Business Day HomeFront 11 December 2020

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HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA 11 DECEMBER 2020

MUST-READ

Décor: take it outside PAGE 2

Greener pastures offshore PAGE 4

SA’s semigration sweet spots PAGE 6

Joburg gets flexible workspace PAGE 8

Live your best life here The top factors attracting high net-worth individuals to SA were reviewed in a collaborative study

by New World Wealth and award-winning luxury residential development Steyn City. Top-end estates and apartments were found to be key considerations, and Steyn City with its state-of-the-art homes and expansive parklands was among the most popular choices for those wanting to relocate. See inside for more options.

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HOMEFRONT DESIGN

Let’s go outside

We tend to neglect decorating and using our outdoor spaces properly. So why not invest in updating the area around your house to spend lazy summer hours outside but at home?

WORDS: SARAH MARJORIBANKS :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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he long, warm days ahead mean we’re going to be spending far more time outdoors over the coming months.

Whether you want to give your patio a quick makeover or invest in the outdoor space of your dreams, we’ve got you covered with these design ideas.

the outdoor furniture within and allowing insulation from the heat and cold.

Customisable shutters – such as those from Plantation Shutters (pictured in the inset, far right) – are a great investment for your home, adding value and giving you an unlimited colour choice to create your ideal aesthetic.

Complement the garden

Sleeping beauty

“Outdoor spaces are an extension of both your home and garden and need to reflect that,” says Kizzie Stenslunde from Wolfe & Hare. She recommends looking at the styling of your garden to see what you can bring into the outdoor living space.

Predominantly greenery and flowers? Then consider fabrics in soft greens and naturals for the furniture, such as Hertex’s outdoor velvet and its Nature’s Valley botanicals range.

“Throw in pops of colour with bright floral cushions and use a mix of bamboo, wood and glass for tables and décor to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside,” Stenslunde says. If your garden is more of a patio, go for a modern look with wrought-iron furniture mixed with marble or glass-top tables, soft grey furnishings with accents of green, and concrete pots with oversized plants.

Shut it out A stylish and functional way to enclose a patio is with shutters that protect

If there’s one piece of furniture that automatically triggers our urge to lounge and nap, it’s the daybed.

“The slightly raised daybed on a patio overlooking Hout Bay Beach (above) is the ultimate statement of outdoor style and luxury,” says Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design. “The patio, previously seldom used and enjoyed, is now revived and has become a popular area for sunbathing, reading, enjoying the beautiful views or simply pondering.”

Take a dip A room dedicated to outdoor living and spending time in and around the pool is heaven-sent during the warmer months. The whole family gets to enjoy the space, which can take on a multitude of functions depending on their needs.

“The pool pavilion should have a strong visual and physical link with the actual pool and ideally be a covered space to protect you from the elements while allowing you to enjoy the outdoors,” says De Swardt. Pictured at the bottom right is a cosy braai area linking the main house and the pool pavilion.

Frame the view

“The pergola is a lovely element you can use to define a specific area, in this instance (right) a table for two, overlooking the Sunset Links Golf Course in Milnerton, Cape Town,” says De Swardt. While the pergola can be freestanding, partially or fully covered, and made from many different materials, he suggests taking into account the intended function of the structure, the space it requires, its orientation towards the sun and the views before jumping straight in.

Sitting pretty There’s something quite nostalgic about the new addition to the Kettal Design Studio’s range of outdoor furniture (far right). The new Net club armchair is a stylish complement to any stoep. These chairs are made with woven weather-resistant cords and aluminium tubing for a light, handcrafted look, whereas the seat and the backrest are fabric. They’re easily stackable and available in a variety of colours.

Smart solutions Investing in streamlining your home’s entertainment systems adds value to the property – but if you think technology is just for indoors, think again.

Homemation, suppliers of audiovisual, home automation and home theatre products, can curate an efficient and convenient system that will allow you to play music outside.

GET THE LOOK Small changes can make a big difference. If your outdoor space needs a makeover, Ruzaan Schlechter from OYA Change Catalyst suggests these decorating tips to get you started: Furniture selection Pick furniture that suits the area. Smaller spaces will be more functional with L-shaped couches, whereas in larger areas you can play around with hanging chairs, sofas and occasional chairs.

