Two South African towns are attracting retirement-age property buyers, with every purchaser recorded in both communities this year aged over 65.
Hattingspruit, situated beside the Tom Worthington Dam, and Hekpoort, a farming community at the foot of the Magaliesburg Mountains, have both reported declining crime levels and low numbers of property transactions.
In Hattingspruit, which has a population of 10,078, homes rarely come onto the market. The town typically records around five property sales annually, but all three transactions recorded so far this year involved buyers older than 65.
Hekpoort has experienced a similar trend, with every property buyer this year also aged over 65. Property transactions in the community remain in single digits.
Hattingspruit Records Lowest Crime Levels
Hattingspruit recorded its lowest crime levels last year since the South African Police Service (SAPS) began publishing its crime statistics.
During the first quarter of this year, the town recorded 28 crimes, including one residential burglary. Its reported crime rate currently stands at 1.47%.
The town’s location beside the Tom Worthington Dam also offers recreational activities that may appeal to people planning their retirement.
Residents can enjoy carp and bass fishing, while a nighttime hiking trail provides opportunities for stargazing.
Hekpoort Also Reports Declining Crime
Hekpoort, located approximately 60 kilometres from Pretoria, is another small community attracting older property buyers.
The farming town recorded its lowest crime rate last year since SAPS began publishing comparable statistics in 2013.
During the first quarter of this year, 64 crimes were reported in the area, including three residential burglaries.
Like Hattingspruit, Hekpoort continues to record relatively few property sales, with the buyers involved in this year’s transactions all aged over 65.
Other South African Towns Report Low Crime Figures
Hattingspruit and Hekpoort are not the only South African communities reporting relatively low levels of crime.
Rhodes, near Barkly East, recorded no crimes during the first quarter of this year, compared with two incidents during the same period last year.
Coffee Bay, on the Wild Coast, recorded 36 crimes during the first quarter, while Nuwerus in the Western Cape reported 17 incidents.
These figures provide comparisons for people considering a move to a smaller community, although crime levels vary between locations.
Number of Access Roads Can Affect Security
People considering relocating to a safer suburb or town are advised to examine how easily the area can be accessed.
The number of roads connecting a community to surrounding areas is one factor to consider. Areas with fewer entry and exit points may be easier for security patrols to monitor.
Melkbosstrand, one of Cape Town’s safer coastal suburbs, has only a handful of roads connecting it to neighbouring areas, according to the report.
Fewer access points can allow security teams to concentrate their patrols on key routes and monitor vehicles and people entering or leaving the community.
Property Buyers Urged to Examine Boundaries and Neighbouring Areas
The physical boundaries of a neighbourhood are another consideration when assessing security.
Walls and other barriers that are easy to climb may provide easier access for intruders, making the design and condition of boundaries relevant when evaluating a property’s surroundings.
Prospective buyers are also advised to examine crime figures in neighbouring communities. Areas bordering locations with higher crime levels may face risks associated with criminal activity beyond their own boundaries.
Unemployment and Drug-Related Factors Also Highlighted
Unemployment and drug-related problems are additional factors raised in discussions about crime and neighbourhood safety.
High unemployment has been linked to crime in South Africa, while drug dependency can contribute to criminal activity as some people attempt to fund their habits.
People considering retirement in a different town are therefore encouraged to look beyond the immediate property and assess wider conditions in the surrounding community.
The reported sales in Hattingspruit and Hekpoort show that all buyers recorded in both towns so far this year are over 65, alongside recent declines in local crime figures.
