Business Day HomeFront 09 April 2021

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HOMEFRONT 13 9 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA APRIL 2021

MUST-READ

Bo-Kaap welcomes chic hotel PAGE 2

Get smart in this new city PAGE 5

Where to buy a luxury home PAGE 10 The Heron Banks Golf and River Estate on the banks of the Vaal River

Country life close to the city Invest in Joburg’s best address

Yes, you can escape to a semirural suburban residential development and have it all

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HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA

Don’t miss the next edition on Friday, April 23 • Freestanding versus sectional title homes • The latest property news and investments • Year-round online design exhibition

ONLY 6 APARTMENTS REMAINING!

THE TOKYO, CAPE TOWN STUDIO APARTMENTS 8 7 L O O P S T R E E T , C A P E TO W N

1 4 2 / 1 4 8 A PA R T M E N T S S O L D I N T H E F I R S T W E E K !

6 STUDIO APARTMENTS REMAIN FOR SALE

The Tokyo is a 148 unit residential development, offering

Gadija

079 691 9661

hotel-style living apartments in the heart of Cape Town’s

Gen

066 188 1073

city centre, influenced by Japan’s futuristic capital.

Brad

084 698 9195

Davide

082 758 0458

Lifestyle amenities include: 24hr Concierge; Restaurant

Eugene

082 567 3151

& Coffee Shop; Fitness Centre; Rooftop Terrace with

Sally

082 803 3743

FROM

Swimming Pool & Braai Areas; Biometric Access Control &

R1 520 000

CCTV Surveillance throughout the building.

info@rawson-developers.co.za

TO

R1 720 000

NO VAT OR TRANSFER FEES

W W W .T H E T O K Y O . C O . Z A

FOCUS ON: THE TERRACE AT SANDTON GATE ADVERTORIAL

Suburban living with urban perks Invest in a luxury apartment at The Terrace at Sandton Gate and enjoy the freedom of a secure lifestyle with city conveniences and nature on your doorstep WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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uitable for investors, single professionals and people scaling down, Craft Homes’ The Terrace at Sandton Gate offers all the perks of secure, convenient city living in beautiful natural surroundings.

Best of both worlds Designed to maximise private, open-plan living, including balconies to make the most of the outdoor space, The Terrace is part of the new Sandton Gate mixed-use precinct offering true city living with all the benefits of a suburban lifestyle.

From the safety and security of their apartments, residents are able to walk to the many amenities the precinct has to offer,

including an on-site Planet Fitness gym, restaurants, beauty salons, a bustling piazza and premium-grade offices. The Sandton CBD is also within walking distance.

Each apartment has beautiful views of the Sandton skyline and the Braamfontein Spruit green belt – a natural reprieve residents have access to enjoy along with weekend and early-morning dog walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Luxury interiors The apartment interiors are designed to make the most of natural light and feature elegant finishes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The design and layout of each room are modern, with soft colours and sleek textures adding character.

Appealing extras such as a Miele oven, hob and extractor are included in the price.

two-bathroom starts from R1.999m.

Precinct perks

The Terrace will have its own security with perimeter fencing and guards. In addition, the entire Sandton Gate precinct is patrolled.

Its location is another plus in gridlocked Johannesburg.

“It’s about smarter living,” says Cabanita. “The Terrace is on William Nicol Drive, just outside the Sandton CBD, close to major business centres and transport, as well as Sandton City, the convention centre and the Gautrain station.

The fact that it’s not right in the hustle and bustle makes it more desirable.”

Construction on The Terrace starts in June and occupation is estimated to take place in October 2022.

Sandton Gate is developed

by Abland, Tiber and Craft Homes. Phase 1 of the commercial building is complete, with offices, beauty salons, gyms and restaurants as tenants.

“It’s a no-brainer. You can live, work and shop at Sandton Gate. You don’t even need to leave. Everything is available,” says Craft Homes marketing manager Jessica Cabanita. “There are four levels of apartments and two basement parking levels. So each unit has secure basement parking.”

A 65m2 two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment sells from R1.799m, and an 80m2 two-bedroom,

Smart living

GET IN TOUCH An apartment at The Terrace with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is now open for viewing on the podium level of the commercial building. It is on show daily by appointment. Online sales are also available at Craft Homes’ online portal, where you can view all the information and purchase one of these luxury apartments safely.

