Looking for the right property to settle down in for your retirement is exciting and a little daunting at the same time. Exciting, because it represents something new and fresh at a time when you get to slow down, escape the rat race and enjoy your silver years in a home that caters for a far more laidback you. It’s a little daunting too, as it also means significant change and forward planning for a future that is essentially unknown.

Within the estate, look out for recreation and lifestyle facilities such as a dining room, gardens and walking routes, frail-care and onsite medical services, as well as other conveniences such as a hair salon, library, social clubs and so on.

Here are the following important tips to consider when buying a retirement property:

1. Ownership structure – life rights vs full ownership

Ownership structures vary between life rights and full ownership in a retirement lifestyle development. A life rights agreement means that you buy the right to occupy the property or unit for as long as desired, but you never own it, nor can you bequeath it to anyone after you pass on. With full ownership, you own your property in the retirement development, as well as an undivided share in the common property (since it is in a sectional title scheme). You therefore reap the benefits of the capital growth and will be able to bequeath it to your loved ones.

2. Developer’s track record

This is a crucial consideration. Buy from an established developer with a proven track record in developing retirement properties. Check out their completed projects and whether they delivered as promised. This is especially important when buying off-plan in a new development as you will typically be buying off an artist’s impression and the developer’s promises.

Check whether the developer has the ability to deliver on the promised facilities and amenities. Buyers are often promised frail-care facilities and a lifestyle centre in later phases of the development only to see them take years longer or, in fact, never materialise as they are notoriously expensive and challenging to establish and operate.

The developer also has to ensure that a qualified and competent managing agent and service providers are appointed. This skill comes with experience and could make the difference between the success and failure of a retirement estate. It is therefore crucial that you look at the developer’s track record and experience.

3. Managing agent’s track record

The managing agent must have a well-established track record and be a member of the various bodies governing the industry, such as the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) and the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA), and have a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate. The managing agent is responsible for the financial management to the body corporate, as well as assisting with maintenance, management and smooth operations within the estate, so the role comes with significant responsibilities and trust.

4. Locality of amenities

Proximity to amenities both inside and outside the retirement estate is important. Externally, you want to be close to hospitals, shopping hubs, churches, entertainment, social spots and main transport routes. Within the estate, look out for recreation and lifestyle facilities such as a dining room, gardens and walking routes, frail-care and onsite medical services, as well as other conveniences such as a hair salon, library, social clubs and so on.

5. Monthly costs

Know what the levies are and the annual rate of escalation. These should make sense when compared with the monthly expenses and upkeep of a house along with all the security costs, maintenance and risks of being isolated in advanced age. Another important aspect is efficient and sustainable green design to keep your living costs down. Energy-saving technology and materials deliver at least 20% more energy savings than the norm, resulting in lower water and electricity bills at the end of the month. Celebration is in fact the first retirement development in Gauteng to be registered for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) certification by the Green Building Council of South Africa.

6. Changing healthcare and mobility needs

There is a lot to think about when choosing a retirement estate, but one of the key things to consider is the ability to meet your changing needs within the same development. Earlier on people are looking for freestanding homes where they can enjoy their garden, the outdoors and their independence. Later on, should their health and physical abilities change, they can move to a smaller apartment and access home-based care while recuperating from a health event, or even move into frail care for 24-hour care if required – all within the same development. Design aspects such as wheelchair access with ramps built at the correct inclines and wide enough doorways are equally important at all entrances and exits to your home and within the estate facilities.

7. Security

Being in South Africa, as with all residential developments, security is a crucial consideration. With advancing age comes increasing vulnerability to opportunistic criminals. Make sure that the lifestyle retirement estate you buy into provides state-of-the-art security measures such as 24-hour security and patrols, access control, perimeter electric fencing, number plate recognition, CCTV surveillance and personal emergency buttons linking you to the onsite security and medical services.

Source: https://www.property24.com/articles/7-considerations-for-choosing-your-perfect-retirement-home/27899

Garlington Estate in Hilton and St John’s Village Lifestyle and Retirement Estate in Howick are defintely two estates to considering.

Still looking for your dream home. Feel free to give one of our developers a call today.

Tom Eastwick – The Gates, Hilton and Garlington, Hilton | 072 297 2699 | tom@devdirect.co.za
Dave Rees – St John’s Village Lifestyle and Retirement Estate | 083 775 8288 | dgr@spaceprops.co.za
Janet Channing – Waterford Residential Estate, Howick | 082 570 5834 | janet@devdirect.co.za

#retirement #gatedestate #luxuryliving #midlandsliving

Author: Property24