Land Lease Community living, more than bowls and bingo

Land Lease Communities (LLCs) may cater to an older crowd, but don’t let that fool you—these residents are anything but tech-shy. In fact, they’re some of the most digitally engaged people around, using apps and online platforms for everything from booking activities to managing maintenance. 

“It is a bit of a fallacy and a legacy issue to say that older people don’t embrace technology,” says Alexander, who serves as Chief Revenue Officer for Pluss Communities. 

“The big thing was actually the Covid lockdown when all of us were forced to use things like checking apps and QR codes, and many older people who weren’t savvy with that world learned very quickly.” 

Pluss Communities specialises in “seniors’ living software” that helps make LLCs more than just a place to live; it transforms them into buzzing hubs of activity. Their apps allow residents to book into classes, schedule property maintenance, and stay connected with staff—all from the comfort of their smartphones. 

Shaun believes that technology and digital tools have a natural place within LLCs. 

“If you think why somebody in their mid 60s or 70s is looking to go into community living its generally because they want an active lifestyle,” he said. 

“They want that community living, resort style living and making sure they can access these things really easy is going to mean that the promise is fulfilled.” 

At the recent Lend Lease LLC summit, Shaun shared how the digital shift isn’t just taking hold—it’s thriving. 

"We would typically see 90% to 95% resident engagement or weekly usage of our apps within a community of independent living,” he says. 

“The whole idea is to enable the communities to be as vibrant as possible and put the power back into the hands of the residents and the social committees, because they are creating active lifestyle-focused communities.” 

“Everybody is embracing the change, and we are seeing residents who are tech savvy really helping everybody else along, so it is working well."

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Stockland’s Land Lease Communities also has its own tech-loving crowd. Stockland’s LLCs come equipped with homeowner portals that let residents do everything from reserving a spot in a yoga class to booking a ride or submitting maintenance requests. 

Whether they’re logging in on a website or tapping away on a smartphone app, it’s all about making life simpler and more connected. 

And the results speak for themselves. Shaun has seen a staggering 300-400% increase in participation in some communities after rolling out new apps. 

“It gets people out of their villas,” he says. 

“It’s made it so much easier to see their friends and neighbours and get involved with them.” 

So, if you thought LLCs were all about lawn bowls and bingo, think again. With the right digital tools, these communities are buzzing with energy, and technology is helping residents live life to the fullest—one tap at a time.