18 Jul
Articles

What is a land lease community?

If you’re over 50 and ready for less maintenance and more lifestyle, land lease communities might be just what you’re looking for. A land lease community (LLC) is a housing type that delivers a lot of value. You own your home outright and lease the land it sits on, with your right to live there protected by law. It’s a smart way to rightsize, release equity and boost your lifestyle – without the heavy costs of traditional retirement options. How does it work?  Buying into a land lease community means: You own a brand-new, high-quality home You lease the land and pay a modest weekly site fee There’s no stamp duty You keep 100 percent of any capital gains when you sell There are no entry or exit fees And if you are eligible for the Age Pension or Department of Veterans’ Affairs support, you might be eligible for rent assistance, making things even more affordable. Financial benefits No stamp duty or fees: Purchase your home without upfront government...
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Retirement living options
18 Jul
Articles

Adjusting to retirement – your guide to doing it your way

Retirement should feel like a new beginning – a chance to live life your way. But let’s be real – making the shift from full-time work to full-time freedom doesn’t always happen overnight.Whether you’re saying goodbye to a long career or figuring out how to manage a new income, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. With the right approach, though, you can make retirement one of the most rewarding chapters yet.  The emotional side of retirement Stepping away from the working world can feel like losing part of your identity – and that can take a toll. Research shows up to 15 percent of older Aussies experience depression, with anxiety numbers not far behind.This is what’s often called ‘adjusting to retirement’ depression. You might feel lonely, unmotivated or like you’re searching for purpose – especially if work gave you a strong routine and regular social contact.The Australian Psychological Society reckons building resilience and staying socially connected can make...
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17 Jul
Articles

Simple steps to a stronger you

Boost strength, energy, and confidence – no gym required When it comes to building strength, it’s not about lifting heavy weights or pushing through discomfort. It’s about developing a body that supports your day-to-day activities and builds confidence in your ability to move well and stay independent.Health and Lifestyle Coordinator Josh Kristenson says the best part is how accessible it is - you don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to begin. Start with your own body weight Everyday movements like standing up from a chair without using your hands, doing heel raises at the kitchen bench, or slowly squatting while tending to the garden can engage your legs, hips, and core muscles. These small actions, done regularly, lay a strong foundation. Turn household items into tools Grab a couple of canned goods, filled water bottles, or a backpack with books and try some gentle strength movements like bicep curls, overhead presses, or rowing actions. Aim for 8 to 12 reps at a time,...
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Why great mates make life better
17 Jul
Articles

Why great mates make life better

There’s something truly special about friendships later in life. They’re more than social catch-ups – they're good for our health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.And science backs it up. A University of Michigan study found 90 percent of people over 50 have at least one close friend – many have several. These aren’t just friends for the fun times either. They’re the ones who check in when you’re not feeling great, lend a hand when life gets tricky, and make the good days even better. Fewer friends, stronger bonds As we get older, most of us naturally shift from big social circles to a few close connections. It’s not about having fewer friends – it's about having the right ones.Psychologist Katherine Fiori calls this ‘social refining’. It’s when we focus on the people who really matter – the ones who show up, make us laugh, and have our back. Research shows that strong, supportive relationships like these can even help protect us from...
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Is it time for a retirement plan check-up?
02 Jul
Articles

Is it time for a retirement plan check-up?

Retirement’s not about slowing down – it’s about choosing the life you really want. And according to retirement expert and bestselling author Rachel Lane, there’s never been a better time to check in on your plans. With the cost of living still biting and superannuation changes on the horizon, Lane says downsizing could be one of the smartest moves over-50s can make. “Downsizing can unlock lifestyle and financial freedom,” says Rachel. “You’ve got to think beyond the sale price – it’s about what you’re gaining.” And for those moving into a land lease community, like a Living Gems lifestyle resort, that gain includes some unexpected perks. One of the big ones? A boost to Commonwealth Rent Assistance. “The allowance increased by 10 percent in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget – on top of the 15 percent bump last year,” she explains. “For retirees on the Age Pension, that can make a big difference to everyday affordability.” Here’s how it works: if you own your home and...
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Cosy up with a winter favourite
01 Jul
Articles

