Retirement or semi-retirement is a time to focus on what matters most - your lifestyle, your freedom, and the people and experiences you love. Whether you’re looking to unlock equity, downsize or simply enjoy a new chapter of life in a beautiful location, the right type of community can make all the difference. 

At Principle Living, we offer two ways to live well: retirement villages and land lease communities. Both models are designed for quality, comfort, connection and wellbeing, but there are some key differences. Here’s our simple guide to help you understand the advantages of both options and decide what’s right for you.

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What they have in common

Retirement villages and land lease communities have plenty in common, which is why it can sometimes be difficult to navigate through the various options.

In both types of communities, you can typically expect to see: 

• Purposed-designed communities, crafted for people at a similar stage of life – giving you the security and peace of mind that you're surrounded by like-minded neighbours.
• Dedicated resident facilities, often taking the form of a central clubhouse with diverse spaces where residents can come together to socialise, relax and explore hobbies. Common facilities include swimming pools, gyms, libraries, arts and crafts studios, function areas and community gardens, but every individual community is different.
• Homes designed for downsizers, allowing residents to enjoy more free time without the burden of maintaining a large family home and garden.

However, it's also important to understand how retirement villages and land lease communities differ and which option might be best suited to your needs.

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Retirement Villages: Support and peace of mind

Retirement villages are ideal for those seeking extra support and a low-maintenance lifestyle. Often suited to retirees aged 70 years and above, these communities are a secure, supportive environment where you can age in place with confidence. They provide peace of mind and freedom from everyday chores – allowing you to enjoy life and focus on what you love.

In a retirement village, you purchase the right to occupy your home, with a deferred management fee (DMF) either payable when you leave, or as part of your upfront costs. In return, you’ll pay no capital maintenance costs, and you’ll gain access to services and support, all designed to make life easier and more enjoyable. You'll also pay no stamp duty or legal fees, and you won't be responsible for refurbishing your home when you leave.

Key features include:

• Care concierge services, helping you navigate your health and wellbeing needs, and get in-home support delivered.
• Lifelong upkeep, from garden maintenance and gutter cleaning to guaranteed appliances. Retirement villages will ensure all maintenance and capital replacements are taken care of, with no surprise costs to factor into your budget. 
• Age-in-place home design, with zero-threshold entries, accessible layouts and thoughtful safety features.
• Community and wellness programs, social activities and shared spaces like clubhouses, where neighbours become friends.

Our current and planned retirement villages include:

• Blueheath, Medowie – our established, award-nominated flagship village, where connection and quality living come to life.
• Apperly, Newcastle Golf Club – a new retirement village co-located with one of the Hunter’s most iconic golf courses (coming soon)
• The Darcy, Maitland – blending heritage charm with modern living (coming soon)

These communities are perfect for those who value security, support and the confidence to age in place, while still enjoying a rich social life and lifestyle amenities.

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Land Lease Communities: Freedom and lifestyle

For younger downsizers, often in their 60s, land lease living is an attractive way to release equity while embracing a lifestyle upgrade. Here, you own your home – and are therefore responsible for maintenance and capital replacements – but lease the land it sits on. This typically allows a lower entry cost compared to traditional property purchases, leaving more financial freedom for the things you’ve always wanted to do, such as travel, new hobbies or helping your family.

There are other benefits too; some residents may be eligible for rent assistance on site fees, and unlike retirement villages, there are no deferred management fees (DMFs) when it’s time to sell. 

Highlights include:

• Low-maintenance homes, designed to make daily life easier and free up time for what you love.
• Active, social lifestyle, with resort-style clubhouses, communal spaces to entertain family and friends, and fun opportunities to connect with neighbours.
• Thoughtful design, with functional layouts and low-maintenance finishes for easy living.
• MyRetirement concierge services to support wellness and daily living.

Our first land lease community, The Hermitage, in the Hunter Valley, will be perfect for active downsizers seeking a curated lifestyle and plenty of freedom to live well. 

Land lease living is ideal if your goal is to unlock equity, downsize and embrace a flexible lifestyle, while staying part of a vibrant, connected community.

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Choose the best fit for your needs with Principle Living

No matter which option you choose, Principle Living communities are crafted with the same attention to care, quality and lifestyle, with:

• Pet-friendly neighbourhoods, because companions are always welcome.
• Curated clubhouses and communal spaces, perfect for socialising, fitness, and leisure.
• Lifestyle concierge and MyRetirement programs, offering tailored support and activities to suit each resident’s preferences.
• Serene, tree-lined streetscapes and high-quality master planning, designed to make daily life richer and easier.

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Choosing the right path

It comes down to what matters most to you at this current stage! Retirement villages are an excellent choice if you value extra support for ageing in place, low-maintenance living and peace of mind for the future. 

Land lease communities offer a unique level of flexibility – you can downsize your home and unlock equity, while still enjoying the perks of home ownership and the vibrant, social lifestyle and boutique amenities of an over 55s community. 

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Embrace quality, connection and joy with Principle Living

Principle Living crafts retirement and land lease communities across the Hunter, including Blueheath, The Apperly, The Darcy, and The Hermitage. With low-maintenance, age-in-place homes, vibrant luxury clubhouses, and MyRetirement lifestyle services, every community perfectly balances freedom, connection and support. Enquire today or register your interest here to secure your place.

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