Dogon Group Properties - Ekasie - Spring Edition 2022

Message From Alexa Horne (MD)

The continued traction we’ve witnessed in the Cape Town market over the last few months reinforces the fact that investors are drawn to the historic stability of residential property, viewing it a valuable asset worth sacrificing for - even when money is potentially tight.

We’ve noticed that current buying activity is largely driven by demand recovery in the affluent markets, stoked by good pricing (following significant price declines in recent years), the relatively low interest rate environment, and the hybrid work trend. Semigration also continues remains a big factor in the Cape Town property market.

Boutique-style living on secure estates, close to schools and amenities in the Southern Suburbs, continues to prove popular. Newly launched developments 96 On Newlands and 3 On Buckingham are just two examples of smaller luxury, lock-up-and-go estates in which we’ve had significant buyer interest. Equipped with all the latest in lifestyle comforts and security, homes in these estates often come standard with Inverter/ PB Systems in order to bypass loadshedding.

Similarly, property in the City Bowl and Atlantic Suburbs remain solid investments, and buyers are well aware of this. At Dogon Group we’re pleased to be able to offer a wide range of properties, from studio apartments and one, two and

three-bedroom apartments to luxury penthouses and freestanding houses in broad price ranges.

Overall, the property market in the Atlantic Seaboard all the way through to the Southern Suburbs remains strong and enthusiastic buyers are very much in evidence. In sought-after suburbs such as Higgovale and Bishopscourt we’ve also captured significant market share. In Bishopscourt, Dogon Group has 70% of the market share calculated from June 2021 to June 2022.

Whilst the market is generally balanced in terms of supply and demand, there remain exceptions in the high demand price bands and areas. Despite a higher inflationary environment impacting the cost of goods like food and fuel, the average purchase price for first-time homebuyers is effectively the same as it was a year ago, at R1 131 905 up from R1 127 776.

The advantage of the flat price growth is that there remains great value in the market, especially at the higher price bands and buyers should take advantage of this. Sellers should, however, always look to price realistically or risk missing out on the favourable market phase.

Alexa Horne 082 349 7799 alexa@dogongroup.com

Managing Director

By : The Pioneer Womman | Erin Merhar

SLOW COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP /

Low & slow is the way to go.

INGREDIENTS

454 g dried split green peas

1/2 onion, chopped

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

2 pieces of celery, sliced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

337 g cubed ham

1 qt. chicken stock

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 sprigs parsley, plus more chopped for serving

1 bay leaf, optional

Salt and pepper, to taste

METHOD

Place the split peas in a colander. Rinse them well and pick through for any tiny pebbles or debris.

In the base of a slow-cooker, combine the peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, ham, chicken stock and 1 1/2 cups of water. Tie the sprigs of thyme, parsley and the bay leaf together with a piece of kitchen twine, wrapped around the bundle a couple times, then add to the slow-cooker.

Cover and cook on high heat for 4-5 hours, or low heat for 8-10 hours, until the peas are tender and have split to thicken the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with chopped parsley.

By : Lancewood

LANCEWOOD STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING / A South African Favourite.

INGREDIENTS

PUDDING

125 g pitted dates , finely chopped

180 ml boiling water

2.5 ml bicarbonate of soda

40 g butter

125 ml soft brown sugar , tightly packed

5 ml vanilla essence

1 extra large egg(s)

40 ml golden syrup

200 ml cake flour

5 ml baking powder salt , a pinch

SAUCE

125 g LANCEWOOD® Mascarpone

30 ml soft brown sugar , tightly packed

30 ml golden syrup

30 ml butter

5 ml vanilla essence

METHOD

PUDDING

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a ± 14 cm x 23 cm x 4 cm deep ovenproof dish. Pour the boiling water over the dates in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and boil for 2 – 3 minutes to soften the dates. Use a potato masher or a fork and mash until smooth. Add the bicarbonate of soda.

Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla essence together until pale. Add the egg and golden syrup and beat well. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to the butter mixture and mix well.

Add the date mixture and mix until well combined. Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 25 – 35 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

SAUCE

Add the mascarpone, brown sugar, golden syrup, butter and vanilla essence to a saucepan and heat over low heat. Whisk until smooth. Pour over the pudding while still hot.

Serve with the remaining mascarpone and custard (optional).

Did you know: Of the home loan applications declined by one bank, 45.3% were approved by another bank when applying through ooba Home Loans (Q1 ’22 data).