Cosy up with a winter favourite

As the temps drop and the jackets come out, Chef Matt Conquest is all about warming things up the best way he knows how – with hearty, home-cooked meals. One of his go-to winter dishes is this slow-cooked lamb tagine with apricots and almonds – full of rich flavour, comforting spices, and just the thing to take the chill off. “It’s a great dish to make ahead and enjoy over a few days, or even better, to share with friends on a cold winter night,” Matt says. Get ready for something that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!Slow-cooked lamb tagine with apricots and almonds(Serves 4-6) INGREDIENTS 1.2 kg lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks Olive oil 1 large onion, finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely grated 2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp sweet paprika ½ tsp turmeric (optional but traditional) 50 g tomato paste 1 tbsp honey 600 ml chicken or beef stock 400 g can diced tomatoes 100 g...
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Calculating for fees in retirement
17 Jun
Articles

Saving energy with everyday electronics

Smart tech that pulls its weightAppliances that do their job without guzzling powerLow-tech hacks that still pack a punchMake your home work smarter – not harderSources:Energex – Appliance energy saving tips Energy Rating Queensland Government – Home energy savings Energy Victoria – Top 10 energy saving tips 
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Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid
13 May
Articles, Living Gems

Top 10 downsizing mistakes to avoid

Thinking of trading big for better? You’re not alone. For a growing number of Aussies over 50, downsizing isn’t just about shedding square metres — it’s about making space for more of what matters. It’s important to downsize positively: Less stuff, more freedom. Less upkeep, more time for the good things. But as exciting as it is, downsizing still comes with its fair share of gotchas, that range from emotional and practical to sneaky fees, so being prepared will help you enjoy downsizing and ultimately, enjoy retirement. Whether you’re leaving the family home or heading for a sea or treechange, here are some common downsizing mistakes to dodge — so you can start your next chapter with confidence.  Common traps when downsizing (and how to avoid them)  Downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about gearing up for something better. So, before you start packing boxes, take a moment to think about what your future lifestyle could really look like.  Not thinking long-termA smaller house doesn’t mean smaller dreams. Ask yourself: will you want space for visiting grandkids? A veggie patch or a hobby room? Maybe you’re ready to ditch the mower altogether. Whatever you’re into, plan for it....
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The real cost of retirement village fees – are downsizers getting a fair go?
17 Mar
Articles, Living Gems

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

Deferred management fees and capital gains fees are contentious topics that surround retirement villages, with many over-50s downsizers feeling like they’re getting a raw deal from retirement village operators. A news feature on ABC News in October 2024 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 and other hidden costs are often marketed as a way for retirement village operators to recoup 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 to the retirement village when a home is sold. How much can it cost?  Let’s break it down with an example: You buy a retirement village unit...
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We look at why retirement villages charge deferred management fees and why Living Gems don't.
16 May
Articles, Living Gems

Why Retirement Villages Charge Deferred Management Fees (& Why We Don’t)

Selling your home is stressful enough, but when you’re hit with extra hidden and deferred management fees to deal with, it can quickly turn into a financial mess and take a hit on your retirement savings. Protecting your finances is crucial when you sign a contract, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before you decide on a retirement village. Here, we’ll break down what deferred management fees are, why retirement villages charge them and why alternative retirement living options like land lease communities don’t.  What Are Deferred Management Fees?  Deferred management fees (DMF) are exit charges that are imposed on a seller when leaving a retirement village. Charged annually but usually deferred until exit, it is typically calculated as a percentage of your original purchase price or resale value and capped around 25-35% after three years. Ensure you read the contract and terms and conditions clearly when you’re looking at retirement villages. Why Do Retirement Villages Charge Deferred Management Fees?  Retirement villages in Australia charge deferred management fees (DMFs) to cover the cost of managing and maintaining a village’s facilities and infrastructure. It also covers the cost of providing ongoing services...
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If you are ative and vital, a Living Gems resort could be the simply lifechanging move you've been waiting for.
24 Apr
Articles, Living Gems

Pros and Cons of Four Retirement Living Options

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Whether your plans include lots of travel or dedicating more time to long-neglected hobbies, there is no single ‘right’ way to enjoy retirement. But before you put up your feet, there is some homework you should do before stopping to enjoy the best years of your life. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of four types of retirement living options available in Australia and some of the financial and lifestyle considerations to consider and how you can downsize for a more enjoyable retirement.  Four retirement options to explore  If you’ve made the decision to downsize your current home and eliminate the costs and time associated with home repairs and maintenance, you may be considering the following options: Leasehold retirement villages Aged care facilities Strata retirement villages Land lease lifestyle communitiesIt’s important to take your time and carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice before deciding, so let’s dig a little deeper.  1. Leasehold retirement villages Pros of retirement villagesLow-maintenance homes with no gardens Independent living in a community of people sharing many of the same...
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