The Benefits of Living in a Retirement Estate

There is a big shift taking place in the South African residential sector, which has resulted in developers and investors turning their attention to the older home buyer market. And the reason for this is simple - statistics show that older buyers make up a big percentage of the market, are living for longer and are set to double in number in the future. All these factors have led to the widespread growth of retirement estates in just about every province in South Africa.

Fuelling this market is the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) whose unique requirements are setting the standard for modern retirement estates. These buyers are over the age of 50 years old and over the last 10 years, they have increased in number by 33.06%.

Recognising the tremendous buying power that these buyers hold, we can expect to see new and more modern retirement estates burgeoning throughout various communities. And as the market expands, competition among developers will transform these properties in new and better ways.

Considering that more and more people are moving into retirement estates, CSi Property Group has come up with a list of benefits that accompany this property type.

1. Cost Savings

The very structure of retirement estates is built around cost-saving measures that promote easy access to a range of amenities. And arguably, one of the biggest and most important cost-saving measures is found in the healthcare services provided. Of course, costs may vary depending on each individual, however, in general, healthcare services are more affordable in estates and residents have access to 24-hour nursing assistance and other healthcare benefits tailored to their needs.

An example of a retirement estate with excellent and around the clock healthcare is Douglasdale Retirement Village. Situated in the Bryanston suburb of Douglasdale, the estate offers 24-hour healthcare and emergency medical assistance. Retirement estates also provide other cost-saving measures in restaurants and cafes, where residents get access to reduced rates for food and beverage items.

2. Unparalleled Security

One of the major priorities in retirement estates is high-quality security systems that monitor and protect the estate 24-hours a day. Security features include CCTV cameras, street patrolling and controlled entrances and exits, as well as biometric access control systems. Such tight measures ensure that residents feel an overwhelming sense of protection and peace of mind.

An example of this is at Bronberg Retirement Estate, which is complete with 24-hour security with a manned guard house, patrolling guards, a perimeter wall with an electric fence, tag access system, and a 24-hour emergency button in every house.

3. Exciting Lifestyle

The lifestyle promoted in retirement estates is unique and ensures that residents live their best lives with convenience, activity and socialising at the forefront. These estates are complete with onsite facilities such as clubhouses, shopping centres, convenience stores, grooming parlours, tennis courts and swimming pools. Ultimately, residents have everything at their doorstep without needing to leave.

Encapsulating this lifestyle perfectly is Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village situated in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. This estate features a lifestyle centre with a dining room, library, hair and beauty salon and a communal hall.

4. Low Maintenance

Minimal maintenance is an essential service especially for those who are reaching retirement age. Retirement estates make this a reality by employing a designated team to take care of daily tasks such as home-based chores, gardening and general upkeep. This takes the hassle out of everyday living and allows retirees to enjoy their stress-free years doing what they love instead of tedious maintenance.

5. Easy Connectivity

An added convenience found in retirement estates are shuttle services that transport residents to various amenities within and around the estate. These services can extend to other locations outside the estate such as the airport or a preferred hospital. When transportation becomes accessible and widely available, residents do not have to rely on public transportation or their family members taking them places. This enables them to be independent, mobile and travel easily throughout the day.

If living in a retirement estate sounds like the perfect place for you to spend your stress-free years, speak to our helpful agents at CSi Property Group to find out more about our available retirement options.