One of the most notable features of urbanisation to date must surely be the surge in popularity of gated residential estates, a phenomenon that has taken root across the globe. Now the COVID-19 pandemic is driving further changes to the way in which people choose to live. But what are the pull factors continuing to drive this world-wide trend?
A mix of lifestyle features
Equally important are the community lifestyle elements that an estate can offer and the larger the estate, the more options for residents. They boast many highly attractive recreational and sporting features such as swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, green belts, gyms, riding paths, clubhouses and even golf courses. Residents can do a school run, fit in a quick fitness session or jog, all without venturing beyond the gates.
For homeowners, it ' s having everything they need within close proximity to where they live, that is essential for today’ s full, pacey lifestyle.
Yet another advantage of living in a gated community is the extra privacy that it provides. As only residents and verified guests are permitted access, residents can enjoy their own space with little chance of intrusion by trespassers or strangers ringing their doorbells.
Eco-friendly living
Many developments are becoming eco-estates, protecting and preserving or rehabilitating the area’ s local flora and fauna.
One of the key drawcards of the Westbrook suburban estate, located a mere 15km from the city centre, is its green elements. It offers a haven of eco-friendly living, with the benefits of being surrounded by nature within the estate. The 128-hectare development has 80 buildable hectares, but also boasts 48 hectares of open space designated to maintain the feel of a peaceful country setting with parks, wide pavements and green spaces.
A school on your doorstep
Amenities and security aside, one of the most appealing fringe benefits for families is to have access to quality education at a private school on or within easy reach of the estate. And South Africa is light years ahead with this trend as it attracts investors to the development and increases the capital appreciation of the estate home over the long term.
For instance, in Johannesburg’ s Steyn City, families’ educational needs are satisfied with an early learning centre, preparatory and college all within the estate. Or at Sitari Country Estate near Somerset West, a Curro school on the property caters to children from three months to Grade 12.
Burgundy Estate, in the foothills of the Durbanville Hills, also offers access to private education for its residents. Preschool children attend Curro Castle or Zenith Montessori, with Riverside College providing independent schooling for children until Grade 12. Westbrook also offers a compelling value-proposition to investors- a Curro school within its borders, catering for learners from Grade R to Grade 9, with higher grades being phased in annually.
On a practical level, parents enjoy the convenience, but having a school inside your gated estate encourages an active lifestyle as children are able to walk or cycle safely to school.
Multi-generational living
The COVID-19 lockdown has sparked a growing trend towards multi-generational households in which adults from different generations of the same family live together, sharing costs. This is the way nearly one in five people in the United States and in Australia live. In November last year, Statistics SA said 32.2 % of homes in the property market housed multi-generational families, indicating the trend is on the rise here too.
This can also be attributed to rising unemployment rates and cultural customs. Another contributing factor is the high cost of living that makes it hard for young professionals to live on their own, compounded by growing concerns about the safety and isolation of elderly relatives.
These estates offer a richness in a community-type lifestyle where multiple generations can live, learn and play together, adding value to one another’ s lives. It’ s no surprise this mode of living is proving so popular.
SOURCE TUHF Limited
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 19