Business Day HomeFront 01 October 2021

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HOMEFRONT OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA 0113 OCTOBER 2021

MUST-READ

The best of both worlds PAGE 3

Meet me in Mauritius PAGE 4

The perks of buying off-plan PAGE 5

Invest like a pro Why containers are in right now

Let savvy tech innovation help you build a dynamic property portfolio

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HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA

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FOCUS ON: BURGUNDY ESTATE ADVERTORIAL

Suburban bliss A scenic view of Durbanville’s hills

Ideally located on the border of the Durbanville wine route, a few kilometres from pristine beaches and a short drive to Cape Town’s CBD, Burgundy Estate also offers the peace and quiet of suburbia WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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here are currently 3,500 front doors in Burgundy Estate, ranging from standalone houses to homes and apartments in secure complexes, and a new retirement estate which opened its doors in July 2021.

Since becoming a partner in a joint venture with Nedbank six years ago, Rabie has sold over 1,060 homes totalling more than R1.4bn at Burgundy Estate.

“Our most recent sectional title development, Bow Tie, had a very successful launch in October 2020,” says Miguel Rodrigues, Director of Rabie. “Not only have we

broken a few conventional rules with Bow Tie, but we also made history. Bow Tie is not only our first smartenabled development, it is also the first development we launched through digital channels only, and we sold 60% of phase 1 in just three days. The incredible response has exceeded our expectations with Bow Tie sold out prior to the completion of its first phase in December this year.”

FURTHER EXPANSION Rodrigues says that designing Bow Tie for the first-time homeowner was the key to its success. “The name, the look and feel of our

marketing campaigns and the digital approach reaped benefits as the average age of the owners at Bow Tie are in their late 20s and early 30s.”

Following on from Bow Tie, Rabie will be launching a similar development called Quinta, in October.

“We have taken all the lessons learned from Bow Tie and implemented it in our next secure complex, which will have similar features, but will stand on its own in terms of layout, and a unique and identity,” says Rodrigues.

“This new development will include ample green spaces and tucked-away pockets, and a swimming pool with an outdoor braai area.”

RETIREMENT NEWS Besides its sectional title offerings, Rabie’s muchanticipated retirement development, Oasis Life, opened its doors in Burgundy Estate in July.

“We’re currently working on phase 2 of Oasis Life Burgundy Estate and we’re excited about this expansion,” says Raynard Haupt, the development’s project manager. “At this stage, our eventual residencies will consist of 220 apartments, 136 houses and 100 cottages,” he says. “We completed the gatehouse and clubhouse in phase 1, together with 24 houses and two apartment blocks. We will

be expanding to either side of this nucleus, with more apartment blocks on the southern side and houses and cottages on the northern side. The new apartments will start from R1.19m and the cottages from R1.6m.”

ALL IN ONE Including a secure retirement estate within Burgundy Estate cements the multigenerational appeal of this leafy suburb. Here the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, can find their own space to breathe.

Three schools, ample recreational activities and two shopping centres are within walking distance.

A park at Bow Tie Rodrigues explains that Burgundy Estate is becoming increasingly popular as a precinct offering convenience and balance. “More people are working from home permanently, and they need space, preferably on the ground floor with a garden, garages and ample green common areas,” he says.

LIVE-IN INVESTORS “Burgundy Estate has grown exponentially over the past

The interior of Oasis Life Burgundy Estate’s clubhouse

five years, with many new developments, residential and commercial, being built,” says Jacky Coetzee, Director at Marite Property ` aS Administrators, which manage 50 schemes within Burgundy Estate.

“We have noticed a renewed interest from property investors wanting to live in the estate, rather than rent. This sparked interest in the day-to-day running and management of the estate,” she says. “With

investors living here now, we have noticed a number of new business ventures and interests being founded. It brings into focus the country living lifestyle that also offers urban conveniences and comforts, which is in high demand. Burgundy Estate has become popular especially with first-time buyers and those seeking the perfect retirement option, a market that we as managing agents have found to be challenging, yet rewarding.”

A view of Table Mountain

The exterior of Oasis Life Burgundy Estate’s clubhouse

GET IN TOUCH www.burgundyestate.capetown To register your interest in Quinta, our new development launching in October, contact Aldo on 082 451 9990 or Natasha on 072 222 7560.

