Part 2 of our editorial series: "Finding the Right Retirement Property for You"
Not all retirees dream of slowing down. Some dream of driving the coastline, making new friends, or trading city bustle for resort-style serenity. If that sounds like you, a Land Lease Community might be your ideal fit.
In this second article in our series, we explore how this fast-growing housing model suits one of our most dynamic personas: the Sea Change Couple.
What is a Land Lease Community?
In a Land Lease Community, you own your home but lease the land it sits on. This gives you access to well-designed homes in master-planned communities, often with a clubhouse, pool, walking trails and social events. These communities are regulated and purpose-built for over-50s.
You don’t pay stamp duty, council rates or body corporate fees. Instead, you pay a weekly site fee, and in many cases, you're eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, making it a financially flexible lifestyle option.
Land Lease Communities: Your Questions Answered
Persona Match: Rob & June – The Sea Change Couple
Rob and June, both 60, are empty nesters looking to leave suburban Melbourne for the NSW North Coast. They want a relaxed lifestyle, to live debt-free, and to connect with like-minded neighbours.
Why a land lease community works for them:
- They own their home outright with money left over to travel.
- They enjoy structured social events and active facilities.
- They can access rental assistance and avoid complex exit fees.
"It feels like we’ve moved into a resort without the upkeep," June says. "There’s a real sense of community, but we’ve still got privacy."
Key Benefits
- Affordable Entry Point: No stamp duty, lower purchase prices than traditional homes.
- Community Amenities: Pools, gyms, barbecue areas and event calendars.
- Retain Capital Gains: When you sell, the full profit is yours.
- Flexible Financial Model: Weekly site fees plus eligibility for rent assistance.
Land Lease Communities vs Retirement Villages: A Comparison
Considerations
- You don’t own the land, so there are ongoing site fees.
- Limited healthcare services compared to traditional retirement villages.
- Capital growth depends on community demand and quality.
- Revealed: The revolutionary new home loan for over 50 downsizers
Popular Land Lease Operators
Explore some of Australia’s best-known over-50s lifestyle developers:
- Ingenia Lifestyle
- Hometown Australia
- Palm Lake Resorts
- New lifestyle amenities revealed at Hunter Valley's newest Over 50's community
- ONE YEAR, TWO LAUNCHES, THREE THOUSAND RESIDENTS - AVID REFLECTS ON ITS FIRST YEAR OF LAND LEASE LIVING
Or find your next move on Land Lease Properties
Downsizing.com.au Presents Our Upcoming Editorials Series - "Finding the Right Retirement Property for You"
- Strata Title Over-55s Apartments: The Perfect Match for Independent Urbanites
- Land Lease Communities: A Smart Move for the Sea Change Couple
- Traditional Retirement Villages: A Supportive Option for Community Seekers
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Please seek personalised legal or financial advice before making any property decisions.
