More retirement villages are springing up to the north of Durban in order to cater for increasing demand from retirees moving to the area.
Heading north, retirement developments have been few and far between. A handful in Umhlanga, like Pioneer Park and Rolling Hills, have been oversubscribed, and although there have been some smaller, gated retirement estates just over the river at Umgeni Park and Riverside, a few have popped up in Durban North, Umhlanga and Umdloti.
In the last few years, though, some of the established gated residential estates in the greater Ballito area, like Palm Lakes Family Estate and Brettenwood Coastal Estate, have added retirement components. Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village in Kindlewood Estate is also a recent addition.
Costs related to North Coast retirement villages can be prohibitive for developers. With land costs high and health care costs even higher, it’s not always easy to balance those books.
For retirees, too, full-service health care is desirable, but comes at a hefty price, normally tagged onto your levy. Recently, Tongaat Hulett Developments (THD) released land which is demarcated for a retirement development in Sibaya, bordering Umdloti. THD commissioned Rainmaker Marketing to conduct an exclusively digital research campaign, asking retirees to register their interest, needs and desires when it comes to retirement accommodation and lifestyle. THD’s Retire KZN campaign also aims to promote KZN as the retirement capital of SA.
Stefan Botha, director, Rainmaker Marketing, says, “From a number of locations, the overwhelming majority of registrants opted for Umhlanga to Sibaya and up the North Coast. The top three ‘wants’ were security, pet-friendly and clubhouse. Around 60% are looking for a two-bed option with garaging and storage, and half have a desired price point of between R1m and R2m.”
This latter fact seems to feed into the trend that sees retirees selling and/ or downsizing from big homes for, say, R3m, and only spending R1m to R2m on their retirement home in order to top up depleted savings.
As retirees are becoming more active, they want a good outdoor lifestyle, such as hiking and cycling trails. Carl Strang of Umhlanga says he needs an affordable lock-up-and-go retirement option so he can visit his children in Australia. “I don’t want to be cooped up when I’m here, though; I’d like somewhere green that’s safe to walk and do my birdwatching.”
We’ve reserved our simplex at Mount Edgecombe Retirement Estate because it’s just over our fence, and we don’t have to move away from friends or facilities we’re used to. We’ll let it out until Glen retires in two years’ time
Resident at Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Carol Filmer.
Things to do in KZN’s North Coast :
- Explore Ezemvelo’s KZN Wildlife Imfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserves and other private reserves
- Visit one of the many beaches for swimming
- Take a stroll at Hawaan Forest Walk in Umhlanga
- Take a trip to the Litchi Orchard in Salt Rock
- Check out the latest movie releases Ballito Junction Regional Mall
- Catch a movie at Cinema Nouveau at Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Nearby hospitals in KZN’s North Coast:
- Netcare Umhlanga Hospital
- Netcare Alberlito Hospital
- Busamed Gateway Private Hospital
- Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre
Best in food in KZN’s North Coast:
- Bel Punto, Umdloti
- Mundo Vida, Umdloti
- Old Town Italy, Umhlanga
- The Chef’s Table, Umhlanga
- Delish Sisters, Litchi Orchard, Salt Rock
- Grill Room and Ocean Terrace, Oyster Box Hotel
Property agent insight into the area:
Why should retirees consider buying on KZN’s North Coast?
KwaZulu-Natal has the best weather for retirees to enjoy their retirement days. The North Coast has undergone enormous improvement in infrastructure in the last few years, and retirees can enjoy easy access to the best care facilities, amenities, restaurants and shopping centres. The lifestyle is relaxed, with beautiful scenery and beaches to enjoy, top golf courses and activities, and it’s a place families will love to visit!
Farrah Williamson: Pam Golding Mount Edgecombe
What should buyers look for in a retirement development?
Security, convenience, health care, and community are the most important considerations when looking to invest in a mature lifestyle village such as Renishaw Hills. Residential units must be well-built and aesthetically designed with hassle-free services, such as gardening and transport, included. A social, outdoor lifestyle is imperative, so enquire about leisure facilities and organised community activities.
Julieann Hampson: Renishaw Hills
What type of amenities appeal to those looking to invest in retirement developments?
Retirees deserve to feel safe and secure in an environment that encourages community living. Offerings on most wish lists include medical facilities, onsite doctors and a dispensary. Ask a Brettenwood retiree, however, what their favourite amenities are, and the results include everything from the communal clubhouse, offering yoga, a library and an honesty bar, to the heated water aerobic pool and state-of-the-art gym.
Peter Cameron: Brettenwood Coastal Estate
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.