Why design-minded downsizers are looking to Flagstone for their next move

Australians aged over 50 are increasingly looking for homes that let them trade constant maintenance for lifestyle and community.

Research by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute found that Australia’s modern over 50s downsize for a variety of reasons.

The largest share were focused on a lifestyle upgrade, wanting to live in communities that support active and independent living.

They’re also interested in properties that let them focus more on the things that matter to them, instead of spending hours each week on maintaining their homes.

One community attracting this demographic, and delivering on lifestyle appeal, affordability and low-maintenance living, is Millbray’s new over 50s living community, Ashcroft in Flagstone.

Why Flagstone is attracting smart, connected buyers over 50

Flagstone is a Queensland Government-designated Priority Development Area (PDA) in Logan City.

Close to both city convenience and South East Queensland’s most famous beaches, Flagstone is only an hour’s drive from both the Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast.

Surrounded by nature and built around connection with community parks and spaces, Flagstone offers everything modern homeowners are looking for at a more affordable price point.

“From our view, Flagstone is no longer a future growth story – it’s a thriving, connected community that people are proud to call home,” says Millbray General Manager Development Matt Fedrick.

“[Flagstone] is one of South East Queensland’s most vibrant and connected emerging regions.”

Mr Fedrick describes Flagstone as a “tight-knit” suburb, brimming with community spirit.

“It offers a lot of amenity that’s important to our residents,” he says.

“Perfectly positioned in Flagstone, Ashcroft connects you to everyday convenience, local shops, health care and green open spaces.”

The lifestyle perks setting Ashcroft apart

Ashcroft is the first over 50s lifestyle community to be approved in Flagstone and will feature 293 homes, ranging from two to three bedrooms.

Its 5,000 sqm of thoughtfully designed amenity includes a 25-metre heated lap pool, spa, four-lane bowling green and pickleball courts.

There’s a main hall, bar and sports lounge with pool tables and a golf simulator, plus a health and wellness precinct with a gym, multi-purpose yoga and Pilates studio, and consult rooms.

For residents who enjoy reflective or creative pursuits, Ashcroft will include a library, craft room and cinema.

The masterplan places a strong emphasis on walkability and integration with surrounding green space.

“You’re surrounded with open space and connected walking paths, which is quite a unique opportunity for an over 50s lifestyle community,” says Mr Fedrick.

Inside the design thinking behind ‘Millbray Made’

Millbray is the land lease operator behind Ashcroft, bringing a fresh, detail-driven approach to over 50s living.

The “Millbray Made” philosophy centres on thoughtfully designed communities and homes that are practical where it matters and crafted to feel like “the perfect fit”.

Millbray engaged architects Arqus Design and interior designers Studio Collective to bring Ashcroft’s vision to life.

There are five home designs in a modern homestead style, each with generous living spaces connecting seamlessly with the kitchen and dining areas, plus a front porch to encourage neighbourly interaction.

The designs incorporate features that make everyday living easier, including smart storage options and walk-in robes to optimise use of space.

How land lease living unlocks more freedom for less

Under the land lease model, residents own their home and lease the land.

Community amenities are maintained by the operator, with residents paying a weekly fee for their upkeep and use.

A key benefit is that residents don’t pay stamp duty or exit fees if they sell their home but retain any capital gain.

Mr Fedrick says the model makes new homes more financially accessible, with Ashcroft homes likely to start in the late $500,000s.

“The land lease model offers people an affordable way to purchase a brand-new home,” he says.

Ashcroft is expected to welcome its first residents from mid-2026.

They are likely to range from buyers who are still working and want homes with lifestyle and community built in, to grandparents looking to live closer to family in Flagstone.

Mr Fedrick says the benefits of living in an over 50s community like Ashcroft include the opportunities for connection and the hobbies residents can enjoy.

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