FAQ

Here are our most commonly asked questions about living at Hillier Park. If you have any other questions, or would like to speak to someone regarding your personal circumstances, please contact us today on 8522 2511 .

FAQ Financial

Do I own my own home?

Yes, you own your own home completely unlike most retirement villages where you only have a ‘licence to occupy’ your home.

Do I own the land on my site?

No.  Hillier Park & The Palms are affordable because you own your own home and the park owns the land including your site.  You pay a weekly site fee that gives you the right to occupy your site and enjoy all Park facilities.

What is the weekly site fee and what does that cover?

Current site fees vary depending upon site size and facilities. The fees are paid in advance by direct debit from date of settlement.
The site fee is reviewed on each year and any increases are capped at CPI or 3.5%, whichever is greater. Site fees cover council rates, emergency services levy, water, sewerage and access to all facilities.
Hillier Park: between $170-190*/week, reviewed 1 July every year. *current fee until 30 June 2024.
The Palms: between $158-175*/week, reviewed 1 January each year. *current fee until 31 December 2023.

Who pays for electricity and gas?

Most homes are connected directly to electricity retailers, with homes in the original area of Hillier Park (sites #1-105) connected via the Park’s power supply. Bottled Gas is supplied via the office who offer a subsidised service to Park residents. Other than that, you are only up for your insurances, phone, internet or Pay TV bills

Is there a deferred management, entry or exit fee?

No! There are no deferred management, entry or exit fees at Hillier Park or The Palms.  Overall, the costs of living at at a Pandora Lifestyle Village make it a truly affordable living option.  There are NO hidden costs.

I am on the Aged Pension, can I get Rent Assistance?

Residents on the Aged Pension may be eligible for Rent Assistance depending upon your financial position, which will reduce the cost of your weekly site fees.  Contact Centrelink or Veteran Affairs to find out what you are entitled to receive.

Are there any other government concessions?

Residents are eligible for ongoing government concessions via Residential Parks Resident Concessions and the Cost of Living concession. These are available to assist with bills. Apply with the Department for Communities 1800 307 758 or at www.sa.gov.au.  Search for “Residential Park resident concessions.”

What happens when I/we decide to purchase a home at Hillier Park or The Palms?

Once you agree to purchase a home on Hillier Park or The Palms, you sign a sale contract subject to meeting entry criteria. Contact the Park office within the cooling off period to arrange an appointment to sign the Site agreement and to arrange an appointment.

FAQ Building a new home

WHO WILL BUILD MY HOME?

Your new home will be built by one of South Australia’s leading builders of transportable homes. The homes provide an affordable, high performance, low energy, sustainable home with a 6-star energy rating.

WHAT DOES THE PRICE OF A NEW HOME INCLUDE?

High quality home (see above), carport, entertaining deck, paving, air-conditioning, floor coverings & clothesline.

WHAT SORT OF GUARANTEE/WARRANTY COMES WITH MY NEW HOME?

3 month maintenance warranty, 5 year statutory warranty, & 50 year Bluescope warranty on steel wall & roof frames.

CAN I CUSTOMISE MY NEW HOME?

Yes! It’s your home and you can make whatever interior changes you desire once you move in. We do ask that you let us know of all external changes prior to commencing any works.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BUILD MY NEW HOME?

If starting the process from scratch, from start of build to move in day is approximately 6 months. We do have other options for buying brand new homes if this doesn’t suit, please call the office on 8522 2511 to find out more.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER BUYING COSTS?

There are no hidden fees or charges. There is no stamp duty or conveyancing fees.

FAQ Community Living

WHO LIVES AT PANDORA LIFESTYLE PARKS?

There are over 500 people living at Hillier Park & over 320 people living at The Palms, the majority of whom are retired, however there are people who work. Resident ages range from 50 up with most in their late 60’s or early 70’s.

WHAT SECURITY OF TENURE IS THERE?

Hillier Park/The Palm’s Fixed Term Residency Agreement is in accordance with the Residential Parks Act 2007. This document prescribes rights and obligations governing both parties.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT PARK WILL NOT BE SOLD FOR RE-DEVELOPMENT?

Gawler Council and the State Government have zoned Hillier Park as a “Residential Park” and Playford Council and the State Government have zones The Palms as a “Residential Park”, which ensures it must operate as a residential park and cannot be changed to tourist use.

WHICH ORGANISATION RUNS HILLIER PARK AND THE PALMS?

