The Coastal Homes Bringing Resort-Inspired, Downsizer Living To One Of SA’s Most Awarded Towns

Victor Harbor has long been South Australia’s quintessential seaside escape—a place of fishing trips, family holidays and windswept coastal walks.

Now, it’s becoming something more: a destination for over-55s who want to downsize without losing the lifestyle they’ve worked hard to build.

Clifton Victor Harbor is a new $190 million land lease community in the town, designed to combine high-quality homes with resort-style amenities.

The project is well underway, with the first homes expected to start construction as early as November this year.

Though not yet officially released, stage one has already garnered unprecedented demand, according to Clifton Lifestyle Development Director Ben Styles.

“The level of inquiry we’re experiencing at this early stage is unprecedented for us—it reflects the strong market appetite for this kind of resort,” Mr Styles says.

“We’ve got 40 purchasers who have joined our Early Access Club, securing their place in the first release.”

He expects stage one to sell out upon release, with stage two to follow suit by the end of the year.

Homes in the initial stage are expected to be priced from $580,000.

Clifton Victor Harbor offers year-round, resort-style living in South Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2025.

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A stamp duty-free opportunity

Land lease communities have evolved significantly in recent years, with the high-quality builds and state-of-the-art facilities previously synonymous with South-East Queensland now making their way to South Australia.

Buyers can look forward to communities that combine the premium finishes and lifestyle amenities of holiday resorts with the unique financial advantages of the land lease model—right here in South Australia.

“What we’re delivering is closer to what our purchasers are used to: traditional slab-on-ground homes, constructed on-site with high-quality materials and built with care,” he says.

The land-lease model allows buyers to purchase their home outright, while leasing the land it sits on from the operator—keeping upfront costs lower.

Residents pay a weekly site fee, which helps cover community facilities, maintenance and security.

Eligible downsizers can often claim rent assistance from the government to offset those costs.

“The key most attractive thing about land lease is that there is no stamp duty applicable to the purchase and any capital gains are 100% the purchasers to keep; there are no entry or exit fees or deferred management fees involved in a Clifton Lifestyle community,” Mr Styles says.

Victor Harbor buyers can choose from 10 unique home designs, from two-bedroom, single garage homes to three-bedroom, double garages.

“Our purchasers all have the ability to tailor those designs to suit their style and taste,” he says.

“Architectural designed homes, built with care, with all the comforts our residents expect.”

The land lease model gives downsizers greater flexibility and access to premium communities like Clifton Victor Harbor.

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An instant community

Along with high-quality homes, the community will include a 20-metre heated magnesium pool, private cinema, expansive dining areas, sports bar, library, arts & crafts space and a wellness centre.

It’s like living in a resort, but more than the luxury feel, the idea is to create immediate community connection.

“When you move into a lifestyle resort, instantly you’ve got – in our case – 271 potential like-minded future friends,” Mr Styles says.

“Not only are you purchasing the home, but you’re purchasing the lifestyle.”

As more people move in, and friendships and connections develop, residents tend to form their own clubs and groups based on their interests, he explains.

“One of our resorts has a group of residents who have discovered that they’re all Harley Davidson enthusiasts, so they’ve gone and formed their own Harley Davidson club.”

The luxury clubhouse at Clifton Victor Harbor is the vibrant heart of the community.

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A savvy move

With home prices in Adelaide experiencing exponential growth in recent years—realestate.com.au data shows the median house price is up by 9.5% to $916,000 in the year to July—Mr Styles says retirees have an opportunity to capitalise as they make their next move.

“Those purchasers who have built up equity over the past 20 or 30 years are looking to downsize to a location they may very well have been spending Christmas and holidays at for generations,” he says.

“They’re freeing up capital to top up their superannuation or go on a holiday—without needing to give up lifestyle.”

For buyers looking to learn more, there is a Clifton Victor Harbor information event planned for October 30.

The event will feature Rachel Lane from Aged Care Gurus, Australia’s leading expert on financial advice for downsizers and retirees.

Registration for this event is open now and buyers can also contact the Clifton Harbor sales office to find out more about the project.