GemLife’s SA Debut Village Greenlit at Historic Strathalbyn

In mid-2025, GemLife agreed to buy the site from owner and occupier, livestock transportation company Whittam Transport. Pending finalisation of contractual conditions, construction timing is being determined.

GemLife has amassed a 33-community portfolio across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland since it was founded in 2018.

Managing director Adrian Puljich said Strathalbyn was the ideal location for its SA debut, given its “idyllic” position 60km south-east of Adelaide.

“The demand from downsizers in this area is strong and our new community will deliver ... lower-maintenance homes and facilities designed to enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents,” he said.

▲ GemLife’s $226-million land lease project has been approved for Strathalbyn on the edge of the scenic Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula regions.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show almost half the population (46.6 per cent) of Strathalbyn is aged 50 or over, with the town’s median age of 47 comparing to 41 and 38 in broader South Australia and Australia respectively.

“Traditional homes and large lots dominate the property landscape in this region, making new communities such as this important to providing the right housing for over 50s as they prepare for, or move into, retirement,” Puljich said.

“All homes in the community will feature a low maintenance single-storey design, with two bedrooms plus a multi-purpose room, and an outdoor alfresco area.

“We see our role [...] as building new communities [...and...] supporting our residents to live their best possible lives and to achieve their wellbeing goals.”