Juniper acquisition secures affordable rental housing for older people in Albany

Juniper will acquire Wollaston Court Retirement Village from Amana Living, securing one of Albany’s few affordable rental options for older people at a time when local housing pressure is intensifying.

The transfer, effective from 30 April, includes 22 one- and two-bedroom homes located within walking distance of Spencer Park Shopping Centre. The village is currently near full occupancy, reflecting strong demand for stable, modest rental housing in the region.

Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said the acquisition reinforced the organisation’s long-standing presence in Albany and responded to clear demographic pressure.

“We want to extend a warm welcome to the residents of Wollaston Court to Juniper. We are excited to continue supporting residents as Amana Living has done for many years, giving Albany locals an affordable housing option to keep living in their communities, close to family, friends, and familiar surroundings,” Mr Bricknell said.

“It is expected people over 75 in Albany will grow by more than 35% by 2032. Combined with the relatively recent closure of permanent resident accommodation options at two local caravan parks and the City’s housing crisis, those needing affordable housing is soaring.”

That projected rise in the over-75 population is already being felt. In regional centres such as Albany, it is translating into tighter rental supply and growing pressure on available housing.

Older Australians who do not own their home face particular vulnerability. Many rely primarily on the Age Pension and have limited flexibility to manage rent increases. National rental affordability data in recent years has shown only a small proportion of private rental listings are affordable for a single pensioner, with supply in regional markets often even more constrained.

In Albany, the closure of long-term caravan park accommodation has removed one of the few lower-cost housing pathways available to older residents. When small rental villages disappear or change model, there are limited alternatives for people on fixed incomes.

Amana Living CEO Stephanie Buckland said she was confident in the transition.

“Juniper is a respected, not-for-profit provider with extensive experience in retirement living, and strong local presence in Albany through its management of Boronia Court Retirement Living,” Ms Buckland said.

Juniper has confirmed it will honour existing lease agreements. A dedicated Village coordinator will continue one day a week, with Boronia Court and Community Centre coordinator Kerryn Proctor stepping into the role.

Beyond Wollaston Court, Juniper operates Juniper Korumup Residential Aged Care Home, Boronia Court Retirement Living and the Juniper Albany Community Centre in Lockyer. In the wider Great Southern region, it also provides residential aged care at Bethshan in Katanning and home and community care services in and around Katanning.

For sector leaders, the acquisition reflects a broader challenge. As regional populations age and rental markets remain tight, affordable rental retirement villages form part of the essential housing mix. In communities such as Albany, supply is limited and demand is rising.

Wollaston Court will remain one of the few stable, affordable rental options available to older people in the area.