In the property sections of newspapers and magazines I notice a strong growth in and emphasis on properties offering safety and security as well as numerous developments supplying housing for retired people.
I believe most of us have an inherent desire to live in a safe and peaceful environment. But the world we live in is characterised by uncertainty and many unexpected events that threatens the security and peace we long for.
Therefore the huge supply of security housing developments, is a reflection of people’s desire to live and bring their children up in an environment conducive to peaceful living; a safe haven.
It seems that each new development tries to outsmart others with the safety features they provide: 24 hour security, cameras, controlled entrance, patrols by security companies and the list goes on and on.
I also get the impression that more people prefer to work from home as we seem to enter a post pandemic economy. I recently met a number of people living on the West Coast who work remotely for companies in Durban, Johannesburg and Paarl, among others.
It seems that the pandemic was a wake-up call for many people to reconsider their lives and they now give preference to other aspects of life beyond just work, work and more work. Therefore developments like golf estates where people can live, play and work in a safe environment become a priority for many. It also give parents peace of mind to know their children can play in the safety of a security complex.
Unfortunately a set of rules and regulations as well as monthly levies form part of such a shared safe haven and certain rules and regulations regulate what kind of activities and which alterations you are allowed to make on your property.
The other rising trend I see in the property market, is the growing number of property developments for retired people. This market must be a huge money spinner for developers at present. Looks like the Baby Boomers now enter retirement en masse. Also in this, each developer tries to add more comfort and security measures to benefit their clients: clubhouses, restaurants, medical care and some even a golf course, etc.
The world in which we live and work is continually changing depending on the circumstances unfolding in the world. Although many people lost their jobs due to Covid, it also led to interest rates falling to its lowest level in many years and many people saw the opportunity to invest in buying their first or a new home or motor vehicle. Now two years later Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings soaring fuel prices and we need to rethink our budgets for 2022.
With such an unpredictable future, it becomes increasingly difficult to plan for future endeavours. Yet we need to face the future and move forward with confidence. Our children need to have a positive vision of the future, otherwise they will become despondent and depressed.
Steven Covey says in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People that to survive the uncertainty of the unstable and ever changing times we live in, we each need to have an unchangeable core within us. An inner peace and calm that will not easily be disturbed by what is happening around us.
Perhaps the desire for safe and secure living originates from one’s desire for stability at the core of your being. Maybe it is an underlying aspect of the strong growth in the market for secure living spaces. When the uncertainties of life and work seem to overwhelm you, besides faith, the security of your home can probably be a good antidote.
. David Malherbe is a freelance writer and lives in Langebaan.
