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The pandemic has changed people’s lifestyle needs and priorities considerably.
Whilst there are numerous pre-pandemic features that remain at the top of prospective buyer’s wish lists, including open plan living and energy-saving features, none are as important as the great outdoors.
Less is not more when it comes to nature
When it comes to indoor and outdoor space, there is no universally prescribed rule that indicates just how much an adult requires to remain happy and comfortable. Instead, the amount of space is purely based on individual lifestyle needs, cultural norms and expectations.
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Having virtually no limits to how much space is enough might be a good thing, knowing how it works does. To ensure optimal use, the outdoor area must be of good quality and usability, especially regarding the specific amenities related to it.
‘If we look at the Western Cape, estates like Silverhurst in Constantia, Constantia Nek Estate in Hout Bay and Val de Vie in Paarl have outdone themselves with beautiful gardens, water features, streams, walking paths and in some cases even vegetable gardens. Buyers are very excited by this and want to buy into an estate that is beautiful and well managed,’ says Lisa Connellan from Knight Frank.
Knowing what your residents want
When it comes to outdoor space, it can be easy to head to the nursery or garden centre and just fill the area with an array of plants, trees and shrubs. Kim Williams, a Cape Town based interior designer explains that one of the biggest mistakes developers make is not considering how residents will use their outdoor space, when and why.
‘Retirement estates are likely to have lots of younger families visiting, for example, so if you are considering communal braai areas, then you would want to think about how many people would be able to be comfortably seated and entertained at any one time. Similarly, if the estate has a lot of children or pets, then their preferences need to be taken into consideration too and may mean sectioning off part of the outdoor space for a play area just for them,’ she says.
More than just about money
We have known for some time that an estate with a pristine outdoor space full of thoughtful landscaping elements, a sparkling pool or water park, and neat and attractive walkways all help to boost the financial value of a home. But it’s not all about the money.
There is extensive medical research out there that shows that spending just twenty minutes outdoors a day, especially in green spaces, is one of the fastest ways to improve health and happiness. Spending more time outdoors can improve one’s mood, reduces the feelings of stress or anger, and motivate people to be more active.
‘An outdoor area designed around a homeowner’s specific needs and preferences can optimise space and act as an extension of the liveable area of their own home. It can also mean that the family is likely to spend more time at home, which even reduces entertainment costs, which is a bonus during the current climate,’ concludes Adrian Goslett, regional owner, regional director, and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
