Business Day HomeFront 01 December 2017

HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA 1 DECEMBER 2017 WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA

MUST READ

Franschhoek food and decor debut PAGE 2

Semigration rush to KwaZulu-Natal PAGE 18

Sustainability focus at Val de Vie PAGE 20

False Bay

Micro-living hits Cape Town PAGE 24

Affordable Western Cape?

Look outside the city High prices in Cape Town have led to investors casting their nets further afield

Having multiple partners isn’t for everyone…

Choose a #RealPartner

PAGE 12

We’re Real about Real Estate

HOMEFRONT DÉCOR AND FOOD

Fresh push Food and interior design gets a look-in at new La Petite Colombe restaurant in Franschhoek’s recently refurbished Le Quartier Français boutique hotel WORDS: KIM MAXWELL :: PHOTOS: CLAIRE GUNN, CHARLES RUSSELL AND SUPPLIED

F

ranschhoek is often called SA’s culinary capital and it’s not hard to see why. Per square metre, the central village offers a number of quality simple and upmarket restaurants, wine and activities. In between the formulaic cafes and curio shops tripping up tourists in the main street, there are quality dining destinations and delis, plus charming suites and cottages offering luxurious beds.

So piecing the puzzle together it makes sense that one of SA’s acclaimed restaurants would open in Le Quartier Français boutique hotel in August.

La Colombe restaurant put Constantia on the global culinary map. Its chef partners Scot Kirton and James Gaag had similar objectives for La Petite Colombe restaurant in Franschhoek’s main road — for diners to enjoy a special, leisurely wine and dining experience

in a country setting.

Head chef John NorrisRogers may be only 26, but he’s been schooled in La Colombe style since 2013, during his third year of Silwood School of Cookery (he left only for a ski season in the French Alps, and in April this year worked a stage in Oslo’s three Michelin-star Maaemo restaurant). Only three months after opening, La Petite Colombe was awarded Eat Out’s Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year 2017 and also Best Hotel Restaurant in SA in the Gourmet Restaurant Awards 2017.

RECENT LUNCH Awards are one thing — for most diners the test is in the eating. My lunch began with a simple Luderitz oyster poached in creamy Champagne velouté, with verjuice gel and dill oil.

Simple and comforting, it was served in a beautiful bowl shaped like an oyster shell. There were hits of citrus freshness, sago for

“I think, when you’re coming up with something of this nature, you just want to address all the senses” John Norris-Rogers, head chef, La Petite Colombe

HOMEFRONT

texture, then micro-diced apple in yuzu dressing adding tartness. As a wine pairing the Morena MCC, from Franschhoek, was spot on.

“I like to think we serve food that is a little lighter than La Colombe,” says Norris-Rogers. “The styles are very similar as we use classical grounding, but with playfulness that allows us to be creative. So we have the basics for a good sauce but the creativity to play around and make the sauce unique.

“Our meat dishes always have a jus, but we might make it interesting with coconut cream. We’ll have a classic tartare, but add an element of chipotle and soy, which makes it more interesting. Or avocado and jalapeno chilli on the dish, for interest.”

Asian-style tuna was an artwork demanding to be admired. What appeared as a translucent disc of yellowfin tuna was shavings of blast-frozen fish. It rested on a creamy, umami base of miso and orange zest mousse. Scattered on top: avocado, assorted blobs, creams, gels and pickled seeds including misoglazed aubergine, tart citrus calamansi gel, spicy kimchi, delicate shaved fennel.

Flavours and textures balanced one another in a salty-tangy delight.

the seared, grass-fed beef tataki slices, contrasted with herby marinated beef tartar.

Dominant flavours included soya sauce, smoky chipotle, pickled Jerusalem artichoke, red onion, coriander. There was fun in a puffed sago crisp; subtlety in creamy avocado. A surprise too: grated, frozen foie gras melted in the mouth.

Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2014 offered delicious sweet fruit.

Instead of a conventional cheese board, pastry chef Andrea Bruce formed a custard squiggle from Asiago cow’s milk cheese, served with variations of pears, in purees to icecream. Dehydrated Japanese cheesecake and candied pecans added crunch.

MEET THE CHEFS But the most memorable part was being invited to leave our chairs and

“meet the chefs” while eating a course, standing, at a counter. Chef Kieran Gatenby took us through an interactive dining experience while facing the open kitchen. “Today you’re having traditional Japanese ramen,” he instructed. In a sphere-like bowl of an earthy, soy-based reduction with dainty noodles, softboiled quail’s egg, and edible extras, Gatenby poured over a warm broth of juiced celeriac and aromatic oils.

Fresh, then woodier notes came to the fore.

In summary, La Petite Colombe offers a food and wine journey. Complex, attractive dishes incorporate a layering of tastes, in a setting that opens to a garden. “I think, when you’re coming up with something of this nature, you just want to address all the senses,” says Norris-Rogers of his menu approach. “But above all it has to be flavoursome.”

“The brief from La Petite Colombe was: it’s not about the design, it’s about the food” Beverley Boswell, owner, Beverley Boswell Designs

La Petite Colombe: a reduced menu (five courses at R795) is popular at lunchtime (R1,250 including wine). At night, many splurge on nine courses for R1,100 (R1,850 including wine).

