Your Guide to Buying a Land Lease Home at Living Gems
New to Land Lease Living?
Land lease living offers over-50s downsizers a smart, affordable alternative: own your home outright while leasing the land. Protected by the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003, it delivers full financial transparency — no stamp duty, council land rates, exit fees, or deferred management fees. This saves you tens of thousands in ongoing costs, preserves 100% of capital gains upon sale, and grants the freedom of traditional home ownership without the hassle.
- Own your home outright — keep 100% of capital gains
- Save tens of thousands with no stamp duty
- Transparent, predictable weekly site fee
- Resort amenities and maintenance included
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is available to eligible homeowners to offset weekly site fees. Ask our team to find out if you’re eligible and how much you can save.
Know Exactly What You're Buying
|
Land Lease Community (Living Gems) | Retirement Village | Traditional Home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Ownership | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Zero Stamp duty | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Zero Exit / Deferred Management Fees | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Zero Council Land Rates | ✓ | Sometimes | ✕ |
| Retain 100% of Your Capital Gains | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Rent Assistance Eligibility | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Resort Amenities Included | ✓ | Sometimes | ✕ |
Our Difference
Selling When Life Changes
Your home is an asset you can pass on to your family — just like any other property. You can leave it to family in your estate, and your beneficiaries can choose to sell or occupy the home (subject to eligibility). It’s real home ownership, without the land cost.
Your Land Lease Questions, Answered
Land lease living means you own your home outright and lease the land it sits on. Retirement villages typically operate on a licence-to-occupy model where you don't own the property and charge deferred management fees of 10–30% on exit. At Living Gems, there are no exit fees, you keep 100% of capital gains, and your home is a bequeathable asset.
Your main ongoing cost is a weekly site fee, which covers the land lease, community maintenance, facilities management, and access to all resort amenities. There are no council rates, no strata fees, and no hidden charges. Site fees are reviewed periodically in line with relevant legislation.
Yes. Eligible pension and DVA cardholders may qualify for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which can be applied toward your weekly site fee. Speak to our team or contact Services Australia to check your eligibility.
Yes. Your Living Gems home is a bequeathable asset. Your estate can sell the home, or a beneficiary may be eligible to occupy it. Speak to your legal adviser for estate planning guidance specific to your situation.
Your right to occupy your site is protected by state residential parks legislation (e.g. the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act in Queensland). This means the terms of your site agreement — including how fees can change and your right to remain — are legally enforceable.
