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Pillars of Justice

A Growing Market for Senior Housing


South Africa’s retirement property market, though relatively small, is becoming an essential segment of the country's real estate landscape as more seniors seek specialized housing options. At Gerhard Barnard Inc Attorneys & Conveyancers, we understand the importance of this emerging market and the unique legal considerations involved in retirement property transactions.

A Snapshot of the Retirement Property Market

According to new research from Lightstone, a property data analytics firm, demand for dedicated retirement communities is on the rise. Most South African seniors continue to live in homes purchased earlier in life, but an increasing number are opting for purpose-built retirement properties. Currently, the formal retirement property market in South Africa accommodates around 44,000 households, marking it as a growing and vital housing segment.

“This trend is driven by a growing senior population, changing lifestyle preferences, and increasing financial security among older adults,” says Lightstone. The data shows that of the country's 5.45 million residential properties (excluding social housing), about one-third are owned by people over 60. Notably, a quarter of these owners purchased their homes after turning 60, with approximately 44,000 properties located in formal retirement villages, primarily serving the upper market.

Ownership Trends Among Seniors

Lightstone’s research highlights the variety of housing options seniors have chosen. While 1.3 million of the properties owned by those over 60 are subsidized housing, and 1.5 million are non-retirement housing, only around 44,000 properties fall into the retirement-specific category. The retirement complexes in South Africa include about 650 estates or sectional schemes, with half of these developments consisting of properties registered at the Deeds Office, while others are managed as single entities by social services.

These 650 complexes represent under 100,000 units, covering only a fraction of the over five million individuals aged 60 and above. With properties in retirement villages often valued at over R1.5 million, there remains a significant gap in accessible and affordable retirement housing options, which is evident given the limited supply and high value of available units.

Real Estate Sales and Values in Retirement Complexes

Over the past five years, more than R28 billion has been invested in retirement properties, with an average price of R1.9 million. Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest sales, with the Western Cape showing the highest average sales prices. The sales trends highlight a preference among seniors for sectional schemes and estates when purchasing after age 60, while freehold properties remain popular among those who bought their homes earlier.

The data also reveals that while approximately 35% of these retirement units are located in gated estates, the remaining 65% fall under sectional schemes, offering seniors the security and convenience of managed communities.

Provincial Trends and Market Patterns

Provincial data shows the Western Cape leading in retirement property demand, followed by Limpopo, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. Seniors in the Western Cape are also spending more per property, reflecting the province’s high property values in retirement villages compared to non-retirement properties.

While retirement properties carry a premium price tag, there is an evident need for diverse and affordable retirement housing options that cater to a wider demographic. As the senior population continues to grow, the market for retirement housing is expected to expand, highlighting a crucial need for more inclusive options across the country.

The Future of Retirement Property in South Africa

The rising demand for retirement properties underscores the importance of comprehensive legal guidance in property transactions for seniors. Whether buying, selling, or transitioning to a retirement community, Gerhard Barnard Inc Attorneys & Conveyancers is here to support you every step of the way. We understand the unique requirements of retirement property transactions and are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your future housing needs.

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