Bring the green Nothing is more relaxing than sitting outside surrounded by greenery. Use pot plants and glass hanging vases for a modern finish.

Lighting Large freestanding lanterns create a lovely ambience on hot summer evenings.

Clutter-free If you have a pool, create an area for pool toys, towels and sunblock. That way it’s all kept together neatly, ensuring a more functional space. You can upcycle an old cupboard for this purpose.

Finishing touch Complete the look with an outdoor rug to tie the space together.

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HOMEFRONT

Moka Smart City, Mauritius, and views from a four-bedroom penthouse in the development (inset)

INVESTMENT FOCUS

Foreign shores beckon More and more people are searching for greener pastures to live, work and play. We highlight a few options WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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The outdoor living area of a penthouse with a pool at Moka

Chris Immelman, head, Pam Golding International

Rob Hudson, consultant, ENL Property Limited

Lisa Bathurst, founder, Hurst & Wills

f you were born in 1969, the year that Harry Nilsson’s version of Everybody’s Talkin’ (Echoes) became a hit, you are part of a prime target market for countries open to applications for retirement visas.

Foreigners over the age of 50 may now relocate to Mauritius under a residence permit granted by the island’s Economic Development Board. The permit is valid for 10 years and renewable. Gen X-ers keen to kick-start the next phase of their lives must commit to bringing into Mauritius $18,000 a year (about R300,000) to cover living and medical expenses, travel costs, holidays and so forth.

However, this story is not about where to retire – or refire, for that matter.

It’s about the song lyrics, which perfectly sum up the reasons for anyone of any age to consider moving their business, home or both, to this particular paradise island: “I’m going where the sun keeps shinin’/ Through the pouring rain/ Going where the weather suits my clothes/ Banking off of the northeast winds/ Sailing on a summer breeze/ And skipping over the ocean like a stone.”

Of course, there’s more to it than that. When property developers such as the

ENL Group talk to potential investors about the friendly, multilingual, multicultural locals who live in harmony, a safe environment a four-hour flight from Johannesburg, a healthy lifestyle and world-class education and healthcare, they get their attention.

Add the highly attractive tax regime (15% corporate tax and personal tax, no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, among others) and they’re closer to making that sale. It doesn’t hurt that Mauritius ranks 13th on the World Bank’s Doing Business Index 2020 and GDP has been about 4% for the past decade consistently.

The ENL Group is behind significant island property developments such as the Heritage Villas Valriche and La Balise Marina and, more recently, the Moka Smart City. The latter is situated inland, approximately 15 minutes from the capital Port Louis and 30 minutes from the international airport.

“Stretching across 500ha, it has become the place to live, work and play. It offers a new property range that is a shift away from the high-value holiday or second homes traditionally sold to international buyers,” says Rob Hudson, property consultant at ENL Property Limited.

Two-bedroom apartments

with excellent buy-tolet investment potential start from R2.7m, offering long-term rentals with yields at 6.5% per annum and capital appreciation of 7% per annum.

“South African retirees may also consider Moka an immediate option or as a future retirement back-up plan – and if the latter, a performing investment in the interim,” says Hudson. “As a retiree, you do not have to spend $375,000 on a property to obtain the permanent residence permit, so the apartments are a far more affordable option.”

Moka offers a substantial property price benefit in comparison to coastal investments, yet with easy access to the tropical beaches that are no more than 25 minutes away. The area has a very pleasant climate, verdant nature and a mountainous backdrop.

The economic heart of the island also offers convenient access to major road networks and public transport.

On the education side, Moka has every facility from nursery school to university.

The Australian Curtin University on site ranks among the top 1% of global universities (along with Stellenbosch University) in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

“Cost-wise, it is 30% to 40% more expensive than sending kids to a South African university but half the cost of studying in Australia or the UK. Parents may budget for about R250,000 to R300,000 a year per student, including accommodation if it is rented and not owned,” says Hudson.

Should you decide to make the move with your family, Les Promenades d’Helvétia in the residential precinct of the Moka Smart City offers premium three- to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplexes from R6.2m, most of which qualify buyers for Mauritian residency. Alternatively, Moka’s studio apartments offer an ideal solution for students, in addition to being an attractive, income-generating offshore investment.

Moka Smart City has an eco-efficient approach to sustainability through waste management, recycling, energy-efficient building design and renewable energy. Almost a third of the total land area is set aside for green zones, public parks and spaces, including an open-air amphitheatre.

