Business Day HomeFront 06 December 2019

HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA 6 DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA

MUST-READ

Paradise found in Mauritius PAGE 2

Investment: Home is a golden passport PAGE 10

Buy to save before February PAGE 14

Val de Vie was named New World Wealth’s top residential estate for 2019

Semigrate, don’t emigrate Top residential estates in SA

Yes, some people are exploring options offshore. But those sticking with SA are finding plenty of residential opportunities PAGE 6

PAGE 14

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HOMEFRONT DESTINATION

Paradise found A world-class golf village is the newest addition to Azuri, a luxury island-style residential development in Mauritius WORDS: DEBBIE LOOTS :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

INVESTING IN MAURITIUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW One of the safest countries in Africa, it is the number one economy on the continent with which to do business and ranks 13th globally

Total wealth growth of 20% in 2017 (ranked among the top five globally) and 195% over 10Â years (third globally)

Property value expected to grow by 40% in the next 10 years.

Mauritius residency with purchases over $500,000

Top performing individual market in Africa (2008-2018), with growth of more than 120%

Mauritians are the wealthiest individuals in Africa, with an average wealth of $31,000 per person

HOMEFRONT

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tepping onto Mauritian soil for the first time, it’s easy to get island fever – in a good way. It truly is what dreams are made of: balmy weather, powder-white beaches, a translucent sea and palm trees swaying in the breeze.

Bliss, in other words.

And because of its proximity to SA, strong investment-protection regulations and permanent residency options, Mauritius is the property investment destination of choice for South Africans.

It is not hard to imagine living here permanently.

Especially if an option is the Azuri Ocean & Golf Village on the island’s northeast coast. This secure seaside village overlooks a ninehole golf course complete with a lagoon and natural

mangrove-supported ecosystem. With beachfront land being especially coveted in Mauritius, Azuri is prime property as one of only two developments offering freehold ownership.

Azuri also offers a charming village lifestyle, one that brings its diverse residents together, giving it a cosmopolitan feel. This spills over to the small businesses: the bustling cafés, the casual and fine-dining restaurants with their international chefs, the gourmet shops and the boutiques. And then there’s the all-round friendly hospitality and attentive service Mauritians are renowned for. It is no surprise that the first phase of Azuri is sold out.

However, there are still ample opportunities for those considering investing in Azuri, especially for

keen golfers, professional or not. Azuri’s newest neighbourhood Rive Droite with its three residential clusters – Ocean River Golf View Villas, Ennéa and Amara – has an internationally designed golf course at its heart.

Residents have the added benefit of an ecofriendly electric buggy for getting around, either to the village and back or from one fairway to the next.

The three clusters of the development comprise a total of 88 penthouses, villas and apartments, all set close to the river bank with beautiful views of the golf course and the mountain range in the distance.

The interiors of the residences differ from cluster to cluster, but they all capture the authentic spirit of Mauritius.

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PRODUCED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Debbie Loots Designer: Samantha Durand

The Ennéa residences embrace relaxed indooroutdoor living, with glass doors opening onto expansive private terraces.

Throughout, the feel is light and contemporary thanks to the use of natural materials such as volcanic stone and wood from the island.

The Amara residences, a short buggy ride from the village, offer peace and tranquillity away from the buzz. The architectural design incorporates the natural surroundings and features private terraces and pools. Moreover, the views are nothing short of spectacular.

The Ocean River Golf View Villas are situated on the northern part of the golf course. These villas are light-filled and modern, reflecting an outdoor island lifestyle as much as their counterparts. Clean

geometric lines form a striking contrast with the lush tropical surroundings.

Residents’ personal tastes and preferences are considered. Says Christine Marot, CEO of BlueLife, the developer of Azuri: “Any of the interiors can be tailor-designed to suit the client’s specific needs and requirements, and all the homes are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and appliances.”

Getting from the village to the major towns for shopping expeditions, medical assistance and schools is quick and easy too. A daily bus service is available to and from the nearest international school.

