Neighbourhood CT - 27 September 2015

RSA

Neighbourhood 27 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Wine rebels Best of the Swartland Revolution Turn to page 03 for more

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

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CHOCOLATE

06 SMART HOMES

08 NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: BALLITO

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SECTIONAL TITLES

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

Home-grown A

fter watching Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform recently, my thoughts wandered to our local arts scene. We have a lot to celebrate in terms of dance, drama and arts in general. But I think that our biggest challenge is getting people to attend – the bums-on-seats necessity that keeps performance alive.

Coinciding with this past Heritage Day is the beginning of the Cape Town Fringe festival. So, leave your comfort zone and go support local talent. Here’s why: • The Fringe showcases the rich diversity of the country’s talent.

While more than 60% of the artists involved in the Fringe this year are from the Western Cape, the rest of the country is also represented by must-see acts from Durban, Joburg, Rustenburg... Even Grahamstown!

• Engage your children’s curiosity by exposing them to the thrill of live theatre. There are loads of familyfriendly shows on the programme.

• Shows that fit snugly into your lunch break have been especially scheduled for the middle of the day, allowing the desk-bound a creative lunch hour.

• Rub shoulders with artists: the Fringe Club at City Hall is open from 11am until late, with good food, a bar and live entertainment.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Cape Town Fringe Festival 2015 For the full line-up, visit capetownfringe.co.za.

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP 9 6th Street, Parkhurst, 2193 011 476 6293 thecreativegroup.info

Choc therapy A chocoholic’s dream, My Sugar is a new café dedicated to the funkiest chocolate in town WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: CLARE WILLIAMS

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tep through the door of My Sugar in Sea Point’s Regent Road and your senses will go into overdrive at the display trays stacked high with chocolates in all shapes and sizes. Choose from a hundred different taste journeys: each one a work of art. This is a café with a difference – order your coffee from the barista and then take on the herculean task of choosing a few individual chocolates to adorn your plate.

Fringe festivals give us the impetus to engage the arts to heal ourselves from our past, to unravel truths about our current challenges, to envision hope for the future and to sometimes just temporarily escape into oblivion ISMAIL MAHOMED, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: CAPE TOWN FRINGE

This chocolate café is a long-time dream of chocolatier Kaylah Greenberg.

“We wanted to make great chocolate accessible and fun again. Most chocolate shops have stayed very traditional and we wanted to turn that on its head,” she says.

Together with partner Asher Isaacs, a chef with several years at five-star dining establishment La Colombe under his belt, she has certainly brought the fun back into chocolate and the quirkiest creations are already favourites with the wide variety of regulars popping in to My Sugar for a hit of chocolate cheer.

“One of our stars is the CaramelloBuddha, a milk chocolate Buddha filled with miso caramel and crushed peanuts.

Our Old Man Jacks have also been a hit – Jack Daniels bourbon ganache

and tobacco caramel encased in a dark chocolate skull.”

Kaylah uses very little added sugar in her fillings, and the fruit centres retain their natural acidity. There’s a subtlety to all the flavours: in the golden chocolate Buddhas, the miso is complementary rather than overpowering, and deeply satisfying to the foodie palate. I especially enjoyed the Dark Salt Teardrops, the salt bringing out the richness of the chocolate without even looking for attention.

Kaylah is constantly experimenting with flavour combinations so there is always something new to try. “Our recent flavour creations are hazelnut and coriander, popping candy and champagne, and a very small dark chocolate shell filled

with 100% cocoa mass: a really cool experiment for customers to see where chocolate comes from.”

Then there are the luscious new cake jars, and a new range of maltitol-sweetened chocolates suitable for diabetics. Be sure to take home some of the salty sweet pretzel bark (their bestseller): crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel and Maldon sea salt in milk or dark chocolate. Yum!

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: My Sugar 77 Regent Road, Sea Point 021 433 2335

We are so lucky with our customer base. We have every type of person imaginable come through our doors. It just goes to show that everyone loves chocolate!

KAYLAH GREENBERG, OWNER/ CHOCOLATIER

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info EDITORIAL TEAM Group Editor: Claire Barnardo claire.barnardo@thecreativegroup.info Creative Director: Mark Peddle

Editorial Consultant: Bridget McNulty Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Copy Editor: Charis Le Riche Art Director: Leah de Jager Designer: Megan Cooper Online Editor: Lauren Joubert

ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Neighbourhood Manager: Dylan Rothschild dylan.rothschild@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za

co.za

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Taste the Revolution Didn’t get tickets to this year’s Swartland Revolution? Enjoy a taste of South Africa’s sexiest wine region with these five bottles…

WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

AA Badenhorst Family Wines

Despite – or perhaps because of – his piratical appearance, Adi Badenhorst is one of the leading lights of the Swartland Revolution. On his Paardeberg farm Kalmoesfontein, he dabbles in everything from dry tonic to herbinfused ‘Caperitif’ vermouth, but it’s his wines that have won acclaim worldwide.

The AA Badenhorst red and white blends are certainly superb, but his everyday quaffers are what should fill your cellar this summer. The Secateurs Chenin Blanc scored four stars in the latest Platter’s Wine Guide, and offers some of the best value in the Swartland.

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

There’s great value to be found in the White Blend from Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines too, albeit at a higher price. Winemaker Andrea Mullineux chose specific vineyards according to their soil type – shale and schist on the Kasteelberg, decomposed granite on the Paardeberg – to select the perfect blocks of Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Viognier for this top-rated blend.

Sadie Family Vineyards

Eben Sadie is a winemaker passionate about seeking out unusual vineyards.

The Palladius and Columella from Sadie Family Vineyards are world-class white and red blends, but his particular passion is identifying and rescuing – through winemaking – the old bush vine vineyards of the region. These are celebrated in his Old Vine Series, which includes the Soldaat Grenache from Piekenierskloof and the Skurfberg Chenin Blanc from the Olifants River valley. However, it’s the Pofadder Cinsault that is most worthy of a tasting.

The most challenging in the range to make, says Sadie, it’s an elegant example of a grape rarely bottled on its own.

The Hughes Family Wines

The Nativo Red Blend from the Hughes Family Wines will be more familiar to wine lovers; a delicious blend driven

by Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Sourced from dry land organic vineyards above Malmesbury, it’s a perfect example of the excellent wine the Swartland is capable of producing.

Annex Kloof Wines

As are the wines from Annex Kloof.

Winemaker Hugo Basson is perhaps most famous for his Malbec, but his Rhône-style wines are also worth exploring. The Tulu is another classic blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache, combining dark berries with plenty of spice. Drink now with red meat dishes, or cellar until 2020.

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Taqueria don’t have their liquor licence yet, but they do have a BYOB policy. So grab something from home or visit the bottle store across the road

Taco-tastic cuisine From the folks who brought you El Burro comes the latest addition: Taqueria. It’s all about simple, tasty food WORDS: CHARIS LE RICHE

IMAGES: RICHARD KEPPEL-SMITH

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nspired by taco shops in Mexico, El Burro’s sibling restaurant Taqueria has fast become a favourite Kloof Nek haunt. You’ll find that most nights this tiny eatery is packed with hungry diners adding their names to the waiting list. “Taquerias are so intrinsic to Mexican food culture, it is such a part of everyday life. Mexican taquerias are a lot more informal, but the food is very similar,” explains co-owner Nic Haarhof.

I arrive on a Thursday to find Taqueria completely full. Luckily my friends

arrived early enough to secure a booth (tip number one). Taqueria has a minimal yet chic décor complete with booths, hanging plants and yellow and blue stools. Owners Rene Jellis, Nic, and Hugo and Sasha Berolsky know a thing or two about decorating trendy spots, as you can see from their other ventures: El Burro, Royale Eatery, Cabrito and Neighbourhood (to name a few).

“When we design spaces, we create ones that we would personally want to go to and where we’d bring our friends,” explains Nic.

The restaurant has no menus, but you’ll find everything you need to know on the wall above the counter.

Some of the items you’ll recognise from El Burro, others you won’t.

Mains are one per portion, but it means you can pick a few samples to really experience the menu. Our waitress recommended we order three portions, but you can easily get away with four (tip number two) and still have space for churros (deep fried, coated in crunchy sugar with a glorious choc dipping sauce) for dessert.

I sampled the chilorio pork taco (twice cooked, with chilli and garlic), steak quesadilla (free-range rib-eye with chilli salsa, queso fresco and fresh avo) and the chicken taco (chilli, garlic, lime, coriander and avo). All three were standouts and I was tempted to order seconds of each. As Nic says, “Anyone who knows El Burro and how we [the owners] operate will know that when we open up a venture the integrity, freshness and quality of the food comes through in each dish we serve.”

Last word? “We do not do crispy hardshell tacos. We encourage our patrons to come with an open mind – this is not a conventional SA restaurant. So come in and relax and don’t worry about what society tells you a restaurant should be.”

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: El Burro Taqueria 021 422 3554 Open from noon till late, Monday to Saturday

MC 120/48 15KW

Heat your entire home by ducting from a PIAZZETTA fireplace.

