Ingenia Communities, an ASX-listed leader in land lease communities, is redefining sustainable housing for over-50s with Australia’s first all Green Star Homes Designed community in Beveridge, Victoria.
All home designs across the 262 home master-planned community meet the rigorous Green Star Designed assessment from the Green Building Council of Australia, offering residents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, healthy way to live.
Ingenia’s Beveridge community is setting a new benchmark for sustainable seniors living. By integrating eco-friendly features into every home, Ingenia is empowering older Australians to lower their environmental footprint while enjoying significant savings on household running costs.
Key features of these innovative homes include:
- Cost savings: Solar-powered, fully electric homes reduce reliance on grid energy, potentially cutting utility costs by over $2,000* per year compared to an original 30 year old gas powered home, according to analysis by Kinesis.
- Healthy homes: Heat recovery ventilation systems, non-toxic building materials and high performance insulation create fresh, quiet, comfortable living spaces.
- Thermal efficiency: Thermally-efficient windows, lighter coloured roofs and a 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating ensure homes require less heating and cooling, saving energy and enhancing year-round comfort.
Ingenia CEO John Carfi said the homes offer a sustainable, affordable lifestyle for downsizers.
“Our Beveridge community offers retirees the chance to enjoy a modern, connected lifestyle while treading lightly on the planet, it is community living reimagined,” Mr Carfi said.
“These homes reflect the values of a new generation of seniors who care about their quality of life and leaving a lighter carbon footprint for their children and grandchildren.”
Located 37 km from Melbourne’s CBD, Ingenia’s Beveridge community includes a clubhouse with gold-class-style cinema, library, heated pool, gym, yoga and art studios, croquet and pickleball courts, BBQ area, community garden and workshop.
Ingenia’s land lease model provides senior Australians with financial flexibility by allowing them to own their homes and lease the land, with no stamp duty, exit fees, or deferred management fees, while keeping any capital gains.
Homes start at $475,000**, making them an affordable option for downsizers seeking a high-quality, sustainable lifestyle in a socially connected community.
Research from Catalyst (2023) highlights the rising environmental consciousness of retiring baby boomers**. Ingenia addresses this demand by integrating sustainability features offering lower running costs, enhanced wellbeing and reduced emissions.
Ingenia’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual homes to the entire community, which is also targeting a 4-star Green Star Communities certification. The community will have its own embedded energy network providing cost-effective energy directly to residents, a communal EV and recycled water system.
Ingenia’s innovative approach aligns with its broader vision to create resilient, sustainable communities.
“This project represents the future of independent seniors living, combining affordability with cutting-edge sustainability features that benefit residents and the environment,” Mr Carfi said.
Construction of the homes has commenced, with the first residents expected to move in mid-2025.
CEO John Carfi with Jon and Cheryl Abbott.
*Kinesis ‘Green Star Home Sustainability Analysis Report,’ October 2024. Ingenia Lifestyle commissioned sustainability consultancy Kinesis to analyse the financial and environmental benefits of a Green Star Home compared to a 30 year old home with a gas connection for heating, cooking and hot water. To provide a like-for-like comparison, both houses are single storey, standalone homes designed for 2 people, with 3 bedrooms and a total floor area of 175.5 sqm. The 30 year old home is assumed to have a 5-star NatHERS thermal performance rating while the Green Star home has a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating. This approach controls any physical differences in the home and allows for effective sustainability performance comparison. The analysis assumes 3% inflation per annum for 10 years based on RBA projections. Refer accompanying fact sheet.
**Price correct 20.01.25. Subject to change and availability.
***The Catalyst Report – Retirement Living insights 2023.
About Ingenia Communities
Ingenia Communities is top 200 ASX-listed operator, owner and developer of land lease communities, senior rentals, and holiday parks. Its $2.5 billion portfolio includes over 100 communities and development sites including 30 land lease communities across Australia where over 5,000 residents choose to own their own home. www.ingeniacommunities.com.au
