As Australia’s population ages, more and more people are looking to downsize into modern, comfortable, convenient homes in over-50s lifestyle communities.
For those looking for a new home in their 50s and beyond, three priorities tend to win out: low-maintenance homes that are retirement-ready and close to family.
Enter Lifestyle Communities.
Lifestyle Communities has 25 thriving over-50s communities across Victoria offering affordable housing options, easy-to-maintain homes and shared resort-style amenities.
“Lifestyle Communities really attracts that young-at-heart person,” said Lifestyle Communities head of customer experience Ben Mackenzie.
“They’re wanting a reimagination of their lifestyle. We’re seeing 67 being the average age people are looking to do that.”
Over-50s Victorians are turning towards communities that emphasise lifestyle and connection.
Combining comfort, lifestyle and security
Lifestyle Communities are based in Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast and around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, with a couple of outliers in Shepparton and Warrigal.
There are one-, two- and three-bedroom homes on offer, with options around garages and studies for people who are still working or transitioning into retirement.
“A lot of people moving into our newest communities are often still working,” said Mr Mackenzie.
“They might work for a period of two years and then transition into full retirement from there. They get themselves in the mode to retire and this is their first step.”
More than 5,800 Victorians call a Lifestyle Community home, so what's attracting them to this style of living?
Mr Mackenzie said many people were drawn to the resort-style lifestyle and wellness perks.
A recent survey conducted by Lifestyle Communities of its residents showed that occupants’ wellbeing and life satisfaction scores were higher than the benchmarks for others their age.
With security also a growing factor for Australians’ comfort in their own homes as they age, the safety factor was another big drawcard.
“They’re looking to feel secure in their living environment as they get older,” said Mr Mackenzie.
“Us providing that is a real positive to them.”
Lifestyle Communities builds over-50s neighbourhoods in lifestyle-rich downsizer hotspots.
Architecturally designed and amenity-rich
Each Lifestyle Communities home has been beautifully designed to balance low-maintenance living with generous living areas and clever storage options for downsizers relocating from bigger homes.
Locations have been selected based on their proximity to key amenities, including retail precincts and healthcare options.
Resort-style amenities range from community gardens and workshop spaces to sports facilities, gyms, libraries, pickleball courts, and indoor pools and spas, giving each community its own wellness focus.
“The big design highlight is probably the Clubhouse,” said Mr Mackenzie.
“That really is the heart of the community where people come and connect.
“We have homeowners right now out there playing board games, having lunch, coming to read the newspaper, or engaging in classes and wellness activities.”
Each Lifestyle Communities over-50s community features resort-quality amenities that bring neighbours together.
How land lease can unlock equity
Lifestyle Communities operates under the land lease model, whereby residents own their home and lease the land.
Homeowners pay a site fee fortnightly, that covers the lease for the land the home sits on, as well as providing access to shared amenities, and a professional landscaping team who maintain their front gardens and communal areas.
Lifestyle Managers live onsite and are available during business hours to keep the community running smoothly and host activities that keep you connected.
Eligible homeowners can unlock rental assistance from the government in some instances to cover some of this cost.
There's also a one-off management fee calculated on the purchase price of the home, which homeowners can now choose to pay upfront or when they leave the community.
Key benefits of the land lease model include no stamp duty upon purchase, no individual council rates, and residents retain their capital gains if they decide to sell.
Mr Mackenzie said the land lease model makes it easier for people to purchase an affordable home – allowing buyers to use their existing equity for other things.
“(We) emphasise that affordability, so they can unlock equity and live life on their terms as them move into the next phase of their life,” he said.
The land lease model offers greater flexibility for over-50s downsizers.
A new way of living
For those considering making the move to Lifestyle Communities, Mr Mackenzie suggests exploring what’s on offer and to spending some time in the community speaking to residents.
“Weigh up what you want to achieve in your later years and how do you want to move into that next phase of your life,” he said.
Mr Mackenzie said he, for one, was sold. He plans to support his mother moving into Lifestyle Communities.
“I’m only two years into working in the space and it’s been quite an amazing experience to understand the value that these communities provide to the ageing population,” he said.
“You walk into one of the communities and you really feel this sense of comfort and warmth.
“The stats are really clear – you live in a community like this close to people, have a sense of belonging and purpose; you have neighbours around you that you feel supported by – you live better, you live a more content life.”
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