With all this going on, there is little reason to leave the confines of Azuri.

It is indeed a paradise big enough to get lost in. azuri.mu

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Val de Vie Estate near Paarl

HOT TOPIC

Semigrate, don’t emigrate Yes, some people are exploring options offshore. But those sticking with SA are finding plenty of residential opportunities WORDS: KIM MAXWELL :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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Balwin Properties’ The Jade in Somerset West

ith many considering long-term options abroad, it’s time to revisit semigration.

Emigration is expensive and involves upheaval.

Semigration, on the other hand, can bring about positive lifestyle changes and access to a community and a secure environment, and doesn’t have to be forever. It also makes good property investment sense, particularly in coastal markets, where resale values have remained stable.

The Pam Golding Properties Annual Residential Property Report 2019 notes an increase in emigration from SA. “Emigration sales rose to 13.4% in Q2, which represents a 10-year high, according to FNB,” says CEO Andrew Golding. Naturally, emigration sales are highest among upper-income

groups. “The majority of emigrants are leaving from Gauteng, a factor undoubtedly contributing to the subdued Gauteng housing market,” he says.

Golding cites a Lightstone Property report showing that nearly 80% of all properties sold in the past 12 months were priced below R1.5m. For 2020, he foresees a “moderately better” housing market than in 2019.

Appealing to this type of buyer is Balwin Properties’ The Jade in the Paardevlei Precinct, Somerset West.

Apartments priced below R1.5m over­deliver on amenities in a good location within walking distance of Strand Beach. Pet-friendly and secure, with braai areas, a communal pool and a gym, this popular estate is one of Balwin’s first solar developments.

Ballito Hills in KwaZuluNatal, also by Balwin,

offers premium estate living with a good value proposition. Residents have access to multiple facilities within a beautiful landscape close to the beach. “Our lifestyle estates have world-class security,” says Balwin PR manager Lisa Sinclair. “The modern, practical and aesthetically pleasing apartment designs include eco­friendly kitchen appliances.”

NORTH COAST "Semigration is massive on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast – specifically within Sibaya Coastal Precinct and Ballito,” says Rainmaker Marketing CEO Stephan Botha. Close proximity to King Shaka Inter­national Airport means semigrating makes complete sense. For those doing a couple of flights a week for work, these locations are convenient.

“They are buying into

HOMEFRONT

An Yzerfontein beachfront property marketed by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s for R10.5m

“Areas such as Ballito and Knysna, also St Francis Bay, Port Alfred and Jeffreys Bay – previously considered holiday hamlets – have become primary residential areas” Andrew Golding, CEO, Pam Golding Properties

estates from a lock-upand-go perspective. They know their homes and families are secure while they are away during the week,” Botha says. Gold Coast Estate in the Sibaya Coastal Precinct offers free­­standing homes within a secure development. One family option on this estate is the soon-to-be launched Parc, with homes selling from R3.5m.

Yes, coastal properties still lead the charge when it comes to semigration destinations. “According to FNB, demand for investment properties has been particularly strong in the coastal metro markets,” says Golding. “Homes within 500m of the coast continue to enjoy a price premium, which has risen from a low of 0.9% in Sep/Oct 2018 to 2.13% in June 2019.”

The Pam Golding report predicts that coastal semigration will continue, primarily in the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal.

In the Western Cape, appealing destinations on or near the coast include the Boland and Overberg.

“Areas such as Ballito and Knysna, also St Francis Bay, Port Alfred and Jeffreys Bay – previously considered holiday hamlets – have become primary residential areas,” says Golding.

“Knysna is also seeing an influx of buyers from Europe. In George, more than half our home­buyers are from outside the Garden Route – mainly Gauteng and the Western Cape.”

