Boomers demand premium options

Southeast Queensland is the focus for a leading retirement living developer as it continues to invest in Gold Coast projects

OVER 50s developer Halcyon recorded more than $100 million in southeast Queensland sales last year as the group prepares to launch its new Gold Coast project. Halcyon Greens at Pimpama will become the group’s largest development, with more than 500 homes set to be built next to Gainsborough Greens Golf Club at Pimpama.

The developer sold 189 homes for a total of $105.5 million in 2016, with its Hope Island project Vision nearing a sellout and completion.

Vision (pictured) received the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Qld) Award for Excellence in Seniors Living in 2016 and will take on the national title later this year.

Halcyon joint managing director Bevan Geissmann expected the company to notch up 250 sales this year with the launch of the Greens.

“The introduction of Halcyon Greens early in 2017 will ensure Halcyon keeps an active presence in all three SEQ coastal regions – Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast,” he said. “We are experiencing growth buoyed by increasing demand for premium living for over 50s in SEQ, but we are conscious not to overextend. Halcyon’s focus is on measured growth to ensure it stays true to the philosophy of delivering excellent service and products to buyers.”

Dr Geissmann said the company would remain focused on southeast Queensland due to demand from retiring baby boomers.

He said research had shown boomers preferred to stay in their home “corridor” – Brisbane/Gold Coast or Brisbane/Sunshine Coast – to remain close to family and friends but within a new “lifestyle location”.

“Southeast Queensland has the ingredients of the perfect destination for retirement in terms of infrastructure, amenity, affordability and climate,” Dr Geissmann said.