Gold Coast-based Living Gems has unveiled a $710 million pipeline of three new land lease communities – alongside a leadership reshuffle that signals a new era for the Puljich family business.
Long-term executive Jacinta Fraser has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, joining new CEO Anthony Puljich, who stepped into the top role last month after the company’s split from GemLife, now listed on the ASX. Anthony is the brother of GemLife CEO Adrian Puljich and son of founder Peter Puljich, who established Living Gems in 1982.
Jacinta joined Living Gems in 2017 and has held a number of roles across the business, most recently as General Manager of Operations for both Living Gems and GemLife. She also represents the sector through the UDIA Seniors Living Committee QLD and the Property Council QLD’s Retirement Living Committee.
The announcements follow Living Gems’ divestment of its 13 established communities and sites in $495 million worth of deals with Stockland and AVID Property Group across 2023 and 2024.
With a clean slate, the operator is now doubling down on new projects, with approvals secured for Living Gems Harris Crossing in Townsville ($210 million, 295 homes, first stage to commence later this year) and Living Gems Rockhampton in Parkhurst ($360 million, 505 homes, construction to start in September 2025). A third project in Moreton Bay ($140 million, 186 homes) is also slated for launch this year.
Combined, the three projects represent nearly 1,000 new homes coming to market in Queensland, with additional communities flagged for Yeppoon and northern NSW from 2027 onwards and more acquisitions in sight.
“Living Gems is a business I’ve grown up around and that’s always been close to my heart. I couldn’t be prouder to head this new era in its history,” Anthony said.
“The values my father instilled of delivering high quality homes and a lifestyle second to none remain. He pioneered over-50s lifestyle resorts and continually raised the bar in their design – and that’s a legacy we’ll continue to uphold.”