To find out more about Oasis Life Burgundy Estate: www.oasislife.co.za Contact an agent to schedule a tour: Allen on 082 451 9988 or Johan on 082 881 2011

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Bow Tie’s gatehouse

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HOMEFRONT

Mauritius is calling ISLAND GETAWAY

Borders are open and the islanders are ready to welcome tourists – with all sanitary protocols in place WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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n October 1, Mauritius borders will reopen for tourism.

“The stakes are high and everyone, regardless of the category of hotel, has put in place the necessary sanitary protocols to enable our visitors to enjoy their holidays in the best possible conditions that this exceptional situation can allow,” said Jean-Michel Pitot, president of the Mauritian Hotel and Restaurant Association, as reported by ilemauricetourisme.info.

“The hotel sector is ready, the general offering more attractive. We are waiting almost frantically for the return of customers with the promise of exceptional and unique Mauritian holidays.”

ISLAND AUTHENTICITY Mervin Appadu “can’t wait” and he’s not the only one.

The newly appointed general manager of boutique resort hotel La Maison d’Été and his loyal staff are eager to welcome guests back to their contemporary hotel on stilts – set within the enclave of pristine beaches, cobalt blue waters and lush tropical vegetation on the soughtafter east coast of Mauritius.

The hotel, now part of the NEWMARK Hotels, Reserves, Lodges and Residences portfolio, is well established as a local getaway, accommodating up to 45 guests in 16 rooms. It is known for its exclusive location, intimate design, magnetic appeal, gastronomy and friendly staff.

Neil Markovitz, CEO of NEWMARK, fell in love with the upmarket beach-house potential of La Maison d’Été when he first visited the property and is also looking forward to rolling out the group’s vision of an

unpretentious, outdoorsy chill-out holiday. “Mauritian authenticity. That’s our ethos.

And the personalities that make up the hotel’s team are absolutely vital,” says Markovitz.

SOUL FOOD Like several NEWMARK properties, this one is also said to feed your soul – literally and figuratively. “Our restaurant is superb. It’s not a typical hotel restaurant, and it doesn’t have walls, so there is great ventilation which caters to our obsession with fresh air since the pandemic,” he says.

The menu offers everything from line fish caught daily to barbeque and à la carte, featuring a variety of local curries and Creole specialties.

What to do when you’re there? Absolutely nothing is the GM’s advice. Since they’re right on the beach, he recommends sipping a cocktail, watching the waves come in, listening to the birds singing and having a good massage in a spa cabin near the beach.

When guests have had enough time cocooning, La Maison d’Été is the ideal base from where to explore Mauritius. It is a mere 35 minutes’ drive to the capital Port Louis to visit the famous fresh fruit and vegetable market, China Town, the seaside village of Grand Baie in the north and the renowned Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.

Air Mauritius will be operating two flights a week (Friday and Sunday) from Johannesburg from October 1. Confirmed hotel bookings are 60% and growing for that month so plan your holiday and grab the getaway deal that suits you.

SPECIAL OFFER You can book via www.newmarkhotels.com to stay six nights and only pay for five. Honeymooners who book for at least three nights will receive a 30-minute massage. This offer is available until January 31 2022, subject to availability, excluding December 20 2021 to January 5 2022 inclusive.

LIVE AND WORK IN MAURITIUS “These months of forced downtime have not changed the DNA of Mauritius. The island remains a multifaceted, top-of-the-range destination, its people generous and welcoming by nature. The excellence of its hotel sector, coupled with the hospitality of its people, make it a destination in a class of its own,” reports ilemauricetourisme.info.

Pay less The Mauritius government has made it more appealing to linger longer – even permanently – by smashing the ceiling for property investment in exchange for residency and cutting the investment requirement from $500,000 to $375,000. And they have extended the perk to the investor’s spouse, dependent unmarried children younger than 24 and dependent parents.

Those aged 50 or more looking for a better, happier, healthier life in general will do well to consider this tropical island as a retirement destination. All they need to apply for a retirement permit is proof of income of $1,500 per month ($18,000 per year), an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport.

Furthermore, investors in this category may buy property for less than $375,000 and still enjoy the privilege of living on the island. In the popular north, near vibey Grand Baie, 2Beach Residences’ one- to three-bedroom homes go for $200,000+ while Ki Resort’s two- or three-bedroom homes start at $269,000.

