Frequently asked questions about retiring in Gauteng

Choosing when, how and where to retire is a big decision to make. The good news is that Gauteng offers a wonderful environment to retire in, as well as an array of retirement villages to meet every need and every budget. The CSi Property Group answers some of the most frequently asked questions about retirement in Gauteng.

What is a retirement village?

Simply put, a retirement village is a residential development designed for people who are at least 50 years old. These villages typically include flats and houses for independent living, as well as facilities for those requiring more care and assistance on a daily basis. Many retirement villages offer on-site healthcare facilities as well as shared social spaces and planned social activities. Many retirement villages also have a dining room, which means that residents who no longer want to cook their own meals are catered for.

Where should I retire in Gauteng?

Gauteng is home to numerous retirement villages which allow their residents to live happy active lives as part of a vibrant community. If you're wondering where to retire in Gauteng, you'll be glad to know that you'll find great retirement villages in various parts of the province. Some of the popular retirement villages in which you can buy or rent property in Gauteng include:

• Wilgers Retirement Village in Willow Park Manor
• Bronberg Retirement Estate in Pretoria
• Eldoraigne Retirement Estate in Pretoria
• Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village in Krugersdorp
• Douglasdale Retirement Village in Sandton

Gauteng's retirement villages all have their own unique offering, but world-class care, beautiful surroundings and opportunities to make new friends and enjoy social activities can be found at all of them. Units in these retirement villages are available for sale - usually on a sectional title basis - or for rent, and there is a unit to suit every retiree's budget.

How much are retirement villages in Gauteng?

The cost of Gauteng's retirement villages varies depending on which village you choose, what size home you are looking for and how luxurious you would like your home's interior to be. If you prefer to rent, it is possible to rent a bachelor or one-bedroom apartment in one of Gauteng's retirement villages for approximately R5 500 to R7 000 per month, depending where you choose to live. Larger and more luxurious units tend to be available from R8 000 to R12 500 per month.

If you're looking to buy your retirement home, you can often find a studio apartment in one of Gauteng's retirement villages for around the R600 000 mark, with many one-bedroom units being priced below R1 000 000 - which means that you won't have to pay transfer duty. The price of luxurious three-bedroom simplexes in some of these retirement villages can be up to R4 500 000. Ultimately, Gauteng boasts retirement homes to suit every lifestyle and every budget.

At what age can you buy into a retirement village?

In most cases, you can buy, rent or live in a unit in a retirement village once you reach the age of 50. While not many people stop working at this age, it is possible to enjoy all the benefits of life in an independent-living unit within one of Gauteng's retirement villages long before your last day of work. Make the most of your last working years by coming home to a safe, relaxing environment.

The CSi Property Group is widely experienced at helping retirees find the right home in Gauteng. If you have any other questions about where, how or when to retire, contact us today.