Yvonne Viljoen, Specialised Mortgage Finance Consultant for ooba Home Loans says that there are five factors that one should weigh up before applying for a home loan.

So you’ve found your dream home and now it’s time to apply for finance. Naturally, your mind defaults to your own bank; after all, you’re a loyal client with a long-stand ing financial history, so why would they not approve you?

Well, I am here to tell you that this is simply not the case. Each bank has different loan

criteria and needs to comply with the National Credit Act, therefore, it’s important that you shop around and weigh up all the options available to you.

Before you take the first approved home loan deal that you receive, there are six key factors that you should consider. These factors will pave the way to your homeownership journey:

1. Compare interest rates

Different banks will offer you different interest rates and small savings each month can equate to tens of thousands in the long run so be sure to compare. You might also opt for a fixed or a variable interest rate.

2. Repayment periods

A home loan term is generally a choice of 20 or 30 years. A 30-year bond means lower month ly repayments on a higher interest rate while a 20-year bond means higher repayments on a lower interest rate. A bond originator can help

you to weigh up what’s best based on your affordability.

3. Joint bond ownership:

We’re seeing an increase in joint bond applications where two (or more) people apply together for a bond on the same property. This process is more complicat ed in some ways as the banks look at the affordability of both/ all parties, so it’s good to cast a wide net when applying.

4. Deposits:

The uptick in 100% (zero-deposit) bonds being granted by the banks has played a major role in the sustained demand for home loans. However, it does have some drawbacks so it’s vital that potential buyers work closely with bond originators to deter mine whether it’s the best option for them.

5. 100% vs 105% bond

After opting for a 100% bond, you may also qualify for a 105% bond. 105% bonds normally cover the costs of transfer and bond registration (usually 8-10% of the purchase price) and are general ly targeted at first-time buyers and properties below R1.8 million.

There is a lot to weigh up and consider as a potential home owner. Work closely with a repu table bond originator to better understand all the options on offer and what’s best suited to you.

Yvonne Viljoen

+27 021 914 1020 +27 082 499 7418 yvonne.viljoen@ooba.co.za

LOVE LOADSHEDDING. GO CAMPING. /

With ongoing loadshedding woes giving us all the blues, planning an electricity-dependent getaway has also lost its appeal. No hot water, no WiFi, and dinner in the dark – hotels and BnB’s are sadly a no-go ‘til Eskom catches a wake up. So why not embrace the lack of lights, head off the beaten track, and choose camping as your next breakaway escape?

The Western Cape is host to an epic expanse of breath-taking open spaces. Stacked with towering peaks, relaxing riverbanks, ancient forests, and sea-facing sanctuaries, every campground provides refuge for those with an adventurous spirit. All you need to do is unplug – then harness nature’s forces for all your cooking, entertainment, and ablutionary needs.

Depending on your chosen destination, local campsites accommodate tents, caravans, and RV campers as well as lonesome backpackers craving human contact.

With the Western Cape’s Mediterranean climate, adventuresome appeal, and biodiverse great outdoors, we’ve curated a shortlist of the top 5 petfriendly camping spots. Whether it’s an overnighter or weeklong sojourn you’re planning, pack your beloved pooch(es), choose any one of these needful outthe-way spots – and prepare for the extraordinary!

Beaverlac – Natural Heritage Site

Where? Olifants River Mountains above Porterville

Distance from CPT? 2 hours

Environs? Rugged and dreamy with nofuss appeal, Beaverlac is host to endless waterfalls and natural rock pools fed by the Ratel and Olifants rivers. Non-demarcated campsites provide an immersive, off-grid experience.

Highlights? Dog-friendly hiking trails, swimming, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. No electricity.

www.beaverlac.co.za

Rivierplaas – Relive Your Childhood

Where? Breede River near Worcester

Distance from CPT? 1 hour 30 mins

Environs? Part of the Little Karoo and offering glorious scenery, the Breede Valley is renowned for its diverse wildlife, indigenous fynbos, and monarchical proteas. Clear mountain streams starkly contrasted with craggy peaks offer visitors an unedited taste of Africa.

Highlights? Featuring canoe day trips, river ziplining, tubing, rafting, birdwatching, angling, and walking trails, Rivierplaas is a throwback to simpler times. No electricity.

www.rivierplaas.co.za

Gecko Rock – Peace & Quiet Reigns

Where? Nougatspoort Valley not far from Touwsrivier

Distance from CPT? 2 hours 35 mins

Environs? Indulge yourself with a wholly unparalleled outdoor experience, this ecoadventure destination has its own complex bio-tapestry and prehistoric rhythms. Expect unrivalled stargazing and unspoiled views. Recharge, reboot, replenish!