RESTAURANT DESIGN The dining space is part of any sensory experience. At La Petite Colombe, architect Rohan Young created an acoustic feature ceiling design in spruce, which absorbs the clatter of an open kitchen. He introduced large glass sliding doors that wrap around the terrace — bringing the view and the outside in.

Beverley Boswell Designs was commissioned to create the La Petite Colombe interiors by the restaurant’s chef partners Kirton and Gaag. “The brief from La Petite Colombe was: it’s not about the design, it’s about the food,” says

Boswell. She created a contemporary, light-filled space to complement their sophisticated food.

All the interior joinery including the drinks bar, interactive chef’s table, waiters stations and the desk for the maître d’ were bespoke designs

by Boswell. French oak joinery was “plaited” and blackwashed, with copper detailing. FormFunc Installations locally manufactured the pieces.

Two large decorative cream panels on the walls, created from multiple coco shells, are by Élitis, a French manufacturer of specialist wall coverings. Everard Read procured a series of plates by local ceramicist Theo Kleynhans. Decorative birdcage wall lanterns and chandeliers were customdesigned and made by local lighting company Morgan Associates. lapetitecolombe.com

MORE COURSES Seafood is something this restaurant does particularly well. Says Norris-Rogers: “We have more fish dishes because they’re light enough to allow you to enjoy more courses. It brings clean flavours and freshness to a menu.”

He balances them with “comforting” meat dishes.

A standout example was PRODUCED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G4, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925 021 447 7130

A EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kim Maxwell Designer: Samantha Durand

PUBLICATION

Managing Editor/Copy Editor: Michael van Olst Production: Joanne Le Roux Content Business Manager: Catherine Davis

ADVERTISING SALES Michèle Jones Susan Erwee

michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info susan.erwee@thecreativegroup.info

084 246 8105 083 556 9848

HOMEFRONT

STYLISH STAY If you’re enjoying a leisurely La Petite Colombe meal with an enthusiastic sommelier filling your wine glass, staying over in charming Le Quartier Français makes a lot of sense. Its convenient location means village restaurants and bars are within safe walking distance even at night.

Waking to a view of the Franschhoek mountains is special. Le Quartier Français is certainly a premium country stay. But this boutique hotel offers a breakfast buffet table that is a cut above, other personalised touches (a

jar of homemade jam to take home) and genuinely friendly, efficient service.

Le Quartier Français completed a R72m expansion and refurbishment in September.

Beverley Boswell Designs, an interior design practice focusing on bespoke premium projects, has been responsible for all Leeu Collection properties’ décor since 2012.

South African-born Boswell also curates all Leeu Collection properties’ artworks with owner Analjit Singh. Le Quartier Français has eye-catching art and sculptures, some

to be found down pretty shrub-lined paths.

“We have given the rooms a contemporary country style, using fabrics with eye-catching pops of colour, customised furniture and South African art,” says Boswell. Four colour schemes were incorporated across the 25 bedrooms and suites. Whether you stay in the pink, grey and cream scheme, or the coral, turquoise and white bedroom colour combination, the feel is luxuriously comfortable. leeucollection.com/lqf Kim Maxwell was a guest of Le Quartier Français

FORECAST

Residential housing trends for 2018 What people are buying and where they are moving to

T

he South African residential property market is showing remarkable resilience in spite of significant challenges. CEO Andrew Golding outlines five trends from The 2017 Pam Golding Properties Residential Review:

1 Semigration is not only to the Western Cape From January 2016, 33% of relocating South Africans made the Western Cape their destination of choice.

Agents have reported substantial interest from Gauteng buyers, and semigration remains a key catalyst in house price inflation in the region.

As Cape Town’s property prices soar, potential buyers are turning their attention to KwaZulu-Natal.

Lifestyle and good prices are also attracting buyers to the Garden Route where

interest is growing from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to George and Mossel Bay. The Gauteng region remains the centre of business and commerce for southern Africa and continues to attract more than 300,000 people annually from around the country, the African continent and globally.

2 Sectional title growth outstrips freehold While only 12% of SA’s current housing stock of 6.45-million housing units is sectional title, demand for sectional title properties is growing rapidly and apartment prices are holding up well against freehold property.

The Pam Golding Properties Index shows the sectional title house price index rose by 5.27% year on year in Q3 2017, while the corresponding full title house price index

increased by 2.95%. In addition, with an average of at least 90,000 firsttime buyers entering the market each year, it is no surprise smaller properties in the sectional title market showed the strongest price inflation of 9.3% in the same period.

Lightstone Property reports that sectional title accounts for 14.8% of the total value (R5-trillion) of SA’s residential market.

Freehold properties comprise 69.7% and estates 15.5% of the total value.

3 Estate properties are more valuable Lightstone has shown that, on average, estate properties are more valuable than non-estate properties. The prices of homes on estates tend to be less volatile, hence a better investment option during challenging times.

