One of the most notable features of urbanisation to date must surely be the surge in popularity of gated residential estates, a phenomenon that has taken root across the globe. The rise of gated communities has not only been prolific in the Western world but also in countries like Egypt, Turkey and Russia – and, of course, South Africa. Here, they meet the need not only for a sense of neighbourhood connectivity, but also for convenience, privacy, security, and even proof of status that overcrowded cities no longer provide.
According to New World Wealth, South Africa is a global pioneer of residential estates, with frequent research suggesting a shift from the traditional golf estates towards lifestyle estates, which are proving to be popular home choices for South Africans. In fact, the country ranks second only to the United States in respect of the number of these residential developments that offer every conceivable convenience.
The Amdec Group’s multi-generational estate Westbrook, in Port Elizabeth, is just one such example, catering to multiple generations in one secure estate. It is a safe, walkable precinct that will comprise 3,500 residential homes spread across nine residential villages, along with a “town square” set to feature a variety of commercial and retail spaces. A medical centre is also on the cards.
The vision behind this gated community is to create modern urban spaces that redefine city living. The development team highlights several key reasons why more people are choosing this lifestyle as their home of choice.
Safety and security top the list
Rising safety and security concerns amongst South Africans are influencing where people want to live, and driving the increasing demand for homes in security estates. The most recent crime report statistics revealed that 21,130 robberies occurred at residential homes between April 2019 and March 2020.
For this reason alone, buyers are opting for security estate living that offers 24-hour security access control, response vehicles for perimeter monitoring, along with security cameras that pan the entire complex giving residents peace of mind.
A mix of lifestyle features
Equally important are the community lifestyle elements that an estate can offer. And, the larger the estate, the more options for residents. They boast many highly attractive recreational and sporting features such as swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, green belts, gyms, riding paths, clubhouses and even golf courses. Residents can do a school run, fit in a quick fitness session or jog, all without venturing beyond the gates.
For homeowners, it’s having everything they need within close proximity to where they live – essential for today’s full, pacey lifestyle.
Yet another advantage of living in a gated community is the extra privacy that it provides. As only residents and verified guests are permitted access, residents can enjoy their own space with little chance of intrusion by trespassers or strangers ringing their doorbells – and the world at large.
Eco-friendly living
Many developments are becoming eco-estates ‒ protecting and preserving or rehabilitating the area’s local flora and fauna.
One of the key drawcards of the Westbrook suburban estate, located a mere 15km from the city centre, is its green elements. It offers a haven of eco-friendly living, with the benefits of being surrounded by nature within the estate. The 128-hectare development has 80 buildable hectares, but also boasts 48 hectares of open space designated to maintain the feel of a peaceful, country setting with parks, wide pavements and green spaces.
A school on your doorstep
Amenities and security aside, one of the most appealing fringe benefits for families is to have access to quality education at a private school on or within easy reach of the estate. And South Africa is light years ahead with this trend as it attracts investors to the development and increases the capital appreciation of the estate home over the long term.
In Johannesburg’s Steyn City, for example, families’ educational needs are satisfied with an early learning centre, preparatory and college all within the estate. Or at Sitari Country Estate near Somerset West, a Curro school on the property caters to children from three months to Grade 12.
Burgundy Estate, in the foothills of the Durbanville Hills, also offers access to private education for its residents. Pre-school children attend Curro Castle or Zenith Montessori, with Riverside College providing independent schooling for children until Grade 12. Westbrook also offers a compelling value-proposition to investors – a Curro school within its borders, catering for learners from Grade R to Grade 9, with higher grades being phased in annually.
On a practical level, parents enjoy the convenience, but having a school inside your gated estate encourages an active lifestyle as children are able to walk or cycle safely to school.
Multi-generational living
The growing trend toward multi-generational households – where adults from different generations of the same family live together and share costs – is reshaping the way people choose to live. Nearly one in five people in the United States and Australia now live this way, and locally, Statistics SA reported in November last year that 32.2% of South African homes house multi-generational families, showing that the trend is gaining momentum here too.
This shift can be attributed to factors such as rising living costs, unemployment, and cultural customs, as well as concerns about the safety and isolation of elderly relatives. These estates offer a vibrant, community-focused lifestyle where multiple generations can live, learn, and play together – adding value to one another’s lives and creating a true sense of belonging.