To book an appointment with one of our sales executives or to buy online, go to https://www.crafthomes.co.za/selling/landing-page-the-terrace-at-sandton-gate/.

For a tutorial on purchasing online, visit https://youtu.be/-NAgCM2HFTQ.

Smart Urban Precinct Management

Smart Environmental Sustainability

Smart Community

Smart Connectivity & Communication

Smart Safety & Security

Being a Smart City is not something we aspire to be.

Being Smart is just something we do.

We are a living Smart City with a proven track record of innovation spanning two decades. At Century City, we continuously shift and renew what we do and how we do it to improve our city as efficiently and intelligently as possible.

Make the Smart Choice. Come on over!

FIND OUT MORE

www.centurycity.co.za/smart-city

The Century City App is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

FOCUS ON: SMART CITY IN CENTURY CITY ADVERTORIAL

Urban oasis Century City brings the future of smart-city living home to Cape Town WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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GET IN TOUCH Visit http://centurycity.co.za/smart-city for more information.

s digital technologies continue to play an increasingly important role in the development of societies and the global economy, Unesco highlights the importance of articulating a holistic vision for sustainable urban development in hyperconnected smart cities.

“Being a smart city is not something we aspire to. We are a living smart city with a proven track record of expertise and innovation spanning two decades,” says Chris Blackshaw, CEO of Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA).

Over the past 20 years, the 250ha development has become a multigenerational precinct successfully managed by the CCPOA. It incorporates five hotels, the Century City Conference

Centre, a Curro Junior and Senior School, two educare centres, and the Oasis Luxury Retirement and Oasis Care Centre for the frail and elderly.

In addition, it includes 454,250m² of commercial space and 212,000m² of retail space occupied by more than 700 businesses that provide employment for thousands.

These are either owneroccupied or rented out.

Century City has 21 million visitors a year and is home to an estimated 12,000 residents.

First smart city “Positioning Century City as a smart city across various segments, which the CCPOA works continuously to improve, innovate and grow, aims to raise awareness of what is on offer in the precinct for businesses, residents and visitors. It also

establishes the development as the country’s first implemented smart city,” explains Blackshaw.

The goal is to transform it further into a future city, and all Century City stakeholders (landowners, the developer, residents, tenants and service providers) are encouraged to participate actively in that process.

“We’ve identified five key segments that underpin our smart-city philosophy in practice, namely: Smart Urban Precinct Management, Smart Environmental Sustainability, Smart Community (launching April 9), Smart Connectivity and Communication, and Smart Safety and Security,” says Blackshaw.

Over the coming months, the CCPOA will focus on each of these segments to highlight how Century City implements its smart-city practices across the board.

“We will be expanding on vital aspects such as our open-access fibre network that has been in place across the precinct for a decade, and the fact that we have been using treated effluent for irrigation and toilets since inception,” he says.

“We have a spectacular nature reserve, Intaka Island, within the precinct and we apply conservation practices and educate our community on environmental sustainability in innovative ways.”

Custom app A free Century City app for Android and Apple devices will be downloadable in time for the Smart Community segment launch on April 9.

“The custom-designed app is designed to give our community access to the latest information on what’s happening in Century City,” says Blackshaw.

It includes a full business directory and serves as a platform for organisations in the precinct to connect with the Century City community and vice versa. In addition, the app enables users to check live traffic camera footage, which updates every minute; report maintenance and infrastructure faults directly to the Security Operations Centre (SOC); and call the SOC directly in case of emergency.

“We believe Century City plays a significant role in greater Cape Town, not only as a desirable and safe precinct in which to live, work, shop and relax, but also as an important tourist destination,” says Blackshaw. “We invite you to live and experience our smart city, where our thriving community, beautiful green spaces and growing Art Trail are all interlinked with technology.”

HOMEFRONT

Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein on the outskirts of Durbanville

PROPERTY TREND

Country living close to the city

Yes, you can escape to a semirural suburban residential development and have it all WORDS: KIM MAXWELL PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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rban high-rise living used to be all the rage.

Now the global pendulum is swinging the other way as buyers escape built-up cities for environments with more country qualities and less bustle.

South Africans, too, are following this trend as numerous local professionals and families look for homes that offer a country-like escape where they can still benefit from relative suburban proximity and urban technology.