Where in the world?

Meanwhile, demand for additional residence and citizenship options

HOMEFRONT

Eden Island, Seychelles continues. “We have seen extraordinary upheaval over the past few months. For investors and their families, having a second citizenship or an alternative residence is an even more precious asset than ever before, as concerns over access to first-rate healthcare, global mobility and quality of life take on a new urgency.

In turn, investment migration programmes provide invaluable economic security to the countries that offer them,” says Henley & Partners CEO Dr Juerg Steffen.

If you like the idea of Portugal, there is limited time left to apply for a Golden Visa. The Portuguese government announced late last year that it was considering some changes to this programme. These were put on hold during the

pandemic but have been revived again. Although the changes are yet to be announced, they are expected to be implemented early in 2021 and could mean the exclusion of the greater Lisbon and Porto areas, and possibly some areas in the Algarve, from the programme.

“These changes will not affect those who are already in the programme.

Meanwhile, we urge anybody who is still interested to apply as soon as possible, preferably before the end of 2020,” says Pam Golding International head Chris Immelman. “Given the difficulty of travelling internationally, you may want to consider one of the €350,000 developments that provide guaranteed rental income and a full return of funds at the end of

the programme. Something like the new Porto Lapa Hotel development, which will be operated by Renaissance by Marriott.”

Coastal areas hold a constant fascination for water babies and nature lovers alike. While we remain caught up in this pandemic, there are places on earth so beautiful, they almost defy description.

“Perfect alabaster beaches. Lush rainforests.

An iridescent blue ocean that shimmers like a jewel. This is Seychelles, which currently has no cases of Covid-19. Now is your time to plan your getaway to what we call paradise,” says Pam Golding International project sales manager Brian Gradner.

What began more than 10 years ago as a reclaimed coral island is today a fully functional residential

marina development within 56ha of lush landscaping.

Eden Island offers buyers a unique opportunity for offshore investment in a successful development with freehold title ownership and proven capital appreciation.

Owners and their families qualify for Seychelles residency on application.

With more than 95% of homes already completed, Eden Island has become a vibrant and cosmopolitan community in the heart of Seychelles. Options comprise apartments, maisons and villas starting from $400,000.

Best commuter locations For now, the pandemic and rapidly increasing property prices in cities have placed commuter towns firmly on investors’ radar.

The rooftop pool at the new Porto Lapa Hotel, Portugal

“For investors and their families, having a second citizenship or an

alternative residence is an even more precious asset than ever before” Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO, Henley & Partners

Preston is a popular commuter town within easy reach of Manchester in the UK

“There is an increasing demand for housing developments springing up on commuter belts worldwide and these are great opportunities for investors who are willing to shift their focus from conventionally desirable inner-city property,” says Hurst & Wills founder Lisa Bathurst. “Commuter belt areas, with their more affordable property prices, often offer investors better yields and fantastic capital growth. As long as there is good transport into the larger cities, people are happy to live a bit further away and benefit from more value.”

In addition, more tenants are looking for larger properties to incorporate home offices.

In London, where new railway networks such as Crossrail and the HS2 high-speed train are being developed, towns like Bracknell and Luton are popular options for city workers. Apartments are a third of the price of London alternatives.

Northern UK towns like Preston are commuter towns on the doorstep of Manchester, less than half an hour away via the reliable public transport system. Apartments half the price of those in Manchester can be picked up from about £110,000 and offer a yield of 6% to 7%.

Commenting on the impact of lockdown in the UK, Smuts & Taylor Ltd MD Mike Smuts says the measures dampened the demand for housing in the latter half of 2020 yet it remains 34% higher than in the same period last year.

“Completed property sales for 2020 are expected to be just 6% lower than 2019, despite the fallout from the pandemic. South African investors, many of whom are looking to emigrate, have continued to buy property in the UK throughout the year, making the most of the weaker pound, the current stamp duty land tax holiday and the buyers’ market created by the pandemic.”

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY TREND

SA’s most popular semigration destinations The lockdown may have curtailed travel, but a surge in remote working and a relook of lifestyle choices mean semigrating is gaining popularity once more WORDS: KIM MAXWELL :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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ith remote working a viable option for many after the Covid-19 lockdown forced a rethink of the office commute, semigration is having a resurgence. Firsttime owners, expanding families and mature buyers are all reconsidering how well their homes suit their lifestyles.

