Who we are

The Business of Retirement Villages
Experience which bridges strategy and delivery.

Urban Villages supports retirement village owners and boards with village business and operational strategies, asset planning, renewal and long-term development growth.

Our work spans village business strategy, financial forecasting, development and master planning. This allows us to support owners and operators at every stage of the village lifecycle, from early strategy through to master planning and delivery.

The goal is simple - retirement communities that remain relevant, financially sustainable and great places to live for decades to come.

OUR APPROACH

Why Village Strategy Matters

The majority of villages across Australia and New Zealand were built over 25 years ago, for a different market.

Today the sector is changing quickly. New developments, evolving resident expectations and changing policy settings are reshaping how villages operate and compete.

For many owners, particularly smaller independant and not-for-profit operators, the challenge is not just development - but strategy.

Before planning new buildings, villages need absolute clarity on their target market, operating model and long-term financial performance.

Urban Villages helps organisations define this strategy first, then translate it into a clear master planning framework for future growth and renewal.

Case study

Bethesda Village

Case study

Ambridge Rose Village

Case study

Hudson Villages

Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charlie as my Retirement Village Development Consultant over the past four years, and I can confidently say that his expertise, dedication, and professionalism have been invaluable throughout this journey.

His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, anticipate challenges, and align stakeholders has ensured that our project has progressed smoothly and successfully.

Allan Sargeant

Owner
CEO Ambridge Rose

I have known Charlie for over a decade and have seen the value he brings to the retirement and later living sector. He combines strategic vision, commercial insight, deep development capability and operational understanding - rare qualities that span the full lifecycle of a village.

He has a track record of creating village communities that perform financially, socially and operationally. Whether reimaging underperforming assets or master planning innovative new villages, he challenges the status quo with integrity and a long-term focus.

He's a trusted partner on complex projects, with a wide skill set, and as a result I have recommended him to a number of my clients where I have seen an opportunity for him to add value.

If anyone is looking to build a new village or elevate and existing one, I have no hesitation recommending Charlie and his business Urban Villages. 

Michael Gunn

Registered Valuer
Senior Director - Retirement Housing & Healthcare CBRE

Charlie brings with him a wealth of experience in the retirement village sector, both from an operational perspective and in the area of retirement village development.

His deep understanding of the sector has proven to be a valuable asset to our organisation along with his strategic insight and hands-on knowledge, guiding key decisions that have strengthened and supported the village’s operations - and ensured we remain future-focused with our development plans.

John Cunningham

Chair
Apirangi Village, Te Kauwhata Retirement Trust

Over two years, Charlie drove a turnaround in development performance for the business, and ultimately, the development delivery rate and margin had more than doubled.

Charlie is an experienced property development professional with a proven track record. I would be pleased to work with Charlie again.

William Smales

Head of Private Markets
Morrison & Co.

Creating thriving communities

Did you know?

New Zealand is the most successful retirement village industry globally, with the highest market penetration rates in the world. This is due largely to strong operator brands, innovative contract structures, and resident demand for lifestyle-focused aging options. 

14% of New Zealanders live in a retirement community, compared to 6% in Australia, 3% in the US and 1% in the UK.

© URBAN VILLAGES 2026

Is your village thriving in today's competitive market?

Discover how it measures up in key areas like asset condition, resident satisfaction, and market relevance. Gauge your village's strategic fit and financial health. Uncover insights that could help boost your village's performance. Ready to find out your village's score? Take our Village Performance Scorecard now.