Test the waters Not sure if island life is for you? Book a Mauritius holiday for a few weeks.

Relax first, then explore the island at your leisure.

It’s the only way to get a real sense of it.

If you’re on the fence, a New World Wealth report on wealth migration, published in collaboration with AfrAsia Bank, is food for thought. It highlights ease of doing business as one of several reasons for HNWIs to move there.

Mauritius is ranked first in Africa and 13th worldwide in the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Report.

In addition, the island government encourages entrepreneurship and invites foreign investment across a range of industries. Foreigners are invited to apply for a 10year Occupation Permit, which will contribute to the long-term stability of the island economy.

Or there’s the Premium Travel Visa, which suits digital nomads. Valid for one year, renewable, this option is ideal for people who want to stay on the island for more than 180 days in a calendar year. Anything less qualifies for a Tourist Visa, which is granted on arrival in Mauritius.

Visit residencymauritius. com for more information on how to invest, where to live, how to make it happen and more.

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

Off-plan perks Lallybroch, Bryanston

Should you tighten your belt or maximise on the lowered interest rate? We look at buying off-plan, an accessible way to negotiate the property market

NEW OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENTS

WORDS: ATLEHANG RAMATHESELE :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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hile many people enjoy the freedom and independence of building their own home, it is not for everyone. Although the process has its merits, everything from managing builders, architects or the municipalities can be irksome. Not to mention the contention of unforeseen costs and delays.

If you have ever built a home from scratch, you will understand the pressure accompanying the exercise. After one too many unexpected mishaps, even the most enthusiastic of buyers could feel like burying themselves in the vacant site rather than building their dream home.

FLEXIBILITY This is why many people opt to buy off-plan, whether it is a freestanding home or a unit in a complex, the arrangement is flexible

and economical with less administrative headaches. In a nutshell, when you buy offplan in a new development, you can select from a design that is at least close to what you want while not having to deal with a builder, architect or the city council. In some cases, you can even choose the finishes and fittings.

DESIGN CHOICES Katya Varga, assistant area and projects manager for Pam Golding Properties in Stellenbosch and Somerset West, says this level of preplanning often allows for more options.

“Plot and plan residential developments, typically managed by seasoned developers and builders, are well thought-out with cohesive design throughout, all while offering buyers a choice of a few plans at different price points, including the interior specifications or ‘looks’ such as dark or light options,” she says.

Perhaps the most lucrative part of this arrangement is the potential financial benefits. “Buyers save on transfer duty as development sales are inclusive of VAT and therefore regarded by banks as the purchase price,” says Varga. “This means the buyer doesn’t need to fund transfer duty with cash. In addition, more advantageous financing options are usually available and plot and plan purchasers can receive 100% home loans.”

INCREASED VALUE There is also added stability of the end cost already being finalised with a buyer signing a building agreement at a set price. “Furthermore, a cash deposit of just 10% generally secures the purchase, with the balance payable from about one to a few years later when construction of the unit is complete,” she says. “As a result, your acquisition is likely to appreciate in value.”

Apartments

Buying off-plan is especially a good idea for those who intend to occupy the property, because investors might not be as concerned with the quality of life and the neighbourhood. Newer developments are often in gated communities and estates, which allow for improved lifestyle benefits and security while also offering tailor-made and modern home options.

While it is worth noting that buying set plans and plots largely benefit those who want to stay within a fixed budget while enjoying good design and functionality, it is also attractive to investors.

SANDTON TERRACE The Terrace (featuring luxury two- and threebedroomed apartments) within the Sandton Gate precinct, sell from R1.849m.

Construction has started and occupation is in October 2022. www.crafthomes.co.za

SOLID INVESTMENT According to Sean Coetzee, Pam Golding Properties area principal in East London, buying off-plan is a sensible option for those who want to buy-to-let.

“New houses in these developments come with a developer and National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) guarantees, while architectural guidelines maintain a standard of construction and design, protecting your investment and preventing a ‘popcorn’ village’, where the designs of homes lack uniformity.” he says. “It ensures house prices are maintained and increase in value.”

Olivewood Estate, Eastern Cape

• Modern design and optimal technology – including fittings for satellite TV, Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

• More room for green and sustainable offerings.

• More warrantees, which enable faster turnarounds when dealing with issues and defects.