Highlights? Wanderlust hiking, 4x4 and 4x2 routes (with driver training), rock climbing, mountain biking, flower tours, veld school classes, and target shooting. Limited generator power supply.

www.geckorock.co.za

Enjo Nature Farm – Wildflower Oasis

Where? Cederberg Mountains near Clanwilliam

Distance from CPT? 3 hours 20 mins

Environs? Be enfolded by raw, dramatic beauty in the fruit-filled Cederberg Valley laden with orange blossom scent. Rustic campsites lit nightly by the blazing milkyway ensure a restful escape from it all. Familyfriendly haven.

Highlights? Hiking trails featuring cave paintings, picnicking, mountain biking, jeep tracks, 4x4 routes, paddling, pool, and darts. Children can join in and feed the farm lambs. Campsites have power points.

www.soulcountry.info

Stille Waters – Absolute Privacy

Where? Breede River Valley close to Rawsonville

Distance from CPT? 1 hour 20 mins

Environs? Entrenched in the Boland, the Breede Valley boasts intensive viviculture and sweeping vistas of dark pastel mountains. Stille Waters bordering the Smalblaar River, rests amongst sleepy vineyards and electric Cape flora, offering you the tantalizing option to book the whole site for yourself.

Highlights? Mountain biking, hiking trails, river swimming, 4x4 routes, and rock jacuzzi. Generator power.

https://campsites.1r.co.za/69-breede-rivervalley/126-stille-waters-campsite

Be it sleeping under the stars, waterfall showers, or your favourite cup of java heated over open flames, camping in the Western Cape makes loadshedding not only bearable – but dare we say welcome – in the face of these ultimately restorative getaways.

The Penhaus Iwan Jooste www.thepenhaus.com

Trophy mansion on the slopes of Table Mountain. Higgovale, Web Ref: RL12264

WAYS TO WINTER PROOF YOUR HOME & MAINTAIN ITS VALUE & APPEAL /

After months of harsh sunshine, heat and dry summer conditions, many homes around South Africa will soon be exposed to cold, damp and wet winter weather.

These extremes, coupled with general wear and tear, can cause damage and deterioration to houses. Preventative maintenance is key to not only getting your home ready for winter but also keeping it in good condition all year round and maintaining its value.

"The cost of homeownership doesn't end with the buying price, and home maintenance must be included in any annual budget. A little cost-effective DIY maintenance to winter-proof your home now could save you thousands of rands come summer," says Nadia, Property Practitioner of Dogon Group Properties. "If you are trying to sell your home it is also particularly important that you don't allow winter weather to cause damage which could deter potential buyers."

Dogon Group Properties offers a list of cost-saving home maintenance tips to get your home ready for winter, and maintain its value, whilst looking its best while on the market.

Start at the top

"Start at the top and check your roof for leaks," says Nadia. "Look for damaged, loose, or missing tiles, lifting or rusted roof sheets, and if your roof is flat, check for signs of blistering or bubbles. Treating potential leaks before the wet weather arrives can save thousands in water damage caused by leaks."

Get your mind in the gutter

"Make sure that your gutters are clean and clear of debris such as dead leaves and grass. Blocked gutters overflow and can cause damage to your roof, house exterior

and even

foundation. Also check for any damage to the gutter system - cracks, sagging, gaps at the joins etc."

Wooden it be nice

"Check all of the wood trim on the exterior and interior of your home for damage, rotting and active infestation of termites. This includes any wood trim around your exterior doors and windows, roof eves and verandas," advises Nadia.

order before starting to use it this winter. Check for birds' nests, for any cracks or holes in the chimney flue and in the bricks surrounding your fireplace, and for any other obstructions or faults. A faulty fireplace or unseen obstruction can cause a very hazardous problem."

Mind the gap

Walk around the outside of your home and check every window for small gaps and cracks. Hurling advises that you replace broken or cracked windowpanes and apply new putty if needed. "Conduct a similar check for each exterior door, and pay special attention to the bottom of each door."

Don't get caught in the dark

"Also check wooden decking to see if it needs a fresh application of varnish. Even if your deck is made of treated or rot-resistant wood, it still needs protection. To do this, simply pour some water on it - if the water beads up, then you're good. If the wood absorbs the water, it's time to clean and seal your deck again."

