Sought-after suburbs for over-55s demographic

If you are approaching your golden years, chances are you are thinking about your future living situation.

LJ Hooker Kalamunda Foothills Principal and Licensed Auctioneer Grant Winning said in his 20 years working near Kalamunda, it remained an especially desired suburb for seniors.

He said one reason was due to Kalamunda being a walkable suburb.

“What seniors want is to be able to walk into the town centre,” Mr Winning said. “In a lot of the suburbs we operate in, Kalamunda is the most sought-after for the over-55s demographic for that reason.

“There’s lots of good coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, and that’s certainly something they want to do – to walk into those places in town.”

Mr Winning said another attractive feature in Kalamunda was the feeling of its community.

“It’s a tight-knit and family-friendly community – one where, if you walk on the street, people generally smile and say hello to you,” he said.

Similarly Gooseberry Hills is a sought-after suburb due to its proximity to quality amenities.

Mr Winning said there were nice shops just a stone’s throw away, as well as restaurants, dentists, hairdressers and doctors.

For Ray White North Quays Licensee, Principal and Auctioneer Scott Langley, when retirees make a decision to downsize, they look for a village that offers a leisurely lifestyle.

“This can include lawn bowls, heated swimming pools and activities that will keep them involved in the community,” Mr Langley said, adding that the coastal suburb Sorrento proved to be popular amongst those over the age of 55.

“It offers cafes along the coast and is generally a central location to family members.

“Marmion Avenue also provides great public transport to all amenities.”

Mr Langley pointed to Seacrest Village in Sorrento as an in-demand community to settle in.

“We deal with a lot of sales in the Seacrest complex, which proves to be popular for downsizers, as there are no exit fees,” he said.

“A lot of retirees are reluctant to enter into contracts that are lease for life.”

Mr Langley said the new Altum apartments at Scarborough were also highly sought-after.

“It is a modern building with all the mod cons and it is in a location that has many restaurants and cafes, plus an abundance of medical facilities at your doorstep,” he said.