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Welcome to Living Gems.
Simply lifechanging resorts for active over 50s.

Imagine being on holiday every day. That’s what happens at Living Gems. Own your own home outright in a private, gated community for like-minded over 50s and enjoy terrific award-winning facilities. We are not a traditional retirement village – we create vibrant communities for people just like you.

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Retirement planning: Set yourself up for success
17 Mar

Retirement planning: Set yourself up for success

Just like you’d plan a big adventure, preparing for retirement requires thoughtful consideration. Making sure you’re financially stable allows you to make the most of this exciting stage of life. Here are three essential steps you'll need to consider for your retirement plan.    1. Evaluate your financial situation To enjoy a stress-free retirement, you first need a clear understanding of your financial situation.  Calculate your net worth Take stock of your savings, property, superannuation, and investments. Subtract liabilities such as outstanding loans and recurring expenses.  Assess your income streams Determine where your income originates — salary, pension, rental properties, dividends — and how sustainable it is in the long term.  Plan for retirement expenses Whether you dream of adventure or a relaxed lifestyle, all retirement plans come with costs. Budget for travel, healthcare, leisure activities, and any future living arrangements.   2. Maximise your retirement savings Many Australians worry about their retirement savings lasting through their later years. If you share this concern, consider proactive steps to strengthen your...

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Savor the season with BBQ lamb rump
17 Mar

Savor the season with BBQ lamb rump

AS THE COOL AUTUMN EVENINGS ARRIVE, THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A HEARTY, GRILLED MEAL TO WARM YOU UP. For chef Matt Conquest, autumn is the perfect season to enjoy barbecued lamb alongside the rich, comforting tastes of fresh, local produce. “When the nights get cooler, I always think of roast lamb on the barbecue,” says Chef Matt. “This barbecue lamb rump pairs wonderfully with roasted pumpkin and a homemade bush tomato chutney, offering a delicious combination of flavours using seasonal, local ingredients.” Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this flavourful, locally inspired dish is a perfect way to make the most of the autumn season. Australian BBQ Lamb Rump with Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Chutney Serves 2-4 (depending on serve sizes) . INGREDIENTS 2 lamb rumps (about 250 g each, ask your butcher to trim them up) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 lemon zested and a squeeze of lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Roasted pumpkin: 500...

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The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?
17 Mar

The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?

Deferred management fees and capital gains fees have made headlines again, with over-50s downsizers feeling like they’re getting a raw deal from retirement village operators. A news feature last September shone a spotlight on the issue, featuring interviews with homeowners, their families, and industry experts. The big concern? Complicated contracts, hidden costs, and fees that can eat into the money retirees expect to get back when they sell.   What are Deferred Management Fees (DMFs)? DMFs are often marketed as an affordable way for older Aussies to downsize, with the idea that the retirement village operator recoups costs when the property is sold. That money supposedly goes towards maintaining and upgrading the facilities. But critics argue that these fees can be a real sting in the tail. The complex formulas used to calculate them are based on how long someone has lived in the village, and they can be as high as 35 percent of the sale price—meaning a big chunk of money goes straight...

Continue reading

Retirement planning: Set yourself up for success
17 Mar
News

Retirement planning: Set yourself up for success

Just like you’d plan a big adventure, preparing for retirement requires thoughtful consideration. Making sure you’re financially stable allows you to make the most of this exciting stage of life. Here are three essential steps you'll need to consider for your retirement plan.    1. Evaluate your financial situation To enjoy a stress-free retirement, you first need a clear understanding of your financial situation.  Calculate your net worth Take stock of your savings, property, superannuation, and investments. Subtract liabilities such as outstanding loans and recurring expenses.  Assess your income streams Determine where your income originates — salary, pension, rental properties, dividends — and how sustainable it is in the long term.  Plan for retirement expenses Whether you dream of adventure or a relaxed lifestyle, all retirement plans come with costs. Budget for travel, healthcare, leisure activities, and any future living arrangements.   2. Maximise your retirement savings Many Australians worry about their retirement savings lasting through their later years. If you share this concern, consider proactive steps to strengthen your...

Continue reading

Savor the season with BBQ lamb rump
17 Mar
News

Savor the season with BBQ lamb rump

AS THE COOL AUTUMN EVENINGS ARRIVE, THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A HEARTY, GRILLED MEAL TO WARM YOU UP. For chef Matt Conquest, autumn is the perfect season to enjoy barbecued lamb alongside the rich, comforting tastes of fresh, local produce. “When the nights get cooler, I always think of roast lamb on the barbecue,” says Chef Matt. “This barbecue lamb rump pairs wonderfully with roasted pumpkin and a homemade bush tomato chutney, offering a delicious combination of flavours using seasonal, local ingredients.” Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this flavourful, locally inspired dish is a perfect way to make the most of the autumn season. Australian BBQ Lamb Rump with Roasted Pumpkin and Bush Tomato Chutney Serves 2-4 (depending on serve sizes) . INGREDIENTS 2 lamb rumps (about 250 g each, ask your butcher to trim them up) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 lemon zested and a squeeze of lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Roasted pumpkin: 500...

