Costs explained
Clear, predictable weekly fees — and what they include.
When you’re considering downsizing, one of the biggest questions is simple:
“What will it actually cost me?”
At Lakeside Forster, our approach is straightforward: no hidden fees, no confusing formulas, no exit surprises.
This page has been created to provide clear, transparent information so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
If you’d like to learn more about Lakeside Forster you can download the info pack and review the information in your own time.
Site fees
At Lakeside Forster, a weekly site fee applies.
This fee contributes to the maintenance, management and upkeep of the entire community — including our community facilities.
Unlike traditional retirement models, at Lakeside Forster there are:
No entry fees.
No stamp duty.
No council rates.
No deferred management fees (DMF).
No exit fees.
Your costs are simple. Predictable. Transparent.
For current site fee rates and to discuss how they apply to your circumstances, you can reach out to our team for a confidential conversation.
Can Rent Assistance help?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Rent Assistance is a government payment designed to help eligible pensioners and income support recipients who pay rent for their accommodation. In a land lease community, the site fee may qualify as rent for this purpose.
As at March 2026, the maximum available for a single person is:
Up to $215.40 per fortnight.
For eligible residents, this assistance may help offset the weekly site fee and improve overall affordability.
Eligibility depends on your income, assets and personal circumstances. Official details are available via Services Australia.
If you’d like to understand how the costs apply specifically to your situation, you can speak with our team for a personalised and confidential discussion.
What your site fee includes
Your weekly site fee contributes to:
✔ Community facilities
Access to and ongoing maintenance of Lakeside Forster’s amenities, including:
Community Centre
Swimming Pool
✔ Upkeep of common areas
Landscaping and maintenance of shared gardens, pathways and community spaces.
✔ Professional management
Day-to-day administration of the village.
For many residents, this means fewer personal responsibilities — and more time to enjoy life.
If you’d like to learn more about the facilities and what’s included, you can download our information pack — or, if you prefer to see everything for yourself, book a tour and experience the community in person.
Your personal utilities & home care
To keep the community fair and transparent, some costs remain individually managed — giving you control over what you use and how you budget.
Electricity is individually metered and paid by you.
Water usage is individually metered and paid by you.
Because each home has its own meters, you only pay for what you personally use — providing clarity and control over your household expenses.
Maintenance of your individual home also remains your responsibility, allowing you to manage your property in a way that suits you.
If you’d like clarification on how this works, our team is happy to explain the details.
One Fee. No Surprises.
For many homeowners recurring property costs like council rates and access to lifestyle facilities already exceeds $450 per fortnight — before factoring in:
Ongoing property responsibilities.
Time spent organising trades.
Unexpected repairs.
At Lakeside Forster, these lifestyle elements are consolidated into one predictable fortnightly fee within a purpose-built community.
It’s not just about cost. It’s about simplicity and certainty in retirement.
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