From Family Home to Maisonette - The Retirement Property Transition is Changing

A pressing concern for many retirees is having to downsize from a big family home into a much more compact space. However, there’s an emerging trend as retirees consider maisonettes in a secure estate as a second step, providing them with the independence and space of a standalone, without the unwanted hassle.

“Retirement should not necessarily mean giving up the space that has made a house feel like home,” says Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited which includes the mature lifestyle estate, Renishaw Hills.

“We’re seeing a shift towards what we describe as ‘rightsizing’ rather than simply downsizing. People want a home that works for their lifestyle today, but they still want room for family, friends and the things they enjoy.”

Benefits of a Maisonette for Retirees

For someone moving out of a large family property, a maisonette can provide a more gradual transition rather than an abrupt change in lifestyle. Van der Merwe has outlined the key benefits this home model offers retirees:

1.       Keep the Space You Need

Retirees may no longer need a five-bedroom family home, but that does not mean they want to live in a small apartment.

“A two-bedroom maisonette can provide you with the space for visiting children, grandchildren, friends or overnight guests, while still being considerably more manageable than a large standalone house,” notes Van der Merwe.

2.       Reduce the Maintenance Burden

Anyone who’s owned a standalone property will know they come with a lot of additional work and costs, from extensive gardens to property upkeep.

“Moving into a maisonette within a sectional title estate like Renishaw Hills means you do not have worry about repairs on the exterior of the unit, as this is covered by your levies. Instead, you can spend more time travelling, socialising, pursuing hobbies, or just relaxing in your home,” he continues.

3.       Get a Single-Level Lifestyle

For older homeowners, stairs can become increasingly impractical, which is why a single-level maisonette is key: “Buyers need to look at the design of the maisonette as they can eliminate staircases, while providing the feeling of living in a conventional home. This can also make the property easier to adapt as mobility needs change,” notes Van der Merwe.

4.       Retain Your Privacy  

Unlike a traditional apartment, a maisonette can offer a stronger sense of having your own home.

“Once again, the design is key,” continues Van Der Merwe. “Maisonettes at Renishaw Hills, for example, have separate entrances which allow residents to retain their privacy while still benefiting from the social environment of a lifestyle estate.”

5.       Celebrate Outdoor Living

Retirees moving to the coast often choose the destination to spend more time outdoors. Van der Merwe suggests: “A maisonette with a covered patio creates an extension of the living space, while gardens and landscaped communal areas provide opportunities to relax and entertain.”

6.       Enjoy a Lock-Up-and-Go Lifestyle

One of the benefits of retirement is the free time to travel, and a low-maintenance property makes this even more appealing: “Estate-based maisonettes provide added security and maintenance support, allowing you to lock up and leave without the same concerns associated with maintaining a large standalone property.”

7.       Make Room for the Next Chapter

Moving out of the family home can be emotional: “After decades of raising children and building memories, selling can feel like giving up part of one's identity. When investing in a maisonette, the goal is not to leave the past behind, but to create a home that better suits the next stage of life - with sufficient space to create a home you love,” says Van der Merwe. 

The Maisonette Option at Renishaw Hills

The popularity of maisonettes in retirement is evident, with Renishaw Hills noting record sales of its Phase 7 maisonettes, which are now sold out. However, buyers now have the option of investing in Renishaw Hills Phase 8 maisonettes or choosing one of our two beautiful re-sales from Phase 5, both of which is available immediately.

The estate's modern take on the maisonette comprises meticulously designed, vertically attached two-bedroom homes, each on a single level with its own separate entrance. The maisonettes are designed to retain the feel of a substantial home while offering the convenience associated with estate living. Features include:

·   Two bedrooms and two bathrooms

·   Single-level living and separate entrance

·   Open-plan living areas

·   Covered veranda and garage

·   High ceilings to encourage natural airflow

·   Large windows providing natural light and views

·   Communal garden areas, with garden maintenance included

·   SMEG kitchen appliances

·   High-speed WiFi and fibre connectivity

·   Designs that consider future assisted-living requirements

Residents also benefit from Renishaw Hills' broader lifestyle offering within the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct. The estate includes more than 20 active clubs, community facilities, healthcare options, security, garden services, exterior maintenance, and extensive natural surroundings. There’s also access to hiking and cycling trails and the wider KZN South Coast's Blue Flag beaches and outdoor attractions.

Renishaw Hills FAQs

1.       Is Renishaw Hills suitable for retirees who want more space?

Yes. Renishaw Hills offers a range of property options, including freestanding homes and two-bedroom maisonettes. The maisonettes provide a single-level home with separate entrances, while the freestanding homes offer additional privacy, garden space and living areas.

2.       What are the benefits of living at Renishaw Hills?

Residents benefit from a secure lifestyle estate with more than 20 active clubs, community activities, healthcare options, garden services, exterior maintenance, high-speed WiFi and extensive natural open spaces.

3.       Where is Renishaw Hills located?

Renishaw Hills is located in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast, within the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct. The conservation-led precinct combines residential development with extensive natural open space and emerging lifestyle amenities.

Get in touch!

Far from being just an active retirement community, Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh on the KZN Mid-South Coast is a premier mature lifestyle estate for individuals over 50, offering a vibrant, active lifestyle. For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.renishawhills.co.za. For more details about Renishaw Coastal Precinct, visit www.renishaw.co.za