Perspectives on New Zealand’s retirement villages

Based on the New Zealand Retirement Village Database for the year ending December 2024, the report offers strategic insights for developers, investors and operators navigating this evolving market.

Over the past decade, the number of retirement villages has risen from 343 to 491, with total units doubling to 43,598. The population aged 75 and above continues to surge, but development activity risks falling short of future demand.

Highlights from the 2025 edition include:

• Which regions are driving growth, and where are emerging hotspots taking shape?
• Are the Big 6 providers still leading, or are smaller operators catching up?
• What does a consistent 91 percent occupancy rate indicate about resident demand and product appeal?
• Could a shortfall of more than 23,000 units by 2048 redefine how and where new developments are delivered?
• With the 75+ population growth peak approaching in 2028, are we preparing soon enough?

The findings reveal a clear opportunity to scale up construction and refurbishment to meet forthcoming demographic demand. Strong interest continues across Auckland, Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Nelson Marlborough, highlighting the importance of both brownfield expansion and new site acquisition.

Download JLL’s 2025 Perspectives on New Zealand’s Retirement Villages