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The Rising Potential of Land Lease Communities: A $12 Billion Growth Sector Addressing Australia's Housing Shortage

Australia's housing market is facing significant challenges, with a bleak outlook for home buyers due to a persistent housing shortage. However, innovative solutions like land lease communities are emerging as a potential answer to this crisis. This article explores the benefits and growing potential of land lease communities in Australia.


Aerial view of Birubi Sands land lease community in Port Stephens, NSW"

Understanding Land Lease Communities

Land lease communities offer a unique housing model where residents own their homes but lease the land from a community operator. This arrangement has gained popularity, particularly among retirees, with approximately 130,000 Australians currently residing in these estates.


Key Facts:

  • The land lease sector is valued at $12 billion in Australia.

  • It's recognized as the fastest-growing housing solution for downsizers.

  • The model has potential to expand beyond retirees to first-home buyers and families, following the U.S. example.


Benefits of Land Lease Communities


1. Improved Affordability and Flexibility

  • Home prices range from $300,000 to over $2 million.

  • Weekly rent typically falls between high hundreds to low two hundreds.

  • No exit fees, entry fees, or stamp duty.

  • Residents retain 100% of capital gains.

2. Enhanced Lifestyle Offerings

  • Resort-style facilities including tennis courts, bowling greens, and swimming pools.

  • Organized activities like aqua aerobics, yoga, and pilates.

  • Designed to promote engagement, movement, and a sense of purpose.

  • Aligns with principles supporting wellness, healthy aging, and longevity.

3. Low Maintenance Living

  • New, modern homes requiring minimal upkeep.

  • Ideal for those transitioning from older, high-maintenance properties.

4. Community and Social Connections

  • Fosters a caring, connected community environment.

  • Supports strong preventative health measures and mental health initiatives.

  • Promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging.


Scenic coastal views near Birubi Sands land lease community in Anna Bay

Investment Potential

The land lease sector is attracting significant investor interest, both locally and internationally.


Recent Major Deals:

  • Mirvac Group's billion-dollar partnership acquisition of a leading land lease operator.

  • HMC Capital and Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board increased stakes in Ingenia Communities Group.


Investor Appeal:

  • Resilient performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • High occupancy rates and consistent rental income.

  • Described as "horizontal build-to-rent" with development profit potential.

  • Annuity-style income with annual rent increases.


Additional Facts and Trends

  1. Market Growth: The number of land lease communities in Australia has grown by 30% in the past decade.

  2. Demographic Shift: While traditionally popular among retirees, there's a growing trend of younger demographics (45-60 age group) considering land lease communities.

  3. Sustainability Focus: Many new land lease communities are incorporating eco-friendly designs and sustainable living practices, appealing to environmentally conscious residents.

  4. Government Support: Some states are considering policy changes to support the growth of land lease communities as a solution to housing affordability.

  5. Technology Integration: Modern land lease communities are increasingly incorporating smart home technologies and high-speed internet, attracting tech-savvy residents.

  6. Health and Wellness: There's a growing emphasis on health and wellness amenities in these communities, including on-site medical facilities and wellness programs.

  7. Economic Impact: Land lease communities contribute significantly to local economies, creating jobs and stimulating local businesses.

  8. Diverse Offerings: The sector is diversifying, with some communities catering to specific interests or lifestyles, such as golf enthusiasts or arts communities.




 Glimpse into Our Recent Work: Birubi Sands, NSW


To illustrate the impact of professional media marketing in the land lease community sector, let me share a recent experience from our work at Birubi Sands in New South Wales.

Nestled in the picturesque Port Stephens area, Birubi Sands is a prime example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist in over 55's living. Our team was tasked with capturing the essence of this coastal community, and the results were truly spectacular.


Drone Footage: Showcasing Natural Beauty


Using our state-of-the-art drone technology, we captured breathtaking aerial footage of Birubi Sands. The sweeping views of the 134 square kilometer harbor, larger than Sydney's, immediately set this community apart. Our footage showcased how seamlessly the manufactured homes integrated with the natural beauty of Anna Bay, highlighting the community's commitment to sustainable living.


360° Virtual Tours: Bringing Homes to Life


We created immersive 360° tours of several home models at Birubi Sands. These tours allowed potential residents to virtually step inside and explore the spacious, energy-efficient designs. The high-quality imagery highlighted unique features like individual garages, private gardens, and even boat storage options – amenities that are particularly appealing to the active over 55's demographic.


Professional Photography: Highlighting Luxury and Comfort


Our professional photography showcased the finer details of Birubi Sands' offerings. We captured images of the exquisitely designed 2 and 3 bedroom homes, emphasizing their luxury finishes and comfortable layouts. The photos also highlighted the community's proximity to local amenities like medical services, shops, and the beautiful sandy beaches of Port Stephens.

The impact of our media marketing package for Birubi Sands was immediate and significant. The community saw a notable increase in inquiries, with many potential residents citing the virtual tours and resident testimonials as key factors in their interest. The drone footage, in particular, helped convey the location's scale and beauty in a way that traditional marketing materials simply couldn't match.

This project exemplifies how our tailored media services can bring a land lease community to life, showcasing not just the physical aspects of the homes and amenities but also capturing the lifestyle and sense of community that make these villages so appealing to the over 55's market.




As Australia grapples with housing challenges, land lease communities offer a viable and attractive solution. Our professional media marketing services are instrumental in bringing these communities to life for potential residents and investors.


Whether you're marketing a green retirement village, a luxury mobile home park, or an active adult community, our specialized photography, videography, and virtual tour services will showcase your property in its best light.


We bring your community's unique features to the forefront, helping you stand out in this competitive and growing market.


Ready to elevate your RLLC's marketing with stunning visuals that highlight your community's unique appeal? Contact Ideal Property Photography 0439559210 today to discuss how our expert media services can help you capitalize on the booming land lease community sector.

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