Image of Widenham Retirement home with a flower focused in the front

The home buying process at Widenham

Home buying precess Purchasing a retirement home is a significant decision, one that promises a new chapter of freedom and comfort. At Widenham Retirement Village, we understand the importance of this decision, which is why we have streamlined the purchasing process to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Here’s a detailed look at each step involved in securing your dream retirement home with us.

Initial consultation, home buying process and Widenham visit

The journey to owning a home at Widenham starts with a simple conversation. Contact our Life Rights sales coordinators to express your interest and book a visit to view our village. This initial interaction is crucial as it gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for what life at Widenham is like. During your visit, you can explore the various amenities, witness the vibrant community life, and take in the tranquil surroundings that our residents cherish.

Facilities to see:

  • Community centre and activity rooms
  • 2 Bowling greens
  • Swimming pool and change room
  • Clinic
  • Walking trails and wetlands
  • Library
  • Gym
  • Pub

Planned facilities:

  • Tennis courts
  • Entertainment hall
  • Chapel
  • Coffee shop
  • Frail care centre

Choosing your ideal home

Once you’ve visited and experienced the unique atmosphere of Widenham, the next step is to select the type of home that best suits your needs and preferences. We offer a range of home types under the Life Right model, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options. Each home type is designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, ensuring that you enjoy your retirement in a space that feels both luxurious and homely.

Understanding the Life Rights agreement

A key aspect of purchasing a home at Widenham is understanding the Life Rights agreement. This model is different from traditional property ownership, as it offers you the right to live in your chosen property for the remainder of your life without the complexities of owning the property outright.

 

A Life Right is simply the right of occupation of a living unit in a housing development scheme (or village) for the duration of the lifetime of the Occupier. Payment for a Life Right is by way of a lump sum (called the sponsorship amount). A monthly levy is payable for the running of the village.

 

The home is occupied by an Occupier. The Occupier or Occupiers are written into the Life Rights Agreement prior to occupation. The Life Rights contract is written around the Occupier/s, not the person or body who paid for the Life Rights.

 

Our sales team will guide you through the details of this agreement, ensuring that you understand all aspects, including the benefits such as no transfer duty, commission, or conveyancing fees. This transparency helps you make an informed decision without any hidden surprises.

Signing the agreement

Once you are comfortable with the terms of the Life Rights agreement, the next step is to sign the agreement. This formalises your intent to move forward and secures your chosen home at Widenham. The signing of the agreement is straightforward, with no additional fees such as transfer duty, commission, or conveyancing fees — making it financially advantageous and simpler than traditional home buying process.

Securing your stand

After signing the agreement, you will secure your stand by paying the deposit. This deposit is part of the financial arrangements to ensure your commitment to the property. The balance of the payment is due by the time you take occupation of your home. Our team will keep you informed and supported throughout this process, from the payment schedules to any other financial considerations, ensuring a seamless transition from signing to moving in.

Preparing for Widenham occupation

The final step in the home buying process is preparing for occupation. Depending on whether you choose a newly built home or one that is already constructed, there may be a waiting period before you can move in. During this time, our team works diligently to ensure that everything is perfect for your arrival. We handle all aspects of property preparation, from final inspections to cleaning and ensuring that all your specified customisations are completed to your satisfaction.

Your purchase to-do list

Step 1: Chat to our Life Rights sales coordinators and book an appointment to visit our village.

Step 2: Choose your Life Right and home type starting from R1 500 000.

Step 3: Research and understand the Life Rights agreement.

Step 4: Sign the Life Rights agreement:

  • No transfer duty
  • No commission
  • No conveyancing fees

 

Step 5: Secure your stand by paying the deposit, the balance is due by occupation.

Step 6: Take occupation of your home. For Phase 5, homes will be built within an estimated 6 months* from purchase.

Step 7: A monthly levy is payable for the running costs of the village.

  • The monthly levy includes but is not limited to rates, water and sanitation, security, property or building insurance, garden services, bus services, communal area upkeep, house and structure maintenance, bank charges, audit fees, and staff salaries and communal electricity consumption.
  • Electricity and telephone charges are levied separately, based on your actual usage.

 

At Widenham Retirement Village, we strive to make the purchasing process as enjoyable and stress-free as the lifestyle our residents cherish. By choosing Widenham, you’re not just buying a home; you’re investing in a lifestyle that offers peace, comfort, and endless opportunities for enjoyment in your retirement years. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that from your first visit to the day you move in, your journey is smooth and filled with anticipation for the new memories you will create in your new home.

For more information or to schedule your visit, please do not hesitate to reach out. Discover the ease and transparency of buying your retirement home with Widenham Retirement Village, where your golden years are enhanced by comfort, community, and care.

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