As land lease communities continue to gain traction across Australia, the conversation is shifting beyond affordability toward lifestyle, design and long-term value.
We spoke with Sabrina Gatto, Development Manager at AVID Property Group, about what’s driving demand among over-55s, how the sector is evolving, and why Queensland has emerged as one of the country’s most active markets.
Sabrina, can you tell us a little bit about Avid Property Group?
“AVID Property Group is a leading Australian residential developer with a proven track record in delivering award winning master planned communities, over-50s land lease communities, and completed homes. At AVID, we’re committed to creating well-designed neighbourhoods that prioritise quality living, strong community connections, and long-term value. Our business is centred around a passion for placemaking, not just building homes, but creating communities with thoughtful design, green spaces, and amenities that support residents’ lifestyles and wellbeing.”
What is your role as the Development Manager for QLD?
“As Development Manager, my role is to oversee the planning and delivery of land lease community development projects from early feasibility through to completion.
This involves coordinating the entire development process, including feasibility analysis, managing consultants, navigating planning approvals, coordinating with councils and authorities, and overseeing the delivery of civil infrastructure and residential lots.
A key part of the role is ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with the company’s strategic objectives. It also requires close collaboration with internal teams such as sales, marketing, construction and finance to ensure each project is commercially successful and creates a high-quality community outcome.
Ultimately, the role is about bringing together the many moving parts of a development and guiding the project from concept to a completed community.”
What do you believe has led to the popularity of Land Lease as a lifestyle choice for Over 55’s across Australia?
“The popularity of land lease communities for over-55s across Australia is largely driven by a combination of lifestyle, financial flexibility, and community connection.
For many people approaching or entering retirement, these communities provide an opportunity to downsize without compromising on quality of life. Residents can unlock equity from their existing homes while moving into a modern, purpose-designed home within a well-managed community.
Another key factor is the lifestyle offering. Land lease communities typically provide shared facilities, social spaces, and organised activities that help foster a strong sense of community and belonging, which is increasingly important for this demographic.”
How do you see the sector evolving further as it continues to mature?
“As the land lease sector continues to mature, I think we will see a stronger focus on quality, design, and the overall lifestyle offering. Developers are increasingly recognising that residents are not just looking for housing, but for well-designed communities that support active, connected, and independent living.
There will likely also be greater diversification in the product. Communities will continue to evolve to cater to different segments within the over-55s market, with a wider range of home designs, price points, and amenities to suit varying lifestyles, geographic locations and financial circumstances.
At the same time, planning frameworks and local governments are becoming more familiar with the model, which should help streamline approvals and encourage more developments in suitable locations.
Overall, the sector is moving toward more sophisticated, lifestyle-driven communities that combine quality housing, thoughtful planning, and strong community environments.”
What are the major differences you see between Land Lease in QLD as compared to the rest of Australia?
“Queensland has some distinct characteristics when it comes to land lease communities compared to other parts of Australia.
One of the biggest differences is the lifestyle orientation. The warmer climate means communities can place a stronger emphasis on outdoor living, with features such as larger alfresco areas, walking paths, pools, and shared outdoor recreation spaces playing a central role in the design. Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, particularly from interstate migration. Many people are relocating from southern states seeking a warmer climate, a more relaxed lifestyle, and relatively better housing affordability. Land lease communities provide an attractive option for these buyers, particularly downsizers and retirees looking to free up equity while maintaining a high-quality lifestyle.
Another factor is the availability of suitable land on the urban fringes and in regional growth corridors, which has allowed the sector to expand more rapidly than in some other states. Overall, the combination of climate, population growth, and lifestyle appeal has made Queensland one of the strongest and fastest-growing markets for land lease communities in Australia.”
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming Summit?
“I’m really looking forward to hearing perspectives from others across the sector. The Summit brings together developers, operators, investors and advisors who are all involved in shaping the future of land lease communities, so it’s a great opportunity to learn from different experiences and approaches.
I’m particularly interested in the discussions around how the sector is evolving, from planning and delivery models through to design and lifestyle offerings, and how we can continue improving the quality of communities being delivered across Australia.”
Sabrina will be sharing more insights at the 2026 Land Lease Communities Summit. View the brochure for details on her session and the full agenda.