Modern remote working options mean many professionals only have occasional workplace meetings, increasing the potential for homes requiring slightly greater driving distances.

Developer Craft Homes has seen a flurry of interest in its Bryanston Highbridge development, with 12 luxury sectional title homes in the Johannesburg estate starting from R3.445m. The freestanding duplex homes have three bedrooms and three bathrooms plus a guest loo, with automated double garages and CCTV security monitoring. Each is fibreready, with a separate scullery and a covered patio leading to a private garden, with optional staff quarters and a pool.

If you’re looking for country lifestyle, why here?

“Many buyers do quite a bit of research in this higher price point. Feedback indicates that the value they’re getting for the price paid is hard to find elsewhere,” says Craft Homes marketing manager Jessica Cabanita. “People like the setting because it’s close to amenities but the estate’s location on quieter Coventry Road makes it desirable.”

Craft Homes offers buyers a turnkey service that

includes luxury interior finishes. Construction starts this month and only three homes are still available.

RIVER ESCAPE Alternatively, Heron Banks Golf and River Estate occupies 3km on the banks of the Vaal River. Within 45 minutes’ drive of Johannesburg, buyers can escape the bustle of the city for a more tranquil lifestyle on this golf residential estate.

It has a private jetty and an 18-hole course, plus wildlife on the estate. Craft Homes is selling full title stands and options are available to those planning to build.

Waterkloof Marina Retirement Estate in Waterkloof Ridge is fairly centrally located in Pretoria.

It is surrounded by established residential neighbourhoods and close to highways, hospitals and shopping centres.

Waterkloof Golf Course is also within easy reach.

The drawcard on this estate is a 7ha lake that was formed when a quarry filled naturally. Walking trails, fishing and bird hides around the water add to the rural feel.

“It’s one of the most sought-after areas in Pretoria,” says Central Developments Property Group head of communication Alda Erasmus. “It offers a resident that country feel without having to drive a couple of hours.”

Waterkloof Marina is aimed at those over the age of 50. “Many residents work in Pretoria. We also have semiretired or retired university lecturers and professors, doctors and diplomats. Some are downscaling once their kids have left home.”

The estate’s proximity to the R21 and N1 interchange makes it super-convenient.

“We also see farmers from further afield selling up and coming to retire here because the estate is surrounded by some of the best hospitals in Gauteng, and their kids and grandkids are in the city – yet they don’t get that city feeling,” says Erasmus.

Apartment prices at Waterkloof Marina start from R1.248m and houses from R3.85m. Luxury houses and apartments with views of the lake are still available – all with full ownership within the sectional title scheme.

GOOD YIELDS Erasmus says these properties make popular buy-to-let investments with good yields because limited supply and a beautiful setting mean there’s extremely high rental demand. Rentals start from R6,950 per month.

Aside from frail- and dementia-care facilities on site near the apartments, the estate has a library, doctors’ and physiotherapy rooms, a salon and an indoor pool and gym.

A restaurant and a coffee shop overlook the estate’s waterfront.

In Cape Town’s northern suburbs, Clara Anna Fontein’s 128ha of peace, security and natural beauty is set in gently rolling hills outside Durbanville, with views of the distant Stellenbosch mountains.

“Surrounded by farmland and wine estates, this development’s tranquil setting belies the fact that the bustling Durbanville CBD is a few minutes’ drive away,” says Rabie Property Group director Mariska Auret.

“The area surrounding the estate is a dream for trail runners and mountain

bikers. Meerendal is just up the road and other wine farms nearby include Nitida, Signal Gun and Durbanville Hills.”

Auret says Clara Anna Fontein has been transformed into a soughtafter multigenerational security and lifestyle estate.

“It comprises three types of homes – townhouses at The Village, plot-and-plan erven and Oasis Life retirement village. At the moment, 260 families live on the estate, which is supported by a Reddam House campus.”

The lifestyle at Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein attracts retirees from the Western Cape as well as semigrants from other parts of SA. The completed retirement estate will have 125 freestanding houses, with 58 houses scheduled for completion this month.

Prices start from R2.35m

A paddleboat on the lake at Waterkloof Marina Retirement Estate in Pretoria

for a one-bedroom home with a garage.

OUTDOOR APPEAL KwaZulu-Natal’s year-round subtropical climate and vegetation offer a different type of outdoor appeal for those wishing to exit the concrete jungle.

