Estate Living Magazine Connection - Issue 43 July 2019 | Page 26

P R O P E R T Y
&
I N V E S T M E N T
RETIRE
COMFORT-
ABLY
FOR LESS THAN R2M
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. 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