KW

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

When time is of the essence, LOCAL LOWDOWN

finding the perfect fast food spot is vital WORDS: ANDY MÖLLER IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Junior

Having only recently opened its doors (on 16 September) Junior already promises to be the next top fast food joint. Owned by the same people who brought us the original gourmet burger restaurant, Royale Eatery, Junior represents a new concept: gourmet take-away. Fast, yet fresh. Found at 12 Kloof Nek Road, Junior promises to never serve a frozen patty for as long as they are in the fast food game, that their rolls will be baked on-site and their fries will be freshly chopped potatoes. Be sure to stop by and try one of their five burger options.

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Nuri Sushi

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Junior 021 422 2968 Curry in a Hurry 082 924 3138 Nuri Sushi 021 461 8719 nuri.co.za

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Sushi outings are lovely when they’re at an exciting new restaurant and you have all the time in the world, but not when you’re in a hurry. If you want to stuff your face with designer sushi without dressing up for the occasion, then Nuri Sushi is what you need. Situated at 8 Parliament Street, Cape Town, Nuri Sushi has a nifty assembly line that ensures each dish comes out beautiful, tasty… and fast. If you’re indecisive but would like an affordable variety, try the Botha Platter that includes rainbow rolls, spicy prawn tempura, salmurai, IKA roll and tuna crunch. Best part: they’re open on Sundays and you can bring your own bottle of wine, no corkage!

Curry in a Hurry

Run by 75-year-old Gerhardt Hundt, in all its trending food truck glory, is Curry in a Hurry. What makes the curry dishes from this food truck more desirable than any other curry eatery, aside from the experienced chef? Gerhardt’s homemade curry power, which he explains is just the right level of hotness without overpowering the other flavours. He also makes his own plum chutney, pickled chillies and atchar. Visit Curry in a Hurry at Groote Post Country Market during October 2015. To know where Gerhardt will be stopping next, or to book him for functions, simply give him a call.

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Living connected The smart home is, for many, the next major evolution in the way we live WORDS: CHRIS REID

IMAGES: CONTROL4AUTOMATION/SIMPLETECH

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imply put, the term “smart home” refers to the idea that devices within a home can all be connected not only to each other but also to the internet, thus allowing homeowners to control them through central interfaces.

And this doesn’t only include computers, tablets and the like: it gets truly useful when applied to appliances and other home electronics.

A few years ago, when internetconnected fridges came onto the market, they were the butt of jokes.

Now it seems they’re anything but.

According to Jaryd Raizon from local smart-solutions company Simpletech, most people who come to them are aware of the concept of the smart home but not the full potential of the technology. “I would say that about 70%

of our customers approach us knowing that technology can help them to achieve a more secure, energy-efficient and convenient home,” he says, “but they rely on us to paint the picture for them.” According to Jaryd, more advanced systems are increasingly taking off in luxury residential homes, while in the mass market, players such as Altech’s Node device dominate.

The truly smart home may be in its infancy in SA, but the growth internationally has been significant.

Juniper Research projects a total global market value of $71bn by 2018. This is mostly in the entertainment category, but peripheral devices will invariably follow. With this in mind, the growth in South Africa is inevitable. How local developers find solutions geared specifically for this market and the South African lifestyle, however, will be key.

I would say that about 70% of our customers approach us knowing that technology can help them to achieve a more secure, energyefficient and convenient home, but they rely on us to paint the picture for them JARYD RAIZON, COO: SIMPLETECH

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Simpletech 021 300 1331 simpletech.co.za

All-Inclusive adult only treat Located at Palmar, just a few kilometers from the renowned island of Ile aux Cerfs, this contemporary All-Inclusive adult only resort boasts a 700m coral sandy beach running along a sheltered bay.

5 Great reasons to choose Ambre

Adult only beach resort offering an All-Inclusive formula at 3 restaurants and 2 bars.

Modern rooms, recently refurbished in a fresh and contemporary style.

A 700m long white natural sandy beach running along the sheltered bay of Palmar.

Free access to additional facilities and restaurants at the nearby Long Beach 5 star resort: both Ambre and Long Beach are operated by Sun Resorts.

Easy access to the iconic island of Ile aux Cerfs and to the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club: golfers receive free green fees and complimentary bus shuttle and taxi boat.

