Almost a third of purchasers in the $32 million Aliria on Dean, which will feature 57 architect-designed duplex homes in Berserker, a suburb of Rockhampton, have been women purchasing on their own.
Widow Carry Lee, 69, said she began considering a new home in 2023 when her husband, who had Parkinson’s disease, was admitted to aged care but she couldn’t find the right property.
“I realised my home on one-acre was too big for one person and started thinking about moving. I was struggling with the maintenance. I’m not a gardener, he was the gardener,” said Carry. “I started talking about selling but needed somewhere to go first. I wanted three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so my daughter who lives in Winton can stay, and so I can have a room for my crafts.
“My husband passed in March last year and, as a widow, I also wanted to start doing more things.”
Carry was among the first to buy in Aliria on Dean, GemLife Managing Director Adrian Puljich's first venture on his own, when it launched in October 2024, with the gated security, single-level homes, lack of entry or exit fees, and ability to retain capital gains giving her comfort.
“The fact there are only 57 homes is nice because it’s like a village. Having worked in lots of small country towns where everyone knows everyone, there might be people who want to join in on trips, and I’ve already met a neighbour who likes sewing like I do,” Cathy said.
She said the resort-style facilities, including about 5,000sqm of open space with a pool, sundeck, gym, hall, bar, pickleball court, dog run and RV parking, were also impressive.
More than $15.5 million of homes – equating to more than 40% of Aliria on Dean sales – have already sold off-the-plan, with construction underway and anticipated for completion in late 2025.
“Single women account for about 30 per cent of purchasers, and single men are also well represented at about 12 per cent. The majority of buyers to date are from Rockhampton, particularly the city’s north, or within a one-hour radius from places like Yeppoon, Gladstone and Gracemere," Adrian said.
“The real lack of downsizer housing available in this region has meant there was significant pent-up demand, with many buyers telling us they had been looking for a long time to relocate from their large family home. The positive flow-on effect will see those larger homes now opened for new generations.”