GARDEN ROUTE The Plettenberg Manor in Keurboomstrand

Gold Coast Estate in Sibaya Coastal Precinct in KwaZulu-Natal

Sheena Mare, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International

Realty broker/principal in Knysna and Sedgefield, says excellent security makes estate living the preferred choice, especially for retirees. “Knysna and Sedgefield are popular semigration options, but our sales are not reflecting this, as most buyers are hampered by having to sell elsewhere first,” she says. The area is also popular with families who have local businesses or work from home. Leisure Isle and Thesen Islands are in demand for their security aspects.

Mare says there has not been as much movement in the upper end of the market. “The likes of Pezula Private Estate, Simola Golf & Country Estate and Eastford Country Estate have been very quiet this past year.”

Devmark Property Group CEO Hein Ehlers says the Garden Route remains one of SA’s top semigration destinations, adding that Plettenberg Bay has much to offer in this respect. “As a retirement destination, The Plettenberg Manor offers the best security available,” he says.

CAPE WINELANDS The Cape Winelands is growing in popularity among those seeking a country lifestyle with easy urban access, says Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Winelands CEO/principal Chris Cilliers. Here, the semigration sector has remained consistent in the past two years despite market conditions, thanks to a steady flow of Cape Town families moving out of the CBD. “For most,

the primary motivation is a desire to escape the traffic congestion, escalating crime and bouts of unrest for a safer, quieter life.”

Cilliers fields enquiries from empty-nesters and professionals working remotely, too. These buyers are especially keen on homes in secure estates like Boschenmeer, Val de Vie and Kleine Parys.

Indeed, a different game plays out in the uberwealthy arena. Cape Town is still the most expensive major city in Africa for residential property. It commands an average of $5,600/m 2, according to AfrAsia Bank’s 2019 Africa Wealth Report, which compares prices of apartments between 200m 2 and 400m 2 in an exclusive part of town. Interestingly, Umhlanga pipped Sandton and Nairobi for second place on the continent this year, fetching $2,800/m 2 as a residential average.

Val de Vie marketing director Ryk Neethling says he has noticed “twoway traffic”, with people not only emigrating but also returning from Canada, London and Dubai.

Opportunities overseas aren’t for everybody. “It’s a bit of a joke, but they’re saying Val de Vie is often the last stop before emigrating.

It’s a 1,000ha estate with excellent security, superb schools in the area and a strong community. People often want to see if they can live in this type of environment before taking that big step of emigrating.”

Neethling reports that the R15m-plus residential market at Val de Vie still enjoys buyer interest.

HOMEFRONT

Tyson Properties is marketing Yellowwoods Country Homestead in Balgowan for R6.5m

“For most, the primary motivation is a desire to escape the traffic congestion, escalating crime and bouts of unrest for a safer, quieter life” Chris Cilliers, CEO/principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Winelands

“The majority of these buyers are from up north,” he says. “Below R15m, they need to sell their homes in Gauteng first before committing to a purchase.”

VALUE FINDS Priced to suit a wider range of pockets, KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast offers immense value as a semigration option. “It’s an underrated area with more than 20 fantastic beaches, six top golf courses, fabulous shopping, and medical and schooling facilities,” says Tyson Properties Shelly Beach branch manager Corky Kirby.

Demand is evenly spread between retirement and

Amble Ridge Retirement Village in Knysna is selling through Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty holiday investment units – mostly sectional title – and full-title homes for family living. “We are seeing a shift towards estate living, with these properties in high demand. Our typical price range is similar across full and sectional title, from R1m to R1.5m, with estate properties starting from R2m,” Kirby says.

An obvious pull is fantastic weather all year round.

In the Western Cape, Yzerfontein area specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Johan Truter says a growing number of retirees and midlifers move here to escape the rat race. The coastal town offers a harbour,

16 Mile Beach and a peaceful and secure lifestyle. Unlike elsewhere, freehold homes are preferred over secure complexes in this area, thanks to the West Coast generally being safer.

Sectional title properties start from R550,000.

