Life Lease is a unique concept that offers an alternative housing option for individuals who are 55+ and looking to downsize and for those who value community living. In a life-lease property, individuals purchase the right to occupy a unit for the rest of their lives.
What is a Life Lease Property
Unlike traditional homeownership or renting, in life lease housing, the buyer purchases an interest in that property - which gives them the right to occupy a unit for a long period of time, often for their lifetime.
People who purchase a life lease don’t own the unit or land associated with the lease; they simply own the right to reside there.
Life lease properties are typically operated by non-profit organizations or retirement communities who develop and manage the property, providing services and amenities tailored to the needs of the residents. The Life Lease proceeds at Luther Village are used to support programing for children and youth mental health and housing supports at Lutherwood.
Types of Life Leases
Life leases can take any shape, from apartments, detached houses, rows of townhomes and so forth.
Luther Village on the Park offers two different types of properties: Garden Villa Townhomes and Atrium Suites. Our classically designed and fully renovated Atrium Suites feature a variety of floor plans with a mix of terraces, balconies, and sunrooms. Our spacious and fully renovated Garden Villa townhomes feature two and three-bedroom options, accessible bungalow-style living, private patios, attached private single-car garages, and updated kitchens.
See our current Life Lease listings here!
Benefits of Life Leasing
There are multiple benefits to life leasing, including:
1. Affordable housing option
2. No maintenance responsibilities
3. Access to amenities and services
4. Community and social connections
7. Security and peace of mind
8. Continuum of care
How Much Does Life Lease Typically Cost?
In most cases, life lease properties are priced in accordance with the local real estate market using a Fair Market Value model. Essentially, this means that the price of a life lease property reflects what other comparable homes and condos in the area would sell for. As the market value of local real estate increases or decreases, the value of the life lease interest reflects these changes.
The pricing structure for life leases varies depending on factors such as location, size of the unit, and the services and amenities offered. There are usually two parts to consider: the initial payment and the monthly fees.
As prices of our life lease properties vary depending on the market, it’s best to check out our Life Lease Opportunities page to view our current listings!
Monthly occupancy fees cover the operating costs of the property, including utilities, maintenance, property tax and access to the amenities provided. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the life lease agreement to understand the financial obligations involved.
Maintaining Capital with Life Lease
Luther Village on the Park offers a unique buy-back guarantee that provides peace of mind on your capital that you simply can’t find anywhere else. This means that the sale process is completely taken care of, including renovations, advertising, showings, and all the other aspects of selling a property.
The life lease model also shares the appreciation with the occupant and Lutherwood Child and Family Foundation. Upon completing the sale process at the end of a life lease, the occupant receives a sum of money equal to the original purchase price plus half of the appreciation. Similarly, Luther Village on the Park will share depreciation (split the loss) in the event of a decline in the market value.
Buying a Life Lease
When considering buying a life lease, it is crucial to research and evaluate the options available thoroughly. Start by identifying life-lease properties in your desired location and visit them to get a sense of the community and the amenities offered. Consider factors such as the reputation of the organization managing the property, the quality of construction, and the availability of support services.
Review the life lease agreement in detail, including any financial commitments and restrictions on occupancy or resale. Consulting with a real estate lawyer or a financial advisor can provide valuable insights and ensure that you fully understand the terms and implications of the agreement.
In summary, life lease properties offer a unique and attractive housing option for individuals seeking community living, and a simplified lifestyle. By purchasing the right to occupy a unit for life, residents can enjoy the benefits of a well-managed property, social connections, and a range of amenities tailored to their needs, while still allowing them to remain invested (indirectly) in the real estate market.
Check out our current Life Lease openings by visiting Luther Village on the Park's Life Lease page!
