Posted on |
Building in a Secure Estate
In an enlightening podcast hosted by Moneyweb’s Suren Naidoo in November 2021, interviewee Andrew Amoils, world analyst at New World Health, states that South Africa is a ‘pioneer in estate living’. Speaking predominantly of large luxury estate living, he says,
“Estates have been big in SA for quite a long time – since the early 1990s – whereas in places like the UAE and New Zealand and other parts of the world they’ve started to take off only in the last five years or so.”
He goes on to say that while South Africa’s early estates were typically built alongside golf courses, building in a secure estate has evolved to broader high-end developments that offer a variety of lifestyle benefits.
Townhouses, villas, apartments, and simplex and duplex complexes offer a selection of these lifestyles benefits on a smaller scale. However, they’re also appealing as lock-up-and-go options for busy modern lifestyles and families seeking security and community, as well as opportunities for rental income and property investment.

The Benefits of Luxury Estate Living
While there is a certain sense of independence and privacy that freestanding homeowners might enjoy, the benefits of building in a secure estate cannot be denied.
-
Increased security
Professionals who spend a lot of time at work, families who are at home most of the day, and those who now work remotely in their home office can enjoy more peace of mind, knowing that their gated lifestyle estate offers them 24/7 security. In South Africa, we’ve near-perfected estate security to biometric access control, manned gatehouses, round-the-clock patrolling and partnerships with leading security companies.
-
Community Living
In an era where the sheer size of cities separates us from what we may have considered our personal community, or ‘tribe’, estate living offers residents a lifestyle that we might nostalgically call ‘normal’. Children playing outdoors, riding bikes in streets, being able to interact with the neighbourhood and actually knowing who your neighbours are, can add to a sense of security and belonging, and the reassurance that there are people around who have ‘got your back’.
-
Control of environment
Typically, one of the greatest appeals – and sometimes the greatest concerns – of building in a secure estate are the development rules that govern the estate lifestyle. While building off-plan does allow you some freedom, there are property owner guidelines in place, which some find restrictive. However, these are offset by the peace of mind of knowing that these guidelines also apply to neighbouring homeowners. In addition, estate rules provide other assurances, such as speed limits, building standards, and facility usage and maintenance.
-
Access to Exclusive Facilities
As homeowners ‘move up’ the property ownership scale, they continually seek out opportunities that offer both security and a higher standard of living. In response to this, secure estate developments have transformed the ways in which they offer this to a group of diverse people living in one community, through world-class facilities and grounds. Many luxury housing developments offer residents exclusive access to world-class gym facilities, parkland trails, children’s playgrounds, cycling trails, and even on-site restaurants and health and beauty spas.
-
High property value
Luxury home construction cost per square meter can be high. However, property market statistics show that the resale value of a well-built secure estate home will not only hold, but is typically more likely to increase. As far as property investment is concerned, housing estate construction is a good opportunity to sink your cash into something of short– and mid-term enjoyment, with long-term value potential.
-
Design your dream home
Everyone has their ‘ideal home’, with space to suit the very specific needs of their family and their lifestyle. Building off-plan in a secure estate allows homeowners to design and build a dream home from the ground up!
Is Building in a Secure Estate right for you?
Secure estate living offers the opportunity for an exciting, safe and leisurely lifestyle. It’s important to investigate development opportunities thoroughly, to mitigate risks and ensure that it’s the right fit for you:
- Check the contractor’s background, through an internet search, and interviews with estate agents and property professionals.
- Make sure that the contractor, and the construction companies used, are registered with the NHBRC (National Home Builders’ Registration Council).
- Examine the contractor’s past projects, especially older ones, for an indication of building quality and style.
- Find out about the developer’s maintenance division, and what the estate’s policies are about general upkeep of the estate.
- Consider talking to an involved town planner if you have concerns about upcoming public infrastructure developments that may impact the development you’re interested in.
