Understanding the Financial Benefits of a Land Lease Community
If you’re over 50 and thinking about downsizing, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term land lease community. It’s a different way to own a home, and for many Australians entering retirement, it’s a smarter, more flexible option.
But what exactly is a land lease community, and why are more people choosing it - not just for lifestyle, but for financial benefits?
A Different Kind of Home Ownership
In a land lease model, like the one offered by Solana Lifestyle Resorts, you buy your home but lease the land it’s on. It might sound unconventional, but it offers significant advantages.
You avoid some of the biggest costs that come with traditional property ownership: there’s no stamp duty, no council rates, no body corporate fees, and no exit charges. You own the home outright, you keep 100% of any capital gains if you sell, and you pay less commissions.
The structure is simple, transparent, and designed to keep more money in your hands, not tied up in hidden fees or complex contracts.
Real Benefits for Real People
Take Sue, for example. After selling her family home in Brisbane for $850,000, she downsized to a new home at Solana 1770 – Agnes Water for $535,000. That decision not only gave her a brand-new home by the coast, but also freed up over $300,000 in equity.
Now, with less maintenance and lower weekly costs, Sue has more time, and more financial freedom, to travel, enjoy her grandkids, and focus on the lifestyle she wants in retirement, or top up her super.
Her story is increasingly common. Many homeowners in their 60s and 70s are sitting on valuable properties but want to unlock equity while maintaining their independence. The land lease model makes that possible.
Lower Costs, Higher Lifestyle
One of the key financial advantages of a land lease community is lower ongoing costs. Site fees cover community maintenance, shared gardens, and resort-style facilities without the unpredictability of body corporate fees. Residents only pay for their personal utility use, and in many cases, government rent assistance can help cover the weekly site rental.
Why It’s a Growing Trend
As Australia's population continues to age, more people are exploring new options for retirement living. While many will continue to live in traditional homes or retirement villages, land lease communities are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative, especially for those who want a low-maintenance, affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality.
Financial motivations are driving this shift. For many, downsizing is part of a long-term retirement plan. Others simply want to free up cash to enjoy life now, whether that means travelling, helping family, or just having peace of mind with their finances.
Land lease communities offer a way to do all of that, without giving up the things that matter most, like security, privacy, and independence.
A Smart Move, Now and Later
At Solana, we’ve built our communities around the idea that retirement should be about freedom, not sacrifice. That includes financial freedom.
Our pricing offers an achievable entry point into a quality lifestyle. With no stamp duty, no exit fees, and full access to any capital growth of your home, you stay in control of your future.
For many, it’s not just about downsizing. It’s about upgrading their lifestyle and unlocking the full value of what they’ve worked so hard to build.
Because at Solana, the move isn’t about doing less, It’s about finally having the freedom to do more.