• Less maintenance costs after completion.

LALLYBROCH Situated in exclusive Bryanston, Lallybroch features stylish apartments, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, selling from R1.450m.

Units range from top, middle and ground floor apartments with lifestyle facilities such as a swimming pool and clubhouse.

Occupation: Phase 1: January 2022 Phase 2: September 2022. www.clubrealestate.co.za Family Homes WELGEGUND DOMAINE PRIVE Set in a luxury security estate in Stellenbosch, Welgegund Domaine Prive offers 32 units starting from R2.1m. This boutique estate also features a pond and viewing deck surrounded by mountains and vineyards. www.welgegundprive.co.za

OFF-PLAN BENEFITS

Sandton Gate

OLIVEWOOD ESTATE This picturesque, private Estate and Golf Club in Chintsa Valley in the Eastern Cape, offers three- to five-bedroomed homes on plots ranging from 500m² to more than 2,000m². It is also home to an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and bike trails.

Prices start from R2.89m.

Welgegund Domaine Prive, Stellenbosch

CONTACT US www.legaro.co.za @legaro.sa

SINDI MJEZU sindim@legaro.co.za 079 333 9171

HOMEFRONT

A container home created by Container Intermodal Trading

UPCYCLING

Containers offer flexible living Container-style developments are certainly something to look to for the future if you are a property developer interested in low-cost housing innovations or looking for something unique WORDS: FRED FELTON :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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ust like Uber disrupted the transport industry, container companies have shown that you can repurpose containers into some beautifully designed properties many people now aspire to own. Shipping containers are now being used for student apartments, ways to solve the housing crisis and even for high-end luxury modular microdwellings ideal for the millennial generation.

The introduction of flat-pack containers into the market has also changed the

way these containers can be used as they are a more versatile option.

“The potential for these new types of containers is really up to the imagination of the client,’’ says Kashief Schroeder, owner and co-founder of Container Intermodal Trading (CIT).

“But some popular uses we have seen in the past include on-site offices.’’

This makes them ideal for real estate developers and for on-site property sales agents.

These flat-pack containers are made from insulated flame retardant sandwich

polystyrene panels, they require no changes and once on-site they are ideal for hot summers and cold winter nights.

These containers are normally between 20cm and 30cm higher than general-purpose storage containers which allows for bigger furniture and fittings such as ceiling shelves. Due to the increased height you can also include bunk beds, which makes them perfect for family vacations.

These flat-pack containers are also ideal for vacation homes as they can be built to order, which makes them

a flexible solution. There is also a short-term option with which you can simply rent them, from standard sizes to different types of containers.

This is changing the landscape of rental property in the market. If you rent them you don’t have to worry about having to purchase a costly vacation home; you can just simply move on when you are finished using the flat-pack container.

The locking mechanism on these containers is secure, so you don’t have to worry about any

unwelcome guests spoiling your holiday vacation when you visit the coast in December.

There is also much demand for containers and as such their price has increased. In 2020 a new 20-foot (about 6m) general purpose shipping or freight container cost $2,100 (R30,781) and in 2021 the price is $3,700 (R54,233) per container. It is predicted the price will increase in 2022.

This is why there is huge demand for pre-owned containers as they fit the budget of many property developers.

These containers can become expensive as they have to be imported. There are opportunities for local companies to manufacture containers to supply to the local market.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us as South Africans to rethink our position and perhaps become more technically orientated, pour more resources into again becoming more manufacturing orientated and build a more diverse local economy that is not so reliant on imports for our survival,’’ says Schroeder.

The clean line of these containers fits well with the modernist, minimal design trends we see now and there are opportunities for development in this sector.

“The trend is for more residential container developments in Europe and modular homes in the US. Modular housing solutions have been popular internationally for a while, but the South African market tends to be conservative and commercial loans for these builds can be hard to get,’’ says Schroeder.

Schroeder also shares this advice: “If you are looking at

a container for your next property investment be open-minded to begin with, good research is important, ask as many questions as you can before you purchase a unit and get good contractors who know their way around metal work.’’

Double story units are also easy to assemble and can save on contractor costs.

Properties designed using containers are popping up across SA. You just might find them in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and elsewhere in your neighbourhood.

Kashief Schroeder, owner and co-founder of Container Intermodal Trading (CIT)