News
Buzzing Construction Activity at Living Gems Moreton Bay
05
Apr
A rare opportunity is unfolding at Living Gems Moreton Bay. With homes in Stage One selling fast, lock in your villa at one of the region’s most sought-after addresses. On site, progress is unmistakable as the first homes take shape. At the same time, construction of the tennis pavilion is set to begin soon, giving residents ready access to active, social living from the outset. With strong and growing interest from buyers and number of homes extremely limited, don't miss out on this window to secure your position in a resort‑style community designed for lifestyle, comfort, and long‑term value. Visit the Sales Centre at 273-308 Buckley Road, Burpengary East or call 1800 957 981 to secure your villa in this limited-release community before it sells out. Watch the latest progress:
05
Apr
A surge of construction activity at Living Gems Rockhampton
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is unfolding in Rockhampton — and with Stage One selling fast, remaining villas are strictly limited.Living Gems Rockhampton in Parkhurst is rapidly transforming, with construction surging ahead in April and early buyers already securing their place in this high-demand lifestyle destination. If you’ve been considering it, now is the moment to act.On site, momentum is building — more villa slabs have been poured, with additional homes underway this month. Frames and roofs are already complete on several residences, while interiors are coming to life with kitchens installed and fit-offs in progress. The vision is quickly becoming reality, with the Summer House, entry, and gatehouses next to commence.With demand accelerating and availability tightening, this is a limited window to secure your position in a community designed for both lifestyle and long-term value.Watch the latest progress:
05
Apr
Construction is powering ahead at Living Gems Harris Crossing
Opportunities like this don’t come around often. With limited villas available at Living Gems Harris Crossing, now is the time to secure your place in one of the region’s most exciting new lifestyle communities.Construction is moving at pace — earthworks are complete, civil works are advancing rapidly, and more villa slabs are being poured. The Country Club is rising fast, setting the stage for a vibrant, social hub, while work has begun on the resort entry to create a striking first impression for foundation residents.With demand building and stock strictly limited, early buyers are locking in both lifestyle and long-term value.📞 Call 1800 954 323 or visit the Sales Centre at 99 Hogarth Drive to secure your villa before they’re gone.Watch the latest progress:
19
Mar
Sales Centre at Living Gems Moreton Bay is Now Open!
Thank you to those who joined us at the Living Gems Moreton Bay Sales Centre Opening!We loved celebrating with you all and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces, showing you what life will be like at this boutique over-50s resort. Everyone enjoyed coffee, juices, and pastries from Hello Carts and indulged in delicious quiches, croissants, and sliders from Notorious EAT. It was great energy and we loved the questions you had for us about our over-50s lifestyle resort in Burpengary.Living Gems Moreton Bay will offer 186 luxury, low-maintenance homes in a gated community and come with a $13-million Country Club with facilities like indoor pool, golf simulator, and even a private cinema. Homes are fitted with premium inclusions as standard so you can move in and start living an active and connected lifestyle straight away 🏡 🌿Stage One villas are selling fast. If you’re thinking about your next chapter, make an appointment at our Sales Centre or...
19
Mar
Sales Centre at Living Gems Moreton Bay is Now Open!
Thank you to those who joined us at the Living Gems Moreton Bay Sales Centre Opening!We loved celebrating with you all and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces, showing you what life will be like at this boutique over-50s resort. Everyone enjoyed coffee, juices, and pastries from Hello Carts and indulged in delicious quiches, croissants, and sliders from Notorious EAT. It was great energy and we loved the questions you had for us about our over-50s lifestyle resort in Burpengary.Living Gems Moreton Bay will offer 186 luxury, low-maintenance homes in a gated community and come with a $13-million Country Club with facilities like indoor pool, golf simulator, and even a private cinema. Homes are fitted with premium inclusions as standard so you can move in and start living an active and connected lifestyle straight away 🏡 🌿Stage One villas are selling fast. If you’re thinking about your next chapter, make an appointment at our Sales Centre or...