Lightstone says at least

“At least one in 10 South Africans choose gated communities when making residential property purchases”

one in 10 South Africans choose gated communities when making residential property purchases.

4 Luxury segment is downscaling The demand for welllocated sectional title apartments with low maintenance and running

costs is not limited to first-time buyers.

People downscaling due to changing lifestyle requirements make up a significant proportion of investors.

There is a growing downscaling trend towards smaller, but not necessarily less-expensive properties.

5 Multigenerational living on the rise Multi-generational living or extended family living, with the associated benefits of pooled resources and cost efficiencies, is making increasing economic sense.

Adult children are moving back home as singles, or married couples occupy a cottage or second dwelling on their parents’ properties.

Rising costs and a shortage of affordable retirement accommodation are contributing to this trend.

WESTERN CAPE Southern Peninsula 021 783 4222 / AtlanticSeaboard 021 439 7415 / Southern Suburbs 021 673 4200

Clifton / R85 million

Ref# AS1344911

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 5 / This exceptional north/west-facing beach home offers a rare opportunity to secure a once-in-a-lifetime position. Indulgent spaces for entertaining on a grand scale, including 2 pools in lush garden surroundings. Spacious and sophisticated living areas flow seamlessly to a wide open deck with uninterrupted views of the Clifton Bay. Accommodation includes 5 bedrooms, all en suite, and direct access to the open terraces with sensational views. The lounge and bar area opens up to a grand terrace and 2nd pool. Private direct beach access plus one rented lock-up garage on The Ridge.

Annette Hepburn 082 658 1116

Oranjezicht / R24.95 million

Ref# CB1345791

Constantia Upper / R16.485 million

Ref# KW1345398

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Outstanding contemporary find in one of the highest and sought-after roads in the City Bowl. Views across the ocean to Blouberg and towards Table Mountain.

Exceptional interiors featuring a media room, wine cellar, garden and pool. Fully integrated home automation, lighting and Paradox security system.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Exclusive secure estate living. This magnificent family home down a quiet country lane in the heart of Constantia Upper offers you easy flow living and entertaining with good proportions, light and airy with superb finishes. The home is north-facing with beautiful mountain views.

Bev Josten 082 571 6755 / Riaan Ackermann 079 016 6700

Arie KadĂŠ 083 448 0488 / Angie Bloom 083 678 7876 / Lauren Clark 083 306 3830

Ref# FWI1305138

HOMEFRONT COASTAL

Affordable Western Cape? Look outside the city High prices in Cape Town have led to investors casting their nets further afield WORDS: GEORGINA GUEDES :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED, NATASHA LASSEN AND ISTOCK

Gordon's Bay

Blouberg

I

nvestors and home buyers alike are being driven from the Cape Town City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard by high prices.

But extend west or east and there are still affordable investment opportunities with growth potential.

High prices in the heart of Cape Town has meant that property investors and home buyers are casting their nets further afield, not just into the city’s outlying suburbs, but further along the coast into smaller towns still within commutable distance.

These satellite areas offer the double benefit of affordability and potential for growth off a lower base — as more and more first-time buyers, foreigners, investors and semigrators look for properties that they can purchase without breaking the bank.

“There has been a slowing of growth in the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, while the Western Seaboard is accelerating,” says FNB household and property sector strategist John Loos.

“These subregions near to the city and the mountain have run very hard in recent years and we suspect that resultant mounting home affordability challenges here are contributing to a ‘natural’ price growth slowdown.”

He says the Atlantic Seaboard has seen average house price growth slow from a multiyear high of 26.5% year on year in Q1 2017 to 19.9% by Q3. The City Bowl began its slowdown a little earlier and went from its year-on-year growth high of 22.9% in Q2 2016 to 15.1% by Q3 2017.

Meanwhile, from a 13.6%

“There has been a slowing of growth in the City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, while the Western Seaboard is accelerating” John Loos, household and property sector strategist, FNB

year-on-year house price growth rate in Q4 2016, the Western Seaboard subregion (including Blouberg, Milnerton and Melkbosstrand) saw its price growth rate accelerate to 17.2% by Q3 2017. Somerset West/Gordon's Bay/Strand had a low growth rate of 5.41% year on year in Q3 2017, meaning that these affordable areas have yet to peak. These are the growth nodes:

Somerset West vicinity “As demand continues to outstrip supply and properties in central Cape Town become less affordable, surrounding areas such as Somerset West become attractive investment options,” says Collins Property Projects development director Adam Nisbet, developer of Mzuri Estate.

“In fact, this area is proving to be a very popular investment destination.

This is because of the unique environment in the surrounding Winelands which boasts all of the amenities offered by city living and more,” says Nisbet. “Somerset West is yet to hit its straps from a residential and investment point of view.”

Mzuri Estate — Somerset West’s latest residential development — caters for a full range of buyers, from the first-time home buyer to the discerning investor. Mzuri combines modern open-plan living with the latest technology as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure incorporating solar technology and

HOMEFRONT

Mzuri apartments, Somerset West grey water systems.

