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Australian Publication: Australian Over 50s Guide has described Living Gems as an “Over 50s Resort with the right community feel”. You can read more about the story in the images below, or click here to view the story online.

The Australian government has made it even easier to retire in the Sunshine state with New Zealanders eligible for a cash injection of $15,000 in the form of a first home owners’ grant.

The Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant is a state government initiative to help first home owners to buy or build a brand new home. To be eligible for the grant, you must be 18 years of age, not have previously owned property in Australia that you lived in and you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant

A permanent resident is classified as someone who holds a permanent visa or is a New Zealand citizen with a special category visa, which would apply to most New Zealander’s visiting or residing in Australia.

According to the 2016 Census, New Zealanders are the second largest source of immigration to Australia, behind the UK, with the majority of Kiwis living in Queensland.

The Sunshine State

With an ideal climate and enviable lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why. Queensland has always been a popular destination, especially for the over 50s market. From the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland and everywhere in between, retirees have been settling in Queensland for many years.

What better way to optimise your thirst for travel by utilising the Queensland Government’s generous first home owners’ grant to buy your own piece of paradise at a Living Gems Lifestyle Resort and enjoy this amazing lifestyle all year round.

Why Living Gems?

At Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts there are no entry fees, no deferred management fees and no stamp duty. Homeowners own their own homes and retain the sale price of their villa plus any capital gain when they sell.

On top of this, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts are located in property growth areas such as Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast so they don’t simply represent a place to park your hard earned nest egg.

In the right market, your nest egg can actually increase in value resulting in a capital gain, which you do not share with anyone. Investing in a Living Gems Resort is as much an investment in your physical wellbeing as it is in your financial wellbeing.

Homeowners lease the land from Living Gems under a site agreement, which is protected by the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003. The site agreement doesn’t have an expiry date and the Resort Owner is not empowered to evict you from your home; thus ensuring your right to live in your home indefinitely.

Have your cake, and eat it too

For as little as $350,000, our stunning new homes are architecturally designed with plenty of space, providing residents with exclusive access to all resort facilities including award winning country clubs, swimming pools, bowling greens, cinemas and gyms.

There are no surprises with what will be built next door and no run-down properties that could affect the value of your home. All this, built in a beautiful community with a plethora of resort-style facilities and likeminded neighbours.

Family owned and operated, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts has successfully created, developed and managed affordable over 50s lifestyle resorts for more than thirty years.

With eight stunning properties to choose from across south east Queensland, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts provide homeowners with a quality of life and greater certainty than ever before. What a great investment!

For more information on your slice of the good life and to arrange a tour call 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au

You are all told how much extra time you will have on your hands in retirement to enjoy the things you love; however, imagine how much you could end up paying for things such as maintenance and recreational activities when you are no longer working.

Many retirement villages charge multiple service fees to residents that cover the cost of general maintenance, lifestyle activities and overall management costs of running the village. In addition, residents may be charged an entry fee and an exit fee (otherwise known as a deferred management fee). All this on top of a unit purchase which could be anywhere between $300,000 – $700,000 +.

At Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts, the fee structure is very transparent. One weekly fee (in addition to normal suburban-like utilities charges) on top of the house purchase, with an architecturally two bedroom home costing as little as $350,000.

There are no entry fees, no deferred management fees and no stamp duty. Homeowners own their own homes outright. On selling, the homeowner retains the sale price of their home plus any capital gain during their residency.

The only ongoing cost to residents is a weekly site fee. This fee provides exclusive access to over 20 resort-style recreational facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, lawn bowls, tennis court and a premium country club. It also covers your site fee, general garden maintenance and access to management.

According to the Australian Government Securities & Investment Money Smart website (moneysmart.gov.au), to retire modestly a couple needs approximately $39,000 per annum. Below is a list of costs that you may expect to pay if you want to maintain a certain lifestyle in retirement.

If you were to pay for these things individually you could be up for a lot more money than you expect.

Not only do active residents have access to a plethora of activities when they move to a Living Gems Lifestyle Resort, they also have the convenience of having everything on their doorstep.

One special feature of Living Gems resorts is the world class country clubs. The country clubs are the social hub of each resort, providing a stylish and convivial space for residents to get together regularly for a drink or a bite to eat. Each country club houses a lounge, bar, ballroom and cinema.