06
Mar
Construction Begins on Living Gems Moreton Bay
We marked an exciting milestone in the growth of Living Gems to turn the first sod at the site for active over-50s lifestyle resort in the heart of Burpengary East in Moreton Bay. Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich was joined by City of Moreton Bay Councillor Mark Booth to mark this momentous occasion. The event was made even more special with future residents Peter and Gaye Fraser joining the celebration — a fitting reminder that this remarkable new community is already capturing hearts before a single brick has been laid. Set in Burpengary East, the turn of the first sod signals the beginning of construction on the $160 million state-of-the-art lifestyle resort. Designed for over-50s seeking the perfect balance between relaxation and recreation, Living Gems Moreton Bay will offer 186 architecturally designed low-maintenance homes and deliver a boutique resort experience unlike any other in the region. Every element has been thoughtfully planned to inspire an active, social, and connected lifestyle where residents can truly thrive. At the heart of the community will stand...
16
Feb
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Australia?
Ever wondered, "How much money do I need to retire comfortably?" It's a big question for Australians eyeing retirement planning, especially in sunny Queensland. Whether you’re adjusting to retirement or planning for it in a few years, your retirement savings goal hinges on lifestyle dreams. There’s a handful of things to consider when it comes to answering the golden question, like age pension eligibility, expenses, and ideal lifestyle. Let's break it down to see what retirement looks like for you.
Define Your Dream Queensland Lifestyle
What does your ideal lifestyle look like? Is it quiet mornings by the coast, regular travel or staying active in the community? Your retirement lifestyle dictates how much you need for retirement. Whether you have a modest or comfortable lifestyle, factor in housing, entertainment, healthcare, and daily expenses.
Define your income sources
As you’re easing into retirement, consider your income sources. Everyone’s individual circumstances vary; some over-50s have multiple, while some depend on one income source. This can come in all forms, such as a salary, investments, superannuation, age pension, if you’re eligible, and a dedicated retirement savings compartment. Determine your cash flow to have an idea of...
16
Feb
Easy Ways to Stay Active and Social in Retirement
Staying active and social during retirement keeps your body strong and your mind sharp. These simple activities blend physical movement with social connections, perfect for vibrant over-50s living.
Walking
It might be common sense but sometimes we stay sitting for too long without realising. Walking is an easy, low-impact way to stay active while building friendships. Join local walking groups to meet others and stay social. 30 minutes daily can boost heart health and mood without strain. Want to start slow? Make it a habit to walk every day after lunch to keep the body moving.
Aqua Aerobics
Aqua aerobics offers gentle resistance in a pool, ideal for joints. Aqua aerobics turn workouts into fun social hours with neighbours, keeping you active and social at the same time. You'll improve flexibility, tone muscles, and laugh through splashes. Book Clubs
Make reading social! Have a book you want to recommend? Join a book club and make your recommendations! It’s also great for those nights you want to kick back and unwind with some quiet time. Reading keeps the brain engaged and opens doors to friendships with like-minded...
10
Feb
Four Retirement Living Options
As we get older, common thoughts arise about what suitable retirement living arrangements are available – do I need a smaller place? Do I want communal facilities? Do I have enough money to move? Do I need medical care? There are diverse retirement living options for over-50s in Australia; ranging from lifestyle resorts to traditional retirement homes, each with its unique ownership models, costs, and lifestyle perks, that’ll help you adjust to retirement best suited to your needs.
1. Traditional Retirement Villages
Traditional retirement villages feature self-contained villas, apartments, or townhouses in gated settings with shared amenities like pools, bowls greens, and clubhouses. Typically, homes in these complexes have high entry fees, deferred management fees (up to 25-35% on exit), and ongoing service charges. Regulated by state laws like Queensland's Retirement Villages Act 1999, they suit those wanting community support without full-time care.
2. Land Lease Communities (Lifestyle Resorts)
In land lease communities, like Living Gems, you own your home outright but lease the site. Similarly, homes are set in a secure gated community, while residents have access to a wealth of resort-style facilities, including indoor pools, golf simulator, recreational spaces, barbecue areas, and more. Protected under the Manufactured Homes Act 2003, contracts are simpler, letting you sell...
10
Feb
Downsizing for Retirement: Your Path to Easier, More Enjoyable Retirement Living
Downsizing for retirement can unlock more freedom, financial security, and a low‑maintenance lifestyle in your later years. This guide explores how you can adjust to retirement, what to consider before you move, and why over‑50s lifestyle communities such as Living Gems are an attractive option for modern retirees.