Continue reading

The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?
17 Mar
Living Gems

The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?

Deferred management fees and capital gains fees have made headlines again, with over-50s downsizers feeling like they’re getting a raw deal from retirement village operators. A news feature last September shone a spotlight on the issue, featuring interviews with homeowners, their families, and industry experts. The big concern? Complicated contracts, hidden costs, and fees that can eat into the money retirees expect to get back when they sell.   What are Deferred Management Fees (DMFs)? DMFs are often marketed as an affordable way for older Aussies to downsize, with the idea that the retirement village operator recoups costs when the property is sold. That money supposedly goes towards maintaining and upgrading the facilities. But critics argue that these fees can be a real sting in the tail. The complex formulas used to calculate them are based on how long someone has lived in the village, and they can be as high as 35 percent of the sale price—meaning a big chunk of money goes straight...

Continue reading

Why Living Gems?

What is Living Gems?

Living Gems communities are simply lifechanging lifestyle resorts for the active over 50s. Our vibrant community of people may have retired from work, but they haven’t retired from life.

You’ll love owning a quality, designer home that features an impressive level of inclusions that some people consider ‘extras’, such as energy-efficient appliances and solar panels.

Enjoy peace of mind of knowing that there is on-site management on hand.

Another thing which makes Living Gems special is the great facilities at your doorstep, including an exclusive Country Club, with:

  • Grand ballroom with theatre stage
  • Bar and lounge
  • Games room
  • Cinema
  • Library
  • Art and craft studio
  • Music room
  • Gymnasium
  • Heated swimming pool, spa and sauna
  • BBQ pavilion, and much more!

Best of all, Living Gems is surprisingly affordable because it is a land lease community where your rights are guaranteed and protected by Queensland Government law.

Where are Living Gems resorts located?

Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resorts are found across South East Queensland, close to neighbourhood amenities including shopping and medical services. Discover Living Gems communities on the Gold Coast and in Eagleby, Logan Village, Pacific Paradise, Caboolture and Maleny.

Can I buy at Living Gems?

Residents at Living Gems are all owner-occupiers, there are no rentals or property investors. This gives our resorts a strong, community feeling that fosters life-long friendships as well as plenty of owner-organised groups and activities.

Living Gems communities are land lease communities which is the reason why they’re surprisingly affordable.

Ownership of the land is separate from the ownership of the home. Your right to live in your home is guaranteed and protected by Queensland State Government law for an indefinite period.

Because you’re buying your own home, there is no stamp duty to pay and should you decide to sell in the future, 100% of the capital gains made are yours. There are no deferred management fees here!

The only ongoing costs are:

  • Your usual household bills
  • Weekly site management fees which cover maintenance of the gardens and the full range of facilities on site.
Are pets welcome?

Pets are always welcome at Living Gems communities. We make everyone welcome.

Can family and friends stay?

Family and friends are very much welcome as your guests at Living Gems resorts.

Are there site fees?

Our affordable weekly site fees cover the cost of operating and maintaining your Living Gems resort. The fees are billed monthly and increase in line with CPI.

Our residents tell us that these site fees are much lower than many apartments’ body corporate fees while offering far more facilities, including the Country Club, other resort facilities, and on-site management.

If you have a Department of Veterans' Affairs or Australian Pension Card, you may be eligible to receive a Federal Government rebate.

Can I store by boat or caravan?

Many Living Gems resorts have storage for boats, caravans and motorhomes, subject to availability.

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

Living Gems is a lifestyle resort for active over 50s who may have retired from work (although not always), but they most certainly have not retired from life. Our homeowners value their independence and are actively engaged in activities and events within the resort and in the wider community. Many are also avid travelers who value the ‘lock-up and leave’ convenience of knowing their homes are secure.

Can you rent in a Living Gems resort?

We find our homeowners prefer to buy their homes rather than rent, so we only offer homes for sale.

Do you pay rates in a Living Gems resort?

There are no council rates to pay at Living Gems, everything is covered in the weekly site fee which covers the costs of running and maintaining the resort.

Are there any exit fees I should know about?

There are absolutely no exit or deferred management fees to worry about at Living Gems. You own your home and should you decide to sell, all the proceeds, including capital gains, are yours.

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

Absolutely not. Because you own your Living Gems home, there is no stamp duty to pay when you move into one of our over-50s resort communities.