Australian downsizers have the chance to enjoy a new breed of resort-like communities featuring modern homes in lifestyle-rich locations.
New retirement living provider Springtree has launched its first over 55 communities within the towns of Cobram and Yarrawonga, situated alongside the Murray River in northern Victoria.
These two towns are just three hours from Melbourne and are situated within a region known for its laidback feel, comfortable climate, endless river recreation opportunities and abundant open space and golf courses.
Springtree’s Cobram and Yarrawonga communities are located within walking distance of the best their two host towns have to offer, including the main shopping strip and medical facilities.
Both communities will have extensive clubhouse and sporting facilities, along with homes featuring contemporary and spacious designs with generously-sized bedrooms, open plan living and large outdoor spaces.
Residents in these communities don’t have to pay stamp duty or exit fees, allowing them to keep any capital gain on their home.
In coming years, Springtree is planning to open a series of similar lifestyle communities along Australia’s east coast.
About Springtree Cobram
The first 40 residents have moved into Springtree Cobram, which is nestled in the heart of the popular holiday town and offers a relaxed sanctuary in a welcoming community.
Construction is underway on the community’s clubhouse, which will feature a resident lounge, games room, cinema, gym, yoga studio, multi-purpose space, kitchen, function spaces and bar.
This clubhouse has been designed to include soft timbers, textured stone and muted earthy tones to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Proposed clubhouse interior at Springtree Cobram
When complete, the community will also include a swimming pool, bowling green, BBQ area, pickleball court, dog park, community gardens, putting green, golf driving nets and recreational vehicle and caravan storage.
The first of these amenities will be in place by the end of 2025.
Sales of newly-constructed two and three-bedroom homes are underway, with home prices currently ranging from $399,000 to $548,000.
FIND OUT MORE: View the Springtree Cobram community page
Interior of a display home at Springtree Cobram
About Springtree Yarrawonga
Springtree Yarrawonga is located just a stone’s throw from Yarrawonga’s historic main street and lake foreshore and in easy reach of golf courses, wineries and river pleasures.
The community, when complete, will include a village green, swimming pool, bowling green, pickleball court, community gardens, dog park, BBQ area and community gardens.
The Springtree Yarrawonga clubhouse will include its own bar, function and private dining space, kitchen and lounge.
Proposed village green area at Springtree Yarrawonga
New two and three bedroom homes are for sale, with the first homes to be constructed by the end of this year. Prices range from $424,000 to $634,000.
FIND OUT MORE: View the Springtree Yarrawonga community page
FIND OUT MORE: View homes for sale across Springtree Cobram and Yarrawonga
About Springtree
Springtree was launched in October 2024. The company’s co-founders Tom McDonald and David Laing, and its staff, have deep experience and expertise in the retirement living sector.
Tom has more than 15 years’ experience across real estate investment banking, investment management and transactions. Prior to co-founding Springtree, Tom was a principal in Australia’s Blackstone Real Estate team.
David meanwhile has 20 years’ experience delivering and managing retirement communities, most recently as general manager for the development arm of a major Australian and NZ-based retirement village and aged care provider.
Tom and David founded Springtree to meet an untapped demand for retirement communities which suited the lifestyle and financial needs of younger and more active downsizers.
Springtree co-founders David Laing and Tom McDonald
Springtree uses the established and increasingly popular land lease model, where residents purchase a home secured by a long-term lease. Springtree’s purchase contracts are transparent and easy-to-understand, with no hidden fees.
No stamp duty or council rates are payable, while residents earning the age pension or other social security benefits may be able to harness Australian Government rent assistance to offset weekly site fees.
Springtree’s pet-friendly communities will all feature the types of fitness, fun and social amenities you’d be likely to find at a holiday resort, along with a full-time community manager.
All communities will also be gated, to enhance safety and security for residents, and located close to the key attractions of the towns in which they are located.
An important distinction with Springtree’s offer - compared to some other retirement living providers - is that no exit or deferred management fees are payable.
This means that residents keep all their home’s capital gains when the time comes to move out, boosting their finances for the next stage of retirement and making the home sale process as stress-free as possible.
Springtree is backed by major investor Assembly Funds Management which gives it the strength to deliver high-quality and well-resourced new communities.
Ground-turning ceremony for start of construction of Springtree Cobram’s clubhouse in July 2025 - construction work is now well underway
Tom said Springtree’s new community sites were chosen due to their easy access to health, retail, transport and local services.
“We’re all about designing and managing vibrant communities where our residents can enjoy quality homes, resort-style amenities and a sense of security and connection,” Tom said.
“We’ve ensured our clubhouses have a warm interior design with a series of discrete and defined spaces, to give them that intimate feel.
“In addition, we’re delivering low-maintenance homes which have a newer and more contemporary design than what you’ll find in many land lease communities, particularly in Victoria.”
David said Springtree’s simplified contract offering, with no exit fees, was already proving popular with buyers.
“We think we are delivering what the vast majority of Australian over 55s are looking for and the early feedback we’ve had from residents has been very positive,” David said.
The name Springtree was chosen to represent the life, growth and vitality of its communities and residents.
Find out more
Learn more about Springtree, and its two first communities, at this website.
This content has been produced for Springtree by Downsizing.com.au