At Living Gem’s newest resorts, residents will also enjoy access to a heated pool, spa, sauna, BBQ pavilion, gym, bowling green, tennis court, hair salon, games room, library, workshop and art and craft room. Living Gems Caboolture, Toowoomba and Pacific Paradise resorts also have golf simulators and Caboolture has a purpose built ten pin bowling alley for residents to enjoy.

Family-owned and operated, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts has successfully created, developed and managed affordable over 50’s lifestyle resorts for more than thirty years.

With eight stunning properties to choose from across south east Queensland, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts provide homeowners with a quality of life and greater certainty than ever before. What a great investment!

For more information on your slice of the good life and to arrange a tour call 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au

While the over 50’s aren’t running after their children any more or as focused on work, they still lead busy, active lives and deserve life’s little luxuries as they near retirement. With more retirement living options than ever before, choosing the right one for you can be difficult.

There are many things to consider – location, security and lifestyle to name a few. But what about the financial considerations?

Buying into a retirement village can have a long-term financial impact if you don’t read the fine print.

Many retirement villages charge an exit fee, otherwise known as a deferred management fee (DMF). This fee is paid at the end of your time at the village, and deducted as a percentage of the overall sale of your property when you leave.

According to the Property Council of Australia, deferred management fees are commonly calculated as a percentage paid per year of residence, and are capped at a maximum rate. For example: 3% per year capped at 30% after 10 years. See below:

When first entering an agreement with a retirement village, residents and operators also agree whether the resident receives all, some or none of the capital gains on their unit when they leave. This can also affect the exit payment.

This can leave residents with a lot less money than they expected for the next stage of their life; and less inheritance for their families.

In a time where retirees are demanding more choice and transparency, it is essential that retirement living operators provide more financial security for residents than ever before.

At Living Gem Lifestyle Resorts there are no entry fees, no deferred management fees and no stamp duty. Homeowners own their own homes and retain the sale price of their villa plus any capital gain when they sell.

On top of this, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts are located in property growth areas such as Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, Living Gems Resorts don’t simply represent a place to park your hard earned nest egg.

In the right market, your nest egg can actually increase in value resulting in a capital gain, which you do not share with anyone. Investing in a Living Gems Resort is as much an investment in your physical wellbeing as it is in your financial wellbeing.

Homeowners lease the land from Living Gems under a site agreement, which is protected by the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003. The site agreement doesn’t have an expiry date and the Resort owner is not empowered to evict you from your home; thus ensuring your right to live in your home indefinitely.

Living Gems recommends that residents seek independent financial and legal advice before signing any contract to ensure there is a clear understanding of all the terms and conditions.

Our stunning homes are architecturally designed with plenty of space, providing residents with exclusive access to all resort facilities including award winning country clubs, swimming pools, bowling greens, cinema and gym.

There are no surprises with what will be built next door and no run-down properties that could affect the value of your home. All this, built in a beautiful community with excellent facilities with likeminded neighbours.

Family owned and operated, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts has successfully created, developed and managed affordable over 50’s lifestyle resorts for more than thirty years.

With 8 stunning properties to choose from across south east Queensland, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts provide homeowners with a quality of life and greater certainty than ever before. What a great investment!

For more information on your slice of the good life and to arrange a tour call 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au

Animals have served as companions for centuries. It’s only now we are learning the positive social, emotional and physical benefits that pet ownership brings into our lives.

In addition to the unconditional love and happiness you receive from owning Fluffy or Fido, research has shown that there are many physical and mental health benefits as well such as lower blood pressure and reduced stress through companionship and increased physical activity.

Financial and physical benefits

However, the benefits are not only physical, they can also be financial. A recent Australian study found that pet owners saved approximately $2 billion in public healthcare expenditure through fewer visits to the doctor and associated healthcare costs such as fewer specialist appointments and hospital visits.

Being such a large part of everyday life for many Australians, it’s only natural that when it comes to retirement living, people would want to take their pet with them. Imagine being forced to make a choice between a new home or your pet.

In addition to the health benefits of owning a pet, retirees often find that they have more time to spend with their adored dog or cat now that their children have left home and they are no longer working full time, as well as enjoying the simple pleasure of animal companionship during this stage of your life.

Owning a pet is often a catalyst for building new friendships through common interests. Retirees regularly get together to walk their dog (or cat!), meeting at the local park each day as part of their daily exercise regime.

