Land lease communities are located in attractive places throughout NSW . They offer residents a sense of connection , resort-like amenities and a way of life that is relaxed , enjoyable and free of financial worry .

A new style of community

Although they are not exclusively retirement communities , most residents are aged 50 + and have retired or are transitioning to retirement .

The growing popularity of land lease communities is due to their enduring cost-effectiveness and new resort-like amenities . At the same time dramatic improvements in the quality of manufactured homes has resulted in more attractive , well-designed and contemporary housing options .

The Act : To formally regulate this new and evolving sector , the NSW Government introduced the Residential ( Land Lease ) Communities Act 2013 administered by NSW Fair Trading .

Why land lease living is so affordable

As housing prices continue to rise many retirees are looking for alternatives to taking on large mortgages or having to deplete their savings in order to buy a traditional home and land . A combination of factors means that land lease communities offer prospective home owners compelling savings on their housing .

3 With a land lease community you do not purchase the land on which your house is located . This means the entry price is much lower because you are not buying the land . Instead you lease the land by paying a site fee of $ 120 –$ 300 per week to the community operator .

3 If you are a pensioner you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rental Assistance . This is a non-taxable allowance for individuals and couples , which helps meet the costs of site fees .

3 You can buy a fully fitted-out factory-built home and locate it on a site within a community or buy a newly constructed or ‘ pre loved ’ home direct from the community operator or existing home owner .

3 You do not have to pay stamp duty when making the purchase – and you don ’ t pay council rates either .

3 You do not usually have to pay entry or exit fees in a land lease community .

Additionally , the value of your home and the right to locate it in the community could appreciate – so when it comes time to sell , you could get more than you paid . Demand for good properties in well-located communities is currently very high and is projected to remain strong , given the shortage of land in these areas and the rising demand for quality retirement living .

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Most land lease communities are pet friendly , you have your own small garden and many have beautiful parklands , pools , clubhouses and libraries ; getting together over a drink or a cuppa is all part of community life .

4 Land Lease Living