Why More Victorians Are Choosing Public Life for Their Next Chapter

As Australia’s population grows, more and more people are looking to downsize to modern, comfortable, 50s-style homes.

For those looking for a new home in their 50s and older, three priorities tend to prevail: low-maintenance homes that are ready for retirement and close to family.

Join Lifestyle Communities.

Lifestyle Communities has 25 thriving communities over 50 across Victoria that offer affordable housing options, easy-care homes and shared resort-style amenities.

“Lifestyle Communities really appeals to that young person,” says Lifestyle Communities head of customer experience Ben Mackenzie.

“They want to rethink their way of life. We see 67 as the normal age for people to want to do that.”

Combining comfort, lifestyle and security

Lifestyle Communities are based in Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, the Bass Coast and the surrounding areas of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, with a few outposts in Shepparton and Warrigal.

There are one, two and three bedroom homes on offer, with options around garages and studies for people still working or transitioning into retirement.

“Many people who move to our new communities tend to work,” said Mr Mackenzie.

“They might work for a period of two years and go into full retirement from there. They find themselves in retirement and this is their first step.”

More than 5,800 Victorians call the Lifestyle Community home, so what attracts them to this lifestyle?

Mr Mackenzie said many people were attracted to the leisure lifestyle and health benefits.

A recent survey conducted by Lifestyle Communities of its residents showed that residents’ well-being and life satisfaction were higher than other peer benchmarks.

As safety is also an increasing factor in Australians’ comfort in their homes as they age, the safety factor was another big drawcard.

“They are looking to feel secure in their environment as they grow up,” said Mr Mackenzie.

“To provide that is a really good thing for them.”

Lifestyle Communities is building neighborhoods that are over 50 years old in places that eat healthy food.

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It is architecturally designed and rich in amenities

Each of the Lifestyle Communities homes is carefully designed to balance low-maintenance living with generous living spaces and smart storage options for downsizers from larger homes.

Locations were selected based on their proximity to key amenities, including retail locations and health care options.

Resort-style amenities range from community gardens and workshops to sports centers, gyms, libraries, pickleball courts, and indoor pools and spas, giving each community its own wellness focus.

“The highlight of the main building is probably the Clubhouse,” said Mr Mackenzie.

“That’s really the heart of the community where people come and connect.

“We have homeowners right now playing board games, eating lunch, coming to read the newspaper, or doing wellness classes and activities.”

Each of the over 50 Lifestyle Communities features resort-quality amenities that complement the neighborhood.

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How land leasing can unlock equity

Lifestyle Communities operate under a land lease model, where residents own their homes and lease the land.

Homeowners pay a site fee once a week, which includes a place to live in the home, as well as providing access to shared facilities, as well as a professional landscaping team that maintains their front gardens and communal areas.

Lifestyle Managers live on site and are available during business hours to keep the community running smoothly and host activities that keep you connected.

Eligible landlords can turn on rental assistance from the government in some cases to cover some of these costs.

There is also a one-off management fee calculated on the purchase price of the home, which homeowners can now choose to pay up front or when they leave the community.

Key benefits of the land lease model include no stamp duty when buying, no council rates, and residents keep their capital gains if they decide to sell.

Mr Mackenzie said the land lease model made it easier for people to buy affordable housing – allowing buyers to use their equity for other things.

“(We) emphasize that affordability, so they can unlock equity and live life on their own terms as they move into the next phase of their lives,” he said.

The land lease model offers greater flexibility for over 50s amortized.

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A new way of life

For those considering moving to Lifestyle Communities, Mr Mackenzie suggests checking out what’s on offer and spending some time in the community talking to residents.

“Weigh what you want to achieve in your coming years and how you want to move into that next phase of your life,” she said.

Mr Mackenzie said he, for one, was sold. He plans to support his mother to enter Lifestyle Communities.

“I have only been working in the area for two years and it has been amazing to understand the value these communities provide to the elderly,” she said.

“You walk into one of the communities and you really feel this sense of comfort and warmth.

“The statistics are really clear – you live in a community like this where you are close to people, you feel important and meaningful; you have neighbors around you who feel supported – you live better, you live a more content life.”