Izinga Eco Estate in Umhlanga Ridge, minutes away from Umhlanga’s main beach, will have an eco-park with walking and cycling trails running throughout the development.

Construction on the estate started last month. The first phase of this Balwin Properties development will be set for occupation

by August. One-, two- and three-bedroom sectional title apartments in low-rise buildings are aircon- and Wi-Fi-ready.

Izinga will offer undercover parking bays, lockable storerooms, built-in balcony

braais and ecofriendly Smeg appliances. Residents will have access to a flexible lifestyle centre including a meeting or conference room and a cinema room – remote working and leisure nicely covered.

“I have many clients from Johannesburg buying to invest or relocate, but the majority of purchasers are from KwaZulu-Natal,” says Balwin property executive Chantelize Gallagher. “Many young professionals, families starting out, retirees, couples and investors buy at Izinga Eco Estate.”

An apartment of 132.9m2 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms is priced from R2.65m.

SEMIRURAL SUBURBS Tranquil semirural suburbs located far from urban centres are attracting more and more buyers keen to get out of the rat race.

“After the Covid-19 hard lockdown we’ve seen a surge of buyers in the Kommetjie area. People want space for workshops and artists’ studios, gardens and nature on their doorstep,” says Pam Golding Properties Western Cape area manager Shelly Keys.

Secure lifestyle estates in this suburb are drawing buyer interest. Klein Slangkop Private Estate offers direct access to Long Beach, with modern and Cape Cod-style homes priced from R6m or ecoestate plots from R3m.

Alternatively, Imhoff’s Gift, 1.6km from Long Beach, is a secure estate and protected wildlife sanctuary that appeals to birders and nature lovers. House prices range from R2.8m to R6m.

Keys says Kommetjie is renowned for its authentic village feel and close-knit community of surfers, hikers, horse riders and other outdoor enthusiasts.

FOCUS ON: LION PRIDE LIFESTYLE ESTATE

ADVERTORIAL

Vision accomplished A combination of heart and hard work saw a valuable piece of land north of Johannesburg become an upmarket lifestyle estate with modern and secure family homes at accessible prices WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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acked by 28 years of experience in residential property development, the Cosmopolitan Projects and Central Developments Group knew the ropes when it developed Lion Pride Estate near Fourways.

The developer also had a clear vision – to give hardworking South Africans modern family homes in a security estate with a private school, a shopping centre, landscaped parks and recreational areas that won’t cost the earth.

Yet a few hurdles had to be overcome first. In the 13 years it took to turn the land into fully serviced stands to build more than 2,700 houses and 1,400 apartments, the group faced challenging negotiations and

delays by local authorities to extend the main water line to the site. Development only started gaining momentum in 2019, when the R200m of bulk water, sewerage and electrical services were installed and other infrastructure built.

“Since our group’s core values are uplifting and improving the lives of people, we wanted to provide safety and comfort with access to all the modern conveniences.

We don’t just build houses, we build communities.”

Core values

Design values

During this time the Cosmo Central Group continued developing other mega developments across Gauteng, learning valuable lessons that were implemented at Lion Pride.

“We realised we can’t build thousands of houses without excellent security, amenities and infrastructure such as schools, shopping centres, transport services, churches and recreational facilities,” says Cosmo Central Group head of communication Alda Erasmus.

The same care and attention that went into the design of the estate’s modern, functional houses were extended to the urban design of 17ha of recreational green space. This included the entrances, sidewalks and traffic circles throughout the greater development, resulting in a beautiful overall aesthetic.

Most important to the developer was that all of these home comforts and amenities are available at an affordable price – and it

managed to make it happen.

Lion Pride Lifestyle Estate’s freestanding, full-title homes are modestly priced between R1.1m and R1.8m.

Compared with similar more affluent developments where properties sell for more than R4m, it clearly offers excellent value for money. Families earning a combined monthly income of R35,000 or more can now buy a comfortable, modern and secure home in an upmarket estate.

This month, Lion Pride already welcomed its first residents. This means a bustling and active community life can soon be expected, with sidewalks full of residents cycling, jogging or walking their dogs. Many people will also be working from home thanks to the estate’s fibre internet connectivity.

Within two years, children will be attending the estate’s private school and residents will be visiting local shops for essentials before meeting friends at the coffee shop or the restaurant.