What is downsizing for retirement?
Downsizing for retirement generally means moving from a larger family home into a smaller, more manageable property. Many over‑50s choose to sell the traditional family home and move into typical options like townhouses, retirement villages, or over-50s lifestyle resorts that better suit their evolving needs.
Why people downsize in retirement
There are different reasons why you might want to downsize – are you wanting to cut down on maintenance, reduce ongoing and rising costs to free up time and money for travel, hobbies, and family? First, less space means fewer hours spent on cleaning, gardening, and repairs, which helps retirees focus on lifestyle rather than chores. Second, a smaller home usually means lower mortgage payments or no mortgage at all, plus reduced bills for rates, insurance, and utilities. Third, downsizing can release...
06
Feb
Resort Spotlight: Living Gems Rockhampton
Sprawled over 27 hectares in Parkhurst, Living Gems Rockhampton sits in a secure, welcoming neighbourhood designed for vibrant over-50s living. There are 505 contemporary, low-maintenance homes and resort-style facilities right on your doorstep to keep every day feeling like a new adventure. More freedom, less financial stress
Operating on a land-lease model, Living Gems Rockhampton gives homeowners more financial freedom, stronger community connections, and plenty of time to pursue what they love. Whether you’re relaxing in indoor lounges, taking up a hobby in the creative studio, or enjoying a casual chat with neighbours, our community supports an active, fulfilling life. Your haven in Rockhampton
Taking on a casual country charm, choose from five contemporary home designs that bring in Rockhampton’s nature into the resort. The homes emphasise seamless indoor–outdoor living, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Designed with the over-50s in mind, they’re modern and low-maintenance, featuring open-plan layouts, high ceilings, premium finishes, and clever storage to keep clutter at bay. There are plenty of inclusions, including security systems, generous walk-in wardrobes, and sunny alfresco spaces that feel like home from day one. Community Hub: The Country...
Articles
16
Feb
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Australia?
Ever wondered, "How much money do I need to retire comfortably?" It's a big question for Australians eyeing retirement planning, especially in sunny Queensland. Whether you’re adjusting to retirement or planning for it in a few years, your retirement savings goal hinges on lifestyle dreams. There’s a handful of things to consider when it comes to answering the golden question, like age pension eligibility, expenses, and ideal lifestyle. Let's break it down to see what retirement looks like for you.
Define Your Dream Queensland Lifestyle
What does your ideal lifestyle look like? Is it quiet mornings by the coast, regular travel or staying active in the community? Your retirement lifestyle dictates how much you need for retirement. Whether you have a modest or comfortable lifestyle, factor in housing, entertainment, healthcare, and daily expenses.
Define your income sources
As you’re easing into retirement, consider your income sources. Everyone’s individual circumstances vary; some over-50s have multiple, while some depend on one income source. This can come in all forms, such as a salary, investments, superannuation, age pension, if you’re eligible, and a dedicated retirement savings compartment. Determine your cash flow to have an idea of...
16
Feb
Easy Ways to Stay Active and Social in Retirement
Staying active and social during retirement keeps your body strong and your mind sharp. These simple activities blend physical movement with social connections, perfect for vibrant over-50s living.
Walking
It might be common sense but sometimes we stay sitting for too long without realising. Walking is an easy, low-impact way to stay active while building friendships. Join local walking groups to meet others and stay social. 30 minutes daily can boost heart health and mood without strain. Want to start slow? Make it a habit to walk every day after lunch to keep the body moving.
Aqua Aerobics
Aqua aerobics offers gentle resistance in a pool, ideal for joints. Aqua aerobics turn workouts into fun social hours with neighbours, keeping you active and social at the same time. You'll improve flexibility, tone muscles, and laugh through splashes. Book Clubs
Make reading social! Have a book you want to recommend? Join a book club and make your recommendations! It’s also great for those nights you want to kick back and unwind with some quiet time. Reading keeps the brain engaged and opens doors to friendships with like-minded...
