The low-down on land lease communities.

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 commonly described as over-50s lifestyle resorts, as the lifestyle is on par with living in a resort, every day.”

Anthony says the weekly site fee is slightly adjusted annually, inline with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Homeowners also have the peace of mind that their legal right to occupy their land, as per their site agreement, is protected under the Queensland Government’s Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003.

What are the benefits of owning your home and renting the land?

Land lease communities are designed to make rightsized homeownership relatively affordable for over-50s.

As you own your home outright and rent the land, the entry price in a land lease community is generally lower than a comparable house and land in the surrounding area. You also save tens of thousands of dollars in stamp duty fees, which are applicable to the land portion of a property purchase only.

Anthony says this allows many people who rightsize to a land lease community to free up capital when selling their existing home.

“This is appealing, as they gain the dual benefit of having a more appropriately sized, low-maintenance home for their over-50s years, while freeing up funds to enjoy their new lifestyle to the fullest,” he says.

“At Living Gems, we focus on delivering high-quality homes, with top level fittings and finishes, and an open-plan design that suits our residents well into the future.”

Anthony says another benefit for eligible homeowners is the ability to access rent assistance from the government.

“If you have an Australian pension or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, you may be eligible to apply for Federal Government Rent Assistance to help cover your weekly site fee,” he says.

Are there fees involved in buying or selling in a land lease community?

Unlike traditional retirement villages, there are no fees associated with buying or selling in our land lease communities. Your weekly site fee is the only fee you’ll ever pay at Living Gems.

“We have never — and will never — charge entry fees, exit fees or deferred management fees. These fees are generally associated with retirement villages, which are a completely different housing model from land lease communities,” says Anthony.

“In addition, buyers save tens of thousands of dollars in stamp duty, as they’re purchasing the home only. And, as the homeowner, they retain all capital gains they make from owning their property.”

When it comes time to sell, homeowners can list their property with their real estate agent of choice, like they would any traditional home. The Living Gems team is also there to assist homeowners with the sale, if they choose to take this option.

Anthony highlights there can be variations between land lease operators, so homeowners should do their research to find the community that best suits their needs. More details on buying at Living Gems can be found on our ‘why Living Gems’ page.

What is a ‘manufactured’ home?

Most often, homes in land lease communities are described as ‘manufactured’ or ‘relocatable’. Anthony says, at Living Gems, the design and finish of all properties is equal to any high-quality new home.

“Our homes are contemporary, spacious and thoughtfully designed for over-50s living,” he says.

“This means intuitive open-plan floorplans that have been honed over more than four decades in the business and carefully considered by our architects and interior designers.

“All Living Gems homes feature either two bedrooms or two bedrooms plus a multipurpose-room, and come in a variety of facades and colour schemes so homeowners can create a home that perfectly reflects their personal style.”

Other features include built-in storage, walk-in robes, high quality kitchen appliances, ducted air conditioning, alfresco areas and solar power. More information on our home features is available on our homes page.

Are land lease communities just for over-50s?

Land lease communities are purposefully designed for over-50s, with low-maintenance living so residents can stay in their home — and make the most of their new lifestyle — well into the future.

Anthony says the strong emphasis is on residents enjoying their over-50s and beyond, with an abundance of amenities where they can stay active and connected.

“Our communities are exclusively for over-50s, so residents are assured they’re surrounded by likeminded neighbours in a similar stage of life, and an environment that’s thoughtfully designed for this age group,” he says.

“This means amenities that bring residents of varying interests together — whether that be over a game of pickleball, a barbeque by the pool or watching a movie in the cinema. There’s always plenty on offer and something for everyone.

“Of course, residents are also welcome to have grandchildren, family and friends over for a visit, and to share the fantastic facilities with them.

“We’re also pet-friendly, so homebuyers can bring their four-legged companion with them when they move into a Living Gems community.”

Head to our facilities page to learn more about the amenities available in our resorts.

What is life like in a land lease community?

Living Gems residents often say their land lease community allows them to live the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of. They can stay active and healthy, and many even take up a new hobby or sport for the first time when moving into their community. There’s space to connect with family and friends, as well as meeting new neighbours who often become part of their broadened social circle.

“The great thing about land lease living is that you can participate as much or as little in the community as you like,” says Anthony.

“Many homeowners tell us they’re inspired by their neighbours and new friends to try new things and often fall in love with a new pastime as a result.

“We also have a lot of residents who love to travel, so the lock-and-leave nature of the community, protected by gated-security, enhances the lifestyle appeal.”

If you’d like to learn more about Living Gems’ land lease communities, please contact our friendly team.