Smiling woman at home

Welcome to
Living Gems

SIMPLY LIFECHANGING RESORTS
FOR ACTIVE OVER 50S.

Imagine waking up with that ‘just started holidays’ feeling — every day. That’s life at Living Gems. Own your home outright in a secure, gated community designed just for over-50s, and enjoy first-class facilities, beautiful homes and a buzzing social scene. We’re not a retirement village — we’re a whole new way of living. Vibrant, affordable, down-to-earth and proudly for people just like you.

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Retirement Living options include lifestyle resorts like Living Gems

Four Retirement Living Options

As we get older, common thoughts arise about what suitable retirement living arrangements are available – do I need a smaller place? Do I want communal facilities? Do I have enough money to move? Do I need medical care? There are diverse retirement living options for over-50s in Australia; ranging from lifestyle resorts to traditional retirement homes, each with its unique ownership models, costs, and lifestyle perks, that’ll help you adjust to retirement best suited to your needs.   1. Traditional Retirement Villages  Traditional retirement villages feature self-contained villas, apartments, or townhouses in gated settings with shared amenities like pools, bowls greens, and clubhouses. Typically, homes in these complexes have high entry fees, deferred management fees (up to 25-35% on exit), and ongoing service charges. Regulated by state laws like Queensland's Retirement Villages Act 1999, they suit those wanting community support without full-time care.  2. Land Lease Communities (Lifestyle Resorts)  In land lease communities, like Living Gems, you own your home outright but lease the site. Similarly, homes are set in a secure gated community, while residents have access to a wealth of resort-style facilities, including indoor pools, golf simulator, recreational spaces, barbecue areas, and more. Protected under the Manufactured Homes Act 2003, contracts are simpler, letting you sell...
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Downsizing for Retirement

Downsizing for Retirement: Your Path to Easier, More Enjoyable Retirement Living

Downsizing for retirement can unlock more freedom, financial security, and a low‑maintenance lifestyle in your later years. This guide explores how you can adjust to retirement, what to consider before you move, and why over‑50s lifestyle communities such as Living Gems are an attractive option for modern retirees.  What is downsizing for retirement?  Downsizing for retirement generally means moving from a larger family home into a smaller, more manageable property. Many over‑50s choose to sell the traditional family home and move into typical options like townhouses, retirement villages, or over-50s lifestyle resorts that better suit their evolving needs.   Why people downsize in retirement  There are different reasons why you might want to downsize – are you wanting to cut down on maintenance, reduce ongoing and rising costs to free up time and money for travel, hobbies, and family? First, less space means fewer hours spent on cleaning, gardening, and repairs, which helps retirees focus on lifestyle rather than chores. Second, a smaller home usually means lower mortgage payments or no mortgage at all, plus reduced bills for rates, insurance, and utilities. Third, downsizing can release...
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Country Club Exterior at Living Gems Rockhampton

Resort Spotlight: Living Gems Rockhampton

Sprawled over 27 hectares in Parkhurst, Living Gems Rockhampton sits in a secure, welcoming neighbourhood designed for vibrant over-50s living. There are 505 contemporary, low-maintenance homes and resort-style facilities right on your doorstep to keep every day feeling like a new adventure. More freedom, less financial stress Operating on a land-lease model, Living Gems Rockhampton gives homeowners more financial freedom, stronger community connections, and plenty of time to pursue what they love. Whether you’re relaxing in indoor lounges, taking up a hobby in the creative studio, or enjoying a casual chat with neighbours, our community supports an active, fulfilling life. Your haven in Rockhampton Taking on a casual country charm, choose from five contemporary home designs that bring in Rockhampton’s nature into the resort. The homes emphasise seamless indoor–outdoor living, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Designed with the over-50s in mind, they’re modern and low-maintenance, featuring open-plan layouts, high ceilings, premium finishes, and clever storage to keep clutter at bay. There are plenty of inclusions, including security systems, generous walk-in wardrobes, and sunny alfresco spaces that feel like home from day one. Community Hub: The Country...
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Why Living Gems?

What is Living Gems?

Living Gems is a lifestyle resort made for over-50s who might be done with work — but definitely not done with life.

Our communities are full of people who are active, independent and up for just about anything. You’ll own a stylish, quality-built home packed with the kind of inclusions other places call ‘extras’ — think solar power, energy-efficient appliances and more.

You’ll also enjoy peace of mind thanks to on-site management, plus some pretty incredible resort-style facilities right on your doorstep, like:

  • a grand ballroom and theatre stage
  • bar and lounge
  • games room
  • cinema
  • library
  • art and craft studio
  • music room
  • gym
  • heated pool, spa and sauna
  • BBQ pavilion
  • and plenty more

Best bit? It’s all surprisingly affordable thanks to our land lease model — your rights are protected under Queensland Government law, and there are no hidden surprises.

Where are Living Gems resorts located?

Living Gems resorts are built in places people genuinely want to live — where natural beauty meets vibrant community, and everything you need is close by, from shops and cafes to medical services.

After creating ten thriving lifestyle resorts across Queensland, we’re stepping into an exciting new chapter. With three new developments in the works — and more to come — the Living Gems story is only getting better.

Can I buy at Living Gems?

Absolutely — and only homeowners live here. That means no renters, no investors — just real neighbours building a real community.

Living Gems uses a land lease model. You own your home, while leasing the land it’s on. That means:

  • no stamp duty
  • no exit or deferred management fees
  • 100 percent of any capital gains are yours if you sell

The only ongoing costs are:

  • your usual household bills (solar power helps keep electricity costs down), and
  • a weekly site fee that covers everything from garden maintenance to resort facilities

Your right to live here is protected by Queensland law — so you’ve got total peace of mind.

Are pets welcome?

Always. Furry, feathered or scaled — pets are part of the family, and they’re more than welcome here.

Can family and friends stay?

Of course! Friends, kids, grandkids — we’re all about welcoming the people you love.

Are there site fees?

Yes — but they’re affordable and straightforward. Site fees are billed monthly and go toward the upkeep of the resort, including all those amazing facilities.

And good news — if you hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs or Australian Pension Card, you could be eligible for a Federal Government rebate.

Can I store my boat or caravan?

Many of our resorts offer on-site storage for boats, caravans and motorhomes — subject to availability. So yes, bring the toys.

What’s the difference between a retirement village and a Living Gems resort?

We’re not a retirement village — and we’re proud of it.

Living Gems is all about lifestyle. It’s for over-50s who might have stopped working but aren’t ready to slow down. Here, independence matters, travel is easy (thanks to lock-up-and-leave convenience), and life is full of community, connection, and choice.

Can you rent in a Living Gems resort?

Nope. All our homes are owner-occupied — no rentals, no investors. That’s part of what makes our communities feel so grounded and connected.

Do you pay rates in a Living Gems resort?

No council rates here. Everything is covered in your weekly site fee — simple.

Are there any exit fees I should know about?

None. Zip. Nada. When you sell, it’s your home and your money — including 100 percent of any capital gains.

Do you pay stamp duty when moving to a Living Gems resort?

Not a cent. Because you’re buying the home (not the land), there’s no stamp duty payable.