There’s a lot of information to take in when you’re examining your retirement lifestyle options.
Two terms you might think are interchangeable are lifestyle resorts (sometimes called lifestyle villages) and retirement villages.
But understanding the difference between the two can make a huge difference to your retirement plans.
In this article, we look at those differences and why lifestyle villages are worth the investment.
How Are Lifestyle Villages Different from Retirement Villages?
Retirement villages and lifestyle villages differ primarily in their financial structure.
Retirement villages have some, or all, of the following charges:
- Entry fees
- Exit fees
- Deferred management fees
- Capital gains fees
- Refurbishment fees
And this is in addition to ongoing maintenance charges.
Also, in some retirement villages, you may be obliged to lease your home rather than own it.
This could leave you or your family out of pocket much more than you were expecting when it comes time to sell.
Lifestyle villages or lifestyle resorts, on the other hand, operate under a land lease model that has a very simple financial structure based on two components:
- The purchase of the home, which you own outright, and
- The rental of the land that it is on
That’s it. There are no hidden charges.
6 Reasons Why Lifestyle Villages are Worth It
There are many different retirement living options in Australia. For many people considering their retirement downsizing options, lifestyle villages like GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts have lots of advantages that, in our opinion, make them worth the investment.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. They’re Land Lease Communities
As we mentioned above, land lease communities differ from retirement villages in terms of their financial structure.
First of all, you own your home – it is not leased or rented – which means it stays as an important part of your family’s assets.
The difference between the sale of your family home and the purchase of a home in a lifestyle resort like GemLife can provide a much-needed cash boost for your retirement.
Land lease communities are covered by state government legislation which gives you security of tenure on the land your home is built on.
Best of all, there are no charges like exit fees, deferred management fees, refurbishment and capital gains fees to eat up the proceeds from the sale of your home should you decide to sell.
Learn more about the difference between retirement villages and lifestyle villages here.
2. All Maintanence is Covered With a Simple Fee
Under the land lease model, you only pay a modest weekly site rental. This covers the on-site management and maintenance of the resort facilities.
Since you are renting the land, Australian Senior and Department of Veterans’ Affairs card holders may also be eligible for government rent assistance which further reduces the rental.
There are no other charges apart from your standard utilities.
And, in the case of GemLife resorts, those utilities are less expensive thanks to the resort’s solar power management program. Many of our homeowners report receiving power bills that are less than $8 a month. Some receive no bill at all.
3. You Live in a Gated Community
Communities such as GemLife provide peace of mind with the security of gated access which limits traffic to authorised vehicles. Look for resorts that have number-plate recognition for residents’ vehicles for additional security and convenience.
At GemLife, homes have individual alarm systems, as well as security screens on windows and doors.
Gated communities attract like-minded homeowners where it is easy to make new friends and enjoy a sense of community.
Residents can go travelling knowing that their home is secure.
4. Better Facilities
Lifestyle resorts are especially designed for discerning and active over-50s who value luxury as well as relaxation. GemLife homeowners are younger than the average retirement village occupant and tend to value health and fitness.
That’s why our resorts have state-of-the-art features including fully equipped gyms, heated lap pools, plenty of walking trails, tennis and pickleball courts.
The Country Club resembles a five-star hotel with grand ballroom, cafe and bar, lounge areas, games and meeting rooms, along with a library, hair salon and consulting rooms.
5. Enjoy the Lifestyle You Deserve
Get ready to live your best years! After spending your life on commitments to work and family, you’ve earned time to do the things you want to do – and less of the things you don’t.
At an over-50s lifestyle village like GemLife, you can enjoy a whole new way of life.
Living in a luxurious right-sized home, free from home and garden maintenance, you have everything you need on the doorstep. Whether your interests are active and sporty, or you want to reignite the passion for long-neglected hobbies you’ll find everything you need at the resort.
There is also the opportunity make new friends and socialise with homeowners organising regular events, entertainment and get-togethers.
If your goal is to travel further afield, a GemLife community offers ‘lock-up-and-leave’ peace of mind thanks to the security features we mentioned earlier.
5. Pets, Kids and Grandkids Are Welcome
Welcome home.
Unlike some traditional retirement villages, which place restrictions on the type of entertaining you can do, GemLife recognises the importance of family, friends and pets.
You are welcome to invite and entertain family and friends as well as have them stay with you overnight. During the school holidays grandparents who look after their grandchildren report enjoying family time and creating special moments.
GemLife resorts have walking areas where leashed dogs are welcome to get their exercise as well as the opportunity to make canine acquaintances in the fenced off-leash area.
Why Our Homeowners Love GemLife
Meet Stephanie
International all breeds judge, Stephanie Rickard is delighted to call GemLife Woodend home.
“One of the great things about living at GemLife Woodend is that residents are allowed to bring their pets here and there are facilities to cater for them including a dog park which is located right at the end of our street,” said Stephanie, who was among the first to buy a home in the over-50s lifestyle resort.
Read more about Stephanie’s story here.
Meet Kathleen
Kathleen Smith finds plenty to keep her fit and active at GemLife Maroochy Quays. She says GemLife’s exercise classes held at the Country Club have been wonderful for her fitness.
“I do Zumba two to three times a week and don’t miss a class,” said Kath. “I also go to water aerobics on Monday mornings, and Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I was going to the gym regularly but found myself so busy that I’ve had to reduce my gym sessions to one a week.”
Read more about Kathleen’s story here.
Explore the GemLife Difference
When it comes to value, lifestyle villages like GemLife stand out from the rest. Between the sense of community, the security and the fees (or lack thereof), lifestyle villages are 100 percent worth it for those looking for a fresh start and an upbeat lifestyle
GemLife resorts are found in some of the most desirable areas around Australia and have been especially designed for active over-50s who are looking for a new lifestyle that puts them front and centre.
Featuring award-winning Country Clubs with outstanding amenities and luxurious homes that are spacious and energy efficient, GemLife provides the perfect lifestyle for those looking to ‘right size’ with a worthy investment.
For more information, contact us today and reach out to our specialist team or request an info pack.
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