Hunter Valley locals attending the Ingenia Lifestyle open day event on Saturday 7 May registered an exceptional level of interest in the lifestyle-oriented community for the over 55s.

The result has signalled growing demand for more affordable living options in the Hunter Valley region where active seniors can downsize and unlock their home equity.

Project Sales Manager, Tracey Frost, said there was a large number people wanting more information about the innovative purchasing model, where you lease rather than own the land.

“Our unique model is appealing to our clients as it means the entry price point is kept low as residents lease the land. Plus it eliminates the need to pay stamp duty, entry and exit fees and in some cases, the resident is then eligible for rent assistance.

“Visitors were impressed with the brand new home designs with their open plan format, the amount of space, natural light and the large bedrooms.

“It was great to see guests also get a feel for the community and see where the future community centre will be built in the next few months,” Tracey said.

Current residents, Peter and Anne, moved into their new home at Ingenia Lifestyle Hunter Valley in the beginning of May.

“We wanted to downsize and live in a lifestyle-oriented community, but wanted to own the home.

“Owning the home is important to us as we can, to a degree, do our own modifications – for example add a shed to the backyard and if there’s ever a reason to leave, we keep whatever it sells for.

“We don’t mind leasing the land as it includes the upkeep of the village and use of community facilities.

“Other places we looked at required us to pay exit fees or lease both the home and the land meaning you don’t own any of it,” Peter said.

Ingenia Lifestyle Hunter Valley responds to a significant undersupply of affordable and quality age-appropriate accommodation in the region, an issue currently hindering many homeowners looking to downsize and unlock their home equity.

While they’ve only been living at Ingenia Lifestyle Hunter Valley for a few weeks, Peter and Anne know and chat with their neighbours daily and find it a lovely place for walks and to help keep them active. They plan to begin travelling more in their caravan now they have downsized.

For more information on Ingenia Lifestyle Hunter Valley visit www.liveinhuntervalley.com.au or call Tracey Frost on 0408 295 737 or visit 137 Mount View Road, Cessnock.