Retirees snap up units in Stockland's Gowanbrae development

Property group Stockland has found strong interest in its retirement development in Gowanbrae village, about 15 kilometres north of Melbourne. Since the development’s off-the-plan marketing launch in October 2010, 32 of the 39 apartments have sold.

The Gowanbrae apartments cater to a new breed of retirees, who are keen to maintain their active lifestyles as they age.

“Nowadays, both retirees and the community realise retirement presents choice when it comes to living standards that encourage active and social lifestyles,” Stockland says.

“Moving into a Stockland retirement village is an independent living choice and is based on factors such as: enhanced social contact, secure surroundings, peace of mind within a close-knit community and home downsizing for a renewed active lifestyle.”

The development features nine one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments with studies across three storeys.

Units range from 63 square metres to 105 square metres and are priced from $319,000 to $495,000.

The development includes onsite health services such as 24-hour emergency medical assistance, physiotherapy, exercise programs and medical rooms for doctors’ visits. All doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate people with limited mobility.

Features also include a bar and dining room, dance floor, bowling green, library, craft room, pool, spa and beauty salon.

Construction was completed on the development at the end of last year, and about 70% of the sales were off the plan.

The development is part of Stockland’s “three R” strategy – focusing on residential, retirement and retail, which chief executive Matthew Quinn has implemented.