Business

New luxury development next to South Africa’s largest security town

Kirsten Minnaar • 9 June 2026

A new luxury retirement development is set to launch near Midstream, one of Gauteng’s most sought-after residential nodes, as demand for secure, lifestyle-focused retirement housing continues to grow.

Known as Birdhaven Retirement Estate, the development will be situated on a 16-hectare site near Midstream, between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The estate is being developed by Central Developments, one of South Africa’s largest retirement property developers.

The group said the project will serve both retirees and investors looking for exposure to the retirement property market.

Birdhaven forms part of a growing trend towards integrated retirement communities that combine housing, healthcare, lifestyle facilities and security within a single estate.

According to the developer, retirement property has become one of the country’s most resilient real estate sectors.

This momentum is being driven by South Africa’s ageing population and growing demand for secure accommodation with access to healthcare services.

When it comes to Birdhaven, the estate’s location in Midstream, Centurion, is expected to be one of its key attractions.

The area is known for its security, established infrastructure and access to major transport routes, including the N1 and R21 highways. It is also located approximately 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.

Residents will have access to shopping centres, healthcare facilities, and other amenities within the broader Midstream area, including several major hospitals.

Birdhaven will offer both apartments and freehold houses designed for residents aged 50 and older. A central feature of the development is its emphasis on lifestyle and healthcare services.

The estate will include a 24-hour frail-care and dementia-care centre, home-based care services, medical consulting rooms and an on-site clinic.

The care facilities will be operated by an independent healthcare provider, with residents paying only for the services they use. Lifestyle amenities planned for the estate include:

A restaurant and coffee shop
Cinema
Heated indoor swimming pool
Mini gym
Hair and beauty salon
Library
Community hall and communal lounges
Walking trails and nature areas
Laundry services

One of the estate’s distinctive features will be a double-storey bird aviary located near the coffee shop, reflecting the development’s birdlife-inspired theme. The estate will also be pet-friendly, with many homes featuring private gardens.

Security for both residents and investors

Security forms a key part of the development’s offering. Planned security measures include a 24-hour guarded entrance, biometric access control, perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, and regular patrols.

Every home will also be equipped with a panic-button system linked directly to security and healthcare personnel.

To address ongoing energy challenges, homes will be inverter-ready and include energy-efficient features such as solar-assisted geysers, LED lighting and fibre internet connectivity.

Birdhaven will also be developed as an EDGE-certified estate, a green building standard that requires homes to use at least 20% less energy, water and building materials than conventional developments.

Planned sustainability features include roof insulation, solar-assisted water heating systems, low-flow water fittings, dual-flush toilets, and energy-efficient construction materials.

The developer is also positioning Birdhaven as an investment opportunity, with retirement estates having become increasingly attractive to investors.

These properties offer strong rental demand, relatively low tenant turnover and long-term capital appreciation potential.

Unlike life-right retirement developments, Birdhaven will offer full ownership, allowing buyers to rent, sell, or eventually occupy their properties.

Central Developments said the combination of healthcare facilities, security, and lifestyle amenities creates sustained demand for retirement housing, supporting both rental income and capital growth.

The company says it has delivered more than 85,000 residential units across South Africa, including over 6,000 retirement homes in 14 retirement estates.

The development is expected to be launched in phases, with early buyers potentially benefiting from first-phase pricing and future capital growth as the estate expands.