What’s Happening?
Rockhampton’s largest over-50s land lease community has welcomed its first residents only six months after construction began.
The first homes at Living Gems Rockhampton are complete, while work continues across the Parkhurst site.
The 27-hectare development occupies the former Rockhampton Golf Driving Range at 930 Norman Road.
Why It Matters
Living Gems Rockhampton will provide more housing choices for older residents while supporting supply across fast-growing Central Queensland.
Under the land lease model, buyers own their homes and rent the land beneath them. A weekly site fee covers maintenance, management and onsite facilities.
No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty apply. Eligible homeowners can also access government rent assistance.
Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljch said lifestyle remained the main reason people chose to downsize.
“Lifestyle continues to be the biggest motivator for downsizers, and Living Gems communities are designed with this in mind, offering a wide range of resort-style amenities to encourage active living and foster social connection,” Puljch said. “Now the first homes are complete, buyers can see firsthand the community starting to take shape and the quality of what we are delivering.”
Local Impact
Puljch said demand had largely come from Rockhampton residents wanting to remain close to family and familiar surroundings.
“More than 85 per cent of our buyers are locals who have been waiting for the right opportunity to downsize without leaving the city they know and love,” he said. “Property in Rockhampton is tightly held, and some of our buyers had been looking for some time for the right opportunity to secure a home in the area that ticked all the boxes for their next chapter of life.”
Stephen and Wendy Smith are among the community’s first residents. They are downsizing from Yeppoon after searching for the right property for about 12 months.
“The community is the perfect fit for us,” Stephen said. “The quality of the homes and the peaceful location just outside central Rockhampton really stood out. We’ll be closer to family and living in a secure community where we can come and go as we please, knowing everything will be looked after.”
Wendy said the shared amenities would let them retain the lifestyle features they enjoyed at their Yeppoon home.
“We enjoyed having a pool at our home in Yeppoon, so being able to downsize and enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing that is a real bonus,” she said. “We can’t wait to move in, make our house a home, and watch the community and its facilities come to life over the coming years.”
By The Numbers
- Living Gems Rockhampton recorded an $18 million sales rush before welcoming its first residents.
- More than 50% of the 52 homes in stage one have sold, with limited homes remaining.
- The $360 million community will ultimately provide 505 homes for about 750 residents.
Zoom In
Work is progressing on $23 million in resort-style amenities for residents.
Plans include a heated swimming pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, a golf simulator and a workshop. Residents will also have access to a dog run, bowling alley and cinema.
Puljch said the new homes would remove several concerns commonly associated with downsizing.
“Here, they can move into a brand new two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room home with a private courtyard, where they don’t have to worry about costly renovations or ongoing maintenance of an ageing property,” he said.
Zoom Out
The Queensland Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund supports the Living Gems Rockhampton development.
An $8 million infrastructure upgrade improved accessibility, safety and connections to the community. The work included reopening Norman Road in March.
Living Gems delivered the upgrade in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council and the State Government.
Living Gems is one of Australia’s longest-established land lease developers. It also has communities under construction at Harris Crossing in Townsville and Moreton Bay.
What To Look For Next?
Construction will continue across the remaining homes and shared facilities as more residents settle into the community. A limited number of stage one homes remain available, with prices starting from $725,000.
People can call 1800 954 214 or visit the Living Gems Rockhampton website.