10
Feb
Four Retirement Living Options
As we get older, common thoughts arise about what suitable retirement living arrangements are available – do I need a smaller place? Do I want communal facilities? Do I have enough money to move? Do I need medical care? There are diverse retirement living options for over-50s in Australia; ranging from lifestyle resorts to traditional retirement homes, each with its unique ownership models, costs, and lifestyle perks, that’ll help you adjust to retirement best suited to your needs.
1. Traditional Retirement Villages
Traditional retirement villages feature self-contained villas, apartments, or townhouses in gated settings with shared amenities like pools, bowls greens, and clubhouses. Typically, homes in these complexes have high entry fees, deferred management fees (up to 25-35% on exit), and ongoing service charges. Regulated by state laws like Queensland's Retirement Villages Act 1999, they suit those wanting community support without full-time care.
2. Land Lease Communities (Lifestyle Resorts)
In land lease communities, like Living Gems, you own your home outright but lease the site. Similarly, homes are set in a secure gated community, while residents have access to a wealth of resort-style facilities, including indoor pools, golf simulator, recreational spaces, barbecue areas, and more. Protected under the Manufactured Homes Act 2003, contracts are simpler, letting you sell...
10
Feb
Downsizing for Retirement: Your Path to Easier, More Enjoyable Retirement Living
Downsizing for retirement can unlock more freedom, financial security, and a low‑maintenance lifestyle in your later years. This guide explores how you can adjust to retirement, what to consider before you move, and why over‑50s lifestyle communities such as Living Gems are an attractive option for modern retirees.
What is downsizing for retirement?
Downsizing for retirement generally means moving from a larger family home into a smaller, more manageable property. Many over‑50s choose to sell the traditional family home and move into typical options like townhouses, retirement villages, or over-50s lifestyle resorts that better suit their evolving needs.
Why people downsize in retirement
There are different reasons why you might want to downsize – are you wanting to cut down on maintenance, reduce ongoing and rising costs to free up time and money for travel, hobbies, and family? First, less space means fewer hours spent on cleaning, gardening, and repairs, which helps retirees focus on lifestyle rather than chores. Second, a smaller home usually means lower mortgage payments or no mortgage at all, plus reduced bills for rates, insurance, and utilities. Third, downsizing can release...
04
Feb
Deferred Management Fees Explained: A Hidden Cost for Over 50s?
Heard about deferred management fees and don’t know how it can impact your financial future? Deferred management fees (DMFs) lurk in many retirement village contracts, quietly eroding the financial security of over-50s. But that’s not the case at Living Gems. Operating on a land lease model, there are straightforward fees involved, with no hidden charges like exit fees or deferred management fees. Often disguised as "ongoing service fees," these deferred management fees accumulate over several years, deducted from your home's sale proceeds when you leave. For Australians planning retirement in Queensland, understanding deferred management fees is crucial to avoid surprises that derail your lifestyle dreams. What Are Deferred Management Fees? Deferred management fees represent a percentage—typically 25-35%—of your original purchase price or resale value, charged annually but deferred until exit. In retirement villages, operators like those under the Retirement Villages Act impose DMFs for "maintenance and services," compounding over time. A $500,000 entry might trigger $10,000+ yearly, and snowballing to $100,000+ after a decade, slashing your equity upon sale. How Deferred Management Fees Impact Over 50s Financial Planning For over-50s, DMFs create uncertainty when you need stability most. It disrupts retirement budgeting by...
02
Feb
Financial Benefits of Land Lease Communities in Queensland
Ever wondered how land lease communities in Queensland can supercharge your finances as an over-50s? Often referred to as lifestyle communities, they let you own your home outright while leasing the land for a simple weekly site fee—saving big on taxes, upkeep, and hidden costs that eat into traditional homeownership. Land lease communities in Queensland deliver substantial financial advantages for over-50s seeking a resort-style lifestyle without the burdens of traditional homeownership. As you plan your transition, this model supports confident downsizing and long-term financial planning. No Stamp Duty or Ongoing Fees Fees can add up when you own a traditional home, but you can skip the stamp duty sting with land lease communities. Purchasing a home in a land lease community means avoiding stamp duty and other upfront government taxes typically associated with buying property. This streamlined approach keeps initial and recurring costs low, putting more money back into your pocket from day one. No Exit Fees or Deferred Management Fees Land lease communities in Queensland stand out with no exit fees or deferred...