Nisbet says areas such as the CBD or Stellenbosch can command from R45,000/m2 to R60,000/m2 and above, unaffordable to the middleincome earner. On the other hand, Mzuri Estate comes in between R20,000/m2 and R30,000/ m2, with apartments starting from R1.3m — similar properties would go for not less than R2m in the CBD or Stellenbosch.

Also in Somerset West is Sitari Country Estate, which Sitari Property Sales executive director Claudius Combrinck says offers a significant upside for both home buyers and investors.

“Sitari is a maturing estate, which enables buyers to enjoy continued capital growth as each new phase is marketed at a higher price than the previous one. Our apartment developments were initially released at R1.15m. The same apartment is now being sold for R1.75m.”

Combrinck says even at the higher pricing, their apartments are significantly cheaper compared with other premium estates and about a third of the price of similar apartments in Cape Town.

Strand and Gordon’s Bay A little further along the coast the value proposition is still impressive. Chris Cilliers, CEO and principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Winelands, says the seaside strip of Strand and Gordon’s Bay is worth investigation.

It is still possible to invest in a family home or beachfront apartment at a

Strand

“Many buyers in Langebaan are looking for property ranging between R900,000 and R2.2m” Jacques Smit, principal, Leapfrog Property Group Langebaan

THE HOLIDAY MARKET On the Western Seaboard, Langebaan is a holiday town recovering from a market slump.

In recent years, many owners put their holiday homes on the market due to increasing financial pressure. This contributed to subdued property markets in small coastal towns — but now Langebaan is having an upswing.

“Many buyers in Langebaan are looking for property ranging between R900,000 and R2.2m,” says Leapfrog Property Group Langebaan principal Jacques Smit. “Typically these properties are one- to two-bed flats in midtown, which is a popular area because of its close proximity to shops, restaurants and the main beach area at the Langebaan Lagoon. This area is also popular for holiday and weekend rentals.”

Most R1.7m-R2m buyers are near retirement or semi-active and are able to work from home. “Most will buy cash with funds generated from being in the property market for a number of years and are able to use the equity generated from selling elsewhere.”

Only 45 minutes from Cape Town is Yzerfontein, with its sought after 16 Mile Beach. On the doorstep of

the West Coast National Park, Mile 16 Private Beach Estate is in an area surrounded by picture-postcard beauty: pristine beaches, mountains, dunes and a vlei rich with birdlife, including flamingos.

The freehold plots range from R599,900 to R1,699,900 with building costs at R9,800/m2 and R130,000 setup costs.

The smallest homes of about 100m2 start from about R1.5m.

And while investor value may be harder to find, Hermanus remains popular for its proximity to Cape Town. “Capetonians can use their properties far more frequently than most second homes, which tend to be occupied during the holidays once or twice a year,” says John Quincey, MD of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Hermanus.

“Depending on your budget, houses near the beach in Onrus range between R800,000 and R8m. In Voëlklip, spacious houses on sizeable stands can be found from about R3m to R20m-plus, depending on position and condition.”

Quincey recommends Sandbaai, Onrus, Vermont and Westcliff for value for money and accessible prices.

fraction of the cost of most comparable areas in the greater Cape Town metro.

“In Gordon’s Bay one can still find a threebedroom apartment within walking distance of the beach from about R1.5m and there are many flats set a little further back from the sea that sell for well below R1m,” says Cilliers.

He says two-bedroom entry-level houses are priced between R1m and R1.4m, while three and four-bedroom houses start from between R1.3m and R1.5m. Scenic mountainside homes with stunning views are available from R3.2m.

False Bay coastline “The False Bay coastline consists of several suburbs each with their own character,” says Steve Thomas, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International franchise manager in False Bay and Noordhoek.

“The coastal strip offers a wide variety of property options and, at entry level, prices are generally far more accessible than other oceanside suburbs in Cape Town.”

In Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Muizenberg it is still possible to buy a twobedroomed apartment with sea views from R1.4m.

Older apartments set further back can be found for less than R1m. Twoand three-bedroomed houses with views start at about R1.9m, and in developments such as Costa da Gama houses are priced from R1.2m.

There are accessible properties to be found further along the coast, such as

Kommetjie, where comfortable, well-maintained threebedroom homes within walking distance of the beach start at R2.5m.

Western Seaboard According to the 2017 Pam Golding Properties Residential Review, the Western Seaboard has been one of the fastestgrowing areas in the Cape in the past 15 to 20 years.

“The Century City, Royal Ascot and Big Bay developments are in secure environments and are about 80% developed.

“The resales on these developments are very active and sellers are receiving a good return on their investments,” says Pam Golding Properties CEO Andrew Golding.

“Blouberg is one of the fastest-growing residential areas and the construction of a super-regional shopping mall there underlines investor confidence in the area,” says Golding.

Owner of Leapfrog Property Group Bloubergstrand Petra van Asch says: “Blouberg attracts a lot of investors as it is far more affordable than the Atlantic Seaboard.” Suburbs such as Sunningdale and Parklands North are popular, specifically in security estates including Augusta Place, Westwood Village and Oakhill Estate.

Says Van Asch: “Beachfront apartments are in demand for both buy-to-live and buy-to-let investors as well as the more economically priced properties in the Parklands area.”