In the Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index for Q3 2020, 71% of respondents said now is an appropriate time to buy property and 77% considered market conditions are right for buying rather than renting.

The report concludes that current property prices and the interest rate are the most prominent drivers of increasing confidence and a positive market sentiment.

There is also an increase in respondents who are positive about selling property, thanks to improved buyer affordability – good news for those selling up and relocating.

While many feared that pent-up demand would not last past July before the market dips, residential property commentators are reporting continued buyer momentum. Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the industry has seen some of the best trading months in six years. Thanks to the “best bond approval rates in more than a decade” and buyers benefiting from favourable mortgage loan

terms, he expects market buoyancy to be sustained.

TECH EFFECT “Technology and remote working management systems have removed the need to visit the office daily. Many employers only require limited ‘connect’ days during the week. This feeds semigration to areas that offer better living, often for less,” says Adlab property specialist Claudius Combrinck, who markets various gated communities in the Winelands and Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs.

“We’ve seen areas such as Malmesbury benefit. For just more than R1m, a new home with quality finishes can be purchased at Olive Place at Klipfontein Farm, a secure gated estate with mature olive trees and rural charm.

Buyers are diverse – many are young professionals and those wanting to scale down to the countryside.”

With freestanding homes starting from R1.795m, Verdeau Lifestyle Estate in Wellington is getting a lot of interest too. “Wellington is a hidden gem. It will continue to grow in popularity thanks to its fantastic lifestyle, attractive pricing and proximity to business nodes,” says Combrinck.

Are more buyers semigrating to properties in KwaZulu-Natal too?

Traditionally, proximity to the airport has made the North Coast attractive.

“Sectional title makes sense because the lock-

Evergreen Val de Vie near Paarl in the Cape Winelands up-and-go lifestyle allows people to travel to and from places such as Johannesburg and Durban conveniently,” says Rainmaker Marketing’s director Stephan Botha.

“Sibaya Coastal Precinct speaks to those looking for a safe place to leave their family should they have to travel for work.”

Professional couples and families are attracted to Parc at Gold Coast Estate in Sibaya for secure semitropical living. SA’s property sales are strongest in the R1.5m to R2m space. So with Parc’s stylish two-bedroom villas starting from a pricier R3.7m, have elements been added

to accommodate remote working lifestyles? Aside from appealing lap pools and direct access to Umdloti Beach, Botha says he’s noticed more Sibaya estate developers are incorporating business centres or pods and private meeting rooms.

“In terms of Wi-Fi, fibre is a given in secure estates. As is back-up power, so there are no interruptions.”

RETIREE SHIFT Retirees or those thinking of scaling down their lifestyle soon are the biggest group shifting to new locations.

“About 30% of Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein

purchasers are semigrants, with the largest contingent from Gauteng, Bloemfontein, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. We also have purchasers moving here from elsewhere in the Cape,” says Rabie Property Group director Miguel Rodrigues, commenting on this popular upmarket development in Durbanville.

The estate’s semirural location provides good views and nature, with quality shopping nearby.

“The sense of security and freedom Clara Anna Fontein offers, plus a hospitalitybased lifestyle for retirees – it includes 24/7 primary

Verdeau Lifestyle Estate in Wellington

healthcare – is an enticing proposition,” says Rodrigues.

South Africans are following a global trend of people moving from cities to semirural areas that are still close to airports, with access to healthcare and core amenities.

“Although most retirees tend to retire within 10km to 15km of their family home, our Evergreen villages in the Western Cape have always seen a steady demand from retirees in Gauteng,” says Evergreen Lifestyle sales director Phil Wilson.

“Evergreen Val de Vie in the Winelands has added another option for these

upcountry retirees. Cape Town retirees are moving there too,” says Wilson.

He notes that adult children often help determine where parents retire. “We recently had a man in Hout Bay purchase a life right at Evergreen Noordhoek for his parents from Johannesburg.

Their safety and health were his two big deciding factors.”

Given the choice, most retirees want to live in beautiful, safe surroundings close to shopping malls, beaches, golf courses and airports. “The Western Cape in general has a very limited supply of retirement villages, and the influx from the north is creating an overdemand, causing properties to surge above the norm within most well-placed villages,” says Devmark Property Group national sales manager Bruwer de Jager.

