Residents moving into over 50s land lease communities are often faced with a choice between purchasing a brand new or pre-loved home.
The benefits of a new home are fairly obvious - it’s been freshly constructed and fitted out and comes with that unique untouched look and feel.
But what about pre-loved homes – those being sold by a previous owner?
It turns out there are substantial benefits with this option as well, mainly around affordability and the opportunity to purchase in a well-established and therefore well-loved community.
To explore this issue further, Downsizing.com.au spoke to three residents in Hometown Australia’s Green Wattle community at Burpengary, north of Brisbane, to find out why they purchased a pre-loved home.
FIND OUT MORE: Hometown Australia’s Green Wattle community
Ron’s story
Ron Schmidt moved into Green Wattle in November 2024, after purchasing a two-bedroom pre-loved home.
For Ron, the home’s relative affordability was a key factor, alongside the desire to live in a friendly over 50s community with recreational and social amenities.
“I’d lived in America for 20 years,” said Ron. “During this period, home prices in America had only risen at half the amount that they had in Australia. So I knew that when I returned to Australia, I would need to find a home which was affordable.”
“This home required a little bit of work - some painting, air-conditioning and new power points -
but has everything I need for a very affordable price.
“And because it’s a land lease home, I didn’t need to pay any stamp duty on purchase, or ongoing council rates.
“What’s more, I get to enjoy a great community here, including the pool, tennis court and lawn bowls. I also think it’s great that there are discounted meals and drinks at the clubhouse, which also doubles as a way to meet and talk to people.”
Tennis court at Hometown Australia’s Green Wattle community
Ron’s purchase price for a land lease home compared very favourably with the median price for a general market home or unit at Burpengary.
Ron’s home has its own garden, carport and workshop. He’s looking at putting a roller door on the carport.
Ron’s also confident that, if he ever chooses to sell the home, he will find a buyer. “It doesn’t take too long for homes to sell, as there’s a big demand for housing here,” he said.
Julie’s story
Julie Baird moved into Green Wattle in December last year, after purchasing a home with two bedrooms and a study for $430,000.
Julie had moved from a duplex in regional Lowood, west of Brisbane.
For Julie, purchasing a pre-loved home meant she had the benefit of moving into a community which was well-established, and therefore had a welcoming feel and amenities which were well-known.
“I’d looked at 16 homes across eight communities before I chose this one,” said Julie.
“Green Wattle presented as the place to fulfill my needs. Compared to other communities I looked at, there was lots of activity going on here, with residents walking around and coming and going in their cars.
“This is what I was looking for - I wanted to be among active and interesting people.
“I also feel that management has a strong focus on ensuring the community is looking good and operating well, and also like the type of residents the community attracts.”
Going for a stroll at the Green Wattle community
The only maintenance Julie has chosen to undertake on the 19-year-old home is to re-paint the kitchen cupboards and to install a screen on one side of the carport.
Julie now considers Green Wattle to be her “forever home”.
Judy’s story
Judy Rogers moved into Green Wattle in November 2024.
Judy was attracted to the homely and lived-in feel of her three-bedroom pre-loved home, along with the opportunity to be part of a supportive and friendly community.
The relative affordability of her land lease home, compared to a home in a typical suburb, was also a factor behind her purchase, along with the safety and security that comes with living in a gated community.
“I don’t really like modern houses, they have no character,” said Judy. “However, this pre-loved home really suits my personality and preferences.”
“I am now living in a really good street, with great neighbours. The other day I had an incoming parcel which needed to be signed for, and a neighbour was willing to do this for me.”
“And affordability was of course also a consideration. It would have cost me $200,000-300,000 more for a home in a suburban release area.
About Hometown Australia
Hometown Australia is dedicated to helping provide Australians over 50 years of age the lifestyle and amenities they deserve.
Hometown Australia has a wide range of land lease communities and home options, including pre-loved homes with a varied price range to suit most budgets, available across Australia.
Hometown Australia homes have no exit fees, which mean owners retain all capital gains. A fortnightly site fee applies.
To find out more, go to the Hometown Australia website.
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Hometown Australia