INTRODUCING MOBY

THE BRAND NEW CAPITAL in MOWBRAY 20%

SOLD

40%

RESERVE

D

* 3D renderings are indicative. T’s & C’s apply.

200APARTMENTS

COMPRISING OF : 6 LEVELS OF INNOVATIVE LIVING SPACE

EVERY INVESTOR’S DREAM From R1 299 000 vat inclusive MOBY INVESTORS WILL ENJOY 2.5 YEARS OF CAPITAL GROWTH BEFORE TRANSFER, AND CAPTIVE RENTAL MARKET DEMAND THEREAFTER. BUY-TOLET INVESTORS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT ZONE’S

STUDIO, 1 & 2 BED AND PREMIUM APARTMENTS

INCENTIVE - UP TO 55% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE CAN BE OFFSET AS A TAX

CONVENIENT RETAIL GROUND FLOOR

DEDUCTION. MOBY IS THE BRAINCHILD OF HERIOT REIT LTD, WORKING WITH DENNIS FABIAN ARCHITECTS AND THE MAKE TEAM TO DELIVER A

TWO BASEMENT PARKING LEVELS CONCIERGE SECURITY (BIOMETRIC ACCESS)

CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND ACADEMICS.

www.mobyhood.co.za contact our

sales team

ABNF 4013/BUS DAY HF/ 1 DEC

Taryn Selmon: 082 449 1707 Cassandra Sfetsios: 072 425 4647

sales@mobyhood.co.za

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE ZIMBALI LEGACY

RAINMAKER MARKETING 11/2017

Experience luxury living at Zimbali Lakes Resort.

Find your dream home in this pet-friendly estate, offering premium family-focused facilities within a naturally inspired, secure setting.

ON SITE SALES OFFICE OPEN DAILY lakes.zimbali.co.za • 087 095 2742

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY TRENDS

Semigration surge to KwaZulu-Natal Potential buyers are turning to SA’s east coast for property alternatives WORDS: GEORGINA GUEDES :: PHOTOS: SEEFF PROPERTIES

T

he Western Cape may be the primary destination for inlanders seeking the coastal lifestyle. But now, with property costs continuing to rocket

in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal presents a compelling alternative.

Tyson Properties director Lee Ellis says potential buyers are turning away from Cape Town and considering purchasing property in luxury estates

along either the north or south coast of KwaZuluNatal. “Luxury estates in suburbs from Umhlanga to Ballito are proving to be extremely popular,” says Ellis. “It’s important to remember that the price of properties along the

coastline in KwaZulu-Natal are competitive and buyers will obtain considerable value for money.”

Pam Golding Properties reports that 60% to 70% of buyers in the Zimbali area are from Gauteng. “KwaZuluNatal has the advantage of having less congestion with several growth nodes in Umhlanga, Ballito and Sibaya,” says Pam Golding Properties CEO Andrew Golding in the 2017 Pam Golding Properties Residential Review.

SECURITY

Cotswold Downs Estate, Hillcrest

Golf estates are popular with inland buyers.

“Security is often an important factor when deciding where to purchase property. Secure estates such as San Lameer or Selbourne meet this essential requirement,” says Pam Golding Properties.

Tyson Properties

“Luxury estates in suburbs from Umhlanga to Ballito are proving to be extremely popular” Lee Ellis, director, Tyson Properties

Umhlanga principal Kerry Bailey says development in the Sibaya precinct makes it one of the bestperforming areas with its sea-facing gated estates.

SAFETY FIRST Safety, well-being and lifestyle are at the top of any wish list, says Seeff Properties chairman Samuel Seeff. With King Shaka International Airport only a short drive away, the new breed of family woman or man is prepared to fly to work on a Monday and return later in the week.

Seeff Properties says that better schooling, retail and medical options are helping to establish the KwaZuluNatal North Coast as a major destination for people seeking a coastal lifestyle.

The group also singles out Hillcrest/Upper Highway area for good schools and excellent value for money.

It has undergone extensive recent development in the below-R2m market.

Emberton Estate, set to include just over 500 units, has “great investment potential” with the first phase of about 140 units selling out. Interest in the R1.3m to R1.7m price range is rising. This has seen strong demand for the final phase of the Fenns in Cotswold Downs Estate.

DURBAN MOMENTUM

Sibaya, North Coast

“Durban is gaining momentum with the Point area a secure lifestyle precinct currently being developed,” says Golding.

Demand for residential property in and around the city remains strong, with well-priced homes selling within a week.

Buyer interest in the R2.5m-plus price band is solid — a four-bedroomed house in Morningside sold for R4.2m in two weeks, and “numerous cash sales have been transacted” in the under R1m bracket. The agency says investors are active and seeking houses, individual apartments and apartment blocks.

YOUR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER

HOMEFRONT

HOT TOPIC

Going off the water grid SA’s top lifestyle estate management and residents pay it forward WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTO: SUPPLIED

W

hen Val de Vie founder Martin Venter set his sights in 2004 on replacing a sand quarry with a world-class polo field, sustainability was at the crux of his vision.