Ambre All-Inclusive Standard Garden View All-Inclusive 10% early booking discount included Adults Only Guests 16 years and older

09 Dec - 21 Dec 2015 7 nights from R 20 130 - Ex JNB 7 nights from R 20 550 - Ex DUR 7 nights from R 21 000 - Ex CPT

Package includes: Return direct flights to Mauritius on Air Mauritius. Return coach transfers. *All-Inclusive: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, selected drinks while bars are open. All land and non motorised water sports as per brochure. Daily Entertainment. Package excludes: Passport + visa costs (if applicable). Travel insurance. Items of a personal nature. Approximate taxes, levies and surcharges R3560 ex JNB / R4120 ex DUR / R4690 ex CPT. All rates quoted are per adult sharing and subject to availability at time of making the reservation. Airfares & taxes are subject to change within the specified seasons and are carrier specific, which could impact on the rate quoted. Rates are subject to currency fluctuations which are subject to change without prior notification. Standard T’s and C’s apply.

Please call your nearest travel professional

or World Leisure Holidays on 0860 954 954 / www.wlh.co.za /

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SPOTLIGHT

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Neighbourhood

RSA

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on SA’s featured neighbourhood

Spotlight on Ballito

No longer just a quaint holiday spot, Ballito is quickly growing up WORDS: CATH JENKIN

IMAGES: PRIVATE PROPERTY & SUPPLIED

Neighbourhood

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SPOTLIGHT

hard and invested in the area to make a living and grow a business.

Outsiders might still see Ballito as a charming holiday resort that’s great for fun in the sun, but the area offers so much more to those who settle there.

Just 40km north of central Durban, Ballito is considered a haven for city dwellers and a heart-filled home for those who live there. Established as a town in 1954, Ballito is famous for its ocean views and a laid-back lifestyle that underpins a sense of community.

Ballito gets down to business When King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort opened in 2010, Ballito came to the fore for many in the worlds of commerce and industry. But the success of this local industry boom isn’t only because of development: it also rests upon a strong element of community support.

Known for his outspoken commitment to the town, Justin Scott is also a devoted husband, father of three and MD of FabMags Publications, a proudly Ballito enterprise. Says Justin, “Ten years ago the town was small and, as a community, we had to support each other to survive. Locals still support each other and there is still a climate of old-school values in a modern and progressive town that is growing up. We honour and respect those that have worked

“There is a misconception that because we’re coastal, we’re chilled or relaxed, but Ballito’s people work very hard. Many of the businesses have been established by people who moved to Ballito from upcountry, so they bring that buzz with them and they are as driven and motivated as anyone, anywhere else.”

Locals still support each other and there is still a climate of old-school values in a modern and progressive town that is growing up JUSTIN SCOTT, RESIDENT

Work/life balance

Business is booming in Ballito, but this hasn’t had a negative effect on the quality of life. In fact, it’s made it even easier for residents to discover and embrace their work/life balance, touching on a firm foundation that’s made for living life to the max.

Justin says, “Life in Ballito is really different. When it comes to lifestyle, Ballito offers everything you want for a family: quality time over time stuck in traffic, familiar faces that greet you at the shops, and kindred spirits that support each other. Add in the beauty of the place and it makes for a very attractive place to live. Overall, our mind-set is one of collective positivity: that we as a community can overcome most challenges thrown at us. We also get together to help out wherever needed, as evidenced by programmes such as Vision 153, a community-driven support organisation that’s growing exponentially

thanks to the golden hearts of the residents of Ballito.

It’s also easy to get the work/life balance right in Ballito: slotting in a surf, run or gym session before or after work is simple, because work and home are close to each other.”

Scott says that there is still a lot of opportunity on the North Coast, as a second wave of growth has begun on the foundations laid over the past 10 years.

Lifestyle and retail

The establishment of three large shopping malls in Ballito bears testament to its development as a commercial hub and its convenient location for residents. Take a leisurely browse through Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Ballito Junction or The Quarter and you’ll find everything you need within easy reach. Ballito Junction is expanding too, with construction to be completed in 2017.

Let’s talk about the beach

With a beautifully paved promenade that offers you incredible ocean views and the chance to spy dolphins at play (hence “Dolphin Coast”), Ballito’s beachfront is made for family fun. Enjoy a leisurely sunset walk, or take your pick of one of the area’s beaches to enjoy a sunny day out.

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAL La Piazza Zara’s Café Mamma G’s Eat Local Grill

ZARA’S CAFÉ

Mo-zam-bik Ballito Al Pescatore Beira Alta Thava Ballito Gianni’s Ristorante

EAT LOCAL GRILL

With a beautifully paved promenade that offers you incredible ocean views and the chance to spy dolphins at play (hence “Dolphin Coast”), Ballito’s beachfront is made for family fun.