Old Yzerfontein is nearly fully built up, with about 30 stands left, and Pearl Bay, the new side, is booming.

“In the new part there are a few beachfront stands remaining, of which the cheapest is priced at about R3.5m,” Truter says. “These properties are an excellent investment, as equivalent properties in Plett and Hermanus would cost R20m or more.”

MIDLANDS What about those whose budgets sit somewhere in between? Greg RhodesJones, Tyson Properties director for Howick and Midlands, says this is the place to be. “Because we’re reasonably close to Gauteng and have prestigious schools in the area, families are moving down here, with perhaps one spouse travelling during the week.”

The more popular estates include Garlington Estate in Hilton, Gowrie Farm Estate in Nottingham Road, Bosch Hoek golf estate in Balgowan, Woodridge Estate near Michaelhouse and The Gates at Hilton.

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HOMEFRONT OFFSHORE INVESTMENT

Here’s looking at Plan B More and more South Africans are leaving the country in the hope of greener pastures.

We assess their options WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED AND SHUTTERSTOCK

Porto, Portugal

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The Caribbean island of Grenada

housands of people are applying to residence and citizenship-byinvestment programmes annually, and demand for second citizenship is accelerating. The Global Wealth Migration Review 2019 released by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth estimates that about 108,000 high net worth individuals (HNWIs) migrated in 2018 compared with 95,000 in 2017.

“Australia was the top country worldwide for HNWI inflows in 2018, with Sydney being one of the most popular places to move to,” says Andrew Amoils, wealth analyst at New World Wealth. “Other popular countries included the US, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta and Mauritius.

“Among the most popular cities among migrating HNWIs in 2018 were Dubai, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Sydney.”

New World Wealth’s global wealth migration report serves to gauge the health of an economy.

“Countries that attract HNWIs, like Australia and the US, tend to be healthy and have low crime rates, good schools and good business opportunities,” says Amoils.

Investment migration is becoming “a fact of modern life, something accepted around the world as a significant benefit for individuals and countries alike”, says Henley & Partners chairman Dr Christian Kälin. He has been dubbed “the passport king” by Bloomberg for his pioneering work in investment migration and citizenship-by-investment.

“In an unsettled, everchanging world, acquiring a second citizenship is a wise decision and reliable investment for the future,” Dr Kälin says.

Bbc.com reports that more than half of the world’s nations now have citizenship-throughinvestment programmes.

Dr Kälin puts the value of the global industry at $25bn per year. “Citizenship through investment and investment migration programmes are nothing but a reflection of a world

where everything has become more fluid.”

FOREIGN SHORES Pam Golding International is experiencing heightened demand for international property, fuelled by investor desire to diversify investment portfolios with a rand hedge.

“The need to diversify, coupled with demand for offshore citizenship, has seen increased uptake by buyers investing in residential property in Portugal via the Golden Visa programme as well as a surge in interest in the US EB-5 Programme for access to a Green Card and the Grenada citizenship-byinvestment programme,” says Pam Golding Property Group CEO Andrew Golding.

“Notwithstanding, property in Mauritius and the UK remain firm favourites with South African investors.”

In Portugal, buyers invest mainly for European Union residency, with the €350,000 Golden Visa developments in Lisbon, Porto and Cascais being the most popular.

Golding says in Mauritius they’re motivated by a

HOMEFRONT

A Mauritius beach

The port of Lisbon, Portugal

ISLANDS IN THE SUN If your heart’s desire is to gear down to island style, Mauritius, Seychelles and Grenada tick the right boxes.

Live – and work, if you must – with an idyllic retirement in mind.

Mauritius has jumped seven places to rank 13th out of 190 countries in The World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business Report, reaffirming its leading position in Africa. You can buy prime property from $160,000 or secure permanent residency for you and your immediate family with an investment of $500,000 or more.

The island offers a safe, secure living environment that attracts a rapidly growing expat and business community.

Capital growth has

averaged 7% per annum for the past four years.

