Work begins on new $160m development for over-50s community

Construction officially started this week on a new 186-home over-50s community in the Moreton Bay region.

Cr Mark Booth, Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich and Peter and Gaye Fraser, who were among the first buyers, broke ground on the $160 million Living Gems Moreton Bay.

Sales of more than $5.7 million have already been secured for the development at 273-308 Buckley Rd, Burpengary East.

Living Gems Moreton Bay will have low-maintenance open-plan homes and a $13 million Country Club with resort facilities including a pool, cinema, gym and pickleball court.

More than 100 workers will be onsite at any one time over the next two-and-a-half years, with the first homes expected to be finished by mid-2026.

The development includes $4 million of infrastructure upgrades, including to Buckley Rd and a new set of traffic lights.

“It’s great to see construction underway on a project that responds directly to the needs of our growing over-50s community,” said Cr Booth.

“Living Gems Moreton Bay will give locals the opportunity to downsize while staying close to family, friends and everything our region has to offer.”

The first stage of 38 homes has seen more than 20 per cent sold ahead of the official release. Prices start from $785,000.

“We’ve received strong interest for stage one ahead of the official launch and that momentum is set to continue now construction of the first homes is underway,” Mr Puljich said.

“More than a third of Moreton Bay’s population, some 170,000 people, is aged over 50, so that’s a significant number of people looking to right-size their homes in the years ahead.

“The Country Club will be the community’s social hub, bringing people together for shared interests and discovering new pursuits, like pickleball, water aerobics or the golf simulator.”

Peter and Gaye Fraser have family nearby. 

“The whole Living Gems lifestyle appealed to us,” said Gaye. 

“We’re a very active couple and it has everything we are interested in.

“We’re excited about all the activities the Country Club has and having everything in walking distance is going to be perfect for us.”

All homes have two bedrooms, a multipurpose room, two bathrooms, double garage and an alfresco area. Premium One Series homes have generous internal space and tiled courtyard.

Purchasers buy the home and rent the land, with a weekly site fee for security, maintenance and amenities, no entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty. Buyers retain capital gains if they sell.