay a fortnightly site fee for the land lease, while retaining full ownership of your home - giving you peace of mind, stability and control over your investment.

  • The site fee is the payment for leasing the land your home sits on. It also contributes to the running and upkeep of the community — including the maintenance of shared gardens (and your front garden), the clubhouse, and other communal facilities.

    It helps cover the cost of on-site management and day-to-day operational expenses, ensuring the village stays well-maintained and enjoyable for everyone.

    If you receive the aged pension, you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help with site fees.

    Your exact weekly site fee will be detailed in your Residential Site Agreement.

  • If you receive the Age Pension or other eligible government payment, you may qualify for Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help with your site fees.

    To check your eligibility and current rates, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or contact your nearest Centrelink office by phone or in person.

  • No. At Bayway Village, there are no council rates, or owners corporation fees to pay.

    That’s one of the key benefits of the land lease model - it keeps your ongoing costs simple, transparent and easy to manage.

  • Yes, Fern Bay Medical Centre is only 1min drive away or a short walk. John Hunter Hospital is 25min drive from Bayway Village.

  • Yes. Each home at Bayway Village has its own utility meters, so you’re responsible for paying your own electricity and water usage directly to the provider.

    You’ll also arrange and pay for your own phone and internet services, if required.

  • Yes. Pets are very welcome at Bayway Village.

    We understand how important pets are to many residents, and we also want to ensure everyone enjoys their home comfortably. That’s why a few simple pet guidelines are in place - to help protect the wellbeing and peace of all homeowners.

  • Yes, you are welcome to have visitors stay with you and they are welcome to use the village facilities during their stay.

  • You’re responsible for maintaining your own home and backyard. To help lighten the load, our team takes care of your front gardens and shared community areas, ensuring the village always looks beautifully maintained throughout the year.