Over-50s downsizers are increasingly sharing a common vision – to embrace a lifestyle-focused community, downsize to a lock-up-and-leave home, and do so without compromising on lifestyle or financial flexibility.
In Victoria, this trend is seeing many buyers turn their attention to the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula growth corridors.
Recent realestate.com.au searches for retirement living in the Greater Geelong region increased by 29% in the 12 months to March 2026, while searches in the Bellarine Peninsula increased by 31% over the same period.
A new community designed specifically for over-50s buyers is Thyme Lifestyle Resort Ocean Grove, created by operator Serenitas.
Serenitas CEO Von Slater said the Ocean Grove location reflects growing demand from over-50s buyers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle with everyday convenience.
“Ocean Grove has a strong and growing over-50s community, limited supply of purpose-built lifestyle housing and excellent connectivity to Geelong and Melbourne,” says Ms Slater.
Interest in the Geelong and Bellarine regions is growing, especially for downsizers.
A community for over-50s who still have plenty of plans
Thyme Lifestyle Resort Ocean Grove is a lifestyle-focused community designed for over-50s looking to downsize without compromising on comfort, connection or convenience.
Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, the community has been thoughtfully designed to support a relaxed coastal lifestyle, while still offering easy access to shopping, healthcare, dining and everyday amenities.
The community will feature low-maintenance homes alongside a future clubhouse precinct with an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, hobby shed, pickleball courts, cinema room, golf simulator, arts and crafts studio and more.
“It’s a community built for people who still have plenty of plans: lock-up-and-leave travel, easy weekends with friends and family, and plenty of focus on health and wellbeing,” says Von Slater.
A swimming pool is just one of the amenities Thyme Lifestyle Resort Ocean Grove's clubhouse will have.
How land lease living makes the numbers (and lifestyle) stack up
A key feature attracting many buyers to Thyme Ocean Grove is the land lease model, which offers a different approach to traditional downsizing.
Under this structure, homeowners own their home outright and lease the land it sits on through a weekly site fee.
“There’s no stamp duty, no entry or exit fees and no body corporate fees,” says Von Slater.
“Residents retain 100% of any capital gains when they sell, and eligible homeowners may also be able to access government rental assistance.”
For many downsizers, the model can help unlock equity tied up in the family home, while reducing some of the upfront and ongoing costs often associated with moving.
Interest in land lease communities has continued to grow in recent years, as more over-50s buyers seek low-maintenance homes, lifestyle-focused communities and greater financial flexibility in retirement.
The land lease model that Thyme Ocean Grove offers can be more flexible for savvy downsizers.
A new downsizing chapter on the Bellarine
Thyme Ocean Grove sits on the Bellarine Peninsula, with beaches, golf courses, wineries and retail amenities all within close proximity.
For over-50s buyers, the combination of coastal living alongside established healthcare, retail and community infrastructure is proving increasingly appealing.
“We’re seeing a growing cohort of homeowners who want to stay in the communities they know, but in a home that’s easier to manage and financially smarter to run,” says Von Slater.
Situated close to Barwon Heads, the area also offers convenient connectivity to both Geelong and Melbourne.
The Bellarine Peninsula is a coastal destination perfect for active, lifestyle-minded downsizers.
A variety of downsizing opportunities
The initial release at Thyme Ocean Grove includes a collection of thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom homes, with select floorplans also offering studies and flexible multi-purpose spaces.
Following strong demand for the Foundation Release, homesites are already being assigned in Thyme Ocean Grove's second release — The Coastline Release.
The display village is expected to open in the coming months, with first settlements anticipated from August/September 2026.
Designed for over-50s seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, the community aims to offer a balance of comfort, connection and coastal convenience.
“We see land lease communities as an important part of solving two challenges at once,” says Von Slater.
“They provide right-sized housing for older Australians while freeing up larger homes for families.”
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