The Queensland government has purchased a vacant former retirement village with plans to turn it transform it into more social housing.

This is the governments largest purchase to-date, and the former Tanah Merah village will provide 124 homes for older Queenslanders in need – including single people, couples, and small adult families.

The former retirement village is made up of 85 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroom units, designed for independent living.

The purchase was funded through the government’s Housing Investment Fund, and the former retirement village will undergo some minor upgrades before welcoming the first residents by mid-year.

A community housing provider will be appointed to provide on-site support to residents.

“We know that older people are among the groups most impacted by the ongoing housing pressures, which is why these homes will be targeted towards seniors,” said Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman.

“We will be able to provide stable, secure, and affordable homes for 124 households in need here, sooner.

“This is a fantastic initiative of the government and joins other projects happening right across our Logan community.”

This property is the fifth former retirement village or aged care facility purchased or leased by the Queensland Government for use as social housing, following similar purchases and leases in Clayfield, Toowoomba, Redlands, and Rothwell.

The purchase of the Tanah Merah property means the government will have delivered 265 homes for Queenslanders in need by purchasing or leasing former retirement villages and aged care facilities.