Residential Guidebook Residential Guidebook 2015 | Page 15

cannot afford and so are forced to rent Residential properties therefore remain an excellent long-term investment and it comes as no surprise that the demand for it has continued to be good despite the rise in interest rates Retirement Villages Retirement Villages have become increasingly popular as they specifically cater for the needs of retirees. They offer: • Physical safety in terms of excellent security and the comfort of living in close proximity to others • Medical care is on hand at all times • The knowledge that they can live there in comfort for the rest of their lives without fear of not being able to afford it at some stage in their life. The value of retirement units has doubled in last few years as the demand has begun to surpass the supply. Many retirement villages have waiting lists of up to 30 years with prices doubling over the last two years. The demand is driven by the longer life expectancy in South Africa along with an increase in the number of people retiring early. Many younger investors are purchasing retirement property to provide a home for their parents as well as a future option for themselves. Many investors have begun to buy units with the intention of renting out. www.reimag.co.za The investment options of Retirement Villages are extensive and include full title, sectional title, share block and life rights. The sectional title option allows investors to own the unit and sell or leave to relatives as part of an inheritance, which in turn allows them to be rented out until the new owner wishes to move in. Share block investment means owning shares in the development instead of individual units The rising aspirations of the middle class means that many of them want to live in properties, which they cannot afford and so are forced to rent Planning Ahead Planning for retirement should be seen as an opportunity for creating wealth instead of hoarding funds for later on in life. Property, when used as a means for saving for retirement, offers investors an opportunity to create a retirement that allows them to maintain a comfortable, safe and secure way of life. Residential Handbook 2015 13