There is no inheritance tax or capital gains tax. Mauritius is less than a four-hour flight from Joburg.

Beyond it lies Seychelles, which you’ll reach in five hours.

Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, this archipelago of 115 islands offers the same tax benefits as Mauritius. You can buy a waterfront apartment from $150,000 with the option of residency.

All properties are freehold title, with a superyacht marina on their doorstep.

Seychelles has a safe, cyclone-free sailing environment and ranks second out of 54 African countries for overall governance.

Located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, Grenada holds 32nd spot on the 2019 Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s passports according to the number of countries they can enter without a visa. With a Grenadian passport you can access 142 countries. (A Mauritian passport, in 30th spot, gets you into 146, whereas a Seychellois passport, ranked 26th, gets you into 151.) Here you are required to make a real-estate investment of $350,000 to qualify for the propertybacked citizenshipby-investment programme, and you will receive a passport within four months.

“Santa Catarina Place in Porto should be very attractive to South Africans wishing to enter the programme but who do not want to spend as much as €500,000” Chris Immelman, MD, Pam Golding International

combination of residency and leisure or second home acquisitions, whereas in the UK it is about investment in hard currency, a hedge against political instability and diversification.

Portugal and the UK offer South Africans affordable investment opportunities with good returns, says Lisa Bathurst, international property specialist and founder of Hurst & Wills.

Relatively low cost of living and a non-habitual tax regime with tax incentives are Portugal’s drawcards.

“It also has more affordable Golden Visa options available from €280,000

for property bought in lowdensity, rehabilitation areas,” Bathurst says. “The vibrant walled city of Evora, two hours from Lisbon, falls into this category.”

In the €500,000 Golden Visa category, Bathurst recommends looking at properties in prime areas that offer genuine guaranteed returns. “Do thorough due diligence when purchasing any property overseas, especially one that claims a guaranteed rent,” she advises. “It is safer to use independent experts to make sure you get a property that suits your wealth strategy and citizenship goals. We

have residential and resortstyle investments on offer in Lisbon, with guarantees of up to 4%, owner usage, and fully managed and furnished options, starting from €265,000.”

GOLDEN VISA Pam Golding International is about to launch its first apartment development in Porto, Portugal, which qualifies for the €350,000 Golden Visa investment.

“It should be very attractive to South Africans wishing to enter the programme but who do not want to spend as much as €500,000,” says Pam

HOMEFRONT

The Laceworks, a Hurst & Wills development in Nottingham in the UK

Valletta, the capital of Malta

“Our clients have also had a lot of success with student accommodation in the UK. This is one of the most resilient asset classes and has outperformed most of the property types” Lisa Bathurst, international property specialist, Hurst & Wills

Golding International MD Chris Immelman. “Up to now the €350,000 options were only available in private equity funds, where you would purchase shares in a hotel development.

Santa Catarina Place affords investors full ownership of an apartment in the heart of downtown Porto.”

It’s not surprising that Lisbon is on investors’ radars. The 2019 Emerging Trends in Europe report rates it as the top city in Europe for overall investment and development prospects, having leapfrogged 10 places to number one.

Meanwhile, in the UK the political uncertainty around Brexit that has weighed down the market may soon be resolved. And for many Londoners who have put their lives on hold for the past three years, the finale can’t come quick enough.

“Property transactions have fallen by about onefifth in the London market since the vote, with buyers and sellers reluctant to commit until the postBrexit landscape becomes clearer,” says Mike Smuts, MD of London property specialists Smuts & Taylor.

“And yet the average asking price climbed by 2.4% in October to £618,432 according to the latest Rightmove asking price index. This meek recovery is being driven by ultra-low mortgage rates, a robust employment market and a general lack of supply, with about 30% fewer properties coming to market than at the same time last year.”

