Retirement Village Independent Legal Advice - Caloundra & Sunshine Coast | Gullickson Lawyers

Move in with confidence. At Gullickson Lawyers, we provide retirement village legal advice in Caloundra, delivering clear, independent legal advice for anyone considering a move into a retirement village or over-50s lifestyle community in Queensland.

Why You Need Independent Legal Advice for Your Village Contract

Contracts for retirement villages differ significantly from standard property purchases. Governed by the Retirement Villages Act (Qld), these contracts can include:

  • Complex entry and exit fees (deferred management fees)

  • Cooling-off periods and resale restrictions

  • Obligations in Village Comparison Documents (VCD) and Prospective Costs Documents (PCD)

  • Ongoing service and maintenance charges

Without independent legal advice on retirement villages in Sunshine Coast, you may unknowingly sign up for unfair terms. We protect your interests and provide clarity every step of the way.

What We Review & Negotiate for You

When you engage Gullickson Lawyers for Retirement Village Independent Legal Advice, we can assist with:

  • Review of Village Comparison Document (VCD)

  • Examination of Prospective Costs Document (PCD)

  • Detailed Residence Contract Review — explained in plain English

  • Exit Fee and Deferred Management Fee Clarity

  • Cooling-Off Rules and Timeframe — know when and how to withdraw

  • Resale and Transfer Clause Analysis

  • Dispute Resolution Provisions — ensuring fair treatment

  • Contract Negotiation Support — advocate for better terms

Local Insight You Can Trust

Our Principal, Sherri Gullickson, comes with a rare edge: her family were owner-operators in the aged care industry. That means:

  • We spot tricky clauses in village contracts

  • We ask the right follow-up questions (from VCDs to PCDs)

  • We negotiate with operators from a place of deep understanding

You get trusted, local, Sunshine Coast retirement village contract lawyers who genuinely know what to look for.

Serving Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast

From our Caloundra office, we provide timely, personalised service to clients in:

Golden Beach • Kings Beach • Aroona • Pelican Waters • Moffat Beach • Little Mountain • Battery Hill • Currimundi • Dicky Beach
…and throughout the wider Sunshine Coast region.

How It Works

  1. Book Your Consultation – Call our Caloundra office or send an online enquiry.

  2. Provide Your Documents – Email or drop off your VCD, PCD, and Residence Contract.

  3. We Review & Advise – We explain your rights, obligations, and negotiate where possible.

  4. Make Your Decision With Confidence – Move forward knowing exactly what you’ve agreed to.

Why Choose Gullickson Lawyers?

  • Independent — We act only for you, not the operator.

  • Experienced — knowledge of Queensland Retirement Villages Act.

  • Local — Sunshine Coast based, with the backing of a Brisbane office.

  • Responsive — Fast turnaround for urgent contract reviews.

  • Approachable — Clear, jargon-free advice.

Don’t sign before you’re sure.

Call our Caloundra office today for independent legal advice you can trust.

(07) 5222 4039


Gullickson Lawyers, 51-55 Bulcock Street, Caloundra


Request a Contract Review Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need legal advice before signing a Retirement Village contract?

Yes. In Queensland, you are required to obtain independent legal advice before signing. This protects you from entering into unfair or misunderstood terms.

What are exit fees?

Exit fees (or deferred management fees) are amounts payable when you leave the village. They can significantly affect how much you get back. We explain the calculation in detail before you sign.

What if I change my mind?

Queensland law provides a cooling-off period, but it’s short. We’ll explain exactly how it works and how to use it if needed.

Can you help if I’m already living in a village?

Yes. We advise on disputes, contract variations, and exit negotiations.