With COVID-19 lockdowns seemingly behind us, there is a renewed demand for retirement village units.

Harbourside Haven, which is the new name of Port Stephens Veterans & Citizens Aged Care, has twice been forced to cancel the opening of the second stage of its third retirement community, Salamander Haven Apartments in Salamander Bay.

However, Harbourside Haven CEO Sheree Gemmell said that sales inquiries for Stage 2 at Salamander Haven Apartments had increased since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, with only 14 of the 56 units still available for purchase at prices starting at $465,000. Two further apartments are in negotiations with prospective buyers now able to see the properties.

The three-storey Salamander Haven Apartments feature two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus study and three-bedroom apartments, within walking distance of the Salamander Village shops. The development, which is on the site of Salamander Haven, which has 81 two-bedroom self-care villas and eight 8 two-bedroom + study apartments, includes a wellness hub (including consulting rooms and multipurpose room), reception desk and access to an indoor pool and spa.

Ms Gemmell admitted that there had been some challenges, in addition to COVID-19, with sales in recent months, including the proliferation of over 55s parks on the market in Port Stephens, and the public findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission into Aged Care and Safety.

"But we also have many benefits ... as a Not For Profit company we give back to the Port Stephens community by providing local jobs (currently 320 across three sites), sourcing local products and supporting a range of charities including Legacy, veterans networks, Men of League, just to name a few," Ms Gemmell said.

Harbourside Haven also owns and operates Fingal Haven Village (132 villas and apartments at Fingal Bay) and Harbourside Haven Village (154 villas at Shoal Bay), Harbourside Haven Nursing Home & Hostels, Shoal Bay, and Bill King Aged Care Facility in Fingal Bay.