This underpins the ethos behind Val de Vie Estate, near Paarl in the Cape Winelands, where a forward-thinking management team remains ahead of the curve in meeting these goals — ever more crucial amid the drought.

Marketing director Ryk Neethling explains how they’ve moved beyond the literal interpretation of the name, Valley of Life, to the realisation that “life” is actually bubbling below ground level.

AQUIFER Investigation into a potential aquifer yield began 18 months ago, resulting in the construction of a plant worth close to R100m. It will filter the estate’s borehole water for residents’ benefit.

The development will be ready to go off the grid in mid-December 2017.

“We’re very fortunate to be in a position to work with

the proactive Drakenstein Municipality on this project, which will free up municipal water resources for the community at large that would normally have been channelled to the 1,500 homes on the estate,” says Neethling.

Water usage on the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course has also been reduced by close to 50% and is “looking better than ever”. Val de Vie will be able to measure and control borehole water usage levels.

But the estate’s average household consumption has already been reduced from 85,000l to 17,000l a month since water restrictions began in November 2016.

GREY WATER All new homes come standard with plumbing for grey-water systems.

“Although this stipulation is in our building regulations and we encourage their use, it is up to the homeowner to implement them,” says Neethling.

Management’s sustainable development philosophy extends to green buildings — erecting homes with better insulation and installing home energy systems that draw on solar power.

Neethling says these are just some aspects that contributed to Val de Vie’s top ranking among SA’s leading residential estates in the AfrAsia Bank/New World Wealth September 2017 survey for the third consecutive year.

“With that status comes pressure. But it’s not about us saying ‘look how great we are’ — there’s something about inspiring other people and challenging them and setting a benchmark,” says Neethling.

“The development will be ready to go off the grid in early December 2017”

litres of water saved a month per residence

levies to the foundation, which supports numerous programmes in the valley.”

Almost R2.5bn worth of property has been sold in the past three years, which means about R30m has been allocated to foundation recipients. This covers feeding schemes, creches and homes for abused women. At least R12m has been donated so far.

Separate from the foundation’s work, the estate hosts an annual golf day that recently raised close to R600,000 for a feeding project.

“We heard that kids were eating newspapers to keep their stomachs full. In an area known as the culinary capital of SA, that’s criminal,” says Neethling. Money raised should fund about 100,000 children’s meals.

4,400 — number

SAVVY INVESTMENT

EFFICIENT As greener, more efficient sources of energy and water continue to attract investors, Neethling says buyers want to see sustainable features as well as ethical and social responsibility from developers.

“Something we’re really proud of — and we think this can be an excellent example for other developers — is our establishment of the Val de Vie Foundation close to three years ago. Part of Martin’s vision is to uplift the whole community, not just those within our security boundary, so we donate 1% of all developer sales income as well as 5% of homeowner

VAL DE VIE IN NUMBERS 68,000 —

of permanent jobs created

1% —

developer sales income donations to Val de Vie Foundation

5% —

monthly homeowner levies donations to Val de Vie Foundation

Beautiful surroundings, savvy financial investment and social responsibility aside, by far the number one reason investors choose Val de Vie is its secure environment. A combination of feet on the ground (forming part of the 4,400 permanent jobs created by Val de Vie),

drones and thermal cameras ensure that residents have peace of mind. In addition, Neethling says the sense of community is so strong there is “no way anyone or anything strange can go unnoticed”.

MORE OPTIONS Properties are all but sold out. However, more options have been released through its partnership with Evergreen Lifestyle, where sales opened for phase one in November. The first occupation of homes in Val de Vie Evergreen retirement village is scheduled for November 2018. It will include 400 exclusive homes, 200 apartments/ assisted living suites and 80 frail care beds.

Next year also sees the launch of phase two — 40 rooms at the five-star Pearl Valley sectional title hotel (operated by the Mantis Group).

With the January 2018 opening of a R100m private bridge built by Val de Vie and designed to offer residents a shorter commute to Stellenbosch, Cape Town and the airport, investors can expect properties to increase in demand and value alike.

62 Cleveland Road, cnr Empire Place, Sandhurst Auction date: 5th of December 2017, 17h00 on-site

A superb opportunity to acquire a modern Sandhurst home set on a magnificent large view site measuring 1,0056 hectares. The design features double volume spaces, great light and ease of flow between the indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces. This unfinished home offers a new owner the unique opportunity to complete with his/her own style, finish and design. The ground floor accommodation includes an entrance hall leading to expansive TV lounge, formal lounge, cinema room, 2 studies and a boardroom. The large kitchen opens to a family room and children’s lounge. 2nd Kitchen with a service area, scullery, pantry, laundry and storeroom. Generous dining room well located to the reception and entertainment areas. Lift to the upstairs area features, 5 bedrooms en suite with a large library/playroom. The basement area features a wine cellar, snooker and music room opening to the garden. Extensive covered patio with Jacuzzi overlooking the pool, entertainment gazebo and garden. Spa area includes a completed lap pool, various spa service rooms and gym overlooking tennis court area. Incomplete squash court with viewing deck on the roof.