Owning a pet in your retirement

While some retirement communities allow you to bring your pet with you when you move in, once Fluffy passes away there is a high possibility you won’t be allowed to replace her. It’s important to read the fine print when it comes to bringing your pet with you and that you understand the policies before signing a lease or contract. Some communities allow pets under certain conditions while others don’t allow them at all.

Many lifestyle resorts across Australia understand the importance that pet ownership has on health and wellbeing and welcomes residents and their pets with open arms.

At Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts, residents own their homes outright and have the freedom that comes with any home ownership including bringing pets into your life and home at any time, not just when you move in.

Family owned and operated, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts has successfully created, developed and managed affordable over 50s lifestyle resorts for more than thirty years.

With eight stunning locations to choose from across south east Queensland, Living Gems Lifestyle Resorts provide homeowners with a quality of life and greater certainty than ever before.

To visit one of our pet friendly resorts call us on 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au

This is a great way to add an extra ‘kick’ to your day – learn about five energy boosting foods that are guaranteed to give you more get up and go.

1. Bananas

Bananas are a nutritious and delicious fruit that hold endless benefits. As well as being a tasty snack, they are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre! In one fruit you will find potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin b and c and antioxidants. To get the most out of a banana make sure to choose a lovely, yellow ripe fruit; the green, unripe fruit doesn’t have nearly as many benefits.

2. Honey

Isn’t it funny, how a bear likes honey. Honey is said to have many health benefits both internally and externally. Honey contains antioxidants and is considered an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. These properties are said to help give us an energy boost, assist with cough and throat irritation, strengthen the immune system, act as a probiotic and it can be moisturising and nourishing for the skin.

3. Apples

An apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, but how else do apples benefit us? Apples provide your body with energy, fibre, hydration, vitamins, iron and potassium. This fabulous combination, like the banana, makes it a great fruit to have when you’re feeling low on energy. We should eat two serves of fruit each day, so why not include an apple?

4. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are packed full of nutritional benefits making them our fourth favourite way to get your energy boost. They are high in protein, fibre, omega-3, antioxidants and nutrients. Make sure to soak chia seeds prior to eating them as they expand multiple times their size in water. Sprinkle these seeds on your morning yoghurt or smoothie, bake them in a muffin or mix with coconut milk to make a delicious pudding.

5. Green Tea

If you’re looking for an energy boost for your morning with less caffeine than coffee, then green tea is the answer. Green tea has around half the caffeine of coffee but still acts as a stimulant which could increase energy levels, concentration and mood. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine which is said to increase brain activity. The combination of lower caffeine and L-theanine make it an effective energy boosting option.

If you’re considering right-sizing your lifestyle as part of your retirement plan, then the question of how to finance this next stage of life can be daunting for some.

It is an often-stated view that Baby Boomers are typically cash poor and asset rich, making right-sizing an attractive way to free up the equity in your home.

Living Gems General Manager Vlad Pullich, said that Opal by Living Gems is designed for active over 50s and offers a popular formula to home ownership which is beneficial financially and offers peace of mind to homeowners.

“Premium and affordable homes are available as part of a master planned community,” says Mr Pullich, “Homeowners can relax and enjoy the freedom of onsite management as well as the security of living within a gated resort.”

“Homes at Living Gems Toowoomba start at $350,000 and homes Opal by Living Gems start as low as $282,000. Buyers have the option of two or three-bedroom homes with two bathrooms and impressive interiors and stylish standard inclusions.”

“If the average family home sells for $450,000, buyers can use part of this equity to buy into a lifestyle resort and allow the remainder to work as an investment.”

Living Gems sales manager Victoria Dent said that each resort is located close to local amenities and picturesque day trip locations.

“Marcoola beach is only five minutes from Living Gems Pacific Paradise, one of Queensland’s best beaches. Homeowners also drive 30 minutes to reach Noosa and enjoy scenic walks through the National Park.”

“Living Gems Toowoomba is positioned in the beautiful Darling Downs region, home to the Toowoomba Flower Festival and an array of wonderful parks and gardens.”

“The Glass House Mountains are a short 20-minute drive from Living Gems Caboolture, a truly breathtaking destination. Homeowners also have easy access to Brisbane City which is 55 minutes from the resort.”