Sustainable goals However, the developer’s work here is not done yet.

The future of residents’ investments needs to be secured too. To help develop and manage Lion Pride Estate in the most effective way, Cosmopolitan Projects partnered with its highly experienced sister company Central Developments.

Besides the homeowners’ association (HOA) of each of Lion Pride’s eight security estates, an overarching HOA will be responsible for maintaining the communal facilities, security and public infrastructure shared among all the estates.

This will ensure that the greater Lion Pride Estate is maintained to the highest standard and retains its quality. Cosmopolitan Projects and Central Developments will manage this HOA for five years after the last property has been transferred to ensure clients’ investments are protected and that there is a succession plan for when the developer stands down in future.

Why buy now?

GET IN TOUCH Tel: Cosmopolitan Projects team 010 045 9099; Central Developments team 063 292 9914 lionprideestate.co.za

For a greater return on your investment in a new development, buy sooner than later – the first phases are always the most competitively priced. As the development becomes more established and sought after, prices increase exponentially.

Conservatively estimated, Lion Pride owners can expect to see about 10% capital growth year on year.

Welcome to Vredehoek, Your Peace in the City

VREDEHOEK, CAPE TOWN

VREDEHOEK, CAPE TOWN

VREDEHOEK, CAPE TOWN

YOUR PEACE IN THE CITY YOUR PEACE IN THE CITY

From R2.495 million (incl. VAT) no transfer From R2.495 duty million (incl. VAT) no transfer duty From R1.595 million (incl. VAT) no transfer dutysupply • Back-up power • Back-up power supply • Sea, mountain and city views

• Inspiring design • Full powercontemporary back-up generator by award winning architects • Custom designed joinery workspace • Secure parking and excellent security in each apartment • 10 exclusive apartments • Free high-speed fibre for one year • 1 penthouse with private jacuzzi • Sea, mountain and city views • 1 penthouse suite with private jacuzzi • Secure parking and excellent security • Limited collection of 15 apartments www.TheVera.CapeTown

• Sea, mountain and city views

• Inspiring contemporary design by award winning architects

• Secure parking and excellent security • 10 exclusive apartments

• 1 penthouse with private jacuzzi

• 1 penthouse suite with private jacuzzi

www.TheVera.CapeTown

www.TheVera.CapeTown

Hello Table Mountain

ORANJEZICHT, CAPE TOWN ORANJEZICHT, CAPE TOWN

HELLO HELLO From R2.495 millionTABLE (incl. VAT) MOUN TABLE MOUNTAIN no transfer duty

From R2.495 million (incl. VAT) no transfer From R2.495 duty million ( • • • • • • •

• Full power back-up generator • Storage pod included with each Back-up power supply • Back-up power supply apartment Storage pod included with each apartment • Storage pod included w Panoramic Table Mountain views • Panoramic Table Mount • Panoramic Table Mountain views 5 minutes drive to• Camps Bay drive to Camps • 5 minutes 5 minutes Bay drive to Camp Short-term letting• and pet friendly • Short-term letting and p Short-term letting and pet friendly 15 apartments • 15 apartments • 15 apartments 3 exclusive penthouse apartments • 3 exclusive penthouse ap • 3 exclusive penthouse apartments

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www.TheCedar.CapeT www.TheCedar.CapeTown

RE SIDE NT IAL

David - 072 385 4386 Catherine - 074 384 3127 RESIDENTIAL Maxine - 078 452 5559 Office - 021 425 8586

David - 072 385 4386 Catherine - 074CONSCIOUS 384 3127 LIVING Maxine - 078 452 5559 Office - 021 425 8586

Home

HOMEFRONT HOT TOPIC

Thinking bigger Exploring some of the best options in R5m to R20m luxury residential homes WORDS: KIM MAXWELL :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The last four-bedroom unit for sale at The Azure in Camps Bay, Cape Town

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s South Africans take a breather easing into 2021, what types of residential buying opportunities are there in the luxury apartment, duplex and home segment?

We’ve heard a lot about first-time buyer residential activity but the low interest rate opened up opportunities for homes priced between R5m and R20m too.

In FNB’s February 2021 Property Barometer, economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi said the homebuying market is showing resilience as more people switch from renting to buying. Bigger, mainly freestanding properties are also gaining popularity because of the demands of remote working.

