Shorter sale times, increased affordability, rising occupancy levels and more accommodation in the pipeline have signalled a booming future for retirement living in Australia.
The 2021 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census Snapshot Report, the largest annual snapshot of data and trends in the retirement living sector, revealed a drop in average independent living unit (ILU) selling days, increased affordability, rising occupancy levels nationwide and a large development supply by 2024.
It showed that the development supply pipeline planned by participating operators has doubled from the 2020 Census from just over 5500 to more than 10,500 over the next three years.
Despite the impacts of COVID-19, occupancy increased nationally by 3 per cent to 90 per cent, compared to 87 per cent in 2020.
Council executive director Ben Myers said it was not news to the industry.
"This data is a testament to operators nationwide," he said. "Posting such incredibly strong data in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when there have been lots of operational challenges as well as ongoing legislative change, is remarkable.
"The 2021 Retirement Census had a record level of participation, giving us our strongest data set ever.
"The trends are clear: retirement living is affordable, safe, secure and geared to support a healthy ageing process."
It has helped identify opportunities and threats for the industry, particularly demand for home care services and the impacts of government regulation.
Strong house price growth nationally has driven the affordability of ILUs with the average sale price 55 per cent of the median house price in the same postcode, compared to 67 per cent in 2020.
Sydney buyers are in pole position, with the average two-bedroom retirement living unit sale in 2020-21 valued at 35 per cent of the median house price in the surrounding area (48 per cent in 2019-20).
South Australians have the least buying power: 67 per cent in Adelaide and 83 per cent in regional areas.
PwC partner Tony Massaro, who prepared the census, reflected on the positivity.
"The 2021 Retirement Census paints a positive picture of an industry that has weathered the storm of COVID-19," he said. "Higher average occupancy rates and favourable affordability conditions are a testament to the resilience of the sector, despite the steep economic and social challenges faced by the globe, especially as Australia continues to encounter an ageing population.
"We're delighted that a record 62 operators across 766 villages and representing approximately 77,000 units have taken the time to contribute to the Retirement Census. With record participation rates, we're confident the insights will continue to help improve the sector and drive its future direction."
Other key findings were:
- COVID-19 has been good for the industry, with 39 per cent of villages reporting increased sales since the pandemic's onset, compared to 23 per cent reporting less sales;
- The increased linkage between retirement villages and care services is continuing, with around 40 per cent of new villages now co-located with an aged care facility, compared to 28 per cent of existing villages;
- A shift towards apartment-style villages, with 41 per cent of new villages in 2020-21 classed as vertical (33 per cent in 2020).
Stockland exists retirement living sector - Page 10.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
