While a seachange has been a classic dream for many approaching retirement, more and more downsizers are turning to the country for their next chapter.
According to June 2025 internal migration data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more Queenslanders left Greater Brisbane for regional areas, compared to those moving in the other direction.
The data also showed that the largest proportion of those movers were aged 45 and above.
Andrew Coulter, chief operating officer of GemLife, one of Australia’s leading over-50s lifestyle resort operators, says that he’s also seeing more downsizers looking for a country escape.
“Treechanges are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something deeply appealing about the peace and space of a country setting,” he says.
“For many, it’s about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and finding joy in the everyday — all while still being close to great amenities and healthcare.”
Vicki Sweedman, sales consultant at GemLife’s Kilcoy Greens community in the Somerset Region, says the contrast to the hustle of the big city is what’s most appealing.
“We hear all the time from people coming from the city or busy suburban areas that they love the idea of wide-open spaces, more nature and less traffic,” she says.
A treechange is a popular option for over-50s downsizers looking to escape the hustle of city life.
Why over-50s treechangers are choosing the Somerset Region
Just an hour northwest of Brisbane, the Somerset Region is shaping up to be a haven for downsizers due to the unique mix of lifestyle and convenience it offers.
“It really is a hidden gem,” says Ms Sweedman.
“It is the home of charming country towns with outstanding scenery – not to mention a boaties and anglers paradise with Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset within easy access.”
She also says that it’s not far away from many of Southeast Queensland’s other natural attractions, like the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and its proximity to Australia’s largest folk festival at Woodford.
In the heart of the region is the historical town of Kilcoy, which GemLife Kilcoy Greens sits just outside of, and that Ms Sweedman says is a lively hub in the area.
“It has cafes, lots of independent boutiques, a supermarket and specialty stores, as well as local medical centres and hospital,” she explains.
“Almost every weekend there is something happening including regular arts and craft country market.”
The Somerset Region blends picturesque natural landscapes with charming country towns.
How Kilcoy Greens redefines the downsizing lifestyle
GemLife Kilcoy Greens is a community specially created for over-50s who are looking to make the most of a Somerset Region treechange.
The gated community will feature 286 homes across an 18ha site that features a large private lake and nearly 10ha of green open space.
Homeowners will be able to choose from five designs, each with two bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen with walk-in pantry, an open-plan living-dining space, and covered alfresco areas.
The community also includes $13 million in premium lifestyle facilities, meaning residents can relax, connect, and stay active both in the wider region and at home.
“The Country Club will be the standout amenity at GemLife Kilcoy Greens. It will be the social, fitness, and recreational heart of the community,” says Ms Sweedman.
It include a spacious hall with theatre stage, ten-pin bowling lanes, a games room with golf simulator, lawn bowls, creative arts studio, as well as a spacious gym and heated swimming pool.
“The Country Club caters for both large and small groups, so it is perfect for making new friends over shared interests such as card games or exercise classes not to mention rediscovering new hobbies or learning new ones,” says Ms Sweedman.
The community also features the latest technology including a 7-star energy rating with rooftop solar panels on each home.
GemLife Kilcoy Greens' Country Club is the vibrant heart of the active over-50s community.
The land-lease community difference
Kilcoy Greens is one of GemLife’s signature land-lease lifestyle resorts, something very different to the typical idea of a traditional “retirement village”.
Not only do they have a younger and more active demographic, but many of their residents are also still working.
“We’re not a retirement village — and that’s a distinction we’re proud of,” says Mr Coulter.
“At GemLife, we create active lifestyle resorts exclusively for over-50s. It’s a fresh start with more choice, more independence, and more time to enjoy life on their terms.”
The land-lease model can also offer greater financial flexibility and can be better for long-term value, with residents owning their own homes while paying a weekly site rental.
“For many over-50s, the land lease model just makes sense. It’s a smarter, more flexible way to downsize — with no stamp duty, no exit fees, and homeowners keeping 100 per cent of capital gains,” says Mr Coulter.
“This model gives people the chance to unlock the value in their family home and invest in a lifestyle that’s all about them — not maintenance, not stress.”
Kilcoy Greens offers downsizers the opportunity to take full advantage of the land-lease model, while living in a picturesque treechange location.
Ms Sweedman says that GemLife Kilcoy Greens is the place both for locals who want to stay connected to the region, and for those living in the city who want a greater connection to nature and community.
She adds that now is the time to get involved in the community as it takes shape and see what is on offer.
“Home prices are only going to increase in the future, so there’s never been a better time to make an enquiry and be part of Stage One of GemLife Kilcoy Greens and start enjoying the lifestyle you’ve always promised yourself” she says.
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