Over a prolonged period, prices at the upper end dropped due to receding demand and rising incidents of selling due to emigration during 2020, according to Mkhwanazi.

“There is definitely more reception to accepting lower offers,” says Horizon Capital

MD David Sedgwick about the Cape Town urban luxury market. He estimates that, with various options to choose from in the R20m range, prices have dropped by at least 10%. “There are local buyers with a lot of cash, but many are playing the wait and see game. There isn’t any sense of urgency.”

When it comes to lock-upand-go two-bedroom apartments between R7m and R10m, he says interest from afar is plentiful but potential buyers in say, Germany, want to see the site and get a sense of the suburb before committing.

LOCAL SWITCH Sedgwick believes the local switch from renting to buying is happening more in the case of lower-priced central city apartments.

“In our experience, buyers in lower price ranges are more sensitive to affordability challenges, so when the interest rate changes it doesn’t cost much more to buy in the R1m to R2m category than to rent. Last year we actually redesigned one or two planned pricier

A luxury apartment in Steyn City, north of Johannesburg

floors in our Vredehoek development The Vera to cater for the R1m to R2m buyer.” Those units sold out.

In the R5m to R20m range, Horizon’s City Bowl apartments aren’t getting much traction. The exception is family homes, like one priced at R20m at the Azure in Camps Bay. “The last 260m2 unit is the perfect family home: four en suite bedrooms, including one that could be a study,” says Sedgwick. Features include a pool, security and CCTV, a power inverter and a borehole. With easy access to the beach and restaurants, it has a courtyard with a Natal mahogany tree. Add Lion’s Head views and “you almost feel like you’re on holiday living there”, he says.

The property picture in the Winelands is rather different.

“In the heart of the Boland Winelands, since September 2020, we’ve seen a renewed semigration trend with families relocating from Gauteng, seeking homes to purchase as well as a huge demand for rental properties,” says Pam Golding Property group chief

executive Andrew Golding.

“From the start of 2021, we’ve also received a flurry of serious enquiries for top-end homes in Paarl estates and Franschhoek.”

Val de Vie Estate marketing director Ryk Neethling says the largest buyer category here is local families moving from Cape Town in search of safety and space in this secure Winelands estate.

“Gauteng used to be the semigrating capital,” he says.

“But the biggest trend we’re seeing is people moving out from Cape Town to live in the countryside. If they work at Investec, they’re only driving to the Foreshore for a weekly meeting. People want safety and lifestyle more.”

Price tags are buoyant.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve experienced a few interesting trends at Val de Vie, one being for larger stands and larger, high-end homes in the R15m-plus range,” says Neethling, adding that the highest price paid to date was R32m for a five-bedroom house.

“We’ve broken records on sales since September 2020.

We’ve registered 24 to 40

sales per month at our estate.

These are in the deeds office, so there’s a bit of lag time.”

RENTAL MARKET The rental market is flying too and there is a shortage of homes. “They’re going for up to R45,000 per month for a three-bedroom house. There was an oversupply of rental homes at one stage but now we only have a handful to let So if you’re signing tenants now, yields are looking good,” Neethling says.

Pam Golding Properties is marketing Vini Fera, a luxury residential development at Anura wine farm outside Stellenbosch. “Now that remote working has become prevalent, quality of life is a key consideration when buying or renting,” says assistant area manager for Stellenbosch Katya Varga.

“With the new way of working, you can live anywhere. There’s no better place than a beautiful wine farm in Stellenbosch,” she says. Erven start from 755m2, with vacant land priced from R2.4m, and plot-and-plan homes from R4.9m (both VAT-inclusive).

A duplex at Ellipse Waterfall in Midrand

In Pinnacle Point Golf Estate on the Garden Route, this four-bedroom home is priced at R6.9m Pam Golding reports an increase in demand for Garden Route homes. Agent Tiaan Schutte says buyers who want a work-fromhome lifestyle in pristine surrounds choose places such as Pinnacle Point for security and convenience, plus green belts and worldclass golfing. A fourbedroom home at Pinnacle Point Golf Estate is on the market for R6.9m.

For Gauteng developer Tricolt, the fact that people spend more time at home is paying off. “People have started to buy secure, quality products and upgrade their lifestyles,” says CEO Tim Kloeck. He’s had three or four transactions in the R20 to R30m range at The Houghton in Johannesburg.

