As the number of over-50s in Geelong continues to increase, the doors are set to open on a $2.5million clubhouse at a residential community designed for a new type of retiree – the active downsizer. The clubhouse, which opens on 13 February, is the latest milestone at the $45 million, 165-home Lifestyle Geelong community at Bell Park.
With amenities including an indoor pool and spa, gymnasium, cinema, computer centre, tennis court and bowling green, the clubhouse will serve as a focal point for active downsizers.
“These are typically people aged over 50 who want to cash in on equity from their often large suburban house in favour of an affordable, yet sophisticated home in a secure environment that also requires little maintenance,” Lifestyle Communities’ Managing Director James Kelly said.
“There’s huge demand for this style of living. In the City of Greater Geelong alone, the number of people aged between 50 and 80 is forecast to grow from 69,721 in 2013 to 75,520 by 2017. At the same time, ‘traditional’ retirement living is losing its appeal.
“We’re offering homes for those who want to make the most of their time once their kids have moved out. Most developers have townhouses as their smaller living solution, whereas we know that over 50s prefer single-storey living.”
The central element of Lifestyle Communities developments is its land lease model which allows customers to buy their homes and enter into a 90-year lease for the land on which it sits. It provides savings to the homeowner as there is no stamp duty payable on the purchase, no council rates, and no body corporate.
Mr Kelly says the financial reasons to downsize make a lot of sense. “The ‘old home’ is too big and many find that maintenance tasks are soaking up money and time that could be better spent elsewhere,” he said.
“In Geelong there is a great opportunity to free up some money from selling that big home and downsize to a bigger life.”
Lifestyle Geelong offers a range of one, two and two-bedroom plus study floorplans with stainless steel appliances including dishwasher, stone benchtops, quality carpets and tiles and energy-saving LED downlights.
There is heating and cooling, plenty of storage, landscaping to front gardens and even a garden shed.
Prices start at $230,950.
Lifestyle Geelong also has live-in community managers who take care of all common area maintenance. Lifestyle Communities develops, owns and manages affordable independent living communities for over 50s.
The company has 10 communities around Victoria and more than 1700 homeowners. For sales inquiries or an information pack, call the Lifestyle Geelong sales team on 1300 50 55 60 or visit the community at 28 – 36 Barton Street, Bell Park, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
For more information about Lifestyle Communities, visit lifestylecommunities.com.au