Don't skim the surfaces

It is not only wooden surfaces that require attention, cautions Nadia. "If you have a concrete patio, driveways or walkways, you need to make sure they're protected as well. All concrete eventually develops cracks and it is important to take the time to inspect your concrete and fill in any cracks before you apply sealer so that water cannot get in over the winter."

Check the drainage around your home

"Make sure the soil around your foundation hasn't settled and created areas for water to pool. If you find a low spot fill it in with some soil. Then go around and check your rain gutter downspouts. Make sure water is getting moved away from the home."

Paint it pretty

Nadia says that paint not only makes your home look good, it acts as a protective layer against the elements. "Check if you could do with a coat of fresh paint. Always choose the best paint you can afford - good quality paint pays for itself in the long run as it last longer so you will need to repaint less often."

Smoking hot

"Ensure that your fireplace and chimney are in perfect working

"Whilst not a maintenance issue, winter often sees our electrical grid under pressure, meaning a higher risk of load-shedding and blackouts. This is because of an increased demand on the national power grid as more people turn on heaters and lights. Prepare for load-shedding with back-up power supplies, such as a generator, a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), solar or battery-operated lighting, gas cookers and power packs to keep your lights, cell phones, computers, gate motors, security systems and cookers working at all times."

"If you are proactive when it comes to home-maintenance then you can hopefully avoid any larger issues cropping up that could break the bank," advises Nadia. "Regular home maintenance is key when it comes to trying to sell your property in order to avoid a huge number of costly repairs which may be required to meet buyer expectations, and a neat home that has been well cared for will be more appealing to buyers - a good thing in the current competitive market. So my last word of advice: "Invest a little now to yield great returns later".

on 061 256 0020 or connect through email nadia@dogongroup.com

Scan the QR code to view some of Nadia's exciting listings on offer.

Contact Nadia Rapitse-Hurling (FFC No:

ASKDOGONGROUP

Despite being temporary, your next rental property is still your home. Great care and understanding real estate fundamentals are crucial to your search. You needn’t go it alone. At Dogon Group Rentals, our veteran agents make it as easy as possible for you to focus on your work and family, while we take care of business. From negotiating best value to final closing, we’re with you every step of the way - even your housewarming party (if you’ll have us).

DOGONGROUP.COM

Your every long-term rental need, just a question away.

CAMPS BAY / Set Adrift On Bliss .

HISTORY. When opportunistic German sailor Friedrich von Kamptz arrived in the Cape in 1778, his speedy betrothal to wealthy widower and landowner Anna Koekemoer was Cape Town gossip for years. Not only was the affection of one of the most eligible women in Southern Africa his, the exquisite bay on the far side of Lion’s Head was salaciously named after him.

Centuries later Die Baai van von Kamptz, now known as Camps Bay, remains a haven of intrigue, envy, and, of course, occasional scandal.

With a focus on listing only the best homes for buyers and tenants alike, Dogon Group invites you to a deeper exploration of a Cape Town suburb that is both enigmatic and enchanting.

The beaches that straddle the coastline are sandy sanctuaries for endless recreation, such as Oudekraal’s picnic and braai areas, Lui Bay’s dreamy dive sites, and Glen Beach’s sensational surf. Don’t forget neighbouring Clifton’s four showstoppers, all within walking distance.

Also within easy reach of the city centre’s business hubs, retail strongholds, and leading educational institutions, this is the penultimate family-friendly sanctuary.

Offering the best of all worlds, Camps Bay redefines the definition of oasis.

WEALTH. Ongoing demand for secure accommodation in premier Atlantic Seaboard positions has resulted in Camps Bay’s high growth rand value as well as average values. Although this suburb has always been a solid investment, it’s perfectly poised to become more attractive as available land for new development remains scarce while increased demand and limited stock drive prices even higher.

Popular with tourists, swallows, and relocating families, rental properties also fetch prime rates.

In the first quarter of 2022 alone, Atlantic Seaboard properties sold roughly 20-30% quicker than in 2021, further enriching Camps Bay’s already attractive investment potential.

best dual view of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy the good life at The Lawns - your every day, all-day restaurant for all occasions - be it delicious breakfasts, decadent brunches, lingering lunches, or meeting friends for sunset drinks.

Surf at Glen Beach: Located north of Camps Bay Beach, Glen Beach is separated by a rock outcrop that extends from land to shoreline. Often home to pro surf tour events, only seasoned surfers should attempt these powerful, hollow waves. For the less adventurous, soak yourself in sunscreen or grab a volleyball, all the while taking in the breathtaking coastal grandeur.

