MANAGING
Convenience meets security
A spike in gated estates
T he rise of gated communities has not only been prolific in the Western world but also in countries like Egypt , Turkey , Russia , as well as South Africa . Here , they meet the need not only for a sense of neighbourhood connectivity , but also for convenience , privacy , security , and even proof of status that overcrowded cities no longer provide .
According to New World Wealth , South Africa is a global pioneer of residential estates , with frequent research suggesting a shift from the traditional golf estates towards lifestyle estates . Despite a general market slowdown due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging economic conditions , estates are still proving to be popular home choices for South Africans . In fact , the country ranks second only to the United States in respect of the number of these residential developments that offer every conceivable convenience .
The Amdec Group ’ s multi-generational estate Westbrook , in Port Elizabeth , is just one such example , catering to multiple generations in one secure estate . It is a safe , walkable precinct that will comprise 3 500 residential homes spread across nine residential villages , along with a “ town square ” set to feature a variety of commercial and retail spaces . A medical centre is also on the cards .
Clifford Oosthuizen , managing director of this gated community , says the vision is to construct new urban spaces that will redefine city living . He shares some of the reasons he sees for people making this lifestyle their home of choice .
Safety and security top the list
Rising safety and security concerns amongst South Africans are influencing where people want to live and drive the increasing demand for homes in security estates . The most recent crime report statistics revealed that 21 130 robberies occurred at residential homes between April 2019 and March 2020 .
For this reason alone , buyers are opting for security estate living that offers 24-hour security access control , response vehicles for perimeter monitoring , along with security cameras that pan the entire complex giving residents peace of mind .
18 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine