Frequently Asked Questions

The Bower is a premium later-living development at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, bringing together 147 private apartments, hospitality-led services, wellness amenities and specialised healthcare support in one thoughtfully designed setting.

The Bower is being developed by the V&A Waterfront. Its masterplan-led approach carefully considers the surrounding neighbourhood, immediate adjacencies and access to the ocean, creating a setting that is both connected and considered.

The Bower is situated on Breakwater Boulevard in the Granger Bay precinct of the V&A Waterfront. The Victoria Wharf shopping centre, various luxury hotels, the Helistop and coastline boardwalk are within a five-minute walking radius.

The Bower has been designed as a premium over-60s development for active adults who want to enjoy an independent lifestyle, supported by access to hospitality, culture, wellness, healthcare and community amenities within one of the world’s most distinctive waterfront destinations.

The Bower has been designed specifically for adults aged 60 and older who are seeking a secure, low-maintenance lifestyle, access to healthcare and wellness services, and the opportunity to remain active and connected within a vibrant community.

The Bower has been designed for residents aged 60 and older. Requirements for spouses, partners or additional occupants will be set out in the Life Rights agreement and House Rules.

Residents will have access to healthcare and wellness services designed to support independent living and overall wellbeing. Planned facilities include healthcare support, wellness programmes, an indoor swimming and vitality pool, movement studios and preventative care services that help residents age confidently in place.

The healthcare and wellness services will be delivered by experienced service providers appointed to support residents’ wellbeing, independence and changing care needs. Further details on the operating partners and service model will be shared as they are confirmed.

Ageing in place means residents can continue living within the same community as their needs change over time. The Bower has been designed to offer increasing levels of support, should these be required, allowing residents to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain established social connections.

The Bower has been designed to support residents as their needs evolve. Where additional care is required, residents will be able to access appropriate support services within the broader care and wellness model, subject to assessment, availability and the applicable service arrangements.

Yes. The Bower includes a continuum of care to support residents as their healthcare needs evolve, including a 14-unit memory care centre for residents living with dementia or other memory-related conditions. The centre will provide 24-hour support and supervision, enhanced safety features, structured daily routines, a secure dementia-friendly garden and tailored care focused on dignity, comfort and quality of life.

Residents will have access to restaurant and dining facilities, a wellness centre, movement studios, community and social spaces, private gardens, concierge services and integrated healthcare facilities. Within the broader V&A Waterfront precinct, residents will also be close to world-class shopping, dining, cultural attractions, scenic walking routes and the working harbour.

Residents will have access to on-site dining facilities, with further details on dining options, packages and meal plans to be confirmed closer to occupation.

Universal access, catering for various levels of ability, is designed into the ergonomics of the development, allowing residents unhindered access to amenities and social areas. The internal layout of apartments has been carefully considered to accommodate freedom of movement and circulation.

The Bower forms part of the secure V&A Waterfront neighbourhood, supported by precinct-wide security systems, access control, surveillance and on-site security personnel. Additional residential security measures will also be implemented within the building.

Construction has officially begun with the expected completion date of November 2027.

01 February 2028.

Yes. The Bower will offer hospitality-inspired management and concierge services to support daily convenience, operational excellence and seamless resident experience.

The concierge team will assist residents with a range of day-to-day lifestyle requirements, helping to simplify daily living and enhance convenience.

The Bower is an exclusive offering comprising 147 premium apartments.

The Bower offers a selection of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments to suit a variety of lifestyles and needs. All apartments have direct access to the outdoors.

The Bower operates on a Life Rights model, one of the most established forms of later-living occupation. A Life Right gives residents the exclusive right to occupy their apartment for life, while enjoying access to the amenities, services and healthcare offerings within the community.

Unlike traditional property ownership, Life Rights offer security, simplicity and peace of mind without the responsibilities associated with property maintenance or resale. A Life Right cannot be sold on the open market and is administered by the developer in accordance with the Life Rights agreement.

Life Rights are not sold on the open market in the same way as sectional title or freehold property. When an apartment is vacated, the reoccupation process is managed in accordance with the Life Rights agreement, including the applicable terms for refunds, deductions and reallocation of the apartment.

No. Apartments at The Bower are intended for the personal use and occupation of Life Right holders. Short-term letting, Airbnb and other holiday accommodation uses are not permitted, helping to maintain the community’s residential character, security and quality of life.

Yes. The Bower is a pet-friendly community. Residents may keep approved pets, subject to the community rules and guidelines designed to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of all residents and their animals.

Yes. Family and guests will be welcome to visit, subject to the community rules, security protocols and any guest accommodation or overnight stay arrangements that may apply.

Purchasers secure an apartment through the acquisition of a Life Right. The payment structure consists of:

• An initial Life Right purchase price.
• Monthly levies covering the management and maintenance of the community, security, communal facilities and shared services.
• Optional lifestyle, wellness and healthcare services, depending on individual requirements.

A detailed cost schedule will be provided during the sales process to ensure transparency.

Monthly levies contribute towards the maintenance and operation of the community, including building upkeep, security, landscaping, communal facilities and selected lifestyle services.

Property, services and medical levies are available on request, as well as estimated rates and taxes.

Yes, parking and storage facilities are available on a lease basis.

The development has been designed with resilience in mind. Backup generators will support essential building services during disruptions or outages, while the water supply will be supported by the V&A Waterfront’s on-site desalination plant and is not solely reliant on the City’s supply.

The Bower will benefit from sustainability and resilience measures integrated into the broader V&A Waterfront precinct approach, including secure water supply through on-site desalination and backup power support for essential building services.