Marbanc International Launches Retirement Living Division 'Chirpy Communities’ to Address Housing Shortage for Over 50's

Melbourne, Australia – 19 September 2025 – Marbanc International today launched Chirpy Communities, its retirement living division dedicated to addressing Australia’s growing shortage of high-quality housing for over 50’s. Its inaugural residential living brand, The Residences by Chirpy, will offer architecturally designed homes in welcoming communities built for comfort, connection, and dignity.

Marbanc International has appointed Shaun Mahoney as Managing Director of Chirpy Communities. Shaun brings more than 20-years of experience in banking, residential mortgages, financial management, and customer-centric innovation. His leadership experience included helping MetLife Bank navigate the 2008 financial crisis, overseeing residential mortgage originations, strengthening customer service, and delivering policy frameworks that balanced risk and customer protection. While at MetLife, Shaun led efforts that contributed to the MetLife Home Loans division being ranked #2 for customer satisfaction in the United States by J.D. Power.

Chirpy Communities is actively evaluating parcels of land in South-East Queensland to develop communities of up to 1,000 premium, low-rise homes and townhouses combined with resort-style community amenities. These will be locations where community members can live, connect, share, and thrive. The developments are expected to create employment for hundreds of trades, contractors and project managers and contribute significant GDP growth to local areas.

The forecast gross realisable value of Marbanc International’s retirement living division is expected to exceed $5 billion over the next 10 years and will be funded using a mixture of institutional funding, financial instruments and development pre-sales.

Chirpy Communities has been fielding strong demand from Australians planning their retirement living arrangements due to the significant shortage of housing solutions. A recent expression of interest campaign has provided Chirpy Communities a burgeoning waitlist indicating strong demand for premium retirement living solutions.

Addressing Australia’s Housing Shortage for Retirees

Australia is facing a significant mismatch between the rapidly growing retiree population and available retirement housing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Productivity Commission, the number of Australians aged 65+ will reach nearly 9 million by 2057, while estimates suggest a shortfall of over 200,000 retirement dwellings by 2030.

Chirpy Communities aims to help bridge this gap, especially in the mid-to-upper tiers of the market, offering homes that deliver both quality and lifestyle.

World-Class Design & Build Team

Chirpy Communities has assembled a panel of some of Australia’s most talented professionals to design and build The Residences including Hoyne, The Initiative and Studio P3. Senior representatives from these organisations coupled with well-networked executives with State and Federal Government relationships have been laying the foundation for Chirpy Communities in recent months due to the size and scale of the projects that will be rolled out across multiple locations.

Expansion of Diversified Investment Portfolio

The Chirpy Communities division expands Marbanc International’s interests further into Australian real estate assets to supplement its existing portfolio of private equity focused investments. Following the successful launch of Chirpy Communities in Australia, Marbanc International intends on expanding the division into popular retirement markets in the United States including Florida.

Marbanc International is already a significant shareholder in Chirpy Plus, Australia’s largest over-50s community, which was founded by Shaun Mahoney and his mother Carol and was recently shortlisted for a Telstra Best of Business Award in two categories - Championing Health and Accelerating Women. Chirpy Communities expands on that legacy—creating physical spaces for individuals who have engaged with the Chirpy brand to live in neighbourhoods built around support, connection, and enriching amenity.

Shaun Mahoney, Managing Director of Chirpy Communities, said:

“At Chirpy Communities, we’re building homes and neighbourhoods that reflect dignity, style, and belonging. And through Chirpy Financial, we will make financing transparent and workable so living well in retirement is within reach. I am delighted to lead the division for Marbanc International and be working with a high calibre team to deliver a high quality living solution to cater to Australia’s house shortage for retirees”

Expanded Australian Presence

Chirpy Communities is actively sourcing commercial office space in the coveted Sanctuary Cove, Queensland for its operations and in-person client meetings. This expanded presence supplements Marbanc International’s existing Australian subsidiaries which operate from the group’s Australian Head Office at Level 8, 179 Queen Street, Melbourne.

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About Chirpy Communities

Chirpy Communities is an initiative aimed at reducing the gap in housing supply for over 50’s living in Australia. Designed as a collection of safe, premium yet affordable, resort-style communities, Chirpy Communities is redefining what it means to enjoy life after 50. The business brings together Australia’s most talented designers, architects, and lifestyle experts to craft spaces that offer fun, relaxation, and connection—all in a beautiful, resort-like setting.

Visit www.chirpyresidences.com.au for more information.

About Marbanc International

Marbanc International is an international investment conglomerate that funds solid businesses, ideas and people. The group invests capital and resources in high-value sectors capable of generating exceptional reliable returns on a risk-adjusted basis. Marbanc International’s Australian subsidiaries have delivered competitive fixed returns to Australian private clients since 2023.

Visit www.marbanc.com for more information.