Hillier Park and The Palms are operated by Pandora Lifestyle Villages Pty Ltd (registered office at 81 Flinders Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000).

WHAT HAPPENS IF I/WE DECIDE TO SELL OUR HOME?

Your home belongs to you, so you may sell it on site and retain the full sale price, or use an agent. To purchase the home, the buyer must be of community age and meet all entry criteria. In rare instances, you may wish to remove your home from the Village. Check with Management for requirements should you choose this option.

IS MY HOME WILLABLE?

Your home is part of your estate. You heirs may choose to sell the home, remove it (see above) or can apply to live in the home if they are of community age and meet all entry criteria. The Estate is responsible for payment of site fees until settlement.

WHAT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CAN I JOIN IN?

Most people live in the Park to actively enjoy its lifestyle benefits, but you are free to join in social events or not. If you’d like a copy of the social calendar, please contact us and we can send one through to you. These events are organised by an active volunteer social committee.

WHAT SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE THERE?

  • Beautiful swimming pools.
  • Large Community Halls available for private function bookings (limited dates).
  • Daily social events (please contact us for a copy of the social calendar)
  • Recreation Hall featuring Billiard Room & well-equipped gym.
  • Active vegetable gardening club with plots (fee required – Hillier Park).
  • Caravan/boat/trailer locked storage with undercover area available (fee required).
  • Small shop with papers, magazines, puzzle books, stamps, etc.

CAN MY FAMILY AND GRANDCHILDREN COME AND STAY?

Yes, your family are most welcome to visit or stay for short periods, remembering you are responsible for their behavior while they are on the Park. Stays for longer periods require management approval and fees may apply.

CAN I/WE HAVE A PET?

The Palms has a no animals policy, with some residents having birds or fish.

Hillier Park has a no animals policy for sites 1-317, however some of our residents do have birds or fish. In the allotment area 318-390, 501-533 pets are permitted under strict conditions. Please enquire for further details.

WE LOVE GOING AWAY, IS THERE ANY STORAGE FOR OUR CARAVAN AVAILABLE?

Van storage is available for all residents at a small cost.

WHAT SECURITY IS THERE AT HILLIER PARK OR THE PALMS?

A number of factors contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the Village. The unique closeness of homes and resident vigilance is an excellent “community watch” process and doesn’t compromise your privacy. This is complemented by the after-hours security & emergency phone service. The rural positioning and fenced perimeter of the property adds to its security.

ARE THERE BUILDING OR LANDSCAPING RESTRICTIONS FOR THE OUTSIDE OF MY HOME?

Yes, Council and Park requirements for your home and site are listed in the Site Development Regulations available from the Office and are regularly updated. Please read them carefully and ask questions prior to arrival or commencing any work to avoid disappointment or even financial embarrassment if your project is non-compliant. Plans for external alteration and additions must be submitted in writing to the office.

WILL MY MAIL BE DELIVERED TO HILLIER PARK OR THE PALMS?

Yes, every site has a mailbox with matching number. Mail is delivered in bulk and sorted into individual mail boxes at the office. Hillier Park is an Australia Post Community Postal Agency and sells stamps and small pre-paid packages.

CAN I GET PAY TV AND INTERNET ACCESS?

You can have Pay TV and/or internet access connected to your home. Contact your chosen retailer for information.

WHAT TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

If you choose not to drive or cannot, Link SA and Adelaide Metro buses are available from the park office, these services will take you into Gawler or to the train station. The nearest train station is Tambelin, which is about 15 minutes walk away which will take you to Munno Para, Elizabeth or the city.

The Palms owns and runs it’s own community bus. The bus currently operates two mornings a week, taking residents into Virginia and to Elizabeth shopping centre and for other occasional special events. The nearest train stations are Salisbury and Elizabeth, about 15 minutes away. Taxis also service the Park. Playford Council buses visit the park on a limited schedule.

WHICH SHOPPING CENTRES ARE NEARBY?

Hillier Park is 5 minutes to Gawler which is well serviced with shops, supermarkets, medical facilities, hotels, cafes, library, TAFE etc. Both Munno Para and Elizabeth Shopping Centres are about 15 minutes drive/train-ride away. The Barossa Valley is about a 20-30 minute drive from Hillier Park.

The Palms is about 15 minutes to Salisbury & Elizabeth which is well serviced with shops, supermarkets, medical facilities, hotels, cafes, library, TAFE etc. Virginia shopping Centre is just a few minutes away and Adelaide city is only 30-35 minutes from The Palms.