The idea of living in an active over-50s community has been made far more popular thanks to Ocean Club Resort, one of the pioneers of 5-star, independent living in NSW.
We have created an over 50s resort near Port Macquarie that focuses on active retirement living, with luxurious homes, a range of resort-style amenities and a community of caring neighbours where the emphasis is on a “sense of belonging”.
When it comes to choosing the style of retirement you are after, there are big financial and lifestyle differences between luxury communities , like Ocean Club Resort, and traditional retirement villages .
Ocean Club Resort is a Land Lease community, which offers enticing advantages for young seniors when they are considering downsizing their home and upsizing their lifestyle.
Land Lease lifestyle communities, such as Ocean Club Resort, are designed more for the young at heart. They are a popular choice for over 50s who are looking to downsize and those who may still be working, semi-retired or retired. They are often based in desireable locations with ample nearby amenities, plenty of transport options and beautiful surrounds.
Residents buy their home and lease the land under a site agreement. As part of the package, they have access to a range of lifestyle enhancing facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, tennis court, bowling green, and a club house. A weekly site fee is paid to the community operator and eligible residents are able to draw on rental assistance from Centrelink, resulting in low fees.
In a Land Lease community, you are the owner of your home. At Ocean Club Resort, the Site Agreement is a document you sign that provides you exclusive entitlement to occupy the land where your house sits. A weekly fee is payable which covers council rates and maintenance of all resort facilities.
Your Site Agreement gives you peace of mind. Your tenure is secure under the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013 and is supported by NSW State Government legislation .
Retirement villages are structured communities providing a range of accommodation options such as villas or apartments, services and facilities. Some are independent, some have integrated level of care and some are attached to an aged care facility so you can transition over when you need to and remain in the same community. They are suited for older retirees compared to land lease communities. The average entry age is 75 and resident is 80. Fees vary according to the different tenure types making it more complex than a Land Lease community. These fees may include: an entry fee, stamp duty, legal fees, strata fees, ongoing management fees, service fees, exit fees.
If you’re comparing retirement villages , Port Macquarie and its stunning surrounds has long been a drawcard for seniors. With the arrival of Ocean Club Resort, the Land Lease option has become an even stronger reason for active seniors to consider retirement on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
The following takes a look at the difference between Land Lease and traditional retirement communities:
Land Lease Living | Retirement Village | |
---|---|---|
Tenure | You buy your home and lease the land | Much more complex and varies depending on the operator. A tenure can be: loan or licence to occupy/leasehold/strata/freehold title/ company title/ private rental |
Legislation | Residential Land Lease Communities Act 2013 | Retirement Villages Act 1999 |
Entry Fee | No | Yes |
Legal Requirements and Fees | Site agreement to be signed. Legal fees at the discretion of the resident. | Contribution required for legal fees for completing a village contract |
Stamp Duty | No | Yes - Depending on tenure |
Periodic Fees | Yes | Yes if services are available, additional fees apply |
Council Rates |
No | Yes - Depending on tenure |
Exit Fee / Deferred Management Fee (DMF) | No | Yes, commonly calculated as a percentage per year of residency and in addition a possible levy for dwelling refurbishment on departure. |
Capital Gain | Resident keeps 100% of capital gain | Operator keeps percentage of capital gain – often 50% |
Government Assistance | If you receive a government pension you may be eligible for rental assistance | Much more complex. If you receive a government pension you may be eligible for rental assistance. This will also depend on the tenure and amount of entry fee paid. |
Facilities | Usually much more comprehensive due to the younger more independent and active residents. These may include swimming pool, tennis court, gym, bowling green, club house with dining and bar, theatre, activities centre | Usually limited due to the older more sedentary resident. |
Average Age | Average age in an Over 55s lifestyle community is mid to late 60’s | Average age in a Retirement Village is 80 |
A Land Lease Community allows you to buy the home and you lease the land. A residential site agreement must be signed.
The homes are for homeowners, like Ocean Club Resort, while some others accept short term holidaymakers and renters. A Retirement Village gives you a loan/lease (with ingoing contribution) or loan/licence occupancy with few freehold options. A lifestyle village contract must be signed. A Retirement Village is for permanent residents only.
Land Lease Community homeowners have weekly site fees. However, there are no entrance fees, exit fees, deferred management fees, stamp duty or council fees. Retirement Villages often apply entrance fees to occupy a dwelling. There is a deferred management fee, which allows the operator to keep 30-40% of the sale price when you leave. The dwelling may need to be refurbished after departure. There are also monthly recurrent charges that apply.
Land Lease Communities are aimed at independent living with relaxed, sociable and active lifestyles for the young ‘retiree’. Ocean Club Resort has a schedule of activities available. Retirement Villages are aimed at older retirees with more sedentary lifestyles who may need medical and supported home care assistance. There are organised activities and outings.
Land Lease Communities – Ages 50+. They may be working, semi-retired or retired. Retirement Villages – Average age over 80 years.
Land Lease Communities are often gates, just as Ocean Club Resort is for peace-of-mind, along with onsite and after-hours security. Retirement Villages have onsite and on-call access to security.
Land Lease Communities have resort style facilities. Ocean Club Resort has a 25m heated swimming pool, championship bowling green, tennis court, putting green, activities centre, multi-million dollar club house, movie cinema and recreational areas. Retirement Villages have a clubhouse, lounge/sitting and craft rooms, bbq areas. Some may have a pool.
“Our home is beautiful, the facilities are world-class, and the location is perfect. It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.” Terry & Pat Kelly, Ocean Club Resort homeowners.
At Ocean Club Resort, we offer a wide choice of stylish and affordable designed houses featuring private courtyards and outstanding appointments. However, don’t feel rushed. As a Land Lease lifestyle community, you have a brief cooling off period that begins the day a contract is signed, giving you time to cancel if your circumstances change.