30 Oct
Articles

Is Your Family Home Costing You More Than You Think?

You've paid off the mortgage. The house is yours. Surely the expensive part of homeownership is behind you? Then the rates notice arrives, the insurance renewal lands in your inbox and the ageing house needs another round of repairs. Sound familiar? Even without a mortgage, a larger family home can be surprisingly expensive to run. So could downsizing to a modern villa at a Living Gems over 50s lifestyle resort make better financial sense?   The hidden cost of staying put Owning your home outright is a wonderful achievement. But mortgage-free doesn't mean expense-free. According to Townsville City Council's 2026–27 Budget, the average residential ratepayer pays approximately $4,484 annually in combined council rates and utility charges, after the applicable prompt-payment discount. That's around $86 a week, before any other outgoings. In Rockhampton, the typical residential ratepayer faces approximately $4,663 annually in council rates and fixed charges, before discounts and water consumption.  Meanwhile, 2026–27 Queensland council rates benchmarking puts the annual cost for a median-valued residential property in Moreton Bay...
Continue reading
Federal Budget Australia
13 May
Articles

Budget 2026: What it means for owner‑occupiers

At Living Gems, our resort communities are made up of exclusively owner-occupiers. Last night’s Federal Budget confirmed changes to Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing that apply to investment properties — owner‑occupied homes are unaffected, so Living Gems buyers (who make their home their primary residence) remain exempt. What this means for Living Gems buyers The great news is that Owner‑occupiers in Living Gems communities ordinarily remain covered by the main residence exemption and will not face CGT on sale because of these reforms. The negative gearing changes apply only to investment properties and do not affect homeowners who occupy their primary residence.  Why land lease communities are an attractive option for over‑50s Land lease communities like Living Gems deliver many benefits for Australians aged over 50. With significant financial advantages and a model that supports confident downsizing, Living Gems buyers own their home as an asset without many of the financial burdens of traditional home ownership, and their rights are protected by the Queensland Government’s Manufactured Homes Act. When you buy into Living Gems, you enjoy: Unlocked...
Continue reading
08 May
Articles, Living Gems Moreton Bay

Locals welcoming locals in Moreton Bay

A new energy is stirring in Burpengary East as Living Gems Moreton Bay begins to take its place along Buckley Road. This contemporary over-50s lifestyle resort is set to reshape community living in the area — and for Sales Consultant Jodie Stieper, there’s a special pride in seeing it evolve right in her community. Jodie has called Burpengary East home for more than two decades. When she and her family first arrived, they were looking for room to grow, an authentic country feel, and a location that balanced peaceful living with convenience. With easy access to beaches, highways, Brisbane Airport, and thriving local hubs, they quickly discovered a community with heart — where locals support homegrown businesses, events, and one another. Starting out in the travel industry before moving into real estate, construction, and wildlife conservation, Jodie has gathered a global perspective — but it’s helping people that’s remained constant. Her studies in interior design revealed a love of creating spaces where comfort and style meet, and that...
Continue reading
05 May
Articles, Living Gems Rockhampton

A life well placed in Rockhampton

For Living Gems Rockhampton Sales Manager Victoria Dent, joining the Parkhurst community is more than a career move — it’s a personal choice. “In many ways, it feels like I’ve come home,” Victoria says of relocating to Rockhampton to lead sales at Living Gems Rockhampton, one of the region’s most exciting over 50s lifestyle resorts. Having grown up in the country, Victoria appreciates the balance Rockhampton offers. “I love the atmosphere of a city–country town,” she says. “You have everything you need close by — shopping centres, medical services and everyday conveniences — while still enjoying a relaxed lifestyle. Plus, you’re only a short drive to the beautiful eastern beaches.” With more than 25 years’ experience in property and project marketing, Victoria began her career in the Whitsundays, working across Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, before moving to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Her portfolio includes premium developments such as the Hyatt Regency at Coolum. Now, she’s proud to be helping others discover the benefits of over 50s living in Rockhampton. “I’m incredibly excited about this...
Continue reading
Planning for retirement savings
16 Feb
Articles, Living Gems

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...
Continue reading
16 Feb
Articles, Living Gems

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...
Continue reading
Retirement Living options include lifestyle resorts like Living Gems
10 Feb
Articles

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...
Continue reading
Downsizing for Retirement
10 Feb
Articles

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...
Continue reading
Deferred management fees can affect your finances
04 Feb
Articles

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
Articles

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
05 Aug
Articles

The low-down on land lease communities

When it comes time to rightsize your home for your over-50s and beyond, there’s a lot of choice — and, sometimes, a lot of jargon. Land lease communities let you own your home while leasing the land beneath it – a smart, affordable choice for Queensland retirees. Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich explains what land lease communities are, its key benefits, common questions that pop up, and why they’ve become one of Australia’s fastest growing housing types. What is a land lease community? Land lease communities, often described as over-50s lifestyle resorts, are residential enclaves where homeowners own their homes and rent the land, through a modest weekly site fee. Homeowners also have the peace of mind that their legal right to occupy their land, as per their site agreement, is protected under the Queensland Government’s Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003. Key benefits of land lease communities You own your own homeA key distinction between land lease communities is that you own...
Continue reading
Load more posts
Loading...