The Two Biggest Questions we hear about Building a Luxury Home in a Secure Estate
Building a new luxury home is an adventure. It can be an emotional, exciting and exhilarating experience, but if expectations are not managed properly it can be an exhausting and overwhelming prospect. There are many details, intricacies and nuances that have to be navigated in any home building project, and that’s why you need a trusted pair of hands to coordinate and guide you through the entire process.

Building a new luxury home is an adventure. It can be an emotional, exciting and exhilarating experience, but if expectations are not managed properly it can be an exhausting and overwhelming prospect. There are many details, intricacies and nuances that have to be navigated in any home building project, and that’s why you need a trusted pair of hands to coordinate and guide you through the entire process.
You’ll want a high-end residential home builder with experience in secure estate construction, who has strict attention to detail, and who delivers the project on time while sticking to the budget.
At Jukka, the two burning questions we hear are, “How much will it cost?”, and “How long before I can move in?”
1. What's my Investment going to be?
Jukka specialises in high-end luxury home construction and, depending on the style and finishes selected (i.e. exterior cladding, kitchen, lights, taps, security features and the like), you could be building for as little as R8,000 per square meter, up to R20,000 per square, or more. However, you’re not just getting your dream home, you’re getting a building experience that is frictionless, relatively seamless and relaxed – if you use a trusted and experienced luxury home building contractor.
Remember though, you can expect to invest further in architectural fees, inspections, compliance and permits.
2. How long will it take to move in?
You’re just dying to get your first taste of luxury estate living!
In an ideal world (after you’ve bought the property), it should take between 12 and 18 months to progress from architectural design to moving into your dream home. There can be unexpected hurdles along the way, especially when building in a secure estate and having to navigate the many rules and regulations imposed by the estate HOA.
That’s why choosing the right builder and architect is essential. You want someone with a history of successful projects, and who knows how to navigate the various barriers along the way. You’ll want someone who is transparent and will hold your hand throughout the building process, taking you right over the finish line.
The Process of Building your Dream Home
Whether building in a secure estate, on freehold land or simply sprucing up your home with a renovation, it’s helpful to manage your expectations by mentally preparing for the process and understanding what it’s going to entail. At JUKKA, we orient our clients with this nifty 5-step guide, before they become overwhelmed with fine details and nitty-gritty – we’ll take those details one at a time, at the right time!
These uncomplicated 5 steps may just be helpful for you too – remember: focus one step at a time, and let your team help you orchestrate the steps, together!
-
Assemble the Right Team.
The success of any luxury home construction project hinges on three roles: the builder, the architect and the interior designer. If they work in concert they can create something quite magical for you. So, do your due diligence and pick the team that will bring your dream home to reality. Don't just take their word for it – go and interview their past clients, and have a look at their work so that you can find a trustworthy team to help you build your dream home.
-
The Architectural Design Phase.
This includes the preliminary design, final plans, specifications and engineering. And, a detailed budget and project schedule. Also, make sure that the architectural plans fit in with the body corporate/estate design rules.
-
Pre-Construction Phase.
This is where things start to get really exciting – it’s time to obtain the necessary municipal permits, finalise the budget, and sign up key contractors (eg. plumber, electrician and the like). You’ll also need to confer with the estate rules to ensure that your plans comply with the minimum requirements and guidelines of the estate.
-
Construction Phase.
This includes laying the foundation, site work, building the shell, installing plumbing and electrical, laying the floors, finishes and fixtures, and tidying up the exteriors.
-
Final Inspection and Walkthrough by the Owner.
If there are any issues that need to be addressed, our team sorts them out, pronto. Then it’s time to haul in your boxes and make yourself at home!
A Luxury Home Construction Company that Cares
Knowledge is power. That’s why we want to equip you with everything you need to make happier and wiser decisions about your building projects and home renovations.
Have a look at our residential construction flow chart for a more detailed view of our entire process. We also found this great website from a Houston-based construction company that has some really valuable resources that could help you when taking the leap on building your luxury home.
If you’re looking at the various options of building in a secure estate – or a freestanding property – consider speaking to us and let’s see if we can co-create something magnificent, marvellous and magical for you.