Redefining Retirement: Embracing Land Lease Living

Discover the Freedom of Land Lease Communities in Retirement

Retirees are reimagining their golden years. Forget myths about ‘taking it easy’ or ‘putting your feet up’, retirement is now all about staying active, social and engaged.

Retirement is no longer about slowing down – it’s about living life on your terms. For many Australians, land lease communities redefine retirement with affordable, vibrant and active lifestyles.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) here are some key insights about retirement in 2022-23:

• There were 4.2 million retirees.
• The average age at retirement was 56.9 years.
• 130,000 people retired in 2022, with an average age of 64.8 years.
• The average age people intend to retire is 65.4 years.
• Pension was the main source of income for most retirees.
• During this period, 54% of retirees were women.
• On average, women retire sooner than men. However, women are retiring later than in previous years.

Why Land Lease Living Makes Sense

Land lease communities are perfect for people like you – people ready to enjoy an affordable lifestyle full of opportunity. With lower entry costs than traditional housing and access to shared amenities, these communities make it easier to focus on what really matters – enjoying life.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Land Lease Community

Retirement in a land lease community can mean stepping into a world of new friendships and shared experiences. Staying social isn’t just fun – it’s good for your health with research consistently showing strong community connections improve mental and physical well-being.

Pet Friendly Communities

For many retirees, pets are part of the family and luckily, most land lease communities are pet-friendly meaning you can bring your furry friends with you. Pets provide companionship and boost mental health, and with dog parks or walking trails in many local communities, you and your pet will feel right at home.

Intergenerational Visits

Retirement doesn’t mean leaving family behind. Some land lease communities may cater to visiting family members with playgrounds for grandkids, clubhouses and community events that make everyone feel welcome.

Financial Security and Investment Opportunities

Land lease living offers financial freedom, with lower entry costs freeing up funds for travel, hobbies or even investments. It’s a smart way to maximise your retirement savings while enjoying a lifestyle rich in experiences.

Support Networks in Retirement Communities

Aging can bring its own set of challenges, but land lease communities often provide support systems to help you navigate them. Whether it’s professional maintenance services, community-led assistance programs or just friendly neighbours willing to lend a hand, you’ll have peace of mind knowing help is close by when you need it.

Sustainability and Eco-Living

More land lease communities are focusing on eco-friendly living, featuring sustainable practices like solar power, energy-efficient homes and water-saving initiatives. These features not only help the planet but also encourage like-minded individuals to form eco-conscious communities. Choosing such a community allows you to align your lifestyle with your values, all while enjoying lower utility costs.

Health and Wellbeing Facilities

Retirement is the perfect time to prioritise your health. Many communities offer activities to help you keep healthy, happy and engaged. Staying active and healthy is easy when everything you need is right at your doorstep.

A Calendar Full of Activities

• Fitness classes: Yoga, aqua aerobics or walking groups.
• Social clubs: Photography, gardening, craft or book clubs.
• Travel groups: Organised trips with like-minded explorers.
• Social events: BBQs, supper club or movie nights.

Whatever your interests, there’s bound to be something for you.

When is the Best Time to Retire?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but many retirees tend to plan around life milestones. Ending your career at the start of a new year allows time to settle into new routines. On the other hand, retiring in Spring offers perfect weather to explore outdoor activities and meet new friends.

Ultimately, the best time to retire is when you feel ready to embrace this exciting new chapter of your life.

Insurance Considerations for Your New Lifestyle

As you redefine your retirement, don’t forget to re-evaluate your insurance. Your new lifestyle might include things you did not need to think about, such as:

• Home adjustments: Whether you downsize or move, make sure your home and contents insurance matches your new living situation.
• Increased travel: If you’re away from home, confirm your Portable Personal Valuables cover to make sure you have the right cover for your adventures.
• Shifts in car use: Update policies if you’re driving more. Or less.

Insurance isn’t just about protection – it offers the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your retirement.

Your Retirement, Your Rules

Retirement isn’t the end – it’s your chance to redefine life. And land lease living allows you to build a lifestyle that reflects your dreams.

Whether you’re exploring new hobbies, wanting to meet new friends or simply want to relax in a community of like-minded people, retirement can be as exciting – or as chill – as you want it to be. So get ready to embrace this bright new chapter of life that’s full of possibility.