No Exit Fees at Living Gems:
Keep 100% of Your Capital Gains

Your investment. Your return. No strings attached.
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What They Are and Where They Apply

Exit Fees and Deferred Management Fees

Many Australians exploring over-50s living come across exit fees or deferred management fees. But what are they? They can be complex to navigate through and the impact of them can be unrealised.

A deferred management fee (DMFs) is charged to homeowners, most commonly of traditional retirement villages, when they decide to leave a over-50s community.

Calculated as a percentage, it accrues over time, often building each year across the first 6–10 years of residency. It is then deducted from the sale proceeds when the homeowner leaves.

Typical DMFs range from 25–35%, meaning on a $600,000 home, a 30% fee would equate to $180,000 taken from the final sale amount. These fees are regulated under the Retirement Villages Act, which operates separately from the legislation governing land lease communities.

At Living Gems:

Zero Exit Fees. Every Time.

Living Gems operates under the land lease model, which sits within a completely different legal and financial framework to a retirement village. Under this structure, there are no exit fees, no deferred management fees, no capital gains sharing arrangements, and no operator involvement in the sale proceeds.

When a resident sells their home, the net proceeds – after standard agent and legal costs – belong entirely to them. This is simply how the land lease model is designed to function, with these protections set out under Queensland legislation.

  • 0% exit fee
  • 100% of sale proceeds retained by the homeowner
  • $0 deducted by Living Gems at the time of sale
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The Financial Reality

Land Lease vs Retirement Village

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 ✕
How the Money Works

Selling a Living Gems Home

It’s a simple process when a Living Gems homeowner sells their home. With no hidden fees from day one to when you decide to leave, everything is kept where it belongs – with you. A typical process looks like this:
1

List and sell:

Set preferred price, residents list their home through the Living Gems community network or their own agent.

2

Contracts and settlement:

This follows standard residential settlement process where the conveyancer handles the transfer, and buyer takes over the site agreement.

3

Proceeds paid to seller:

This happens upon settlement and net proceeds are paid directly to the seller. Living Gems does not participate in the financial transaction.

4

Zero operator deduction:

No exit fee, no DMFs, no sharing of capital gains. You keep the proceeds of what the house is sold at.

For a step-by-step overview, see the Selling Process page.

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What our residents think of life at Living Gems.

“We love knowing that the residents at Living Gems will be on the same wavelength as us. It’s not a retirement village – we like to get out and about and have a lot of fun.”
Amanda Living Gems homeowner
“I saw this place and I got a feeling that it was the one for me.”
Leanne Living Gems homeowner
“Living Gems was the obvious choice for us. The location is perfect with family nearby, there’s plenty of room for our two large dogs, the villa designs and facilities are above and beyond, and the affordable price reflects great value for money.”
Gillian Living Gems homeowner
“It’s also great knowing that we don’t have to leave the community to keep busy if we don’t want to. There’s so much to do right here.”
Perry Living Gems homeowner
“If you are over 50 and living in a private home, you’d need to pay for your activities, such as going to the pool or playing lawn bowls. As a Living Gems resident, you have access to all these wonderful facilities right on your doorstep, and everything is covered in the one outlay. Plus, your family and grandkids can come and join in the fun at any time!”
Laura Living Gems homeowner
    Take the next step with confidence

    Want to See the Full Financial Picture?

    For more information, request your free Information Pack or explore the full step-by-step guide to selling.

    Our team can also be contacted on 1800 953 002.

    Request Your Information Pack

    Your Land Lease Questions, Answered

    Can I sell my Living Gems home at any time?

    Yes. There is no minimum residency period and no lock-in clause. You can list your home for sale whenever you choose. Living Gems does not need to approve before you list, and you are free to set your asking price independently.

    Do I need to use Living Gems' sales team or can I use my own agent?

    You can use any licensed real estate agent of your choosing. If you'd like a recommendation for agents experienced in land lease property sales, our team is happy to help. We also have an active buyer enquiry network that we can connect you with.

    Are there really no exit fees at Living Gems?

    Correct - none. Unlike retirement villages, which typically charge a Deferred Management Fee of 10–35% of the sale price when you leave, Living Gems charges zero exit fees. Every dollar of your sale proceeds (minus standard agent and legal costs) goes directly to you.

    What happens to my site agreement when I sell?

    The incoming buyer takes over your site agreement with Living Gems. They will sign a new residential site agreement for the ongoing weekly site fee. This is handled by Living Gems and your conveyancer as part of the standard settlement process.

    Do I keep 100% of the capital gains on my home?

    Yes. At Living Gems, you own your home outright and any capital gain belongs entirely to you. There is no capital gains sharing arrangement with Living Gems as an operator.

    What is a Deferred Management Fee and does Living Gems charge one?

    A Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is a charge used by many retirement villages, calculated as a percentage of your sale price when you leave - typically 10–35%. Living Gems does not use this model. We never charge Deferred Management Fees, so you can plan better financially.

    How long does selling a Living Gems home typically take?

    This varies based on market conditions, pricing, and buyer activity. As a general guide, settlement typically occurs 30–90 days after a contract is signed. Homes in high-demand resorts or popular locations often sell more quickly. Our team can give you a more specific market update for your resort location.

    Can I pass on my home to family?

    Yes. Your Living Gems home can be passed on, just like any other residential property. Your estate executor can arrange the sale of the home, or a beneficiary may be eligible to occupy it, subject to the standard community eligibility requirements. We recommend speaking with your legal adviser about estate planning.