How land lease living works
A secure, transparent way to downsize — without hidden fees or complex retirement contracts.
If you’re considering downsizing, one of the first questions you likely have is:
“How does this actually work?”
And just as importantly:
“Is this secure for my future?”
At Avington Living, land lease living is designed to be simple, transparent and financially predictable — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Want to explore the model at your own pace? Request our Avington Information Pack.
First, the most important things to know
You own your home.
There are no entry fees.
There are no exit or deferred management fees (DMF).
You don’t pay stamp duty.
You don’t pay council rates.
When you choose to sell, you keep 100% of any capital gain.
For many of our residents, understanding these fundamentals is what makes everything else fall into place.
“We're very happy with no entry or exit fees. No council rates, no hidden costs.”
— Gary & Trish, Avington Residents
So what is land lease living?
In a land lease community, you purchase and own your home, and lease the land it sits on through a secure long-term agreement.
Instead of paying stamp duty, strata levies or deferred management fees (which are common in traditional retirement villages), you pay a simple, transparent weekly site fee.
That site fee contributes to:
Maintenance of shared spaces.
Community facilities, including the Clubhouse.
Common area gardens, including your front garden.
The village’s onsite management team.
Site fees are designed to be clear, predictable and easy to budget for — with no surprises down the track.
If you’d like to see exactly how the numbers work — including a full breakdown of inclusions — you can request our Information Pack below or reach out to our team with your questions.
How is this different from a retirement village?
Many people exploring downsizing assume all lifestyle communities work the same way. They don’t.
Here’s what makes land lease living at Avington different:
You own your home.
Not a licence to occupy — full ownership.
No deferred management fees.
You won’t forfeit a percentage of your home’s value when you leave.
No complex exit formulas.
When it’s time to sell, the process is straightforward.
You keep your capital gain.
If your home increases in value, that growth belongs to you.
Government regulated.
Land lease communities operate under state legislation designed to protect homeowners.
For many families — especially adult children supporting the decision — seeing the structure laid out plainly can help address common financial concerns and provides a greater sense of security.
For those who prefer to see the differences clearly set out, here’s a simple comparison*:
| Land Lease Living | Traditional Retirement Village | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | Home price only | Home price + stamp duty |
| Stamp duty | None | Payable at settlement |
| Council rates | None | ~$2,000 per year |
| Exit / DMF | None | 25–35 % of sale price |
| Capital gain | You retain 100% | Often shared with operator |
| Ongoing fees | Predictable site fee (CPI-linked) | Maintenance levy + other charges |
*This comparison is illustrative and based on commonly observed industry structures. Actual costs, fees and arrangements vary between communities and states. Always refer to individual contracts and disclosure documents and seek independent advice before making any property decision.
What about ongoing costs?
At Avington Living, your costs are simple and transparent.
1. One-off purchase price: You buy your home outright.
2. Weekly site fee: This covers the upkeep of the community and shared amenities.
There are:
No council rates
No stamp duty
No hidden levies
No exit fees
Some homeowners may also be eligible for government rent assistance, depending on individual circumstances.
Eligible pensioners can claim up to $215.40 fortnightly to offset site fees (single rate as of February 2026 - see the Services Australia website for up to date information).
If you’d like an outline of purchase costs, site fees and what’s included, request the Avington Info Pack or request a call back from our knowledgeable Sales Concierge team.
What happens if I decide to sell?
This is one of the most common — and most important — questions.
At Avington:
You can sell your home at any time using our specialist resale service or an agent of your choosing.
You set the sale price (in line with market conditions).
You retain 100% of any capital gain.
There are no deferred management fees deducted from your sale.
Our team can support you through the resale process to make it as smooth as possible.
For many residents and their families, this straightforward approach provides real peace of mind.
If you’d like to speak with our team about resale, ownership or how it compares to other models, we’re happy to walk you through it — either over the phone or during a relaxed village tour.
Is it secure long term?
Yes.
Land lease communities are governed by state legislation that provides clear homeowner protections.
You receive a formal site agreement outlining your rights and responsibilities, and the framework under which the community operates.
We encourage every prospective homeowner to:
Take their time.
Review documentation carefully.
Seek independent advice if desired.
Ask as many questions as needed — our team is here to help.
If you’d like to review the site agreement or talk through how homeowner protections work, we’re here to help. There is no pressure — just clarity.
Why do people choose land lease?
Most of our residents tell us they were initially cautious — particularly around the financial structure. But once they understood how it worked, the simplicity and transparency gave them confidence.
For many, seeing the community for themselves is what brings everything together — the financial clarity, the security and the lifestyle they’ve been looking for.
“Friends move in in a couple of weeks [after] we suggested they come and have a look. And like us, once they came here — the decision was made.”
— Gary & Trish, Avington Residents
Is land lease living right for you?
It may be worth exploring if you:
Want to downsize without sacrificing ownership.
Prefer transparent costs over complex contracts.
Want to free up equity without losing control.
Value community, security and low-maintenance living.
Want a structure that also makes sense to your family.
Take the next step, at your own pace
If you’d like to:
See a detailed breakdown of costs.
Understand exactly what’s included.
Compare land lease with other options.
Or simply visit and experience the community.
Choose the next step that feels right for you.
Download the Information Pack and explore the details about Avington Living and land lease living at your own pace or book a no-pressure community tour.
We’re here to answer your questions openly so you can decide with confidence.