2 Large guest suites with lounge and kitchen areas. 4 Staff suites that are well located on the property with private area. 7 garages, store room and guard house.

Borehole on site with water storage tank and garden irrigation plus 400 KVA Generator.

Land size: 1,0056 sqm Square meters under cover: 3000 sqm plus Bedrooms: 7 Bedrooms en Suite Garages: 7 Staff Suites: 4 Swimming Pool: 2

For viewings, please call: Lilian 083 263 8578 or Daniel 082 339 9933

Hyde Park - Sandton PRICE: R18 888 000

Five bedroom home set in a boomed and 24 hour guarded road. A perfect blend of classic and contemporary in this fastidiously planned Riviera style family home. Set on over an acre of parkland. Designed by Philip Watermeyer, this home is set to exacting standards to optimise light simultaneously ensuring an abundant indoor/outdoor lifestyle. All rooms North facing. Perfect for entertaining including off-street Parking for 20 cars and a wine cellar with capacity for 2000 bottles. Web Ref: CVSA-3532

SOLE MANDATE

Bedrooms: 6 | Bathrooms: 5 | Garages: 3

Rory O’Hagan 083 328 8888

NEW RELEASE

Devin de Moyland 082 558 7308

Camps Bay - Cape Town

NEW RELEASE

Sally Gracie 083 459 9523 & Taryn Retief 082 788 7469 Web Ref: CACB-0563

R16 500 000

An elegant, immaculate home with the lock up and go aspect of an apartment but offering the lifestyle and privacy that only a house can! This well-established home is only 150m from the beach in Camps Bay on the Glen side and can sleep up to 12 in flexible spaces.

Ideal for holiday letting potential.

Constantia Upper - Cape Town Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4 | Garages: 2

Web Ref: CSFB-1832

R16 485 000

This thoughtfully designed home is set in an exclusive security estate of only five homes. From the imported Swarovski crystal chandelier in the entrance hall, excellent flow to the brand new woolen carpeted bedrooms, it is clear to see that this home is a perfect combination of grandeur and simplicity. Chef’s kitchen with Gaggenau appliances. Entertainment area maximizes afternoon sun and mountain views.

SOLE MANDATE

SOLE MANDATE

Paulette Van Den Bosch 082 349 8265

Cornelius Botha 082 412 2102 & Clara van der Merwe 076 762 9172

Hermanus - Cape Town Bedrooms: 7 | Bathrooms: 7 | Garages: 4

Web Ref: CWSC-2772

R12 700 000

This private estate has only 5 titles, only 5 plots for homes and 4.3 hectares of common parkland with the Onrus River running through it. Thatched main home & guest cottage on 4457 m2 plot, facing North with spectacular, unhindered views of meadows, wetlands, majestic Babylonstorren range, orchards & vineyards.

The estate is 500m away from the Main Road, down a tree-lined lane with vineyards on either side.

Stonehurst Estate - Cape Town PRICE: R17 900 000

Oranjezicht - Cape Town Bedrooms: 5 | Bathrooms: 5 | Garages: 1

R14 750 000

Gorgeous home that has everything to offer. Built on three levels with glorious views of the city and the harbour. Great entertainer's area, spacious living and dining area, large patio and balcony, make this the perfect home in a class of its own and an entertainers delight. A home of this calibre doesn't come around often.

This home which is in a class of its own. Open-plan living with solid timber floors, high ceilings and an abundance of light. The flow from the living areas through extra-large glass doors to a deep-set covered patio takes advantage of the views of the Constantiaberg Mountains. A separate flatlet offers dual-living. There are many additional features such as a borehole, fibre, heated pool, waterwise storage tanks and solar heated geysers. Web Ref: CSFB-1851

NEW RELEASE

Sally Gracie 083 459 9523

WWW.CHASEVERITT.CO.ZA

Web Ref: CACB-1696

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

Micro-living apartments launched in Cape Town

C

ape Town will soon have its first micro-living apartments, following a trend in cities such as Berlin, London, New York, Barcelona and Paris.

The 133 micro-units will range from 21m 2 studios to 75m 2 two-bedroom units.

All apartments will feature top-end appliances, smart TVs and uncapped, unshaped highspeed fibre.

Construction is set to begin on 1 On Albert in Woodstock in February 2018.

Entry-level units are priced from R799,000

to R945,000, including transfer duty. Dogon Group Properties MD Rob Stefanutto says that in addition to the living units spread over seven floors, the development will feature communal recreational spaces, shops, a food court, laundromat and a heated swimming pool.

The 1 On Albert building is on a MyCiti bus route.

Award-winning architects Louis Karol designed the development.

The interiors are by leading hotel room designer Grant Gillis of Delta Interiors.

Tongaat Hulett poised for investment drive

D

urban may contribute 14% of SA’s GDP, but it doesn’t have 14% of the big property players

active in the market, says newly appointed Tongaat Hulett Developments commercial head Chris du Toit.

