5 Things Retirees Must Look for When Buying an Apartment

There is a growing trend among retirees to choose coastal apartments over traditional homes. This shift aligns with the modern, lock-up-and-go lifestyle favoured by today’s senior citizens. While the benefits of downsizing are clear, retirees must carefully consider several factors before investing in an apartment.

“Today’s retirees are not necessarily looking for just a bit of downtime but are maximising their time with hobbies, activities, and travel,” explained Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited. “Apartments can support this lifestyle, but they must meet the unique needs of the retiree.”

1. Enhancing the Living Experience

Proximity to daily necessities is crucial for retirees. Apartments within estates that offer access to shopping centres, medical facilities, and leisure activities can greatly enhance convenience. Estates with on-site sports facilities, community centres, and recreational offerings such as clubs and outreach programmes make apartments feel larger by extending their functionality.

2. Convenience

Apartments must cater to retirees’ mobility needs, offering single-level access, spacious rooms, and wide hallways. Coastal estates with ocean or forest views, abundant natural light, and cooling breezes offer additional appeal, enhancing comfort and relaxation.

3. Safety

Safety and security are top priorities. Retirees should look for apartments in gated estates with features like controlled access, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, regular patrols, and electrified perimeter fencing. Apartments inherently offer fewer entry points and closer proximity to neighbours, further enhancing security.

4. Costs

It is essential to understand all financial commitments tied to apartment living. Compare levies with similar estates to ensure they cover maintenance, gardening, insurance, and waste removal. Apartments with energy-efficient features, like natural lighting and cooling, help minimise reliance on appliances and keep costs manageable.

5. Natural Spaces

While apartments may lack private gardens, estates with natural spaces provide excellent alternatives. Trails, scenic views, and communal areas offer opportunities to explore the outdoors without maintenance responsibilities. Research has shown that a connection to nature has significant health benefits, making this a vital consideration.

Apartments Launched at Renishaw Hills

Renishaw Hills, located in Scottburgh, is a mature lifestyle estate designed for those over 50. Far from a traditional retirement village, it champions an active lifestyle within a strong community setting. The estate recently launched 16 new apartments featuring breathtaking ocean and forest views and modern conveniences tailored to mature investors.

Key Features of Renishaw Hills Apartments:

• Size: Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments ranging from 71m² to 83m²
• Price: Starting at R1,595,000
• Appliances: Fitted with SMEG appliances
• Sustainability: Equipped with solar geysers and inverter battery backups
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, with step-free access

Estate Amenities Include:

• Independent water supply, treated to the highest SANS standards
• Affordable levies covering maintenance, insurance, garden services, fibre optic WiFi, and more
• More than 40km of hiking and cycling trails
• Over 20 social clubs, including archery, pottery, and wine tasting

A Unique Blend of Nature and Modern Living

Renishaw Hills forms part of the 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, with 80% of the area dedicated to conservation. The estate offers a seamless integration of modern living with natural beauty, making it one of South Africa’s largest and most distinctive residential developments.

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.