New retirement communities catering to the next wave of retirees

As Australia’s retirement landscape undergoes significant transformation, the demand for modern, purpose-built communities is growing rapidly.

With an increasing number of retirees seeking homes that prioritise social connection, wellness and community, Aveo is meeting the changing market’s needs with its latest development, Bella Vista Haven, in the heart of Sydney’s Hills District.

The new wave of retirees

Tony Randello, Aveo’s Chief Executive Officer, says Australia is experiencing a “silver tsunami” with the Baby Boomer generation representing half of the new residents moving into Aveo communities.

“As a customer base, the Baby Boomers are more adventurous, they’re more financially informed, and they’re ready to explore alternative property options such as apartment living that perhaps previous generations were more conservative about.”

“They expect choice and flexibility, and retirement village operators must adapt to meet their needs,” Mr Randello says.

Spotlight: Bella Vista Haven, Bella Vista, Sydney

Bella Vista Haven is designed to offer a vibrant, low-maintenance lifestyle in spacious apartments with access to a range of on-site, resort-style amenities.

The development features sustainable architectural design and provides residents with easy access to local facilities including Circa Shopping Centre, Norwest Private Hospital, Bella Vista Metro Station, Bella Vista Farm, and Castle Hill Country Club.

 “The community offers a great location with easy access to transport, shopping and healthcare services, making it incredibly convenient for residents,” Mr Randello says.

“It’s designed for low-maintenance living, allowing retirees to focus on enjoying life, not maintaining their homes.”

The Corymbia Residences at Bella Vista Haven is the latest addition to the community.

It offers 83 north- and south-facing, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including a limited collection of penthouses.

These modern residences feature premium finishes and thoughtful design elements to enhance comfort, style and functionality.

Mr Randello noted that off-the-plan sales of the newly released apartments commenced in April 2025, and the team at Bella Vista Haven have had a queue of retirees who are eager to see apartment floor plans and experience the display apartments in the community.

“We know people are so surprised by what is available within modern retirement living and Bella Vista Haven is a prime example of that.”

“These are spacious homes that offer the utmost attention to design detail and penthouse homes with luxury finishes that address the desires of a successful retiree,” Mr Randello says.

Focus on wellbeing and connection

Bella Vista Haven offers a variety of amenities designed to support physical, emotional and social wellness including a fully equipped gym, café, residents’ bar and lounge, multi-purpose function room, beauty salon, consultation rooms, community garden, on-site restaurant, and the soon-to-be-completed heated indoor swimming pool, infrared saunas, BBQ area, library, and cinema.

“Retirees today are not just looking for a place to live – they want amenities that foster health, connection and community,” Randello says.

“Modern amenities like gyms, pools and activity spaces allow residents to stay active and connected whether they’re exercising, socialising, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family.”

Wendy Young, a resident at Bella Vista Haven, has found the lifestyle she was looking for in the community.

“I just love the people. We have lunch together and a lot of us go out together,” she said.

“It’s just a wonderful lifestyle. Friends, lunch, city, all of the above.”

Aveo’s 67 retirement communities offer over 10,000 residents the opportunity to foster connection and new friendships.

As Mr Randello explains, many retirees experience social disconnect after stepping away from work and family life.

“Moving into a retirement community helps people reconnect and build new friendships,” he said.

“It opens up opportunities to try new things and form meaningful connections with others in similar stages of life.”

David Thummler, another resident at Bella Vista Haven, enjoys the sense of community there and the group “Opal trips” where each month, residents use public transport to go to events together.

“Whether it’s to the art gallery or an exhibition of some other kind, they’re really good. The fellowship that we’re able to attain by living here is just fantastic. It’s our big family and we look after one another.”

A vision for the future

Bella Vista Haven is part of Aveo’s vision to build more innovative retirement communities and the company is committed to expanding its portfolio along the eastern coast of Australia.

As part of these efforts, Aveo was recently announced by the NSW Government as the preferred delivery partner of the Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct development in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“We’re always looking for new locations to expand our communities,” Mr Randello says.

“We want to integrate our developments into vibrant local areas, where retirees can enjoy easy access to services while living in a secure, age-restricted community.”

Aveo is also continuing to invest in enhancing the facilities and services within its existing communities.

“We’ve already transformed most of our portfolio through renovation initiatives and we’ll continue to do that to ensure they offer the best possible living experience for retirees,” Mr Randello says.

For more information about Bella Vista Haven or to book an appointment to visit the Corymbia Residence’s display apartments, visit the website.

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