“Homeowners at Opal by Living Gems enjoy the resort walking trails that follow Quinzeh Creek and loop around the resort lake. Mount Tamborine is also within 30 minutes of the resort.”

“The premium, high-set country clubs are the centrepiece of each resort and has been designed on a grand scale. The country clubs are the central hub of activity, catering to a myriad of recreational activities.”

“The facilities include the following: a bar, lounge area, ballroom with dance floor, theatre stage, change rooms, commercial kitchen, meeting room, arts and crafts room, workshop, cinema, music room, hair salon, library, games room consultation room, BBQ pavilion, lawn bowls, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and a tennis court.”

“Homes at the resort are stamp duty exempt, also, there are no deferred management fees to worry about when purchasing a home with Living Gems.”

To book a personal tour of the resort and display homes call 1800 785 594 or email info@livinggems.com.au

It’s time to treat yourself with a relaxing spa day. These four scrubs and masks are a great way to rejuvenate yourself. So, grab some cucumber slices, wrap up your hair, kick up your feet, pop on some tunes and relax.

1. Avocado and Honey

Avocado is fantastic for your skin, it is full of antioxidants, vitamins C and E and moisturising fatty acids. Pop on this mask to rehydrate your skin; the ingredients will leave you with soft skin and a natural glow. Paste this mask on and leave for 15 – 30 mins, rinse with warm water and a soft face cloth.

Ingredients:

1/2 an avocado

2 tbsp honey

1/2 coconut oil

Method: Step 1: Mush the avocado into a paste. Step 2: Add the honey and coconut oil and stir to combine.

2. Soothing Oatmeal Mask

The combination of oats and honey is not only good for your insides, but also for your skin! Oats have soothing, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising properties. This combined with the antioxidants in honey make this mask a must-try for beautiful skin. Pop this mask on for 15 – 30 mins, rinse with warm water in a circular motion to gently exfoliate the skin.

Ingredients:

1/2 C oats

3/4 C hot water

1 tbsp honey

Method: Step 1: Soak oats in water to create oatmeal. Step 2: add honey and stir to combine.

3. Coffee Scrub

Finely ground coffee beans are a great way to exfoliate your face and body. A great way to reuse old coffee grounds instead of putting them straight in the bin. The honey or oil help to moisturise and smooth skin. Pop a teaspoon full in your hands and gently rub onto your face or body in small circular motions. Rinse with a soft cloth and warm water.

Ingredients:

1/4 C coffee grounds

3 tbsp honey or olive oil

Method: Step 1: mix coffee grounds and honey/ oil in a small bowl

4. Sea Salt Scrub

A simple face and body scrub that will gently exfoliate the skin while adding moisture, leaving your skin soft and happy. Pop a teaspoon full in your hands and gently rub onto your face or body in small circular motions. Rinse with a soft cloth or warm water.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sea salt

1 tbsp coconut oil

Method: Step 1: mix sea salt and oil in a bowl.

In the new of today, we hear regularly how being physically active and maintaining muscle strength is an essential part of living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Staying active can enhance balance, improve muscle tone and help us live longer and happier lives. Many studies suggest that just 30 minutes a day of exercise can help to keep our bodies fit and healthy.

Living Gems lifestyle resorts are designed with active over 50s in mind. The vast range of premium resort facilities available to residents can assist them in reaching these precious 30 minutes of activity a day. Homeowners stay active and healthy by using facilities such as the heated swimming pool, gym, tennis, and lawn bowls, just to name a few.

Outdoor classes are regularly organised by residents to make use of these fantastic facilities and resort grounds. Walking groups tour around the resort, aqua aerobics classes take place regularly as well as tennis tournaments. Homeowners of neighbouring Living Gems resorts even go head-to-head in lawn bowls competitions, using the state-of-the-art bowling green located in every resort.

Living Gems lifestyle resorts pride themselves on accommodating those from all walks of life, but the one thing all our residents have in common is a phenomenal sense of community and a wonderful welcoming attitude. Our resorts are open to all like-minded individuals who wish to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle – without breaking the bank.

Our pet-friendly and gated communities offer homes with two or three bedrooms, all with premium inclusions as standard. There is so much on offer; residents are truly spoilt for choice!

Homeowners can relax in the library, join friends in the music room, take up art and crafts or enjoy happy hour in the country club all while taking in great conversation and good company. There are so many possibilities at Living Gems resorts – all they need is you!

