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Seeking secure retirement community living but for under R2 million? There are surprisingly many options.
Today’s retirees are quite a young lot, living active, lock-up-and-go lifestyles that often set a fine example to the generations after them, but not all of them have R3 million or more to invest in a contemporary home on a lifestyle estate.
To cater to this strong demand, a number of retirement estates around the country have launched apartment or townhouse options for R2 million or less, and they are doing exceptionally well. Accessible pricing aside, a big drawcard is the convenience and ease of living that an apartment or small house offers.
‘People typically look to downsize, and by doing so, drastically reduce costs. And they’re doing this earlier, in their 50s and early 60s, while continuing to work for as long as they can. It’s a trend we’ve noticed in the last year,’ says Arthur Case, CEO of Evergreen Lifestyle, a major player in the retirement estate sector countrywide.
Many of these buyers prefer sectional title ownership over life rights, adds Jessica Cabanita, marketing manager of Craft Homes. ‘We find that buyers prefer direct ownership because they have the financial means to own the property, and also to be able to pass it on,’ she says.
KwaZulu-Natal
Sentinel Hill Apartments are within the Lazuli Lifestyle & Retirement Estate, which is next to Zimbali near Ballito. They were launched in December 2018, with occupation set to take place in 2020. The development consists of 30 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that range in size from 90 to 285 square metres, starting at around R1.79 million.
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The apartments have direct lift access, undercover parking, storage facilities, and north-facing views. Lazuli itself boasts walking trails, conservation and wetland areas, a private clubhouse, gym and heated pool, plus a business centre.
Widenham Retirement Village, the latest in the Hibiscus Retirement Villages Group, is set on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, a mere 50 kilometres from Durban, and 10 kilometres north of Scottburgh.
Set in 100 hectares of land with 30 hectares reserved for conservation, this idyllic piece of real estate has been converted into a life-right retirement village. Phase 1, consisting of 90 units, is complete and occupied. Phase 2, which is 80% sold, is under construction. Phase 3 is currently available for sale. Two-bedroom units start at R1.6 million, and one-bedroom units from R950,000. Bowling greens and tennis courts are under construction, and residents will have direct access to the renowned Umkomaas Golf Club.
Western Cape
Harbour Bay Village overlooking False Bay offers warm and sunny, spacious apartments with contemporary styling, Smeg appliances, biofuel fireplaces and high-end finishes.
Each unit features a large balcony, a patio or a small garden, and the estate is adjacent to a brand-new shopping mall and medical suites. It’s within easy reach of beaches, False Bay Yacht Club, Cape Point, and loads of lovely restaurants. Studio apartments start at R1,795,000, and there are also one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as penthouses. Owners can choose from two classic interior schemes – Canvas or Hull, each reflecting different moods of the nearby ocean and surrounds, thanks to a choice of easy-on-the-eye colour palettes.
Fonteine Village is the retirement section of Klipfontein Farm in Malmesbury adjacent to the Swartland mountain range. It consists of full-title homes, airy open-plan layouts and indoor-outdoor flow to easily manageable, tranquil and landscaped garden spaces.
Although Fonteine Village is a retirement estate, and only people over 50 may live there, you can purchase a home at any age, which makes it an excellent investment. A clubhouse offers social spaces with great views, and a braai and entertainment area. Healthcare is a top priority, and various options are available. Prices start at R1.9 million.
Groot Parys Estate near Paarl is the only sectional title retirement community in this historic wine-producing town. This brand-new estate offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, which will be priced well below R2 million once sales are launched.
Groot Parys offers state-of-the-art security, excellent healthcare facilities, and a host of activities and amenities, including a business centre.
Groenkloof consists of retirement villages in George and Great Brak, located in the heart of the beautiful Garden Route.
The villages boast the full spectrum of retirement offerings including full-title houses, life-right units, assisted-living flats, a frail care centre, sub-acute care facilities, community centres and a multitude of other services. The different Groenkloof villages come in at different price points, and it is possible to buy a unit for around R1 million.
Caves Retirement Village is in the heart of the Klein Karoo next to the Swartberg Mountains close to Oudtshoorn. All the houses are designed in a true Karoo fashion, and it has a full care unit. Construction on the third block of apartments started in April 2019. Prices start at R584,000 for a bachelor suite.
Gauteng
Celebration Retirement Estate, located opposite Northgate Mall in Johannesburg, offers sectional title freestanding houses, simplex cottages and apartments, with 19 different floor plans and with prices starting at R810,000. Every unit is wheelchair-friendly, and there is elevator access to all apartment levels. Facilities include a 30-bed 24-hour frail care centre, a restaurant with extended coffee shop, library, convenience store, hair and beauty salon, indoor heated swimming pool and laundry services. The development includes a 2.7-hectare protected green space.
The Retreat in Hazeldean, Pretoria East, is a retirement lifestyle estate with freestanding houses, apartments, a fully fitted clubhouse, a frail care centre, and on-site medical facilities. The houses are priced from R1.6 million, and apartments between R900,000 and R1.2 million. Residents enjoy full use of the state-of-the-art clubhouse, and there are several scenic walking trails with birds and small wildlife.
Bronberg Retirement Estate is located in a quiet corner of Pretoria where residents enjoy exclusive access to a small nature reserve on the Bronberg.
There is a choice of houses and apartments, all with quality finishes and covered patios, and services include frail care facilities, home-based healthcare, 24-hour security, and a centre with dining hall, lounge, library, recreation hall, kiosk, heated swimming pool, and hair and beauty salon. Prices start at around R1.6 million.
