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.

Welcome to Living Gems

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View our upcoming Living Gems resorts.

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Planning for retirement savings

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Australia? 

Ever wondered, "How much money do I need to retire comfortably?" It's a big question for Australians eyeing retirement planning, especially in sunny Queensland. Whether you’re adjusting to retirement or planning for it in a few years, your retirement savings goal hinges on lifestyle dreams. There’s a handful of things to consider when it comes to answering the golden question, like age pension eligibility, expenses, and ideal lifestyle. Let's break it down to see what retirement looks like for you.   Define Your Dream Queensland Lifestyle  What does your ideal lifestyle look like? Is it quiet mornings by the coast, regular travel or staying active in the community? Your retirement lifestyle dictates how much you need for retirement. Whether you have a modest or comfortable lifestyle, factor in housing, entertainment, healthcare, and daily expenses.   Define your income sources  As you’re easing into retirement, consider your income sources. Everyone’s individual circumstances vary; some over-50s have multiple, while some depend on one income source. This can come in all forms, such as a salary, investments, superannuation, age pension, if you’re eligible, and a dedicated retirement savings compartment. Determine your cash flow to have an idea of...
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Easy Ways to Stay Active and Social in Retirement

Staying active and social during retirement keeps your body strong and your mind sharp. These simple activities blend physical movement with social connections, perfect for vibrant over-50s living.  Walking  It might be common sense but sometimes we stay sitting for too long without realising. Walking is an easy, low-impact way to stay active while building friendships. Join local walking groups to meet others and stay social. 30 minutes daily can boost heart health and mood without strain. Want to start slow? Make it a habit to walk every day after lunch to keep the body moving.   Aqua Aerobics  Aqua aerobics offers gentle resistance in a pool, ideal for joints. Aqua aerobics turn workouts into fun social hours with neighbours, keeping you active and social at the same time. You'll improve flexibility, tone muscles, and laugh through splashes.  Book Clubs  Make reading social! Have a book you want to recommend? Join a book club and make your recommendations! It’s also great for those nights you want to kick back and unwind with some quiet time. Reading keeps the brain engaged and opens doors to friendships with like-minded...
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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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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.