Artist’s Impression
Artist’s Impression
Frequently Asked Questions
About Bellburra
Who is Allambie Heights Village Ltd?
Allambie Heights Village Ltd. is a company limited by guarantee and is a not-for-profit, independent organisation providing quality accommodation and care to persons over 55. We are located in a tranquil setting with landscaped gardens with views overlooking Manly Dam Reserve, Chatswood and City Skyline and with easy access to public transport taking residents to amenities at Warringah Mall, Manly, Chatswood and the heart of the City.
Our Board of Directors, Management and Staff are dedicated and committed to achieving the highest standards of care and accommodation and have demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the industry.
Our retirement village has been firmly established in the community of Allambie Heights on Sydney’s Northern Beaches since opening in 1966 and our accredited residential aged care facility has been operating since 1996.
What is Bellburra, and how does it relate to Allambie Heights Village Ltd?
Bellburra is an exciting new extension of the Allambie Heights Village community. It features an exclusive collection of 24 three-bedroom luxury apartments set against the stunning backdrop of Manly Dam Reserve. This development offers residents the best of both worlds: a serene natural environment paired with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Why was the Bellburra development created?
Bellburra was designed in response to the demand for luxury housing that allows residents to downsize without sacrificing spaciousness. These apartments are ideal for entertaining visiting family, including children and grandchildren, while also addressing many future needs of residents as they age.
What amenities does Bellburra offer to its residents?
The centerpiece of Bellburra is its Community Clubhouse, designed to support an active and social lifestyle. It includes:
- A multipurpose room for social gatherings, meetings, and celebrations.
- An expansive outdoor terrace with picturesque views.
- A wellness hub featuring a fully equipped gym, spa, and sauna.
These amenities combine to create an idyllic and fulfilling lifestyle for all residents.
What is the minimum age for entry into independent living at Bellburra?
55 and not working full-time.
What are the key features and benefits of living at Bellburra?
As a Bellburra resident, you’ll enjoy a range of advantages designed to enhance your lifestyle and well-being:
- A Boutique Lifestyle: Experience retirement living in a secure, and vibrant community.
- Elegant and Practical Design: Apartments blend architectural elegance with contemporary style and include age-friendly features such as hazard-free flooring, wide corridors, accessible ensuites, and innovative technology that can adapt to changing health needs.
- Accessible Living: All buildings are designed for ease of mobility, with lifts providing convenient access to all areas.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Enjoy beautifully landscaped and peaceful grounds with open green spaces and district views.
- Wellness Amenities: Stay active and healthy with access to a gym, spa and sauna.
- Social Spaces: Make the most of the spacious residents’ clubhouse and outdoor terrace, perfect for social events and gatherings.
- Financial Peace of Mind: Share the costs of amenities and benefit from annual fixed outgoings, allowing for predictable and manageable financial planning.
These features make Bellburra an exceptional place to live, combining comfort, convenience, and community.
How close is Bellburra to local shopping?
Bellburra offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. It is just an 8–10-minute level walk to Allambie Heights Shopping Village, where you’ll find a wide range of shopping options, including IGA, health professionals, cafes, and restaurants.
What are the transport options near Bellburra?
A public bus stop is conveniently located only 100 metres away on Allambie Road, providing regular routes to both Chatswood and Manly. This makes it easy to stay connected to the wider community while enjoying the peaceful lifestyle at Bellburra.
What do I need to do to secure the apartment I like at Bellburra?
You can leave a fully refundable holding deposit of $1,000 to secure the apartment of your choice for 60 days. Thereafter you will pay $9,000 on entering into an Agreement for Licence & Village Agreement. You may rescind at any time before completion occurs. The deposit of $10,000 will be fully refunded to you.
When will final payment of the full ingoing contribution be required on the apartment?
Full payment of the ingoing contribution is due when you settle on your new apartment, and prior to taking up occupancy of your new home at Bellburra.
When should I sell my current home if I’m moving to Bellburra?
The Bellburra apartments are expected to be complete in mid-2025 and be ready for occupancy in the third quarter of 2025. We will keep you regularly updated on construction progress and notify you 12 weeks (3 months) before your new Bellburra apartment is ready. This advance notice will give you ample time to begin the process of selling your current home with confidence, knowing your new home will be ready for you to move into.
What does 'tenure' mean in the retirement living industry?
‘Tenure’ refers to the different types of contractual arrangements offered in retirement villages. These agreements are governed by the NSW Retirement Villages Act.
What type of tenure is offered at Bellburra?
Bellburra, operated by Allambie Heights Village Ltd, offers a loan licence arrangement. This is the most common type of agreement used by Not-for-Profit, Church, and Charitable retirement village operators.
How does the loan licence arrangement work?
Under a loan licence agreement, Allambie Heights Village Ltd retains ownership of each residence. Residents sign a licence agreement that grants them exclusive occupancy of their home under they permanently vacate their apartment. Security of tenure is assured as long as residents can continue to live independently.
