‘Next generation’ over-50s lifestyle resorts are promising to play a pivotal role in helping ease Perth’s housing supply issues, with downsizers beginning to flock to the land lease community model.
Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort, an award-winning 244-home premium land lease project developed by Providence Lifestyle Group, was officially opened in late October by the Hon John Carey MLA, Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works.
Providence Lifestyle Group Managing Director John Wood said high demand for homes at the Resort, the company’s flagship project, revealed the powerful part paradigm-shifting land lease communities (LLCs) for over 50s would play in the local housing market.
“The latest statistics reveal WA’s land lease sector is on track to deliver more than 6,600 homes in the next decade, meaning they’ll be integral in addressing the housing shortfall being experienced in Perth,” said Mr Wood, a land lease sector specialist for more than two decades.
A recent Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA Position Paper on LLCs states: “by providing a secure, low-maintenance, and affordable lifestyle alternative, LLCs could fill a gap between traditional homeownership and retirement villages as a crucial part of the housing continuum.”
“The land lease development industry is one of Australia’s hottest sectors and next generation land lease communities, like Piara Waters Resort, have been elevated to become luxurious, affordable and holistically focused on health and social wellbeing,” said Mr Wood.
“Redefining these resorts means retirees to right-sizers now see them as a very attractive option to downsize to – and that’s freeing up more homes for Perth families.”
Hon John Carey MLA, Minister for Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure welcomed the new resort.
“Our Government backs housing supply across the continuum and it’s great to see the Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort complete and opened,” Mr Carey said.
To meet the rising demand, Providence Lifestyle Group is rolling out the same future-focused model across WA. Its Henley Brook Lifestyle Resort has already welcomed its first 30 homeowners, and Mandurah Resort’s first homeowners will be moving in by Christmas. Resorts in Wattle Grove, Haynes, Two Rocks and Vasse are going through the development approval process.
“We’re excited our projects and the sector as a whole will over the next few years continue to play a crucial role in releasing established homes back onto the market and look forward to working with the State Government to ensure this process is as efficient as possible,” said Mr Wood.
Piara Waters Lifestyle Resort last month won two UDIA WA Awards for Excellence 2025, including the highest honour, the Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence and the Seniors Living Award, recognised for its innovative approach to creating vibrant, connected spaces for older Australians. It will now represent Western Australia at the UDIA National Awards for Excellence.
The Resort features architecturally designed homes with solar panels and battery storage nestled within a masterplanned, walkable community boasting amenities including a cinema, swimming pools, dog park, pickle ball courts, and multiple recreation zones.
Providence Resorts have no entry or exit fees, and home purchases are not subject to stamp duty. Homeowners on a pension are also eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Statistics released in May 2024 revealed 710, 000 Australians intended to retire in the next five years, and it’s projected older people in Australia will make up between 21 and 23% of the total population by 2066.
Information in this article is true and correct as of 4 November 2025.