INCREASED ACTIVITY Smuts explains that increased activity from international buyers, particularly in London’s

prime and ultra-prime neighbourhoods, is another reason for the rise in the overall asking price. “Any political uncertainty has been offset by a sharp fall in sterling and, with vendors being more open to offers, this has created a very favourable investment opportunity for foreign buyers who continue to view central London as a safe haven for their wealth. This is mainly due to the inherent long-term political and economic stability of the UK, its robust legal system and very transparent tax regime.”

Even though the UK does not offer a residency programme, Bathurst agrees that it is one of the best property investment destinations. “Our clients have also had a lot of success with student accommodation in the UK.

This is one of the most resilient asset classes and has outperformed most of the property types, even during the 2008 recession,” she says.

“A case in point is The Laceworks in Nottingham.

It is sold out and now fully constructed, on time, with 100% occupancy. Our clients are already receiving their guaranteed returns as promised.”

Financial services company Sable International has offices in the UK, SA and Australia and facilitates citizenship and immigration applications, among others.

“South Africans are very comfortable going where people can speak English,” says group commercial director Andrew Rissik.

“And culturally, places like the US, the UK and Australia work well. It comes down to our schooling system, the

way we do business, the legal system, everything.”

TAKE THE PLUNGE Rissik advises clients to make up their minds about where they want to live and pay tax. “Currently, if you spend more than 183 days out of SA, you don’t need to pay tax here. Those at risk are people whose families live here and whose kids are being educated here,” he says. “They may spend six months or more out of the country, whatever the minimum requirements are in that tax year, but Sars sees them returning, so they are deemed tax-resident. From 1 March 2020, the first R1m they earn will be exempt but after that they’ll pay tax.”

According to Investec. com, “impending changes can only be mitigated by way of cessation of South African tax residency and

not through formal financial emigration ie emigration for exchange control purposes.

Where tax residency is based on the concepts of either being ‘ordinarily resident’ or ‘physically present’ in SA, unless a tax treaty determines otherwise, exchange control residency is based on the concepts of ‘domicile’, ‘citizenship’ or ‘permanent residence’ status in SA. Where a person financially emigrates from SA for exchange control purposes and obtains the right to reside in another jurisdiction, it doesn’t necessarily mean that tax residency has ceased too.”

Rissik says there has been a lot of scaremongering in this regard. “I recommend that affected individuals get professional advice on their particular circumstances and plan around that when it comes to #Tax2020.”

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HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

Buy at Buh-Rein before February to save

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ulti Spectrum Property (MSP) Developments is running a limited promotional offer worth R65,000 on two movein-ready developments in Buh-Rein Estate in Cape Town.

The Blue Lily Lane investor buyer package offers rental assistance of R65,000 and a reduced rental management fee of 7% to buy-to-let investors who purchase

an apartment in Blue Lily Lane. The Sterling Grove homebuyers’ package offers a R65,000 discount to new homeowners who purchase a townhouse in Sterling Grove. Both promotions apply to offers to purchase signed by the end of January 2020.

“The apartments at Blue Lily Lane and townhouses at Sterling Grove are exclusively offered direct from the developer, with no transfer duty or VAT

payable, and a deposit of only R25,000 required,” says MSP Developments MD Riaan Roos.

Starting from R1,159,900, Blue Lily Lane twobedroom apartments have covered parking and monthly rentals average R8,000. Sterling Grove three-bedroom townhouses with single or double garages are conveniently located in the centre of the estate and are priced under R2m.

2020 residential property market prospects

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eeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the R10mplus market is “almost dead” compared with three years ago. In contrast, the low to mid market up to R1.8m (R3m in some areas) has performed well. Seeff says these two distinct price tiers are operating in a juxtaposition.

After a challenging year, the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee

has retained the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% and the mortgage rate at 10%.

Seeff says activity has been concentrated largely in the market below R1.8m, with buyers who are generally committed to staying, and happy to buy.

This segment has been boosted by a favourable mortgage lending climate and bank approval rates.

