Why Riverside Is Different: Looking Beyond the Life Rights Model

Most retirement estates are built around a Life Rights model. It’s a familiar approach in senior living, offering predictability and reduced responsibility, and for many, it works well.

At Riverside Manor Retirement Estate, however, we have chosen a different path. We believe retirement living should not only offer peace of mind, but also preserve ownership, flexibility, and long-term value.

That belief is what makes Riverside truly special.

In a Life Rights estate, residents pay an upfront capital amount for the right to occupy a unit for the remainder of their lives. This means that life right “owners” are denied any access to the capital appreciation of “their” homes, and occupation is coupled with a significant monthly levy that covers operating costs and shared services.

 When the Life Right ends, only a portion of the original capital is returned, with the balance, together with the full benefit of any price appreciation, being retained by the operator through deferred management fees and resale.

At Riverside, all of our homes are owned outright, either as freehold houses or sectional title apartments. This means residents retain full ownership of their homes and benefit from capital appreciation over time, an important distinction in a market where Life Rights are the norm.

But we also understand the need for financial stability. Ownership at Riverside comes with a levy structure designed for lifelong affordability. Annual levy increases are capped, allowing residents to plan confidently for the future while still enjoying the present, whether it’s dining out, taking a holiday, or simply living without financial stress. On top of that, our levies are extremely competitive, offering exceptional value for the lifestyle and services provided.

To maintain long-term affordability, Riverside uses a Delayed Levy Contribution. Instead of steadily increasing monthly levies as residents age, a portion of the true lifetime cost of living in the estate is deferred and only settled when a home is sold. This contribution is paid from the sale proceeds, not from your monthly cash flow.

In practical terms, this means residents enjoy lower, predictable levies throughout their lifetime, while the estate remains financially sustainable. As our residents like to joke, it allows them to SKI (Spend the Kids’ Inheritance) while living fully and comfortably today.

The real advantage is that a majority of the capital growth belongs to you. Your home remains part of your personal estate, giving you flexibility to support future care needs, plan financially, or leave a meaningful legacy for your family. This is the real benefit of home ownership versus a life rights model.

And, unlike many of the communities around us, Riverside is owned and managed by a private, family-owned business, not a large institution. This distinction matters because it ensures decisions are guided by what’s happening on the ground, not by distant shareholders or short-term financial pressures.

Our owners and management team are hands-on and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the estate, ensuring standards are maintained and the community continues to evolve thoughtfully. This close involvement allows for quicker decision-making, greater accountability, and a deep understanding of what residents value most.

At Riverside, this is not just where you live, it’s a home carefully managed, a community thoughtfully nurtured, and a lifestyle designed to last a lifetime.