Living in a Gated Community

[UIZ733]

We would like to think that a fair amount of time would be spent exploring the wonderful land in the future. Not intending to be permanently on the road as long trips would appeal more. Current suburban house has pool etc. and really needs somebody living there to keep an eye on things. Offspring is not in a position to do this at this time. Renting it out or a house sitter are possibilities, however the first option is only viable if permanently on the road.
Giving serious thought to selling, downsizing and living in a gated community for ease of maintenance and security etc. We have concerns with Body Corporate costs etc. etc.
Would be interested in swaggers opinions and experiences.
Regards

[albany_nomads]

My parents live in a gated community here in the west, they are also very keen caravan folks and have done many laps of the country with their van and Nissan .
They have a allocated spot in the compound for storage of their van, As folks have joined the village because you have limited room in your rear yard for a work
Shop ( as such only a small garden shed)  people have donated jacks lathes welders drills all sorts of tools and equipment to the villages community workshop and have to say best equipped work shop I've ever seen. My parents are now in their mid 70s and have been in the village for 15 years they like the closer knit community all the facilities and activities and also peace of mind that when they are on the road they know their home is under better security..they love and glad they didn't leave it to late to make the move.
Cost: my old man said to me you don't join a gated community to make money as a property investment . When you join you have to decide this will be my final house move before your visit before go waiting room, joining a gated lifestyle type community is not a money making venture and that's what you have to remember. They moved in when 60 and haven't regretted it, that said They pay approx $75 per week in fees but still pay for there own water consumption , gas and electricity but not for shire or water or sewage rates and property insurance ( only content insurance)  that's a fair saving on its own.
Have to go will text up some more later.   John.   Albany Nomads


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[chester ver2.0]

Parents i law do it and they love it.

Swimming pool
Lawnbowls with clubhouse and 2 dollar beers
Caravan storage area
etc etc

You get a villa style house with your own garage front and rear garden which is maintained for you. You dont actually own the place it is more of a long term lease and then when you pass on either it goes back to the estate managers or a family member over 55 gets first dibs to take over the lease

[UIZ733]

I should said that we are only considering freehold properties within a gated setup at this time.

[chester ver2.0]

I should said that we are only considering freehold properties within a gated setup at this time.

Why only freehold

[UIZ733]

I could be misguided, however I feel that freehold gives one more control than strata titled. Additionally freehold will not have shared walls which should reduce neighbourly noise.

[woody too]

G'day uiz733 I must admit I havn't heard of a gated comunity before but that is what it seems we live in, we know it as a Life Style village, there are about 170 odd free standing cottages in this village and another 30 being built at the moment, a few of the units are double and tripples, we have been here for 7 years and love it, we go caravaning and its just a matter of locking up and letting the office know. The feeling of security and comarardary is excelent. This village is in Mackay Qld.
If you would like to know about the finantial side of things you can pm me and I can ring you or whatever.
Regards Woody.

[chester ver2.0]

I could be misguided, however I feel that freehold gives one more control than strata titled. Additionally freehold will not have shared walls which should reduce neighbourly noise.

Ahh fair enough so you know the in laws one are individual villas with no common walls. Most seem to be going to a lease arrangement these days so you may not find what you are after in freehold.

[Nomad]

Hey Uiz,

Most, read all, gated estates are strata titled in one form or another. In Qld, generally if you have land and a freestanding home you will be either on a GTP (group title plan) or an SP ( Survey Plan) or if its an attached unit in a complex it will be different again.

Anyway bottom line is, see what the Body Corporate and rates costs are, and also the rules!
Make sure you have a look at the Body Corp levies and what assets they have as well. Is there cash in the sinking fund to pay for maintenance of common property etc.

They do work for many people. I actually noticed a van park advertised on the weekend. Each lot had a partially fitted out shed / barn on its own block. So developers are becoming receptive to a lot of markets these days.

Cheers Nomad.

[Smoko]

My BIL lived in a gated community his wife left him for one of the security guards........I quess that his house was kept well patrolled

He is not a fan of gated community's



Smoko

[briann532]

Just commit a crime.............

You can stay in a gated community for free. 3 hot meals a day, gym, foxtel, medical plan, and secure "lock up" facility..........

Nah just kidding, as if they'd lock you up these days. You just need counselling and perhaps a house and some money.....

On a serious note, I do a bit of work for a developer who does gated communities and everyone seems very happy in them.
I assume it would depend on the area, and demographics more than the situation.
A careful look and some research into the area, the locals and other families in the community might give a good idea.
If they are willing to talk to you and advise you then chances are they wouldn't be too hard to live with.

Bottom line, you can always bail if it doesn't work out. Sell it and move on.

Brian

[toeball]

My BIL lived in a gated community his wife left him for one of the security guards........I quess that his house was kept well patrolled

He is not a fan of gated community's

Smoko

If you are interested in a higher end water front comunity they provide an opportunity for extra marital affairs...... while the husband is off at work trying to maintain their lifestyle the wives get bored and are known to play up. One of the security guys told me that most of their actual real call outs was for domestic altications ??

[UIZ733]

they provide an opportunity for extra marital affairs..

Very happy with marital affairs only.... no extras required. 

[Chris-Vi]

This was a place we were looking at. Only trouble is for us was the location.
http://www.rvhomebase.com.au/
We like the idea also of travelling and the house being reasonably secure. Looked at units but then have to find somewhere to store the van when not on the road.