“In Waterfall City, one Ellipse Waterfall luxury penthouse fetched more than R50m. That kind of price was usually only achieved in Cape Town or Sandton, so it’s saying that Waterfall is being seen as a serious residential offering,” he says.

These duplex apartments and penthouses offer modern convenience close to businesses and the Mall of Africa. “We’ve had a bit of movement in the R5 to R10m range at Ellipse too. So we’re doing well in the luxury market but I don’t know if everybody else is,” he adds.

At Tricolt’s Treetops Houghton in Rosebank a 220m2 penthouse was recently sold for about R8m.

“I’d agree that prices at the luxury end have come down.

But we don’t adjust the pricing on our developments and we haven’t had to,” Kloeck says.

RISE OF ESTATE LIVING Steyn City offers a suburban residential experience between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Luxury buyers have not tapered off here.

“Sales were good during 2020, despite the pandemic and lockdown regulations that kept us from showcasing our development for weeks,” says marketing and events group head Zoe van Onselen.

“The rise of estate living is evident: first and foremost our buyers look for security and peace of mind, then it’s about lifestyle.”

Is the market showing resilience as more South Africans switch from renting to buying? “We’ve had demand across all our property types, from luxury apartments and cluster homes to freehold stands, where buyers can build their dream home,” she says.

Steyn City offers completed homes, from luxury twoand three-bedroom apartments to three- and four-bedroom cluster homes.

Prices for land range from R3.4m to R18m.

The lowest interest rate in 50 years has made buying more attractive, says Van Onselen. “In our case, buyers want to acquire a home that matches their new needs, where families live, work and study at home. The return on this safe, secure investment is not simply monetary but the intrinsic value of living a better life in SA.”

FOCUS ON: MELROSE VIEW

ADVERTORIAL

Invest in the best address Purchase one of only three remaining Melrose View apartments in one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive suburbs right across the Melrose Arch precinct WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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raft Homes’ luxury development Melrose View has only three of its spacious 135m 2 units available for sale, and they are ready for immediate occupation.

Comprising three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, each apartment has a large open-plan kitchen and a living and dining area with stackable doors that open up fully onto a covered terrace. All

the bedrooms are en suite, and fittings and finishes throughout the homes are elegant and top of the range.

Every apartment comes with a spacious double garage and an exclusive-use storeroom.

Luxury amenities Melrose View residents enjoy premium 24-hour security, a clubhouse with a pool and a communal garden, pre-installed DStv and fibre connections and a back-up complex generator.

Apartment prices start from R3.9m and no transfer duties are payable.

Location, location Set in the leafy idyllic surrounds of Melrose yet only minutes away from Sandton and Rosebank, Melrose View strikes the perfect balance between urban convenience and suburban living.

Directly across the road, the chic Melrose Arch precinct offers everything from fine dining and

artisanal coffee to the very best in designer labels.

The range of top schools and colleges nearby includes the highly regarded Gordon Institute of Business Science. The Wanderers Cricket Stadium, Inanda and Killarney clubs and the inimitable Thrupps Illovo Centre are a stone’s throw away.

Melrose View is also conveniently close to major highways and the Rosebank Gautrain Station.

GET IN TOUCH You can purchase an apartment through the Craft Homes online portal. This platform allows you to view and buy one of these luxury homes safely online. We are on show daily by appointment only; call 086 002 7238 to book. For an appointment with one of our sales executives or to buy online, go to https://www.crafthomes.co.za/selling/landingpage-melrose-view/. To watch a tutorial on purchasing online, visit https://youtu.be/-NAgCM2HFTQ.

The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.

Travel less, live more

ve li ve

50 Newly released Balwin Lifestyle Apartments from R899 000 INCLUDING free levies for 1 year Exclusively from the 23 rd to 25th April

*SAVE UP TO R100 000 ON A R1 MILLION PURCHASE IF YOU GET YOUR BOND SECURED WITHIN 21 DAYS AND QUALIFY FOR THE BALWIN GREEN BOND. *t's & C's apply

only R20 000 deposit

Green-rated de velopment

Balwin Green B ond saving

*All b ond and transfer costs included

Register your interest - Wedge woodsandton.co.za SALES OFFICE: 1 14 RIVONIA ROAD, SANDTON | MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8AM - 5PM | SATURDAY - SUNDAY: 10AM - 4PM

Superb facilities