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Simply lifechanging

Discover the Living Gems difference

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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Deferred management fees can affect your finances
02 Feb

Deferred Management Fees Explained: A Hidden Cost for Over 50s?

Heard about deferred management fees and don’t know how it can impact your financial future? Deferred management fees (DMFs) lurk in many retirement village contracts, quietly eroding the financial security of over-50s. But that’s not the case at Living Gems. Operating on a land lease model, there are straightforward fees involved, with no hidden charges like exit fees or deferred management fees. Often disguised as "ongoing service fees," these deferred management fees accumulate over several years, deducted from your home's sale proceeds when you leave. For Australians planning retirement in Queensland, understanding deferred management fees is crucial to avoid surprises that derail your lifestyle dreams. What Are Deferred Management Fees? Deferred management fees represent a percentage—typically 25-35%—of your original purchase price or resale value, charged annually but deferred until exit. In retirement villages, operators like those under the Retirement Villages Act impose DMFs for "maintenance and services," compounding over time. A $500,000 entry might trigger $10,000+ yearly, and snowballing to $100,000+ after a decade, slashing your equity upon sale. How Deferred Management Fees Impact Over 50s Financial Planning For over-50s, DMFs create uncertainty when you need stability most. It disrupts retirement budgeting by...
Continue reading
Six tips for saving for retirement – a practical guide
02 Feb

Financial Benefits of Land Lease Communities in Queensland

Ever wondered how land lease communities in Queensland can supercharge your finances as an over-50s? Often referred to as lifestyle communities, they let you own your home outright while leasing the land for a simple weekly site fee—saving big on taxes, upkeep, and hidden costs that eat into traditional homeownership. Land lease communities in Queensland deliver substantial financial advantages for over-50s seeking a resort-style lifestyle without the burdens of traditional homeownership. As you plan your transition, this model supports confident downsizing and long-term financial planning. No Stamp Duty or Ongoing Fees Fees can add up when you own a traditional home, but you can skip the stamp duty sting with land lease communities. Purchasing a home in a land lease community means avoiding stamp duty and other upfront government taxes typically associated with buying property. This streamlined approach keeps initial and recurring costs low, putting more money back into your pocket from day one. No Exit Fees or Deferred Management Fees Land lease communities in Queensland stand out with no exit fees or deferred...
Continue reading
Living Gems Moreton Bay resort entry
29 Jan

Resort Spotlight: Living Gems Moreton Bay

Living Gems Moreton Bay is an over-50s haven right in the heart of Moreton Bay at Burpengary East. Situated in a secure gated community, there are 186 cleverly laid-out homes with plenty of resort-style features that makes every day an adventure. Operating on a land lease model, homeowners will have more financial freedom, stronger connections, and plenty of time to dive into the stuff they love most. Whether it’s relaxing on the indoor lounges or picking up a hobby at the creative studio, Living Gems Moreton Bay will support over 50s with an active, fulfilling life. Homes Built for Bayside Bliss From a choice of five different designs, the homes at Living Gems Moreton Bay take on a bayside charm, with seamless indoor-outdoor flow that makes the most for family and friends. Built with over-50s in mind, they're modern and low-fuss, boasting open-plan setups, high ceilings, premium finishes, and clever storage solutions that keeps clutter at bay. Throw in security systems as standard, generous walk-in wardrobes, and sunny alfresco zones, and it feels like home the get-go.​  Country Club: Social Heart of the Resort The resort’s Country Club is designed to spark activity, connection, and friendships. There is a grand ballroom to host gatherings, private cinema for movie nights, a golf simulator to practise your swing, and a range...
Continue reading
Deferred management fees can affect your finances
02 Feb
News

Deferred Management Fees Explained: A Hidden Cost for Over 50s?

Heard about deferred management fees and don’t know how it can impact your financial future? Deferred management fees (DMFs) lurk in many retirement village contracts, quietly eroding the financial security of over-50s. But that’s not the case at Living Gems. Operating on a land lease model, there are straightforward fees involved, with no hidden charges like exit fees or deferred management fees. Often disguised as "ongoing service fees," these deferred management fees accumulate over several years, deducted from your home's sale proceeds when you leave. For Australians planning retirement in Queensland, understanding deferred management fees is crucial to avoid surprises that derail your lifestyle dreams. What Are Deferred Management Fees? Deferred management fees represent a percentage—typically 25-35%—of your original purchase price or resale value, charged annually but deferred until exit. In retirement villages, operators like those under the Retirement Villages Act impose DMFs for "maintenance and services," compounding over time. A $500,000 entry might trigger $10,000+ yearly, and snowballing to $100,000+ after a decade, slashing your equity upon sale. How Deferred Management Fees Impact Over 50s Financial Planning For over-50s, DMFs create uncertainty when you need stability most. It disrupts retirement budgeting by...
Continue reading
Six tips for saving for retirement – a practical guide
02 Feb
News

Financial Benefits of Land Lease Communities in Queensland

Ever wondered how land lease communities in Queensland can supercharge your finances as an over-50s? Often referred to as lifestyle communities, they let you own your home outright while leasing the land for a simple weekly site fee—saving big on taxes, upkeep, and hidden costs that eat into traditional homeownership. Land lease communities in Queensland deliver substantial financial advantages for over-50s seeking a resort-style lifestyle without the burdens of traditional homeownership. As you plan your transition, this model supports confident downsizing and long-term financial planning. No Stamp Duty or Ongoing Fees Fees can add up when you own a traditional home, but you can skip the stamp duty sting with land lease communities. Purchasing a home in a land lease community means avoiding stamp duty and other upfront government taxes typically associated with buying property. This streamlined approach keeps initial and recurring costs low, putting more money back into your pocket from day one. No Exit Fees or Deferred Management Fees Land lease communities in Queensland stand out with no exit fees or deferred...
Continue reading
Living Gems Moreton Bay resort entry
29 Jan
Living Gems, Living Gems Moreton Bay

Resort Spotlight: Living Gems Moreton Bay

Living Gems Moreton Bay is an over-50s haven right in the heart of Moreton Bay at Burpengary East. Situated in a secure gated community, there are 186 cleverly laid-out homes with plenty of resort-style features that makes every day an adventure. Operating on a land lease model, homeowners will have more financial freedom, stronger connections, and plenty of time to dive into the stuff they love most. Whether it’s relaxing on the indoor lounges or picking up a hobby at the creative studio, Living Gems Moreton Bay will support over 50s with an active, fulfilling life. Homes Built for Bayside Bliss From a choice of five different designs, the homes at Living Gems Moreton Bay take on a bayside charm, with seamless indoor-outdoor flow that makes the most for family and friends. Built with over-50s in mind, they're modern and low-fuss, boasting open-plan setups, high ceilings, premium finishes, and clever storage solutions that keeps clutter at bay. Throw in security systems as standard, generous walk-in wardrobes, and sunny alfresco zones, and it feels like home the get-go.​  Country Club: Social Heart of the Resort The resort’s Country Club is designed to spark activity, connection, and friendships. There is a grand ballroom to host gatherings, private cinema for movie nights, a golf simulator to practise your swing, and a range...
Continue reading

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.