Retiring in South Africa

2POSTS

Yesterday

1. We are a specialist doctor couple who desire to retire in a quite, calm, and mild weathered country.

2. We recently visited SA for a fortnight, mainly Johannesburg and towns along Garden Route. We thought towns like Knysna, George, Hermanus would meet our desires for a quite place to grow old.

3. But, seeing a place as a tourist is vastly different from living in it as a resident.

4. I want opinions from expats living in SA regarding these:

i. How is life of elderliy couples in towns? Especially with regard to safety?

ii. What is the approximate monthly expenditure for a moderately comfortable life, except housing?

iii. How much does a 2-3 bedroom house cost, to buy , in a town like Knysna or George?

iv. How responsive is the local administration towards the basic needs of residents, like civic amenities?

I thank immensely future anticipated correspondents.

Regards

See also

Discovering South Africa - Guide
Retiring to South Africa - 1 Reply
Managing retirement savings in South Africa - 1 Reply
Crafting in South Africa - 1 Reply
Investing in South Africa - 2 Replies
Retiring in South Africa - 9 Replies
Studying in South Africa - 5 Replies

gerardmeder New member

1POSTS

7 hours ago

You raise some very sensible questions, particularly the difference between visiting South Africa as a tourist and actually living here.

Having mentioned Knysna, George and Hermanus, I would suggest looking at some of the secure residential estates and retirement villages in these areas.

Many offer an additional layer of security through controlled access, perimeter protection and dedicated security personnel.

Some retirement estates go considerably further, offering lifestyle centres, recreational facilities, social activities and, importantly, access to assisted living and frail care services should your needs change as you grow older.

For a couple considering retirement, I think these are important considerations, particularly if you intend making South Africa your permanent home.

I would also recommend spending a few months in your preferred area before committing to purchasing property. Living somewhere is quite different from visiting on holiday.

One other consideration is your immigration status. South Africa makes provision for foreign nationals wishing to retire here, but the requirements for longer-term residence and permanent residence should ideally be understood before making major financial commitments.

I work in South African immigration and previously served with the Department of Home Affairs. If you have questions about the immigration side of retiring here, I'd be happy to offer some general guidance.

Wishing you both well with your plans.

rajivaggy New member

2POSTS

5 hours ago

@gerardmeder

Thanks a lot for a well-thought reply.

Yes, I do plan to take off some time from work- I work at a busy cancer hospital now and it may be some time before I can resign - and stay in the place for a few months before investing in house. A secure gated estate in George seems appropriate at present. I believe, it has a multispecialty hospital. This may allow me to get in touch with my profession, if and when, visa permits that.

I would contact you, if you permit, if I have queries on emigration.

Thanks and regards.