Imagine being able to move to resort-like over 50s communities in some of Australia’s most desirable coastal holiday hotspots, but pay only half the price of homes found in the same area?
This is the opportunity being taken up by savvy downsizers, who are relocating to Hometown Australia lifestyle communities across Australia.
In a Hometown Australia lifestyle community, downsizers own their dwelling and then benefit from a secure long-term ground lease. This means no stamp duty or council rates are payable, while eligible homeowners can also claim fortnightly Commonwealth rental assistance.
These communities contain the type of communal facilities you’ll find at holiday resorts, including pools, gyms, clubhouses, bowls greens and tennis courts.
These facilities, and the financial savings delivered by Hometown Australia’s land lease model, is helping many over 50s to enjoy a permanent holiday at some of Australia’s most iconic coastal locations.
Below are profiles on four coastal Hometown Australia communities where homes are up to 55 per cent less expensive than homes found in the surrounding area.
Beachfront Lifestyle Community (NSW Mid-North Coast region)
You’ll find the Beachfront Lifestyle Community at the quiet hamlet of Halliday’s Point, located north of Forster on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
The community is located directly behind Black Head Beach, which means its residents enjoy the soothing distant sounds of ocean waves and a cooling coastal breeze, along with direct beach access when they want to go for a walk.
A number of the community’s residents had previously enjoyed family holidays in the local area for many years.
Within the community, residents enjoy two resort-like pools with outdoor sun chairs, along with the Ocean Room bar and clubhouse, a tennis court and BBQ area.
New homes range from $420,000, with all homes thoughtfully designed while keeping affordability in mind.
For instance, The Pacific home design is priced at $425,000 and has two generous bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, along with modern kitchen and living spaces which flow to an outdoor entertaining deck. The home also has an undercover carport, landscaping, ceiling fans and air conditioning.
This home represents great value, compared to the median sale price of $977,000 in Halliday’s Point in December 2021.
Glenfern Lifestyle Community (NSW Mid-North Coast region)
Construction is now underway on Glenfern, Hometown Australia’s newest community at Thrumster in the Port Macquarie hinterland.
The Glenfern Lifestyle Community will include holiday resort-like facilities, including a 25m lap pool, lawn bowls, pickle ball court, gym and wellness centre, cinema, café and sports bar. First homes will be ready for occupation in mid to late 2022.
The 151-home community will also be located just 10 minutes from the heart of Port Macquarie - which is regarded as one of Australia’s premier holiday and downsizing destinations.
Glenfern community homes start from $535,000. This compares to a median sale price of $692,000 in Thrumster, or $750,000 within Port Macquarie itself, over the last 12 months.
The community will include the Lighthouse home design, which will be Hometown Australia’s first purpose design built two-storey home. The home will include a lift and spacious master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and balcony, and is priced from $575,000.
Hometown Australia’s Development Manager Geoff Dearden said Glenfern has been designed to respect its natural surroundings.
“The community is adjacent to protected bushland where ongoing peace and quiet for residents will be preserved,” he said.
“The design is intended to feel like a small-town centre with multiple buildings, function areas, and outdoor spaces all enjoying the tranquil views over the adjoining bushland.
“The core focus of the Glenfern Community design is to create a purpose-built neighbourhood to encourage a sense of belonging, social connection and security by including areas where residents can walk their dogs, engage in social activities and come together to enjoy being part of the community.”
Sunrise Lifestyle Community (NSW Port Stephens region)
Sunrise Lifestyle Community is located in the stunning holiday hotspot of Port Stephens, in NSW’s Lower Hunter region.
The Port Stephens local government area is home to a 134 square kilometre natural harbour (which is larger than Sydney Harbour), along with 113km of ocean and estuary coastline.
These abundant maritime assets means that Port Stephens has earned the tagline as a “blue water paradise”.
Given its proximity to Sydney and Newcastle, it’s no surprise that Port Stephens is so popular among both holiday-makers and downsizers.
Sunrise is a resort-style community, set between the ocean and the countryside.
It’s home to a club house, swimming pool, bowling green, crafts room, library, cinema spa and wellness centre, and community bus. There’s also space to park your boat or caravan.
Homes start from $545,000, which compares very favourably with the $750,000 median sales price at the nearby suburb of Anna Bay.
Currently there are seven designs to choose from with homes selling quickly. Downsizers have the opportunity to choose homes designed for flexible living and entertaining with features such as walk-in-robes, stone bench tops and gourmet kitchen island.
For instance, the two-bedroom Sirocco home design is priced at $545,000 and has two living spaces and a large kitchen with an island bench. It also has a covered alfresco area, a landscaped garden and a widened single garage.
Orianna Lifestyle Community (Moreton Bay region, Queensland)
With its slow-paced coastal location, and an abundance of recreational facilities, Orianna Lifestyle Community is the perfect location for a permanent holiday.
Being located just 100m from the edge of the Bribie Island Passage, residents can wake up to a gentle ocean sea breeze and also have the perfect vantage point to explore the area’s natural wonders.
from the edge of the Bribie Island Passage
In fact, Orianna has its own communal pontoon boat to allow residents to fish in and explore local waterways. It also features an outdoor fully heated pool and bowling green, along with a cinema, clubhouse, BBQ area, games room, gymnasium and wellness centre,
Orianna homes start at $456,500 compared to a median sale price of $572,000 in the surrounding suburb of Sandstone Point.
For instance, Orianna’s architecturally-designed Oakley home design starts at $469,500 and features three bedrooms (two with a walk-in wardrobe), raked ceilings and open plan living.
It also has a double lock-up garage, separate laundry and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
This story has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Hometown Australia
