How to choose which retirement village in Gauteng will be right for you

From Akasia to Sandton and in every corner of Gauteng, you'll find retirement villages and communities, each with its own unique list of attributes. So how do you choose the one that's right for you? The CSi Property Group takes a deep dive into how to choose the home that's perfect for your retirement.

First things first: assess your current and future needs

If you're retiring at 65 and moving into a retirement community for the first time, your needs will likely be very different to what they will be when you are 85. If you're not planning to move again, make sure that the retirement community you're moving into will suit both your present and future needs. It should offer opportunities to keep fit and social on one hand and frail care and opportunities for higher levels of day-to-day care and assistance on the other.

Location, location, location

This is the biggest factor in any real estate decision, and it's no different when it's time to choose your retirement home. Think carefully about where you want to live. Do you want to stay close to family and friends or are you open to moving to a different area?  Think about proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping centres, places of worship and the activities that you enjoy taking part in.

Do some exploring before you decide

Do some online research into different retirement villages and take the time to visit some of them in person. Ask for a tour and talk to staff and residents to get a feel for the community culture, amenities and services that are on offer. Perhaps you'll fall in love with the walking facilities and bass fishing on offer at a particular retirement village, or perhaps the calendar of planned social activities at a different one will draw you in and help you decide where your future home should be.

Evaluate the amenities and services on offer

There may be some amenities which are non-negotiables for you. For example, you may have decided that you no longer want to worry about cooking in your retirement years and that your new home needs to include a dining room where meals are taken care of. Other things to look out for include regular transportation services, healthcare support and social activities.

Consider the costs

Look carefully at what your cost of living will be. Depending on your circumstances, this could include your home loan, rental and/or levies. Ensure that your chosen home will remain affordable for you as time goes on. Remember to factor in once-off costs and other expenses like medical aid, food or meals and sundries - as well as funds for travel and recreational activities.

Ultimately, the most important thing to do is trust your instincts. Choose a retirement village where you feel comfortable, safe and happy. Take your time to make the decision and don't hesitate to ask questions, get opinions from friends and go back to look at your prospective home multiple times.

The CSi Property Group specialises in selling and renting out retirement homes in Gauteng. We've got the knowledge and experience that we need to find you the ideal home. Get in touch today and let's find you a home where you can make the most of your retirement.