Land lease communities, where you own your home and any capital gains while leasing the land it occupies, are in great demand and it is easy to see why.
For people like Cathy Henderson, 62, and her husband Dave, it has opened a new world. She is, in the words of DCM Group’s TV series The Best 30 Years, having “the best life”.
The decision to rightsize to Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring has given Cathy the gift of time to enjoy what matters most – a rewarding job as a carer, treasured moments with grandchildren, and a busy social life.
No longer spending hours on a ride-on mower to maintain a 10-hectare property and home, Cathy and her husband Dave are having the times of their lives.
Cathy’s only regret is not becoming a carer earlier.
“It’s such rewarding work and I love it. I’ve worked in offices most of my life but now supporting a young disabled woman is a role I wish I’d considered earlier. I’m able to make her life better and that’s a very special feeling,” she said.
“She requires around the clock care, so my shifts often require me to stay overnight at her home. While she is non-verbal, she understands everything and has a wicked sense of humour. As soon as she sees me getting out of my car, she squeals with delight.”
Cathy and her husband were among the first residents to move into the Lincoln Place community at Spring Flat, 5km from the centre of Mudgee, and have watched it grow.
“While it’s still a developing community, new neighbours are moving in every week helping to transform it into a friendly, supportive neighbourhood. Friendships have formed that feel more like extended family than neighbours,” she said.
Cathy’s caring also extends to her own family, which has been dealt heartache.
“In 2013, our eldest son and his wife had a baby born very premature in the Philippines who sadly passed away. We mortgaged our previous house and used some of our super to support them and help pay their medical bills. They had another premmie baby but he’s now five and healthy. Not long after they moved closer to us, our daughter-in-law suffered a severe stroke.’’
When their son is working, Cathy and Dave step up to support their daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Their low-maintenance lifestyle at Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring allows them to combine family responsibilities with Cathy’s carer role without feeling overwhelmed.
“Living here in our new home actually makes life so much easier, it’s unbelievable,’’ Cathy said. “I often reflect on how we would be struggling now to keep up with everything on a large property if we were still there.’’
Cathy says she values the support of her neighbours.
“When I step outside my front door, there is always someone to talk to or someone willing to join me for a walk. I’m keeping active, connected, and grateful for the choice we made to move here. I’m looking forward to the addition of a gym and pool to our facilities, that are coming soon.’’
In her ‘spare’ time, Cathy also has a second job editing at the local community magazine.