Val de Vie’s group sales director Reiner Swart adds that this large estate’s secure environment has been a huge retiree drawcard during the past year. Homes here are priced from R3.9m. “Since SA changed to lockdown Level 2, we’ve been overwhelmed by demand for our Evergreen homes, with more than 20 life rights sold during October and November.”

THE TIME IS NOW

Parc at Gold Coast Estate in Sibaya on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast

The Clara Anna Fontein Oasis Life clubhouse opened in October

Unsurprisingly, the Garden Route is a top semigration destination too. “We’re seeing increasing gravitation to this region. George is the de facto capital of the Garden Route and undoubtedly its largest urban centre – but without the traffic congestion,” says Stephen Murray, Pam Golding Properties area manager for George.

Jean Ehlers, director of residential development at Devmark Property Group, says the pandemic has

changed how people live and work. “Anyone over the age of 50 can stay in a retirement village, so it’s the ideal workfrom-home scenario.”

Devmark’s Plettenberg Manor is among the most popular residential options, boosted by state-of-the-art security, garden and cleaning services and affordable levies. Residents have access to Plettenberg Bay’s natural beauty, Blue Flag beaches, magnificent mountains and gentle climate. Access to this town has also improved since the introduction of flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Alternatively, Devmark’s latest development, Langebaan Manor, offers excellent value and an attractive lifestyle on the West Coast. Civil works commenced on site at the end of November, and construction of the freehold houses will start next.

“It’s only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, so it’s ideal for over-50s who want a more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle but need to be close to the city,” Ehlers says.

Currently, buyers are negotiating strongly to ensure they get value from their property purchases, particularly at the higher end of the market. That said, developers have already adapted post-lockdown.

“Astute buyers are making the most of it, but the specials and limited offers won’t last,” says Combrinck. “Buyers should know the impact of the hard lockdown on property sales has resulted in a remarkable opportunity to acquire property at low prices. But prices will start to recover. Our projection is that this can be expected from Q2 2021. Developers simply cannot sustain selling at these low margins.”

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CON S C I OU S L I V I N G

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

Val de Vie remains top lifestyle estate

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ccording to a recent report by New World Wealth, more than 40% of SA’s high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) already live in or own homes on residential estates, with the Winelands remaining the most popular area for estate living.

Among the sought-after developments situated in this region is Val de Vie in Paarl, a development consistently ranked by New World Wealth as the top residential estate in SA. In addition, Val de Vie last month received two awards at the 2020/2021 International Property Awards in the categories Best Leisure Development (for Val de Vie Evergreen)

and Best Residential Development in SA. Chris Cilliers, CEO and co-principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Winelands, says lifestyle and innovation have been the winning recipe for the area’s success in this sector.

“Although golf courses are still a popular feature on estates, there has been a move towards lifestyle and retirement properties, so a large secure multigenerational development such as Val de Vie ticks all the boxes,” she says. “The estate is attracting entire families, where grandparents living at Val de Vie Evergreen Retirement Village can be

involved daily with their children and grandchildren and offer support.”

According to Cilliers, Val de Vie is also on trend when it comes to the growing need for on-site clubhouses that can double as informal office areas where residents have access to Wi-Fi and coffee on tap.

“Val de Vie is building office blocks on the estate that residents can rent and it offers a shared office facility for those who need a less formal space,” she says.

Another niche sector catered for in the Winelands is the equestrian market.

“Horse owners generally want to live close enough to their horses to be able to ride regularly and with

minimum fuss,” she says.

“Equestrians have a unique set of requirements: not only do they want secure and carefree living for themselves, they also want a secure and healthy environment for their horses, with plenty of space and exercise facilities as well as safe areas for outriding. Most equestrian estates also offer larger plot sizes, which appeal to people who prefer a more rural lifestyle.”

Cilliers says the growing estate sector has remained consistent over the years, even at the top end of the market, with investments still yielding returns despite the current economic climate and the impact of Covid-19.

