News
The low-down on land lease communities.
05
Aug
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.
Here, Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich explains what land lease communities, often referred to as over-50s lifestyle resorts, are and why they’ve become one of Australia’s fastest growing housing types.
What is a land lease community?
Land lease communities are residential enclaves where homeowners own their homes and rent the land, through a modest weekly site fee. This fee covers security, amenities, gardens, communal areas, and management. As Anthony explains, it affords land lease communities a high level of well-maintained onsite amenity.
“All our communities offer gated security for peace of mind,” says Anthony.
“We also have extensive resort-style amenities for residents which may include a pool, bowling alley, gym, lawn bowls, golf simulator, yoga space, workshop, alfresco dining, barbecues, a dog run, tennis court, pickleball court, RV parking – the list goes on.
“It’s why these communities are most...
20
Jul
Spoiling your best mate (because why not?)
Our Living Gems communities are proudly pet friendly because life’s just better with your best mate by your side. Whether it’s wagging tails, happy meows or cheerful chirps, our furry and feathered friends bring a whole lot of heart to everyday life.
So why not spoil them a little? We’ve rounded up some top-notch pet gear that’s as practical as it is good-looking – because let’s be honest, no one wants ugly dog beds cluttering up the lounge.
For dogs who like the finer things
A designer dog house: Forget the old kennel out the back – this sleek plywood dog room is perfect for pups who appreciate modern living. From $729.
A Chewy Vuiton handbag: For the dog who loves a bit of glam, this plush squeaky toy brings the laughs (and the squeaks). $29.95
The Wallace dog bed: Tailored linen cover, plush insert – this bed is basically cloud-soft comfort for four-legged royalty. $260
A toy kit that ticks all the boxes: Different textures,...
18
Jul
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 simple idea 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 downsize, 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.
You own your home, not the land
Homes in...
18
Jul
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...
17
Jul
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,...
17
Jul
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...
05
Jul
Rockhampton set to welcome new over-50s lifestyle resort
A major new lifestyle resort for over-50s has been approved for Rockhampton, marking a significant milestone for housing for older Australians in the region.
Living Gems Rockhampton, located on a 27-hectare site in Parkhurst, will bring 505 new homes to market — making it the largest lifestyle community of its kind ever seen in Central Queensland. It’s only the second land lease project approved in the Rockhampton region in more than a decade.
The $360m resort will offer contemporary, low-maintenance homes alongside more than $23 million in facilities designed to support an active, independent lifestyle.
The homes — all two-bedroom with a flexible multipurpose room — will be nestled in a setting with views to Mount Archer and easy access to shops, cafes, and the city centre. On site, residents will have access to a country club, pools, bowling alley, sports courts, yoga spaces, a golf simulator, dog run, residents’ workshop and more.
Anthony Puljich, CEO of Living Gems, said the resort had been...
02
Jul
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...
01
Jul
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...
22
Jun
Living Gems Harris Crossing community gets green light for Townsville
Living Gems is preparing to launch a $210 million over-50s community, Living Gems Harris Crossing, with a suite of luxury amenities including a resort-style pool, bowling alley and yoga space, in Bohle Plains, after receiving approval from Townsville City Council this week (21 May 2025).
The 295-home gated lifestyle resort will be located on a 13.6-hectare parcel at 99 Hogarth Drive, within Maidment Group’s Harris Crossing community in the city’s fast-growing west.
Early works have started on site, with Townsville civil construction business, Mendi Constructions, appointed to complete the first stage of activity.
Living Gems Harris Crossing will be one of the first land lease communities for Townsville since the 1970s and is designed to meet significant demand from its ageing population.
Living Gems Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said Census data showed more than a third (34.3 percent) of Townsville’s residents were over 50, equating to about 80,000 residents.
“A lot of those people will be looking to downsize in the next few years,...
17
Jun
Saving energy with everyday electronics
No one wants to spend more on power than they have to. And while we all enjoy creature comforts, wasting electricity just doesn’t make sense. The good news? There are plenty of simple, no-fuss ways to make your home run smarter – saving energy, money and a few headaches along the way.
Smart tech that pulls its weight
You don’t need to turn your home into a space station to get the benefits of smart tech. A few clever gadgets can make a real difference. Take a smart thermostat – it figures out when you’re home and adjusts the temperature to suit, without you lifting a finger. Smart lights? You can schedule, dim or switch them off from your phone so you’re not lighting up the house like a cricket oval when no one’s around. And smart plugs or power boards help stop appliances from sneaking power while you’re not using them – all with a tap on your screen.
Fun fact: Smart...
