Frequently Asked Questions

  • Olive Tree Gardens Estate is an exclusive rural community designed specifically for Over 55’s, providing high-quality, resort-style living in Victoria’s High Country.

    The estate will include 227 low maintenance 2 or 3 bedroom homes set within a secure gated community amongst native gardens and parklands.

    Olive Tree Gardens Estate provides a variety of sporting and social facilities for residents to enjoy with like-minded people.

    Olive Tree Gardens Estate will operate as a residential land lease community.

    The Land Lease model enables residents to buy their home and lease the land, providing affordable house prices and simple contracts with no exit fees, capital gain sharing or stamp duty.

  • The community will feature a range of lifestyle facilities for residents including:

    • a large clubhouse

    • indoor heated swimming pool

    • bowling greens

    • golf driving nets

    • putting green

    • pickleball court

    • bocce and croquet area

    • workshop shed

    • community vegetable gardens

    • picnic and bbq facilities

    • pocket parks and pedestrian pathways

    • community bus to shops and services

  • Residents will choose from a variety of 2 and 3 bedroom homes constructed from high quality materials and finishes. The homes will have the option for an attached oversize carport or garage for a caravan, motorhome or workshop space.

    Olive Tree Gardens Estate features a variety of home site sizes - 78 of them will be 320 sqm and 148 will be a minimum of 260 sqm, including a number of corner lots. In comparison to the smaller lots typically provided by similar estates, these larger sites will provide residents with greater space and separation from neighbours for extra privacy.

    As residents own their homes, they can make any interior changes they desire once they move in. Any variations to the exterior of the home need to be in keeping with the overall look and feel of the community and approved by the operator.

  • The project offers a downsizing alternative not readily available in Victoria. The new homes will help address housing shortages in Victoria and meet the increasing demand for affordable downsizing accommodation.

    Purchasers downsizing will be selling existing homes, making additional housing stock available for sale through the Wangaratta region and broader afield.

    The cost of the project is in excess of $90 million. The staged-release development will provide a significant boost to the local economy over 6 years, with Victorian contractors engaged for civil construction, building the homes and facilities, and landscaping the estate.

    The economic multiplier effects of construction and resident spending throughout the local economy will bring benefits, particularly for local suppliers, the real estate sector, subdivisional and other associated industries.

  • Olive Tree Gardens Estate was approved by the Rural City of Wangaratta in August 2023 and will be developed across seven stages over 6 years. The first stage is set to commence in November 2023 and will include 34 home sites and community facilities. The first homes and clubhouse are expected to be completed by November 2024.

  • Land Lease communities enable residents to buy their own home and lease the land on which it sits. These resort-style estates for over 55’s are increasingly popular due to their affordable, simple ownership structure and relaxed lifestyle. In Australia there are around 900 Land Lease Communities with over 100,0000 homeowners.

    Unlike traditional retirement villages, Olive Tree Gardens Estate will have NO Exit Fees, Capital Gain sharing or Stamp Duty payable on home purchases and sales, and no complicated contracts.

    Residents lease the land via a weekly or fortnightly site fee. The secure, long-term lease provides exclusive right to occupy the land and use the community facilities. Those eligible for the pension can also take advantage of government rent assistance.

    As home owners, residents are responsible for maintenance of the home, while the operator is responsible for all common areas, front gardens and the community facilities.

    Land Lease Communities are supported by state government regulations and legislation which provide strong levels of protection and security for homeowners.

  • Site fees vary between communities and cover a variety of costs associated with running and maintaining the community. This includes but is not limited to: site rent, use of all community facilities, maintenance costs of the community facilities, community gardens, internal roads and streetscapes.

    Council rates and village management costs are also covered, as well as staffing who look after the community including a village manager and grounds staff. More information on site fee costs will be available as the project progresses into the development and sales phase.

  • The home owner (or the executor or beneficiary of their estate) can appoint the operator or a real estate agent to handle the sale. The new owner enters into a new site agreement with the operator.

  • Yes, home owners can rent out their home in limited circumstances with the operator’s permission. Tenants need to comply with the terms and conditions set out in the home owner’s site agreement.

  • Yes, guests and visitors are welcome. Consideration is given to the length of the stay and the number of visitors in fairness to other residents of the community. Spouses, partners and carers all have the right to live with home owners.

  • Olive Tree Gardens Estate will be pet friendly. More information about the community rules will be available as the project progresses.

  • Residents do not have to be retired, and many may still be working full-time or part-time.

    Olive Tree Gardens Estate is designed for independent living, so will not offer any on-site care options such as cleaning, meal services or medical support, however, the village staff can provide contact details and assist in arranging such services.

    The Land Lease model is much simpler in structure than many retirement villages:

    • no stamp duty fees

    • no council rates

    • no exit fees or DMF on exit

    • you own your own home keeping 100% of any capital gains

    • as you lease the land there is a more affordable upfront price point

    • your new home is part of your estate as a willable asset

    • where eligible, the site fees may be covered by government rent assistance

  • Sign up for news and updates and to register your interest in the estate, fill in the contact form on our contact page.

    For sales enquiries, contact Peter Joyce and Sally Wohlers at Obrien Real Estate Joyce Wangaratta on
    (03) 5722 2336