To attract these companies, Du Toit says it is important to deliver the message that the time of good

investment opportunities is now. “In the past, we have embarked on high-end residential, commercial or industrial

developments. “With a longer-term portfolio approach, the focus will now be more on mixeduse developments with a

number of large projects coming up. The rest of the world is growing at 3% to 4% so we should be up there as well.”

SA Home Loans buys stake in start-up

Green tech innovation at new Table Bay Mall

N

ewly opened Table Bay Mall in Cape Town’s greater Blouberg area has incorporated a range of innovative greenbuilding technologies into its design.

The regional mall on the West Coast Road opened in September. With more than 65,000m 2 of retail space, it is home to more than 150 shops and restaurants and will feature flagship stores such as Woolworths and H&M. The mall’s maritime design was inspired by the curved, flowing lines of power yachts. It

was tailored to meet the needs of a fast-growing residential expansion corridor along Cape Town’s West Coast.

“With the drought and future water issues facing the Western Cape, we have been extremely conscious of water and energy consumption during construction and we have implemented several measures to ensure that Table Bay Mall will remain sustainable,” says centre manager Janine Coleske.

Green building and ecofriendly initiatives include: Two water harvesting attenuation ponds where

•

roof rainwater will be harvested and used for ablutions and irrigation; Harvested water from ponds to be used for irrigation and flushing of toilets;

Dry and indigenous planting around the property;

Water-saving sensor taps in all restrooms and only single-flush toilets;

Wet waste to be sent to a bio plant;

Mainly LED lighting installed throughout; and

Skylights and glass roof panels for daylight harvesting.

• • • • • •

S

A Home Loans has acquired a 49% stake in online property start-up PropertyFox. SA Home Loans CEO Kevin Penwarden says the investment is an excellent fit for both companies.

“The business model is compelling and has been proven to be successful

elsewhere in the world.”

While PropertyFox will continue to operate as an independent business, the deal will directly benefit both organisations.

“PropertyFox will become a strong source of leads for us,” says Penwarden. PropertyFox CEO Crispin Inglis says

the investment will allow PropertyFox to ramp up growth in 2018.

“We are looking forward to having two SA Home Loans directors on our board and will benefit from their combined 30 years of experience in banking, marketing and home loans.”

SA REITs on solid ground

S

A REITs (real estate investment trusts) have featured strongly overall in the JSE Top 100 Companies list. SA REITs made up a significant 12% of the Top 100 Companies over five years based on a compound annual

growth rate. “The sector has held up well, despite the current negative sentiment.

“It remains the best income producer, a defensive investment through cycles and a powerful shield against

inflation,” says SA REIT Association chairman Izak Petersen.

There are 31 SA REITs listed on the JSE, which represent a market capitalisation of more than R422bn.

n

It's that feeling that no matter where you go from here, you know, deep down; it doesn't get better.

One on Whiteley is THE ONE when it comes to living, shopping, dining, playing and working in the lifestyle capital of Johannesburg, Melrose Arch.

With new 1-bedroom units available from R2.2 million, One on Whiteley is the perfect match for the first-time buyer or avid investor.

On show: Weekdays 8am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm and Sundays 2pm-5pm.

Pam Golding Properties - Melrose Arch, 16 The High Street.

For more information: Victoria Russell: C: 074 683 1222 | E: victoria.russell@pamgolding.co.za Francois Strauss: C: 083 675 1211 | E: francois.strauss@pamgolding.co.za Tersia Taljaard: C: 063 695 7571 | E: tersiat@amdec.co.za

PRETORIA EAST

. . .

D R N U A !

O T Y E S M D A L O I H U B BUY M AND DREA Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: R1 225 000

Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 150 000

FAR = 120% of stand size Stand: R589 000 up to R650 000 Building: From R1 100 000 WERNER EKSTEEN

RE/MAX Jowic - Team Werner Eksteen

082 411 3089

082 577 4531 (Office) werner@wernereksteen.com

E N J O Y 6 8 H E C TA R E S O F PA R K L A N D AS YOUR BACK GARDEN SECURE, SURREAL, CONCIERGE SERVICE AND ONE OF THE BEST RESIDENTIAL LIFESTYLES IN JOHANNESBURG

LATEST NEWS

By March all residential apartments will be complete.

Limited stock in the last phase available.

The Houghton Hotel, which is on your doorstep, will be complete in 2018.

ON SHOW DAILY

Our team awaits to show you a lifestyle investment that you will never regret.

• LUXURY APARTMENTS FROM 3 BEDROOM EN SUITE STARTING AT R7,9M • HOTEL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY SUITES STARTING AT R4,4M TheHoughton.com

OSBORN RD

M1

Come and view our luxury apartment 12029, available daily for viewings WARREN BECKER 082 302 3004 | warren@thehoughton.com

HOUGHTON GOLF CLUB

2ND AVE

ALAN BECKER 082 718 8100 | alan@thehoughton.com ASHLEIGH SMITH 073 220 7357 | ashleigh@thehoughton.com Houghton on 12th, 53 Second Ave, Houghton

It will host a deli, restaurants, business centre, spa, family and adult outdoor pool with an indoor lap pool, state-of-the-art gym with areas for aerobics, Pilates and spinning, to name some amenities.

YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME.