Aspen Group Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts
Last Updated: June 2026
Author: Villages.com.au Retirement Living Specialist
Aspen Group is an Australian lifestyle resort operator offering over-50s communities across New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. Residents typically own their homes and enjoy access to recreational facilities, social activities and a low-maintenance lifestyle. This guide explains Aspen Group locations, amenities, ownership structures, costs and frequently asked questions to help you determine whether an Aspen Group community is right for you.
About Aspen Group
Aspen Group is an Australian property company that develops and operates residential, tourism and lifestyle communities. Its over-50s lifestyle resorts are designed for people seeking a more relaxed, community-focused way of living after downsizing or retirement.
Aspen Group's lifestyle communities focus on providing modern homes, quality shared facilities and opportunities for residents to stay active and connected. The company operates communities across multiple Australian states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
Unlike traditional retirement villages, many Aspen Group communities are built around a lifestyle resort model that emphasises home ownership, community living and access to recreational amenities.
What Makes Aspen Group Different?
Quick Summary
Where Does Aspen Group Operate?
Aspen Group Communities by State
*Community locations may change over time. Always check the latest Aspen Group listings on villages.com.au.
What Is Living at Aspen Group Like?
Lifestyle and Social Activities
Aspen Group communities are designed to support an active and social lifestyle. Residents often have opportunities to participate in organised activities, meet neighbours and enjoy a strong sense of community.
Depending on the location, activities may include:
Many residents value the balance between maintaining independence and having opportunities to connect with others when they choose.
Wellness and Recreation Facilities
Facilities vary between communities but may include:
Facility Type | Available at Many Communities |
Clubhouse | ✓ |
Swimming Pool | ✓ |
Gymnasium | ✓ |
Bowling Green | ✓ |
Cinema Room | ✓ |
Arts & Crafts Spaces | ✓ |
Community Lounge | ✓ |
Tennis or Pickleball Courts | Community Dependent |
Outdoor Recreation Areas | ✓ |
The facilities available at each community should always be confirmed before purchasing.
Home Ownership at Aspen Group
Do Residents Own Their Homes?
Many Aspen Group communities operate under a land lease model, which differs from a traditional retirement village.
In an Aspen Lifestyle community, residents typically:
This model is designed to provide the benefits of home ownership while reducing some of the costs often associated with traditional property ownership.
Land Lease vs Retirement Village
Feature | Aspen Land Lease Community | Traditional Retirement Village |
Home Ownership | You own your home | Usually a licence or leasehold right to occupy |
Land Ownership | Community operator owns the land | Operator owns village land and infrastructure |
Stamp Duty | Generally not payable | Usually not payable |
Council Rates | Typically included within site arrangements | Generally included in village fees |
Exit Fees | Often none, depending on community | Commonly charged as a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) |
Capital Gains | Homeowner typically retains capital gains | May be shared depending on contract |
Commonwealth Rent Assistance | May be available for eligible residents | Generally not available |
Prospective buyers should always review the specific agreement for their chosen community, as arrangements can vary between locations.
Buying a Home in an Aspen Group Community
The buying process is generally straightforward:
Explore available communities and homes.
Visit the community and inspect facilities.
Review the site agreement and disclosure documentation.
Seek independent legal and financial advice.
Purchase your home.
Enter into the site agreement for the land.
Move in and enjoy the community lifestyle.
Because residents purchase the home rather than the land, entry costs can often be lower than purchasing a comparable freehold property in the same location.
What Does It Cost to Live at Aspen Group?
Home Purchase Costs
The purchase price of an Aspen Lifestyle home varies according to:
One of the key financial advantages of the land lease model is that residents purchase the home without purchasing the underlying land. This can make home ownership more affordable compared with traditional residential property purchases.
Many Aspen communities also promote:
These benefits can help free up capital from the sale of a family home for travel, investments or lifestyle spending.
Ongoing Fees and Charges
Residents generally pay a recurring site fee for the right to occupy their site and access community facilities.
Cost Type | Description |
Home Purchase | One-off purchase of the home |
Site Fee | Ongoing fee for leasing the land and maintaining community infrastructure |
Utilities | Electricity, internet and other personal services where applicable |
Home Maintenance | Responsibility of the homeowner |
Optional Services | Community-specific services where offered |
Site fees typically contribute towards:
Eligible Age Pension recipients may also qualify for Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help offset site fees.
Are There Exit Fees?
One of the major differences between many Aspen Lifestyle communities and traditional retirement villages is the approach to exit fees.
Many Aspen land lease communities advertise:
However, exit arrangements can vary between communities. Some established Aspen communities may have a modest exit fee structure, while others advertise no exit fees at all. Buyers should always review the disclosure documents and site agreement for their chosen community before purchasing.
Why This Differs From a Retirement Village
Traditional retirement villages often charge a Deferred Management Fee (DMF), which is usually deducted when a resident leaves or sells. Depending on the contract, this can represent a significant percentage of the resale value.
By contrast, the Aspen land lease model is generally designed around:
For many downsizers, this can make it easier to understand the long-term financial outcome of their move and retain more of their equity when they eventually sell.
Who Is Aspen Group Best Suited For?
Ideal Resident Profiles
Aspen Group communities may suit:
Potential Considerations
Before choosing an Aspen Group community, consider:
Comparing multiple operators and communities can help you make a more informed decision.
Find an Aspen Group Community
If you're considering downsizing or exploring over-50s lifestyle living, Aspen Group communities may offer a combination of home ownership, lifestyle facilities and community connection.
You can:
Start exploring Aspen Group communities on villages.com.au and find the lifestyle community that best suits your next chapter.
View all villages and aged care facilities of Aspen Group
