GemLife Communities Group has secured a 32.5-hectare greenfield site for $21 million in Mount Low, Townsville, marking its first entry into Far North Queensland and further expanding its national development pipeline.
Located within the city’s northern growth corridor, the site will benefit from major infrastructure works funded through the Queensland Government’s Regional Activation Fund, supporting improved road connectivity and long-term residential development.
GemLife will seek development approval for more than 500 homes and resort-style facilities, delivering a masterplanned land lease community tailored to homeowners aged 50 and over. Upon completion, the project will form part of GemLife’s portfolio of 33 communities nationally.
The site is located in the Maidment Group’s Sanctum estate in Townsville’s Northern Beaches, about 25 minutes north of the CBD.
The acquisition — which has gone unconditional — will be completed in two stages, with settlements expected in March 2026 and February 2027. Construction is anticipated to commence following settlement of the second stage, subject to development approval.
GemLife Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adrian Puljich said the planned project reflected continued demand for quality, well-located over-50s housing in regional growth markets.
“We have been looking for the right opportunity in Townsville and this site is ideal,” he said.
“Located in the fast-growing, sought-after Northern Beaches, its proximity to the CBD, airport, hospital and established lifestyle amenities make it a highly desirable place to live.
“Demand for housing in Townsville continues to be underpinned by strong fundamentals, including employment, infrastructure investment and population growth, yet the supply of high-quality downsizer housing has not kept pace.
“With an ageing population, delivering new communities specifically designed for over-50s provides more choice for downsizers while also helping free up larger homes for the next generation. Land lease communities are increasingly appealing for this demographic, offering low-maintenance homes, strong lifestyle amenities and the opportunity to unlock capital for retirement.”
GemLife, which was established in 2015 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in July 2025, has a development pipeline of more than 10,400 homes and sites Australia-wide.
Under its land lease model, there are no entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty applicable when purchasing in its communities, with buyers retaining all capital gains.
A weekly site fee covers security, maintenance and management, including its expansive onsite resort-style amenities, which typically include pools, a bowling alley, cinema, pickleball courts, a bar, and alfresco dining facilities.
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