Undersupply Drives Regional Qld Over-50s Land Lease Plans

Downsizer markets in Australia’s regional areas are critically undersupplied and the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, is no exception. Its rising ranks of retirees made up about 20 per cent of its 41,101 resident population—about 8000 of whom live in the township of Gatton—according to data from the 2021 Census. Developer Elijah Turkovic has crunched the numbers. “Gatton faces a shortage of more than 600 suitable homes for over-50s with the figure expected to double within 10 years,’’ he said. “There hasn’t been any new retirement or land lease housing investment delivered to the region in the past two decades.’’ Turkovic is the managing director of Gold Coast-based Bocina Group, which has filed plans for the first over-50s lifestyle community at Gatton. To be known as Solara Estate, the $150-million proposal would comprise 267 homes across a 16.74ha site on Golf Links Drive, less than 800m from an 18-hole golf course and a four-minute drive from Gatton’s town centre. Turkovic said the proposed land lease masterplan would deliver much needed housing for downsizers wanting to stay in the region close to family and social networks. He said Gatton was at the centre of a growing region with one-third of its population aged over 50. “It’s important that the community can cater to all residents from downsizers, to first and second home buyers looking to establish themselves in the area,” Turkovic said. “Our proposed development will allow locals to remain in the region rather than needing to relocate to either Toowoomba or Ipswich for age-appropriate housing while also freeing up larger homes for families moving in.” ▲ Renderings and masterplan for the over-50s land lease lifestyle community Solara Estate proposed for Gatton. He said the Solara Estate scheme has been designed with “generous” community facilities for downsizers to age in place—including an outdoor fire pit lounge, heated indoor pool and spa, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, dance/aerobics hall and yoga lawn, as well as pickleball courts and lawn bowls green. “When we set about designing the masterplan with BDA Architecture, it was essential that the estate fostered community connection and embraced the area’s character through open green spaces, extensive native landscaping, and quality home designs. “The development will deliver a mix of single-level two-bedroom and two-bedroom plus study floor plans, all with premium finishes and appliances, and ducted air-conditioning. “It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the Gatton Jubilee Golf Club and a short drive to local shopping centres, healthcare providers, weekly markets and events. “The Solara Club is a central clubhouse adjoining the recreation spaces and includes an outdoor terrace, library, formal lounge and fireplace, a 33-seat cinema, function rooms and games areas.” The masterplan also includes 39 dedicated RV storage spaces and secure, gated access. Meanwhile, major land lease developer Living Gems said it had begun work on a 186-home lifestyle community at Burpengary East, Moreton Bay. ▲ An aerial view of the Living Gems site north of Brisbane. The $140-million project approved in November by the Moreton Bay Regional Council is rising at 273-308 Buckley Road and includes a $13-million country club. Amenities include a pool, cinema, gym, lawn bowls, pickleball and tennis courts. Civil construction has begun, and the developer said the first homes were due to start going up early next year. Living Gems chief executive Anthony Puljich said the community would meet strong demand for right-sized homes while easing pressure on local housing supply. “Moreton Bay is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia and that’s only going to gather pace in the years ahead,” Puljich said. “The location ... between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, makes it popular with all generations, including right-sizers entering their over-50s and beyond.”

Undersupply Drives Regional Qld Over-50s Land Lease Plans

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