Welkom is the Free State’s second biggest city with a well-developed infrastructure, but it is also an ideal location for retirees looking for affordable homes and a peaceful lifestyle.
This is according to Brendon Calldo, principal of the local RealNet franchise, who says Welkom offers incredible value for retirees wishing to bring down their living costs and enjoy a safe, friendly and less frantic environment.
“It is possible to sell one’s large home in Johannesburg, Pretoria or Bloemfontein and purchase a retirement house or townhouse here with plenty of money to spare,” says Calldo.
“Finding a house for less than R1 million is difficult in most other cities around the country, but we still have such properties in abundance, even though prices are rising now.”
He says the starting price for two bedroom homes in Welkom is around R410 000, around R580 000 four three bedroom homes, and about R820 000 for four bedroom homes.
“In suburbs such as Flamingo Park and Riebeeckstad, we currently have several good quality three bedroom, two bathroom homes listed for between R600 000 and R750 000, while at the top end of the market, we have four bedroom executive homes in St Helena, Dagbreek and Jim Fouche Park listed for between R2.1 million and R2.9 million.”
For those who would prefer an apartment or townhouse, three bedroom options are available at prices from around R500 000, while one and two bedroom options, which are also attractive to buy-to-let investors, start at around R200 000.
“And Welkom also has many houses at prices from as little as R250 000 which, with an upgrade, can become excellent investments,” says Calldo.
What also makes the city a good option for retirees is the fact that it has two private hospitals, Mediclinic Welkom and St Helena Hospital, and is only 90 minutes from the Universitas academic hospital in Bloemfontein. It also has several retirement villages with frailcare facilities.
In addition, Calldo says the city offers top-class shopping and entertainment at the Goldfields Mall and Welkom Square shopping centres and the Goldfields Casino.
Welkom has many lovely parks, dams and nature reserves, including two bird sanctuaries, a well-established golf club, a Virgin Active gym and a small airport offering daily flights to Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, for the more adventurous early retiree or entrepreneur looking for a good local business opportunity, Welkom boasts game farm properties as well.