Eager retirees offer cash so they don’t miss out at Calvary retirement living event

Around 80 prospective residents gathered last Friday for Calvary Health Care’s inaugural “Transition into Retirement Living” education session – an event designed to help older Australians and their families navigate the move with confidence.

Held at Calvary Ryde Retirement Community, 13km north-west of Sydney’s CBD, the program brought together specialists in moving, financial planning, real estate and legal matters – covering the questions that typically stall decisions. A Resident Experience Panel added lived perspective, with current residents detailing their journeys and day-to-day life in the community.

The momentum was tangible. In December 2023, Calvary Ryde’s 147 units sat at 79.9% occupancy. The audience was told that figure had since risen to 93%. Then came the kicker.

“The fact we landed a few deposits on our last remaining pieces of stock was a bonus too,” said Mark Eagleston, Calvary’s National Adviser, Retirement Living.

Asked to clarify, he added: “We actually had people with $1,000 in cash trying to hand it to us as they didn’t want to miss out. We worked it through with them the correct way for a transfer the following day. Occupancy is now 98%.”