Land lease operator GemLife expands into a new State
- SA debut: GemLife wins approval for first South Australian resort
- 262 homes: $226m over-50s community approved at Strathalbyn
- Premium lifestyle: $17m Country Club anchors the development
- Growing footprint: GemLife expands into a fourth state
The innovative ASX-listed land lease communities operator has achieved a new first.
GemLife has received the green light for its inaugural South Australian community - a 262-home Over 50s lifestyle resort in the Adelaide Hills township of Strathalbyn.
All homes will be two-bedrooms plus a multi-purpose room and outdoor area.
Independent planning body, Fleurieu Regional Assessment Panel, this week approved plans for the 11.8-hectare project after GemLife reduced its original proposal by four homes to increase the amount of green space.
The $226 million community will centre around a $17 million two-level heritage-inspired Country Club, with a pool, lounge, games room, ten-pin bowling alley, tennis court, lawn bowls green, and golf simulator.
Artist's impression of the proposed Country Club.
In mid-2025, GemLife entered into an agreement to purchase the site, which is currently owned and occupied by livestock transportation company, Whittam Transport, pending the finalisation of some remaining contractual conditions.
The timing of construction for the new community is still being determined.
GemLife has amassed a 33-strong portfolio of existing and future communities across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, since being established in 2018.
GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich said Strathalbyn was the ideal location for its South Australian debut, given its idyllic position in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula region, just 60km southeast of Adelaide.
“This is a beautiful part of the world, and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality Over 50s community that respects its location and heritage surrounds,” he said.
“The demand from downsizers in this area is strong, and our new community will not only deliver a lower-maintenance home, but facilities designed to enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents.”
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures reveal close to half the population (46.6 per cent) of Strathalbyn is aged 50 or over, with the town’s median age 47, compared to 41 and 38 in broader South Australia and Australia respectively.
“Traditional homes and large lots dominate the property landscape in this region, making new communities such as this important to providing the right housing for over 50s as they prepare for, or move into, retirement,” Adrian said.
The Weekly SOURCE published on 1 July GemLife's $6 million investment across its communities into holistic wellness initiatives, including a partnership with Amplar Health to deliver personalised healthy ageing coaching.
“We see our role not just as building new communities but supporting our residents to live their best possible lives and to achieve their wellbeing goals,” Adrian said.
