Tailor-made for a ‘Lock & Leave’ Lifestyle

Corinn and Denis are among the growing number of downsizers who have found that land lease living has helped them to spend more time exploring Australia’s amazing coastline. As they approached retirement, the Corinn Denis decided they were keen to move from Western Sydney to the NSW Central Coast.

“When we were living in Western Sydney, we used to enjoy regular camping trips to Lake Macquarie, so thought we may make the area our permanent home,” said Corinn. “Also, I grew up in America in Louisiana and Mississippi, so I have always loved living near the coast.”

In March 2016, the couple were able to fulfill their plan when they bought a two-bedroom home at Hometown Australia’s Valhalla community, which is located in the NSW Central Coast suburb of Chain Valley Bay. Valhalla is located just 450m from the edge of Lake Macquarie, which is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia. The move also came with many other benefits, which has allowed Corinn and Denis to more regularly visit other coastal areas.

The more affordable land lease living model meant Corinn and Denis were able to release equity when they sold their Western Sydney home. This, in turn, helped the couple to pay off their mortgage and set aside funds to buy a better touring caravan and travel more often. This situation also helped Denis to move to part-time work and then eventually retire, which has meant he has more time to travel.

At the same time, Corinn and Denis enjoy the fact that Valhalla is tailor-made for ‘lock up and leave’ travelling, thanks to its dedicated caravan parking area and safe and secure community. “It’s now so much easier for us to lock the home, grab the van and hit the road, and also soak up a coastal lifestyle even when we are at home,” said Corinn. “It’s doubtful we would have been able to do any of this, if we hadn’t moved into Valhalla.”

Corinn and Denis are enjoying the financial and social benefits of land lease living in a Hometown Australia community. In a Hometown Australia community, incoming residents purchase a new or existing home – and then enjoy a long-term and secure lease over the land on which the home stands.

Typically, the home’s cost is less than comparable homes in the surrounding area. This financial benefit is extended by the fact no stamp duty or council rates, and no exit fees, are payable. Residents also retain any capital gains when they decide to sell their home. Residents pay a weekly site fee, however if the resident can claim the pension or a social security benefit, then this can be offset with Commonwealth Rental Assistance. There are more than 60 Hometown Australia communities across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, with many of these communities in prime coastal areas.

The 8.9 hectare Valhalla community has a wide range of amenities which allow residents to enjoy an active lifestyle, including a recreation room and library, swimming pools, golf practice nets, a hobby shed and courts for tennis, bocce, bowls and croquet.

Corinn and Denis are now averaging four trips a year along the NSW coast, and are considering venturing further afield to Queensland. When they are at home, the couple are enjoying the Valhalla lifestyle. “There is a really good community spirit here,” said Corinn. “It’s not possible to take a walk down the street without someone saying hello,” concluded Corinn.

“We have competitions for gardens and Christmas lights, street parties also around Christmas time and a yearly fete. There are plenty of activity groups, including vegetable gardening golf and card playing, plus a busy hobby shed… You can do as much or as little as you want here.”

Corinn experienced a little of this community spirit several years ago when she broke her knee after falling from a step-ladder. Neighbours were quickly on-hand to provide support. Corinn also enjoys the fact that there are few maintenance issues to worry about, with Hometown Australia workers on-hand to look after common areas.

This article has been written in partnership with Downsizing.com.au.