Retirement in Residential Parks in Australia: A Smart Move or Move Smart?

ABSTRACT Residential parks and manufactured homes are a small but significant housing market for seniors and retirees in Australia. Residents own their home and rent the ground upon which the home sits from the park operator who owns the land and the infrastructure. However, residents’ long-term housing security could be compromised because there is no guarantee of on-going tenure. The research discusses issues affecting park residents and canvasses ideas for improvements. Nevertheless, residents’ satisfaction with the park lifestyle was found to be quite high due to feelings of community belonging, mutual reciprocity and a perception of greater personal safety.