Matthew Quinn says ‘cheap did not always equal nasty’ as Stockland moves to shield itself from economic headwinds.

Quinn, the outgoing managing director of retirement village operator Stockland wants the nation's largest developer of new homes to remain focussed on retail, residential and retirement properties and stands behind his controversial three-r strategy.

Change involves Stockland selling its $2.7 billion office and industrial portfolio over time.

"I think the divestment of office buildings to recycle the capital into good income-producing retail centres is absolutely the right strategy," he said.

It also means a greater focus on the company’s retirement village operations.