This home in Val de Vie, Paarl, is on the market for R12.25m

Joburg gets more flexible workspaces T

he co-workspace solutions provider Workshop17 is expanding its footprint of five central business district and suburban facilities by adding a sixth offering at The Bank in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

According to Workshop17 CEO Paul Keursten, the prolonged impact of Covid-19 has entrepreneurs and corporates looking for new ways of working and alternative spaces with flexible and affordable leases.

The office of the future is no longer a specific area in one building but a combination of physical spaces and virtual office resources for meetings, planning and collaboration.

“Considering feedback from our customers, The Bank will have less hot desking than our other sites and more dedicated offices of various sizes that

Langebaan retirement village breaks ground

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onstruction has started at Langebaan Manor, Devmark Property Group’s new retirement village in Langebaan on the West Coast. The development will comprise 100 freehold homes, sectional title apartments, serviced apartments and frail-care units.

Says Devmark residential development division director Jean Ehlers: “Our prime lagoon stands are selling fast. To date we’ve

sold units to the value of more than R85m and we will start marketing Phase 3 shortly.”

The development is built considering authentic West Coast architecture, with 10 house types and two kinds of apartments to choose from. Prices range from R1.87m to R3.495m, including VAT and transfer costs. All Langebaan Manor properties will be fitted with quality luxury fittings as a standard and a choice of optional extras.

Ehlers says buyers are from all across the country.

“There’s a definite trend among retirees to move to coastal regions. Langebaan Manor is in the centre of town, close to all amenities and the pristine beaches surrounding the worldrenowned lagoon. The town offers excellent holiday facilities and outdoor experiences ranging from golf to water sports, and the West Coast National Park and West Coast Fossil Park are nearby.”

State-of-the-art security, garden and cleaning services, affordable levies and a frail-care and assisted-living centre complete the offering.

Part of The Retirement Collection by Devmark Property Group, Langebaan Manor is the developer’s ninth retirement village in 30 years. Others include Cle du Cap, Legato, La Vie Est Belle, Heritage Manor, Onrus Manor, Villa Cortona, Helderberg Manor and The Plettenberg Manor.

are suited for use full time by corporates or SMMEs, or for remote workers who need a convenient space for group status check-ins and brainstorming,” says Keursten. “Our café and meeting rooms will provide all the functionalities for onsite and online meetings in a welcoming environment.

Our spaces are also designed to host business events and private functions.”

Workshop17 members will get preferential rates at InterContinental Hotels’ boutique hotel Voco, whereas hotel guests in turn will enjoy the benefits of Workshop17, including flexible use of offices and boardrooms, and fast Wi-Fi. Keursten says the combination of Workshop17, Voco and a new restaurant, Proud Mary, creates a multifunctional offering and an integrated member experience.

Construction industry urged to go digital S

peaking at #futurenow, a virtual conference held by construction software company RIB CCS, futures strategist, human behaviour specialist and bestselling author John Sanei said the industry needs to develop robust business models and structures that allow for experimentation in a world that is changing fast.

The conference explored the urgent need for the engineering and construction industry to embrace digitalisation to remain relevant and futureproof businesses. RIB CCS CEO Andrew Skudder (left) said this sector is one of the least digitised industries in the world (it is ranked 21st out of 22 industries), with

no significant productivity growth in recent years.

Conference speaker Marc Nezet of Schneider Electric highlighted three major challenges the world is facing – a global pandemic, recession and climate change.

“World Economic Forum statistics indicate that construction accounts

for 13% of the global GDP, 6% of world employment and a staggering 40% to 50% of worldwide emissions, meaning climate change cannot be solved without transforming the building and construction industry,” said Skudder.

According to Nezet, net-zero carbon cities and buildings need to

be designed and built thoughtfully, and doing so is possible thanks to digital software technologies.

McKinsey & Company partner Gerhard Nel reiterated the need for change in the industry, “which is currently characterised by increasing complexity, changing customer

preferences, sustainability considerations, a move to modular, a shortage of skilled labour and a stricter and more complex regulatory environment”.

Referring to the topic of disruption raised by Sanei, Skudder agreed that meaningful transformation sometimes requires creating so-called future

teams in the business to experiment with new ways of doing things.

“Innovative organisations do this as a matter of course, but I don’t think construction companies do it enough,” he said.

“It’s a great suggestion for them to consider, especially with the way the sector is evolving.”

where families come to grow up

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3m18m +27(0)10 597 1040 sales@steyncity.co.za www.steyncity