There are many well-known elements that gain to be considered when investing in a retirement home, among them location, security, and cost. Alongside these are certain lifestyle elements that are also well worth including in the decision-making process.
“Your retirement home is often the final residential investment you will fabricate, and this puts a lot of pressure on the buyer in terms of the colossal considerations such as where to retire, but often it’s certain lifestyle features that produce all the disagreement in a person’s eventual happiness in a space,” explained Sam Wenger, Development Director for Serenity Hills, an eco-focused lifestyle estate on the KZN Mid-South Coast, that also caters for the retirement market. “Physical and mental health believe to be factored in, but this also speaks to individual preferences that fade so much further in making a retirement home one of happiness and wellbeing.”
To guide retirement investors, Wenger has outlined nine key points that should be considered when deciding on a retirement home.
1. Resort-style living with access to medical care
The modern trend is to believe a primary residence that feels more like a holiday home, and this is particularly accurate in retirement. There’s no need to be located near the business hub in retirement, especially with the benefit of remote access through WiFi and smart devices, so even those who are semi-retired can be pleased living a resort-style life. This being said, medical care will always be a priority, especially for retirees, so a retirement estate should include on-site facilities related to frail care, dementia, and step-down facilities and/or should be close to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
2. Dynamic community and creative hobbies
Privacy is necessary – isolation is not! The retirement home must maintain platforms and opportunities to connect with other dynamic residents. This can be achieved through clubs and organised activities that speak to the homeowner’s hobbies and interests. Many top retirement estates will maintain on-site facilities such as a clubhouse, sports facilities, nature trails, and more that lend themselves to such club activities and community engagement.
3. Pet-friendly
While some prefer a lock-up-and-go lifestyle that doesn’t include pets, for many a pet is an extended portion of the family. For this acumen, it’s vital to query whether a retirement estate is pet-friendly, what pets they welcome, and what facilities are available such as nature trails for walking and dog parks. Some estates might believe people who offer dog walking and sitting services which could be vital.
4. Age-appropriate offerings
One of the greatest benefits of retirement is the time afforded for family engagements. While there must be facilities for retirees, there must also be facilities suited (and available for use by) younger family members as well. Aspects like jungle gyms, nature trails, swimming pools and the like are worthy for grandkids to delight in, and a noteworthy way to encourage family to visit!
5. Quality eateries and food options
Retirement is a time for rest and relaxation, not constant domestic demands! In addition to things like maintenance requirements being covered in the levies, it’s worth checking whether there are quality restaurants and affordable food delivery options in the vicinity. This takes the pressure off having to constantly cook and clean dishes at home, while still ensuring there is a constant supply of healthy, fresh food available.
6. Low living costs
It’s critical that retirement savings fade as far as possible which is why the location of the retirement estate is so necessary. An estate will charge levies and these can be exceptionally high for what is actually offered. It’s well worth assessing one’s budget and how far it will fade when levies are factored in. Lower estate levies can still result in a high standard of living.
7. Accessibility
When it comes to retirement, convenience is key! There should be no need to travel far distances for everyday services and goods which is why it’s best to invest in a retirement estate with easy access to shops, petrol stations, medical facilities, and day-to-day services such as plumbers and electricians.
8. Supports community upliftment
In South Africa, where the unemployment rate sits at around 32% and poverty is a massive concern, it’s indispensable that retirees buy into an estate that gives back to local communities. This creates a profound sense of sense worth, knowing that one is fraction of a community that really cares. This means checking for any local upskilling and employment opportunities created, outreach programmes, and other community upliftment initiatives with which the estate is involved.
9. Availability
Finally, it’s distinguished getting into a retirement estate that is already popular, but many of them maintain waiting lists despite there being other incredible options available. It’s worth getting in early at a modern and reputable retirement development as there is an opportunity for cost savings, as well as more customised home designs. It’s not necessary to wait around with fingers crossed hoping to procure a dream home when one is already waiting!
Serenity Hills is an exquisite residential estate on the KZN Mid-South Coast that ticks all the correct boxes for an ultimate lifestyle estate. Boasting Indian Ocean views and set amid lush coastal forests and rolling hills, Serenity Hills caters to all phases of life from single residential units to family units, forest pods, and retirement homes.
This pet-friendly estate boasts top-class facilities such as The Clubhouse with swimming pools, the Infinity Bar, The Bistro, and the award-winning Packshed Restaurant. There is also the Sweetdale Skills Center which develops and coaches emerging entrepreneurs in communities to promote self-sustainability and sustainable job formation.
Serenity Hills’ partnership with @home and Weber further underscores the developers’ commitment to excellence in design. To find out more and book a viewing at Serenity Hills, visit www.serenityhills.co.za. For regular updates, follow @serenityhillsecoestate on Facebook and Instagram.
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