Advertorial for GemLife
Jaymie Hooper
Logan is one of the fastest-growing cities in Queensland, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the population set to increase by more than 50 per cent over the next 20 years.
Helping drive this growth are over-50s who prefer to downsize in locations like Logan for greater connectivity and freedom.
“For active over-50s, Logan offers the opportunity to stay connected while enjoying a home and community that’s designed for the next stage of life,” says Andrew Coulter, chief operating officer at GemLife.
Nestled between the major metropolitan hubs of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan offers an attractive mix of winding rivers, pristine regional parks, strong existing infrastructure and a thriving shopping and food scene. Unlike its neighbouring cities, Logan also boasts a more affordable housing market compared to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which has seen the region’s popularity rise significantly in recent years.
“It’s well-connected to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, giving people easy access to family, healthcare, shopping and transport, while offering a more relaxed pace of life and excellent value,” Coulter adds.
In response to the growing demand in Logan, GemLife, one of Australia’s leading developers of premium over-50s lifestyle resorts, has recently invested $470 million into the region. GemLife Heritage Park and GemLife Logan Grove will bring close to 600 new homes to the area, providing even more options for over-50s looking to relocate.
Freedom of choice
Although the new resorts have been designed with the same vision in mind, Coulter notes that they appeal to different preferences.
“GemLife Heritage Park will attract people who want to stay close to established amenities and familiar surroundings,” he says. “It’s in an established suburban area, with more than 12 hectares of conservation reserve woven through the community, while shops, transport and healthcare are all close by.”
The community is surrounded by green space and walking trails, with cafes, parks, shops, public transport and medical services all close by. Meanwhile at Chambers Flat, GemLife Logan Grove offers homeowners a different kind of escape.
“It’s for people who are looking for more space and a semi-rural setting without giving up convenience,” Coulter says. “There’s plenty of green space throughout the community, and shops, healthcare and other everyday services are all close by.”
Bounded by open parkland and bushland, the pet-friendly resort is within easy reach of the Logan River, the Scenic Rim, golf courses, shopping centres, cafes, healthcare services and public transport. Once completed, its double-storey, heritage-inspired Country Club will bring together active recreation areas, like pickleball courts and an outdoor pool and spa, as well as spaces for relaxation, such as the library, creative arts studio, bar and lounge.
“What both communities have in common is the lifestyle they offer,” Coulter says. “Our homeowners enjoy thoughtfully designed homes, premium facilities, a welcoming community and the freedom that comes from spending less time maintaining a property and more time enjoying life.”
The GemLife difference
GemLife’s land lease model differs from a traditional retirement village in several key areas. Residents own their home and lease the land beneath it, with no entry or exit fees, stamp duty or deferred management fees. They also retain any capital growth when they sell.
“Residents pay a weekly site fee, which covers access to the community’s facilities and services, along with the usual household expenses,” Coulter says. “Even those everyday costs can be lower thanks to our energy-efficient homes.”
Selling a larger family home can also free up equity, giving residents more options for how they use their money.
“Everyone uses that differently,” Coulter says. “Some travel more, some help family, while others renovate, invest or simply keep the money for the future.”
Ultimately, the GemLife model is all about giving people the confidence to manage their money well, says Coulter.
“When your home is easier to maintain and your ongoing costs are simpler and more predictable, you can spend less time worrying about household expenses and more time enjoying everything this stage of life has to offer.”
GemLife is one of Australia’s fastest-growing land lease operators, creating vibrant lifestyle communities for Australians over fifty in sought-after locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including two new resorts in the Logan region. Discover more at gemlife.com.au
