More downsizers than ever before are seeking out penthouses which deliver opulent and luxurious retirement living, including stunning views, outdoor terraces, kitchens with butler's pantries, walk-in wardrobes and media rooms.
The trend is in line with research by Downsizing.com.au which shows that post-COVID, downsizers are increasingly looking for greater space and are also willing to buy at a higher price point.
Here are seven penthouses currently featured on Downsizing.com.au which have been designed to satisfy even the most discerning over 50 home seeker.
Altum by Northerly (Scarborough, Perth)
Set in a tranquil cul-de-sac near Scarborough beach and affording stunning views, Altum by Northerly incorporates 11 elegant three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouses starting from $1.45 million.
These penthouses have an average internal size of 155 sq/m, with the largest being 212sq/m. The balconies, on average, add an additional 64 sq/m to this space.
All include superior quality fittings, such as engineered quartz benchtops, oak timber flooring throughout the living areas and pure wool carpet in the bedrooms. Huge wraparound balconies, two car bays and a generous storage shed are standard.
Entertainers will relish the integrated Fisher & Paykel fridge/freezer, 800mm induction cooktop and two built in ovens – a European pyrolytic oven with microwave plus a compact combi-steam oven.
Apartments in the East Tower feature an outlook towards the Perth Hills, while those in the West Tower capture breathtaking Indian Ocean views. All apartments are strata titled.
Somerset Indooroopilly (Brisbane)
This property by south-east Queensland’s Aura Holdings caters to contemporary retirement living consumers who are increasingly seeking superior quality accommodation, according to their director Tim Russell.
“Today’s retirees demand a very high standard,’’ he says. “Aura’s residents view downsizing as gaining freedom from the maintenance and stress associated with the family home and garden, not compromising their standard of living. Our penthouse apartments have changed the face of retirement living for the 21st century.’’
Stage one of Somerset Indooroopilly, set within Brisbane’s Indooroopilly Golf Course, includes four luxury penthouses. Three have sold from $2.55 million, and the remaining three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom penthouse boasts 260 square metres of interior and external living space, a media room, study, and entertainer’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, with sweeping golf course views.
The Avenue Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast)
Also by Aura Holdings, the newly completed final stage of The Avenue Maroochydore offers four large and lavish penthouses within walking distance of stunning Sunshine Coast beaches. Two have already sold, with the other two available at up to $1.31 million.
Mr Russell explains that when designing their retirement villages, Aura Holdings have catered for buyers seeking space, style and premium features.
“Visitors to The Avenue say, ‘Wow, this looks nothing like retirement living’,’’ he says. The largest available penthouse features 290 square metres of internal and external living space, three bedrooms – two with ensuites – and a third bathroom. The walk-in robe in the main bedroom is the size of a double bedroom.
The Village Yeronga (Brisbane)
Enveloped within lush parklands, The Village Yeronga offers 5-star elegance close to all the facilities of this Brisbane riverside suburb. This exclusive three-bedroom, three-bathroom north-facing penthouse apartment by The Village Retirement Group is priced at $1.875 million.
Impressive appointments include an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, separate study, two allocated car parks and an expansive outdoor terrace and separate courtyard with long-range views to the city skyline.
Opus Broadbeach (Gold Coast)
On the 24th level with a sought-after northern aspect, Apartment 104 of Opus Broadbeach by Morris Property Group is a luxurious three-bedroom sub-penthouse. Priced at $1.649 million, it features 178 square metres of stylish living, including an array of extras and upgrades like a Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance package, timber flooring in the living areas, and reconstituted stone kitchen benchtops.
Two balconies provide breathtaking views from the Gold Coast hinterland to the Surfers skyline and beaches, and there’s secure basement parking for two cars.
Long Tan Retirement Village (Newcastle)
As the first vertical independent retirement property in the heart of Newcastle, residents love that Long Tan Village has great proximity to services such as shopping and healthcare, says a spokesperson from their developer and operator RSL Lifecare.
They also appreciate the lifestyle: “The Sky Lounge has breath-taking views to relax and enjoy. Some of our residents have even said, ‘it is just like being on a permanent holiday’.”
The architecturally designed and airy two-bedroom plus study penthouses afford hinterland or harbour views from expansive balconies, with prices starting at $1 million. Premium finishes are evident throughout and elevators access the secure garaging. Also co-located within Long Tan is a 60-bed residential aged care facility.
The Grace Albert Park (South Melbourne)
At $2.45million, apartment 1503 of The Grace Albert Park promises an opulent lifestyle in this attractive bayside location. The three-bedroom Australian Unity retirement village apartment features luxurious finishes and top-class inclusions, such as Miele and Fisher & Paykel appliances and an enormous butler’s pantry for tidy food preparation.
The main bedroom boasts a magnificent ensuite, and the same matchless views across the city skyline and Albert Park Lake as are afforded from the private balcony. There’s also secure parking with direct lift access to your level.
Comment from our CEO
Amanda Graham, CEO of Downsizing, says the strong demand for, and supply of, penthouse apartments shows how buyer expectations are changing.
“We are seeing developers catering for a new brand of downsizers who crave space and luxury after working hard during their lives and don't want to settle for second best,” Ms Graham said.
“Many over 50s are not actually ‘downsizing’ in terms of reducing the size of their home, but moving to new lifestyle-rich locations, reducing home maintenance chores and significantly enhancing their quality of life.”
You’ll find Australia’s best range of premium retirement living properties at Downsizing.com.au – start your search here.
