South-east Queensland is becoming more appealing to modern downsizers, and it’s easy to see why.
Known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque national parks, the region has long captured the interest of buyers looking for homes in a scenic location.
Andrew Coulter chief operating officer of GemLife, a leading developer of over-50s lifestyle resorts across Australia, says it’s also a pragmatic choice for downsizers.
“South-east Queensland offers a very practical mix: good weather, strong health and transport infrastructure, access to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and a lifestyle that still feels relaxed,” he says.
“For many downsizers, it means they can stay close to family, services and familiar communities while moving into a stylish new home that is energy-efficient and requires minimal upkeep.”
One location seeing increased interest is Logan City, with new communities providing additional housing options for downsizers.
According to realestate.com.au data, demand in Logan is increasing, with house prices in Logan City suburbs like Logan Central, Heritage Park, and Chambers Flat increasing by an average of 16.7% in the year to April 2026.
Logan City has emerged as an area in South-east Queensland that's attracting significant buyer attention.
Key factors driving Logan's appeal
Located halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan’s position makes it a convenient option away from Queensland’s busier urban centres.
“It has access to major road links including the Pacific Motorway and Mount Lindesay Highway, and rail connections through stations such as Loganlea on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines,” says Mr Coulter.
While it’s well-connected, Logan has plenty to offer on its own with established shopping, dining, and community services across the city.
Mr Coulter also highlights that, for downsizers especially, health access is another key factor making the city so appealing.
“Logan Hospital is one of the major hospitals serving this growth corridor, with significant expansion works adding new beds and treatment spaces,” he explains.
Logan Hospital's over $1 billion upgrade is one part of the major infrastructure investment shaping Logan City's growth.
According to Logan City Council, Logan's population is predicted to grow by more than 50% over the next 20 years, which has lead to more than $18 billion in publicly funded projects across the city.
The lifestyle benefits and future potential are what drew GemLife to the area, with the developer choosing Logan City as the home for two of its over-50s lifestyle resorts.
“We chose Logan because it offers the fundamentals downsizers are looking for: location, liveability and long-term growth,” says Mr Coulter.
“It is close to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim, yet still has leafy, semi-rural pockets that feel calm and spacious.”
GemLife has built two resort-style communities to make the most of Logan City's unique semi-rural atmosphere and future growth.
Two new over-50s communities in Logan
Downsizers looking to take advantage of all that Logan City has to offer have two new options, with GemLife’s Heritage Park and Logan Grove lifestyle resorts recently launched.
Each community will have its own unique atmosphere and character, giving downsizers even more choice when it comes to living in Logan.
Offering 313 new homes, GemLife Heritage Park balances urban convenience with a nature-connected setting and has a 12.3ha conservation reserve at its heart.
“Heritage Park is an established suburban area – close to everything, and yet with a strong focus on nature,” explains Mr Coulter.
“GemLife Heritage Park will suit people who want a peaceful, established Logan location with modern living and resort-style facilities close at hand.”
GemLife Heritage Park is located in one of Logan City's more established and convenient suburbs.
On the other hand, GemLife Logan Grove is located in the suburb of Chambers Flat, a peaceful Logan pocket known for its more semi-rural character.
“This part of Logan is a good fit for downsizers who want space, greenery and a quieter lifestyle, while still being within reach of shops and essential services,” says Mr Coulter.
While they may offer a different ambience, Heritage Park and Logan Grove both still offer the high level of lifestyle that GemLife resorts are known for.
This includes approximately $15 million in resort-style facilities, with each community having its own signature Country Club, set to include amenities like a residents’ lounge and coffee bar, golf simulator, indoor heated pool, and arts and craft studio.
“Both communities are designed for over-50s who want a low-maintenance home, a wide range of resort-style facilities and a more connected way of living,” says Mr Coulter.
GemLife Logan Grove's Country Club offers residents are range of amenities that support an active, connected lifestyle.
Lifestyle and freedom for modern downsizers
Part of the reason lifestyle-focused locations like Logan and resorts like GemLife Heritage Park and Logan Grove are attracting interest is that they cater to the needs of a today's downsizers.
According to Mr Coulter, one of the major differences he’s seeing with modern downsizers is that they’re not necessarily waiting until full retirement to make their next move.
“Many are moving earlier, while they are still working full-time or part-time, because they want more freedom, less home maintenance and better access to lifestyle facilities now,” he explains.
“That free time and freed-up capital from downsizing a family-sized home becomes part of a retirement strategy that often includes more travel and prioritising lifestyle.”
For added freedom and flexibility, GemLife communities use a land-lease community model that’s increasingly attracting modern downsizers.
Through the model, homeowners own their home and lease the land through a weekly site fee that also gives them access to the resort’s facilities.
“For many downsizers, that can mean a lower upfront cost because there is no stamp duty on purchase,” says Mr Coulter. “With GemLife there are no entry or exit fees and homeowners keep all capital gains should they decide to sell.”
“It gives people a modern, easy-to-maintain home without moving into a traditional retirement village structure.”
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