For more information or to receive an information pack, call 1800 785 594 or email info@livinggems.com.au.

Bring the outdoors in with these six great tips on keeping indoor plants.

1. Why have indoor plants?

Plants purify our air and help us to breathe easier. Surrounding yourself with indoor plants is great way to maximise the health benefits plants offer us.

2. What Plant’s should you choose?

There are a large variety of plants that flourish indoors, as long as they receive the light and water they require.

Our favourite indoor plants include:

• The Bamboo Palm is a great indoor option – this variety is low maintenance and make a lovely feature in the home.
• The Rubber plant is a timeless favourite, it is tough and hardy option that do not require continuous direct sunlight.
• Succulents are also a fabulous indoor plant, they do not need large amounts of sunlight or watering.
• The Peace Lily is easy to care for; it is hardy, forgiving and will let you know when it needs watering; when the leaves are drooping.

3. Watering

Watering your indoor plants is a very important part of ensuring their survival. Be mindful to avoid both over watering and under watering. A good rule of thumb: place your thumb in the pot up to the first knuckle, near the edge of the pot. If the soil is dry, it is time for some water.

4. Drainage

Ensure that your pot has drainage holes in the bottom and place the pot on a saucer. Adding pebbles or bark to the bottom of your pot (about 2cm) will prevent the plant from sitting in the water in the saucer. Drainage is important to prevent the roots from rotting.

5. Fertiliser and soil composition

To ensure that your plant drains effectively, as well as pebbles or bark, you should use a good potting mix from your local store. You will also need to fertilise your indoor plant to help create a lush, attractive display. Fertilise according to requirements of your plant type.

6. Sunlight

Keep your plant in a suitable location of your home based on their sunlight requirements. Don’t leave a plant in direct sunlight that requires shady areas and vice versa.

Queensland based company Living Gems is shaking up the way Australians over 50 experience their golden years.

Living Gems General Manager Vlad Pullich said that baby boomers are demanding higher standards in over 50s living options with buyers focused on an active and social lifestyle.

“Lifestyle resorts offer a new style of living that exceeds the current demand from the over 50s market.”

“The premium, high set country club is the centrepiece of the community and has been designed on a grand scale. The country club is a hub of activity, catering to a myriad of recreational activities.

“Our newer resorts are designed with over 20 different facilities to accommodate a healthy, social and active lifestyle.”

“The facilities include the following: a bar, lounge area, ballroom with dance floor, theatre stage, change rooms, commercial kitchen, meeting room, arts and crafts room, workshop, cinema, music room, hair salon, library, games room, consultation room, BBQ pavilion, lawn bowls, heated swimming pool, spa, tennis court.”

“The country club is finished with a high level of luxury inclusions and no expense has been spared,” says Mr Pullich.

Living Gems Sales Manager Victoria Dent said that each resort has a dedicated social committee that organise regular activities for homeowners to enjoy.

“The heated pool is one of the most popular facilities that homeowners can take advantage of all year round. Activities like aqua aerobics is a great activity to keep your muscles and bones strong.”

“Living Gems resorts offer something for everyone, we understand that everyone has their own hobbies and interests, so we do our best to accommodate this.”

“At any one of our resorts you will find social groups for knitting, quilting and other arts and crafts, as well as for mah-jong, cards and scrabble. Walking, tennis and lawn bowls are also among the most popular.”

“This style of living appeals to baby boomers as they are a very social demographic. Homeowners will often say to me that a short stroll to the letterbox with their furry companion can soon turn into a much longer affair as everyone will stop to say hello.”

For more information, call 1800 785 594 or visit www.livinggems.com.au.

Congratulations to Patricia Simmons who is celebrating 20 years working with Living Gems!

Patricia is our lovely Administrations Manager. When she started working at Living Gems, she was the only person in her department. Now the team consists of eight people! Read more

Luxurious Mercedes Sprinter Transfer MWB Minibuses have now been delivered to Living Gems Residential Resorts at Pacific Paradise, Caboolture and Glenvale in Toowoomba. The 12-seater resort buses are ready to hit the road for day trips and shopping sprees. Resort managers say driver and passenger reports are excellent. Looking after our homeowners is one of the keys to Living Gems’ success, the new buses will take people out and about in comfort.