We highlight seven things to look for when investing in a retirement estate.
Retirement estate living is booming in South Africa, with more retirees looking for secure homes that offer a great lifestyle and solid value. While these estates can be a smart choice, it’s important to look beyond just the house.
“Retirement should be about ease, enjoyment, and peace of mind,” says Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Property Developments. “It’s not just about the property – it’s the full lifestyle that matters.”
Here’s his checklist of seven key things to consider before buying into a retirement estate:
What does the levy cover?
“Start by understanding the monthly levy – not just the amount, but what it includes. An all-inclusive levy means that you’re actually saving on monthly costs, making this a much more affordable long-term investment,” says Barto. “It also means that everyday maintenance items are covered, so that you can relax during your retirement years.”
All-inclusive levies can cover:
- 24-hour security
- Fibre optic Wi-Fi
- Building insurance
- External home maintenance
- Use of communal facilities
- Services like garden refuse removal, postal collection, and transport
“Where levies are structured in this way, residents avoid the stress of unexpected costs and the need for additional monthly service fees. It’s also important to inquire about special levies, although in newly built estates, these are highly unlikely.”
Is there home-based care?
Healthcare is critical in retirement living, but Barto says the modern trend is shifting away from traditional frail care centres toward home-based healthcare, as residents want to remain in the comfort of home: “This offers dignified, customised support while allowing residents to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes. Consider whether the retirement estate has easily accessible and quality healthcare, including preventative care and rehabilitation services designed to promote longevity and overall wellness.”
What are the opportunities for fitness?
Studies continue to show that physical fitness is one of the best ways for retirees to remain active and healthy. Barto says that retirement estates should include a variety of opportunities for fitness, ranging from gentle walks in nature to more active sports.
Residents should look for:
- A swimming pool for low-impact exercise
- Nature trails for walking or jogging
- Nearby beaches that encourage movement and relaxation
- Nearby golf courses for regular play
- Sports facilities for active engagement
What are the security features?
“True peace of mind comes from knowing your environment is secure,” says Barto. “Top retirement estates should offer comprehensive yet unobtrusive security.”
Security features to look for:
- Electrified perimeter fencing
- 24-hour patrolling security
- High-tech camera systems
- Fast emergency response times
- Integration with local law enforcement and community policing
What is the potential for value growth?
Retirement homes are often a last property investment for many, which is why Barto suggests looking at the potential growth in value of this investment: “On an established retirement estate, investors can look at comparative properties to discover how much the property has increased in value over the years.”
Where is the property based?
Location is everything when it comes to retirement living, with more and more retirees heading to the KZN coast for the subtropical climate and lifestyle. Barto says to look at the proximity to retail centres, healthcare facilities, and local attractions as well when buying.
What’s included in the sale?
“Investing in a retirement home means knowing what comes standard. Investors need to look for quality-built homes with energy-efficient design and modern fittings that actually last,” notes Barto. “An often-overlooked factor is gardens – an established indigenous garden adds significant value to a home when considering the high cost of landscaping.”
He says, with modern retirees being more connected than ever, fibre optic internet is a must: “Many retirees are working part-time, managing investments, connecting with family overseas and using streaming services, which makes reliable fibre optic internet essential. Ensure the estate has fast, uninterrupted connectivity to meet these increasingly internet-reliant needs.”
Details: www.renishawhills.co.za.
