Why choose
The Botanic?

Frequently asked questions

• How can I secure a home at The Botanic?

  To place a hold on a villa or apartment you will need to complete an application with Michelle or Jan, and pay a $5000 deposit.

  Your deposit is held in a trust account by Anchorage Trustee Services and is fully refundable if you decide at any point that you don’t want to proceed.

  Michelle and Jan are highly experienced in aged care living, and will explain everything to you so that you fully understand the paperwork. This is then sent to your lawyer who will provide you with independent legal advice.

• What homes are available at The Botanic Silverdale?

  There are two independent living options at The Botanic Silverdale. There are one, two, and three-bedroom villas, and one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Every home can accommodate high-level home care support.

  Development will soon begin on our full continuum-of-care offering which includes specialised residential aged care, and a dedicated memory care facility.

  If you’d like more information about The Botanic’s care offering, please get in touch with Michelle or Jan in our Sales Office.

• How much does it cost to live at The Botanic?

  Residents pay an entry payment (the price of your villa, apartment, or care suite) which is determined by the type of home you choose.

  To secure your home, you will enter into an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) with The Botanic. This gives you the right to occupy your home in The Botanic Silverdale and also details the relevant terms and conditions. Our Sales Team can explain an ORA to you, and your lawyer will also help you with this.

  If you leave the village, which you can end at any time by giving 30 days’ notice, this entry payment will be refunded to you or your family less a Deferred Management Fee (DMF).

• How much is the Deferred Management Fee (DMF)?

  The DMF is calculated at 10% per year for three years and will not exceed 30% of your entry payment. If you live with us for less than three years, the DMF will be accrued on a pro-rata basis.

  The DMF enables your right to occupy your home for as long as you choose, the use of the community facilities, and the refurbishment and selling of your home after you leave the village. Interior and exterior maintenance of your home is included and managed by The Botanic staff team for the duration of your residency.

  The DMF also ensures that any costs associated with maintaining the village to the highest of standards are covered, and you are not required to refurbish your home upon termination (excluding wilful damage).

  Your entry payment, less the DMF, will be paid back to you or your beneficiaries when you leave the village.

• Do I pay ongoing costs to live at The Botanic?

  Yes, residents pay a weekly outgoings fee (the Village Fee) as a contribution towards the general operation of The Botanic.

  This fee contributes to the day-to-day running of the village, the maintenance of the grounds and facilities, routine maintenance, the salaries of village staff, village insurances, rates, taxes, and other costs such as electricity and water for the common areas.

  The Village Fee is fixed for life and even if costs increase during your time at The Botanic, your Village Fee will never increase.

  Costs not included in the Village Fee include your personal electricity, and phone and internet charges. These will be paid directly by you.

• How much is the weekly village fee?

  The Outgoings Payment (or weekly fee) is $215.00 and is fixed for life. However, until such time as the Main Amenities Building or the Care Home is built (whichever is sooner), The Botanic will discount the Outgoings Payment to $185.00.

  The Outgoings Payment covers the following:

  Rates
  Water rates
  Building insurance
  Upkeep of gardens
  Maintenance of the dwelling (internal and external)
  Upkeep of communal facilities
  Rubbish Removal
  Security
  The salaries of all employees directly employed to deliver village operational services.

• When does the weekly Village Fee terminate?

  Your Village Fee remains payable until you provide us with vacant possession of your unit, following the termination of the ORA.

• Who is responsible for the maintenance of the interior of my home?

  Chattels provided by The Botanic and interior maintenance is covered by The Botanic unless there is wilful damage, or the damage is considered beyond fair wear and tear.

• Who is responsible for insurance and rates at The Botanic?

  These costs are included in the weekly Village Fee but insurance for household contents, motor vehicle, and personal effects remain your responsibility.

• Are additional services available at The Botanic?

  Yes, once our Care Home is operational, we will offer a comprehensive range of home care support services. We understand that everyone’s needs are different and from time to time you may need more assistance.

  You can create a bespoke package specifically to suit your needs, which means you only pay for the services you require. Please contact Michelle and Jan in our Show Home to discuss this.

• Do I have allocated parking at The Botanic?

  Yes, all villas have an allocated carpark. Underground parking is available for apartment residents. Speak to the Sales team if you don’t require a car park, and there may be a reduction in price.

  Designated visitor parking is provided for friends and family who are visiting Residents, and those who require parking for business purposes. These parks are available for short-term parking.

• What if my personal needs change?

  The Botanic offers all levels of support and we understand that over time your accommodation needs may change. To help meet Residents’ changing needs, an aged care home and specialist memory care facility are in development.

