Builder/developer Michael Slonim will start building the display homes for two approved Over 50s land lease communities, totalling 439 homes, in the third quarter of the year.

His Melbourne-based business, AVA Communities, is building 204 architecturally-designed two- and three-bedroom homes with atrium ceilings, with single and double garage options, as well as boat and caravan parking, at a site at Batesford, 10km west of Geelong, VIC. It will also have a community centre, indoor heated pool, meeting room, billiards and games area, full sized bowling green, recreation area with a kids play area, and a dog park, on site.

At the same time, he plans to build a similar community, with 235 two- and three-bedroom homes, at Glanmire Park, near Bunnings Yarrawonga, on the south bank of the Murray River, 268km north of Melbourne.

“Once we have the display homes built, we will start the sales shortly thereafter in the last quarter of the year,” said Michael, who used to build homes for Lendlease’s Retirement Living business.

“This has been five to six years in the planning. I intend to build in stages and the community centre will be in the first stage. I am looking to work with an ageing in place company that is advanced in technology.”

He said AVA Communities is being funded by a Singaporean family, who have previously invested in retirement and ageing in place in Singapore.

AVA Communities also has plans for further land lease communities at Aspendale Gardens, 27km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, and Warragul, 102km southeast of Melbourne.