Calvary’s new housing rentals full
In response to demand for affordable seniors housing, Calvary Health Care repurposed a retirement village and after just three days all homes have been leased.
After announcing its intention to use the Sydney Williams retirement village site as affordable rentals for seniors in early February, Calvary Health Care has said it reached capacity after just three days of showing.
The Doncaster East site is made up of eight one and two-bedroom units adjacent to Calvary Millward Residential Aged Care.
It is the first fully dedicated seniors’ rental operation for the national not-for-profit organisation across its 17 retirement village sites.
Calvary Health Care strategic operations and performance of retirement living Mark Eagleston said the results reflected the demand for affordable housing needs in the community, and a shift in the needs of senior Australians – many of whom are impacted by cost-of-living and other financial pressures.
“We had more than 50 enquiries in the first week alone when the units went on the market in February, and all eight units were snapped up within 72 hours of us conducting the first tour,” Mr Eagleston said.
“We had a range of different people come through, some who have never owned property and always rented, and some who didn’t quite have the lump sum needed to buy into a retirement village.
“The landscape of seniors’ living is changing, and we need to be offering choice. A rental option gives people who might be struggling or dealing with changes in their life circumstances choice, dignity and a level of flexibility so that they too can have a good quality of life.”
Mr Eagleston said the location of the site as a repurposed retirement village meant it has good quality accommodation at an affordable price in the Melbourne market, with residents able to enjoy the same services and benefits of a retirement village – like social connections, low maintenance living, and security – without the lump sum contribution.
“Calvary’s aim is to provide great, connected care. Being co-located with our Millward Residential Aged Care Facility will be of benefit for those thinking about their future care needs. Residents will also have access to additional services they can pay for including meals through the neighbouring aged care home, and Calvary’s home care services to assist with ageing in place for as long as possible if they need,” he said.
“Our decision to change the operating model of our Sydney Williams site shows Calvary is listening to and respectful of the needs of the communities we serve.”
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