OVERVIEW. A blend of ivory white beaches, liberal architecture, and dense coastal flora, this affluent neighbourhood remains coolly poised at the foot of Table Mountain’s Twelve Apostles. Cutting the sky, twelve imposing rock buttresses form an impressive amphitheatre of gullies and ravines while Camps Bay’s palm-lined beachfront stretches out to the endless ocean horizon.

The legendary Sunset Strip offers an endless selection of attractions and amenities. As a popular tourist destination, Camps Bay’s promenade is peppered with chic restaurants, buzzing beach bars and boutiques, including Koeël Baai’s bohemian craft market offering uniquely all-African items.

HIGHLIGHTS. The sheer volume of activities and attractions in Cape Town means it’s often difficult to decide what to see and do whilst visiting the Mother City. The same goes for Camps Bay. And as a resident, you remain perpetually spoiled for choice, each day a smorgasbord of unforgettable experiences at hand.

As a taster, these unique highlights remain synonymous with the suburb:

Theatre on the Bay: Pieter Toerien, much beloved producer and theatre manager, established this intimate stage as a home to world class entertainment for drama, comedy, dance, musicals, and cabarets. The 238 seater venue just meters from the ocean captivates audiences of all ages with some of Disney's best known musicals including Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

Lawns at the Roundhouse: With the

TRAVEL LINKS. Beyond the thriving nexus of Camps Bay, a universe of conveniences orbits tantalizingly. Within 20 minutes you can reach the V&A Waterfront, Silo District, and Cape Town’s CBD, all with instant access to international retail outlets, museums, theatres, and award-winning restaurants.

For markets and delis offering local craft and artisanal produce, a quick car ride takes you to Hout Bay, the Constantia Valley, Claremont, and Noordhoek. Take your pick from the traditional tourist attractions or opt for blood rushing adventure with shark cage diving, whale watching, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning, hiking, or sports fishing.

Camps Bay is also conveniently situated for airport access to Cape Town International.

EDUCATION. Various multilingual preparatory, primary, and high schools are situated in and around the bay, namely:

• Camps Bay High School

• Camps Bay Primary School

"Your invitation here is simply to breathe."

• Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School

• LAMTA - Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy

• St Cyprians School

• Tamboerskloof Primary School

• Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck

• Michaelis School of Fine Arts

Within stone’s throw, The CBD even hosts foreign language institutions, college campuses, and renowned universities. Only 12 kilometres from Camps Bay, UCT and its resplendent Romanesque architecture

• Open seven days a week since 1999, Café Caprice combines artisan cocktails, a caféstyle menu, relaxing lounges, and sidewalk seating to experience the epitome of Cape Town’s social scene

At night, laidback Camps Bay’s breakfast and lunch spots are subdued by the tide when the suburb transforms itself into a dazzling cosmopolitan hub, awash with glitz and glamour. Party-seekers and diners flock to its stylish restaurants, chic cocktail bars, and high-end hotel lobbies to grab a slice of the action.

treatments to leave you feeling nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed. Truly, heaven on earth

• Mint Wellness. Set on four acres of lush green nature reserve with a natural mountain meditation pool, thickets of trees, and mountain streams. A soul sanctuary

COME HOME. Electric and vibrant, Camps Bay thrives as a cornucopia of pluralistic living.

On offer is an incomparable lifestyle where convenience and accessibility interplay with perfect balance. With you at the centre of everything, life in Camps Bay is a captivating adventure suspended between blue sky and azure sea.

is a hub of progressive learning for teens graduating from high school.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Every meal is an event in this slice of paradise. Must-visits are:

• Cape Town’s most sought-after dinery, The Bungalow, plays host to some of the finest sunsets in the world. Perfectly situated within minutes drive of Camps Bay, this seaside haven offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and Twelve Apostles

• 100% plant-based, animal free, wholesome meals and products are what you'll find at new-kid-on-the-block, Okja Café. Guilt-free, everything at this little café is deliciously vegan!

WELLNESS. Camps Bay offers a cocoon of rejuvenation with world-class spas and beauty salons:

• The Marly Spa is a combination of luxury and attention to detail, designed to offer a five-star experience. Here, there is simply no reason to leave

• The Twelve Apostels Hotel spa menu offers an extensive range of wellness

Contact Andi Ashton (FFC No: 1238575) on 062 664 0296 or connect through email andi@dogongroup.com

Scan the QR code to view some of Andi's exciting listings on offer.