• What is the process once my right to occupy ends and my accommodation is vacated? Who is responsible for the re-sale?

  We are responsible for and committed to finding a new resident for your home as quickly as possible and will control the sales and marketing process. Any introduction of potential residents is warmly welcomed.

• Will my privacy and independence be respected?

  Yes, The Botanic will ensure that any personal information, including your medical records, are stored securely.

  We will not share any private and confidential information with anyone other than persons properly authorised via a Power of Attorney. The Botanic affords our Residents personal agency, and supports people to live independently within a secure, connected and respectful community.

• Who can I talk to if I have any concerns while living in the village?

  The Botanic is staffed with appropriately qualified and experienced people including a Village Manager who will be your point of contact for any immediate concerns within The Botanic.

  The Botanic also operates a formal complaint process as required by the Code of Practice 2008.

• What if I move in and don’t like it?

  It has never happened to us yet, but to give you peace of mind the ORA includes a provision for a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee if a Resident’s decision to leave is based on socialisation and fit in the village.

• Do Residents have exclusive use of all the community facilities?

  The Botanic Silverdale is unlike many other retirement villages in that we encourage intergenerational connection and community engagement. We welcome visitors.

  People living in Silverdale and the surrounding districts are free to visit our village, enjoy coffee, a wine, or a meal, and (when appropriate and at our discretion) participate in Resident activities such as bowls.

• Can I bring my pet with me?

  Absolutely! The Botanic fully understands that pets are an important part of the family.

  Please speak with our Village Manager in advance of moving in and they will provide you with an approval. Your pet is then welcome to move in with you at The Botanic.

  Pet owners have standard responsibilities, and these are detailed in our village rules.

• Can I have people stay in my home?

  Of course. We understand the importance of family and friends and they are welcome to stay for short periods of time at The Botanic. All we ask is that you let us know if you have friends or family who will be staying for longer than a week.

• Is there independent oversight of The Botanic?

  Under the Retirement Villages Act 2003, a Statutory Supervisor must be appointed (unless an exemption is granted). The Statutory Supervisor represents The Botanic’s Residents, oversees the management of the village, and monitors the financial position.

  The Statutory Supervisor also holds a first ranking memorial over the title and assets of the village operator.  Anchorage Trustee Services Limited is the Statutory Supervisor for The Botanic.

• Does The Botanic have a chosen power supplier?

  Trustpower, PowerShop, Meridian Energy, Mercury Energy and Genesis Energy all provide power to The Botanic.

• Can I have a water filter?

  Yes, a water filter can be installed, post occupation. This must be an inline filter. It cannot be a separate tap on the bench.

  For those units where a bench-mounted option is possible, please bear in mind that our benches are stone, and that ‘making good’ will involve replacement of the bench along with matching elements such as the rear bench and splash back.

• Can I have an ice maker/plumbed fridge?

  In lower-level villas you can have a non-plumbed ice maker, and a chilled water fridge.

• Can I install a ceiling fan?

  Yes, ceiling fans can be installed. Due to design constraints, the location of ceiling fans has been predetermined. Please request ceiling fan information from our Show Home team.

• Do you offer EV charging?

  All carparks are EV-capable. A dedicated circuit and outlet will require installation prior to charging being available, which can be up to 7.4kW, 32A.

• Can I hang my washing outside if I don’t have an exterior clothesline?

  Residents are only able to utilise the installed fixed clothesline. No temporary drying racks or similar are to be used or installed outside.

  For those units with no exterior clothesline, clothes must be dried using a drier, or a rack assembled inside your home as per the village rules.

• Will my newly built home match exactly the plans?

  The plans are taken from our design documentation. The final construction must allow for acceptable construction tolerances as per the New Zealand Building Code.

  We may also make minor changes as we progress through construction in the case of unforeseen events. Should there be any notable change, we will discuss this with you directly.

• Which internet provider do you use?

  The internet is provided through Bestcomm, which enables us to provide internet at a much cheaper rate than would otherwise be available.

• Can I hang pictures, art, and ornaments in our villa or apartment?

  Yes, but please note;

  • Perforations to tiles are not to be made.
  • Perforations to all laminates including melteca board in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen cannot be repaired. These will require replacement, and undamaged adjacent panels may also need to be replaced.
  • Non-permanent attachment options are recommended for these areas.
• Can I have a garden shed?

  Garden sheds are not allowed in the village, however the Community Garden is a significant area and includes a large, well-equipped garden shed.