5 Things Retirees Must Look for When Buying an Apartment

There’s a growing trend of choosing retirement apartments at the coast rather than homes as this suits senior citizens’ modern lock-up-and-go lifestyle. While there are many benefits to investing in a more manageable apartment in later years, retirees need to consider some key factors when making that decision.

“Today’s retirees are not necessarily looking for just a bit of downtime, but are maximising their time with hobbies, activities, and travel where possible,” explained Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments – a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited. “Many have families around the globe, and this means dividing their time accordingly. They’re also taking advantage of active outdoor lifestyles, getting involved in clubs and community initiatives, and an apartment is better suited to that way of life. However, investors must ensure these apartments meet the unique needs of the retiree.”

1. Enhancing the living experience

A crucial aspect for retirees is having easy access to daily necessities. When buying an apartment in an estate, investors must check the proximity to shopping centres, medical facilities, and leisure activities. Estates that have on-site sports facilities, community centres, and recreational offerings such as clubs and outreach programmes will fulfil all these needs, making the apartment feel bigger than it is.

2. Convenience

Apartments with stairs and cramped rooms simply won’t suit the retirement lifestyle. The apartments must be designed with comfortable large rooms, minimising the need for wide hallways, and single-level access for improved mobility. Buying into a coastal estate also means the apartment should come with great ocean or forest views that maximise natural light and sea breezes.

3. Safety

A priority for any homeowner is safety and security, and when buying into a gated estate, this should come standard. Investors should consider elements such as controlled access, daily patrols, 24-hour CCTV, and electrified perimeter fencing. Apartments generally have fewer access points, plus the proximity to neighbours is a major deterrent for criminal activity.

4. Costs

It’s important to understand all the financial commitments connected with apartment living. Check the levies in comparison to other coastal estates and ensure these cover elements such as maintenance, gardening, insurance, and waste removal – among others. A well-designed apartment will also have natural lighting and cooling so there’s less reliance on electrical appliances.

5. Natural spaces

Many apartments don’t come with a garden, but this doesn’t matter if the estate has ample natural space to explore. For the investor, this is less maintenance in terms of garden upkeep, with the added advantage of enjoying the natural world through trails plus scenic views. There is a lot of evidence that supports the fact that a connection with the natural world is beneficial for health, so it’s important to consider this element when buying.

Apartments Launched at Renishaw Hills on the KZN South Coast

Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh is not a retirement village, rather it is a mature lifestyle estate for those over 50, championing an active lifestyle with a strong community. The pet-friendly estate has recently launched 16 new apartments which boast breathtaking ocean and forest views, with all the conveniences sought by the mature investor. Designed by Zaarc Architects, these 2-bedroom and 2-bathroom apartments range from 71m² to 83m² —nearly twice the size of the average apartment – starting from just R1 595 000.

Modern features included in these homes:

• SMEG appliances
• Solar geysers to reduce energy costs
• Inverter with battery backup
• Wheelchair-friendly features with step-free access

The estate apartments have an independent water supply treated to the highest SANS standards, ensuring quality, uninterrupted water for all residents. The affordable levies include all exterior maintenance and insurance, garden services, refuse collection, postal services, fibre optic WiFi, cutting-edge security, and healthcare options. There is also a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle with residents taking advantage of more than 40km of hiking and cycling trails, and more than 20 social clubs, including archery, pottery, and wine tasting.

Renishaw Hills forms part of the expansive 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, with only 20% of the area earmarked for development, while the remaining 80% is dedicated to conservation. This unique development offers a seamless blend of modern living and natural beauty, making it one of South Africa’s largest and most distinctive residential projects. With the recent sale of a petrol filling station to established local business owners, Hampsons, and the shopping centre to Cubisol Property Fund, sales at Renishaw Hills are expected to boom.

For more details about the Open Day or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za.

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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Renishaw Hills.