Incoming retiree influx to boost pressure on retirement living availability

A shortage of land and an influx of retirees over the next five years is set to place increasing pressure on the availability of homes in lifestyle villages in and around Perth, according to retirement industry leader John Green.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released in May reveal 226,000 Australians intend to retire in the next two years and that number will swell to 710,000 within five years. Australia is already home to 4.2 million retirees.

John Green said Australia’s ageing population was creating unprecedented demand

– and the fresh ABS figures indicated that demand would continue to grow. “In recent years, the retirement living industry has experienced significant growth because retirees are getting much higher prices for their family home, setting much better conditions for investing excess cash and pensioners are also enjoying a better overall financial package from the Federal and State Government,” he explained.

John Green said Helena Valley Lifestyle Village, could not build their home sites fast enough. “At our Helena Valley Lifestyle Village, stages are selling out before they’re even constructed,” he stated.

“We’ve also noticed more early retirees and empty nesters are choosing to go with better quality options in their retirement and often spending a little more money on high-end homes because they can now afford it, whereas three years ago it was a different story.” John Green said Helena Valley Lifestyle Valley was working quickly to get the remaining home sites ready for 2026.

“We are fortunate this project is close to 90% sold-out and we’re now developing the final 1 bedroom home sites,” he stated.

“But there’s now a shortage of ready-to-develop land in Perth, and this will cause an extra challenge for retirees looking to buy into a lifestyle community in coming years.”

The ABS said the pension was the main source of income for most Australian retirees and that financial security was the main factor impacting when people retired. More Australians are also retiring with mortgage debt.

“Perth retirees or potential retirees would do well to act sooner rather than later to downsize their homes while property prices are strong and secure their spot at a village of their choice while they still can,” John Green suggested.

“Land lease lifestyle village homes – with extraordinary facilities, and no stamp duty – are becoming one of the few viable options for most retirees, with housing becoming less affordable and available.”

“The great news is that land lease villages, like Helena Valley Lifestyle Village can help retirees’ free up cash and enjoy a low weekly cost of living, with homes priced on average much lower than median house prices in the same suburb.”

John Green said Helena Valley Lifestyle Village also boasted other features that made them more financially attractive.

“At Helena Valley, we’re delivering crucial cost of living savings through lower power bills, lower water bills and lower maintenance bills,” he said.

“We’re also delivering enhanced personal safety, and promoting personal connections and friendships, active living, and wellness.”

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Information in this article is true and correct as of 13 February 2026.