A new $267 million over-50s lifestyle community has been approved for the foothills of the Glass House Mountains, bringing more than 250 new homes and a major investment to the hinterland.
GemLife Glass House Mountains will be built on a 30-hectare site at 45 Buzaki Road, with Sunshine Coast Council signing off last month on the first stage of 114 homes. The full development will eventually include 251 homes.
Civil construction is expected to begin in December, with the first homes due for release in early 2026.
The gated community will include $16 million worth of private amenities for residents, with plans for a raised Country Club positioned to take in mountain views. The facilities will include a resort-style pool, lap pool, spa, gym, cinema, bowling alley, games room, library and pickleball court.
A 30-metre-wide tree-lined buffer will be established along the site’s northern boundary, adjoining a macadamia plantation.
GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich said demand for over-50s communities continued to grow as buyers looked for lifestyle and financial advantages ahead of retirement.
“We’re finding people are moving into over-50s communities earlier to reap the lifestyle benefits that come with having resort-style amenities at their doorstep, low maintenance living, and the ability to free up capital when downsizing their home,” he said.
Puljich said the Glass House Mountains development’s elevated position and location close to town would add to its appeal.
“The demand in this region is particularly strong, and we believe GemLife Glass House Mountains’ beautiful location will further add to its appeal, with the site’s elevation capturing panoramic mountain views and fresh breezes,” he said.
“It is in a peaceful pocket close to the Glass House Mountains township, national parks, and walking and cycling trails, and within easy reach of shops, cafes, services and beaches within the broader Sunshine Coast region.”
Mr Puljich said GemLife Glass House Mountains would appeal to those already living within a 40 to 50-kilometre radius of the community, along with buyers from further afield.
“The surrounding neighbourhood is dominated by larger lots, so GemLife Glass House Mountains is an opportunity for locals to downsize while retaining the iconic aspect, fantastic lifestyle and friendships they know and love,” he said.
“We also believe it will strike a chord with those living in Brisbane and beyond, who are looking for a quiet treechange in their over 50s, while being close to city conveniences.”
All homes in the community will be single level, energy efficient and low maintenance, featuring two bedrooms plus a multipurpose room and indoor-outdoor living areas. The community will be pet friendly.
The project is the seventh South East Queensland approval for GemLife this year, adding to a growing list of communities under construction or in planning across the region.
As a land lease community, homeowners will buy their home and rent the land, with a weekly site fee covering maintenance, management and the shared facilities.