Where can I learn more about village contracts in NSW?
For further information on the types of retirement village contracts available in NSW, visit the NSW Government website – https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/retirement-villages/moving-into-a-retirement-village.
Fees
What are the monthly recurrent charges?
The recurrent charges payable from 1 July 2025 are $965.00 per month.
What costs are covered by the recurrent charges?
The recurrent charges cover the day to day operational costs of the independent living apartments at Bellburra, including:
- general repairs and maintenance of the apartments and communial areas
- maintenance of plant, machinery and equipment, such as lift maintenance
- ongoing maintenance of internal fixtures and fittings provided by Allambie Heights Village Ltd
- building insurance (excl contents insurance)
- crown land lease, Sydney water and waste management
- common areas lighting and power
- cleaning common areas and upkeep of grounds
- operating and use of communal facilities, such as the clubhouse, gym, spa, sauna etc
- management of Bellburra (staff)
- general administration, accounting and auditing.
Can the recurrent charge be increased?
Recurrent charges will be increased annually with increases effective from 1 July each year. The annual budget is discussed with residents in April each year, prior to it taking effect. If an increase above CPI is proposed, this would be subject to a vote by all residents at an Annual General Meeting and would require more than 50% approval by residents to implement, ensuring a transparent and collaborative approach.
Will I pay an exit fee when I leave Bellburra?
Yes, like most retirement villages in NSW, Bellburra has an exit fee, also known as a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) or Departure Fee.
How does the exit fee work?
When you move into Bellburra, you’ll pay an Entry Payment (or Ingoing Contribution), which is the price for the property. During your stay, you’ll also pay monthly recurrent charges. When you leave Bellburra, your Entry Payment will be returned to you, with the exit fee deducted.
How much is the exit fee?
The exit fee accrues at a rate of 6% per year for up to five years, to a maximum of 30%, based on your Entry Payment. For example, if you live in Bellburra for five years or more, the maximum exit fee will be 30% of your Entry Payment.
Will I share in the capital gain when my apartment is re-sold?
Yes, you will share 50% of any capital gain or loss when your apartment is re-sold. Refurbishment costs for the apartment will also be shared equally, at 50/50.
Building and apartment
Are there solar panels?
Yes, 163 solar panels are positioned on the roof of Building A (rear building) which feeds into the common area power for Bellburra, reducing the energy consumption and keeping costs down.
Will I need to walk up stairs to my apartment?
There is lift access to all upper-level apartments for both Buildings A&B from the carpark providing level access for all apartments. Ground floor apartments in Building B do not require any lift access.
How much natural light will my apartment have?
The layout of each apartment is designed to make the best use of light and cross-flow ventilation. Apartments on the first floor of ‘Building B’ will also have skylights and pop-ups. The entire village is orientated to maximise passive solar and the environmental conditions surrounding the site.
What glass is used in apartments?
Every window and balcony door uses ‘Low-E’ or low-emissivity glass, a type of glass with a thin coating that helps control heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Security and flyscreen doors?
All sliding doors in the main living area and bedrooms will be fitted with lockable security flyscreen doors.
Where is the kitchen exhaust fan vented?
Both the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are vented to the outside of the apartment.
What airconditioning is installed?
Fully-ducted air-conditioning to all living areas and bedrooms which can be zoned to individual rooms.
Where can I park my car?
Secure undercroft car parking is available for residents. Each apartment has a designated car parking spot & storage area.
Do you have provision for EV Charging?
Yes, there will be public EV Charging facilities in the Visitor Parking area and each resident will also be able to install an Origin EV Charging unit in their specific carspace at an additional cost, if desired.
Where can visitors park at Bellburra?
Bellburra provides parking for visitor vehicles, including spaces designated for disability parking.
Community and living
How do residents have input into the operations of Bellburra?
The Retirement Villages Act has provision for a Residents Committee to be formed at Bellburra. Residents may elect a Residents Committee to represent their interest at Bellburra and also to provide a channel for communication between the residents and The Village Operator – Allambie Heights Village Ltd.
Are there any Village Rules?
Yes. You will find them as an annexure to your Village Contract.
Am I able to bring my pet with me?
We recognise the value of pets and the companionship they provide. One small suitable cat or dog suitable to apartment living will be considered, upon application to Allambie Heights Village Ltd. Management.
Bellburra has a pet policy that ensures all residents, including non-pet owners, feel at home and comfortable in our community. Before bringing any pet into Bellburra, an application has to be made to the Operator and a Pet-keeping Agreement established (according to the Policy Guidelines).
Can I have visitors at Bellburra?
Yes, of course, this is your home. Residents can have a family member or friend stay with them for up to one month. For stays beyond this period, the operator will need to review and approve to ensure adherance to village rules as well as resident and community harmony.