“The market above R10m, comprised of buyers

with discretionary money who do not have to buy, has remained in a holding pattern as they wait to see how the economy and political environment unfold. They are cautious, given that property tends to be a 20-year investment,” says Seeff.

“Activity has practically halved on the Atlantic Seaboard compared with 2016, with the highest price achieved barely reaching

R60m, against R290m three years ago,” he says.

Only two R20m-plus sales were recorded this year in the Sandton area, compared with two or three a month in the 2016/2017 period.

“Foreign buying is down and we might have more foreign sellers than buyers on the Atlantic Seaboard this year,” he adds, predicting that price growth will remain flat in the 4% range next year.

RE/MAX of Southern Africa regional director/ CEO Adrian Goslett says although many suburbs within SA are experiencing negative house price growth in real terms, market conditions are set to improve. “The way to help our economy grow is to invest locally. Rather than investing in foreign retailers and offshore markets, plough your money back into our economy by

purchasing within the local property market.”

Leadhome has sold at least one in five of its properties at listing price or above, compared with the industry norm of one in 50. “In a struggling economy, to sell 20% of our listings at asking price or above is significant,” says Leadhome CEO Marcél du Toit. “On average, the remaining 80% sell for 5.7% less than expected.”

Regional architecture award for recycling concept

T Top residential estates for 2019

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ew World Wealth has released its top 10 residential estates for this year. Val de Vie Estate placed first in SA and also in the Western Cape. Fancourt takes the lead on the Garden Route, Steyn City is number one in Gauteng and Zimbali is the best residential estate in KwaZulu-Natal.

The top five retirement villages in the country are Clé du Cap, Evergreen Val de Vie, Helderberg Village, Onrus Manor and Waterfall Hills.

The research team visited top residential estates all over SA. Rating criteria

included location, views and scenery; security features; communal gardens and parks; design and space; and maintenance and facilities.

Val de Vie Estate’s marketing director Ryk Neethling says worldclass security and a focus on wellness are major contributors to the development’s continued success. “We are delighted to retain our top position, held since 2015, especially in a challenging environment.”

The Top 10 estates in SA for 2019 (in alphabetical order): Arabella Country

Estate on the Bot River Lagoon (priced from R3m to R15m), Atlantic Beach Golf Estate near Melkbosstrand (from R2m to R20m), Fancourt near George (from R3m to R50m), Pezula Golf Estate in Knysna (from R5m to R50m), Simbithi Eco Estate in Ballito (from R2m to R40m), Steenberg Golf Estate in Tokai (from R10m to R40m), Steyn City in Johannesburg (from R2m to R40m), Val de Vie Estate in Paarl (from R3m to R50m), Whale Rock Ridge in Plettenberg Bay (from R3m to R35m) and Zimbali near Ballito (from R5m to R75m).

he University of Johannesburg’s Senzo Mamba was announced one of the regional winners of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award last month.

Mamba won R10,000 for the Corobrik Regional Architecture Award.

He was one of eight young architects from South African universities to receive this accolade

in recognition of design talent and innovation in 2019. Regional winners are through to the final of the National Architectural Student of the Year Award, taking place in May 2020.

Mamba’s thesis is titled “Bricolage: The architecture of waste”. Bricolage refers to making do with the tools and materials available, he explains. “This project proposes turning vacant buildings into recycling

factories as an alternative for dealing with waste in cities. Processing materials on site will reduce energy consumption, transportation and carbon footprint,” Mamba says.

“The aim is to rethink waste by designing a catalogue of new material from it. Reclaiming, repurposing and retro­ fitting vacant buildings is the first step towards a sustainable future.”

A R C H I T E C T U RE

Best Leisure Architecture Africa The Blyde Riverwalk Estate

by Balwin Properties

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

AIREA • SIDS • TIDA • SLIID Presented by the International Property Awards www.propertyawards.net

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These awards celebrate our commitment to the work we do and reinforce our proven record of success.