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Plain-Language Guide

Life Rights, Explained Properly

You purchase the right to live in your home for life. Here's exactly what that means — and why it's simpler, safer and more affordable than you might think.

The Model

The Price You See Is the Price You Pay

A Life Right is a legal agreement, governed by the Housing Development Scheme for Retired Persons Act No 65 of 1988, that gives you the exclusive right to occupy your unit for the rest of your life.

Because the title deed remains with the Kloof Rest Home Association — the community organisation that has held it since 1904 — you never pay VAT, transfer duty or transfer legal fees. Your capital buys your home, not the paperwork around it.

For your family, it means clarity: a transparent agreement, no transfer delays, and no surprises for your estate.

Kloof Retirement Villages gardens
Act 65of 1988 — Legislated Protection
Why It Makes Sense

Four Reasons Families Choose Life Rights

01

No VAT or Transfer Duty

A once-off purchase secures your home for life, without the taxes and legal fees that come with freehold or sectional title.

02

Secure Tenure for Life

Your right of occupation is protected by national legislation and held by a 120-year-old PBO — not a developer who may sell up.

03

No Ownership Burden

Rates, building insurance, maintenance and communal gardens are managed for you, supported by a Maintenance Stabilisation Fund.

04

Certainty for Your Estate

The agreement sets out clearly what is returned to your estate — no market timing, no agent mandates, no transfer delays.

Common Questions

Life Rights FAQs

The questions we're asked most often — answered plainly. For anything else, just ask.

What exactly am I buying?
The exclusive legal right to live in your specific unit for the remainder of your lifetime, through a once-off capital payment. The title deed stays with the Kloof Rest Home Association, which is why no VAT or transfer duty applies.
Is my Life Right legally protected?
Yes. Life Rights are governed by the Housing Development Scheme for Retired Persons Act No 65 of 1988, which provides specific statutory protection for retired purchasers.
What does the monthly levy cover?
The levy funds the running of the village — management, security, maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and communal gardens, and shared operational services. Full levy details for each village are set out in your agreement and information pack.
How is a PBO village different from a developer-run estate?
In a developer-run estate, surpluses flow to shareholders. The Kloof Rest Home Association (KRHA) is registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation and is exempt from paying tax. Every rand is directed back into the villages and the care of residents. Our incentive is your wellbeing — it's that simple.
Can I get care without leaving the village?
Yes — and most residents do exactly that. In your own home you are free to arrange a private carer for as much or as little help as you need, for as long as that arrangement suits you. When more support becomes necessary, assisted living is available at Vian House, and village residents have preferential access to 24-hour care at the Winston Park Care Centre. At every stage you stay within the community you already know.

Get the Full Picture, in Writing

Request an information pack with the Life Rights agreement explained, levy details and current availability across all our villages.