BEIRA ALTA

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SPOTLIGHT

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WATCH THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD COME TO LIFE AT

privateproperty.co.za/ballito

Our mind-set is one of collective positivity, that we as a community can overcome most challenges thrown at us JUSTIN SCOTT, RESIDENT

Take a leisurely browse through Ballito Lifestyle Centre, Ballito Junction or The Quarter and you’ll find everything you need, within easy reach. Ballito Junction is expanding too, with construction to be completed in 2017 BALLITO JUNCTION

BALLITO LIFESTYLE CENTRE

BALLITO LIFESTYLE CENTRE

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Property prices in Ballito

R18,000 Average asking price for a typical Ballito property (four-bedroom house)

R5,89m

R3,35m

It’s easy to get the work/life balance right in Ballito: slotting in a surf, run or gym session before or after work is simple, because work and home are close to each other JUSTIN SCOTT, RESIDENT

Apartment: average asking price:

Monthly asking price for a typical Ballito rental (a three-bedroom house)

R2,58m

Average asking price: sectional title house

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SPOTLIGHT

Property demand in Ballito

Ballito: percentage of total sales listings for the Dolphin Coast

Ballito’s command of Interest in properties for sale on the Dolphin Coast

75%

71%

65%

Percentage of total rental listings for the Dolphin Coast in Ballito

SIMBITHI ECO ESTATE

79 007 properties under R1Million. Find yours.

A home for everyone www.privateproperty.co.za

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PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Conservative spending on homes

due to additional expenses With a growing awareness of all the costs associated with buying a home, more buyers are limiting the size and value of their purchase WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGE: ISTOCK

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omebuyers are often caught off-guard by the additional costs associated with buying a home, but growing awareness of these expenses means many buyers are taking a more conservative approach to home buying.

A recent FNB Estate Agent Survey estimates 13% of sellers are selling their property to downscale due to financial pressure. John Loos, strategist: FNB, says an individual can reduce costs such as home maintenance, rates and tariffs bills, insurance and furniture by limiting the size and value of a home.

“Many potential homebuyers overcommit financially, taking out a 100% loan-to-value bond and more debt to finance transaction costs or furniture and appliances for their new home,” Loos says. “However, the smaller the home, the less space for material items and less electricity consumption, and the lower the value of the home, the lower the rates bill should be, with the garden and swimming pool having lower water, maintenance and insurance needs,” he says.

Lesiba Mooka, CEO: Cobalt Blue

Properties, says with the introduction of stricter lending rules the number of homebuyers purchasing properties beyond their means has drastically decreased in the last 10 years, with fewer properties repossessed as a result. However, around 3% to 5% of homeowners are still unable to make monthly payments. He says buyers should be prepared for costs, such as paying a deposit if the financier doesn’t grant a 100% bond legal fees, and bond registration and transfer costs.

“Allowance should be made for additional expenses, such as maintenance costs, monthly bond repayment increases and bank charges, that might arise once the property has been purchased. Saving 25% of the purchase price of the property should cover extra costs,” says Mooka.

David Rebe, CEO: Sandak-Lewin Property Trust, says costs that are often not factored into the price of homebuying include movers, insurance premiums, security and increased costs in rates, taxes and maintenance. He says if the buyer moves into a property and there’s a delay in transferring the

property into their name, there will also be occupational rental to pay as they will be living in someone else’s house.

“Buyers also need to take into account utilities such as phones, electricity and water, carpet cleaning, hanging curtains or painting. If buyers are purchasing a sectional-title property, they need to pay the monthly levy but should ask about special projects that may result in a special levy. Individuals should buy property with a buffer for economic changes, increases in interest rates, utilities bills and being unemployed for a while,” says Rebe.

Allowance should be made for additional expenses. Saving 25% of the purchase price of the property should cover extra costs LESIBA MOOKA, CEO: COBALT BLUE PROPERTIES

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RSA

NATIONAL NEWS STORY Opening the door to different neighbourhoods in SA

New to the Neighbourhood:

Home loan questions?

Answered WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY

Ballito

There’s nothing more exciting than moving into a new neighbourhood. Here’s what Stephne Ashworth loves about her new home in Ballito WORDS: RIEKIE HUMAN

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Q: How did you find your property?

A: We were looking for a beachfront property around Shaka’s Rock and Wendy McMurray put in a lot of effort to meet our brief.

Q: What do you wish you’d known before you started looking?

A: We really wish we were aware of how much the prices of homes in that area had increased in recent years.

IMAGES: ISTOCK

Q: How do I know what property I can afford?

A: To assess what you can afford to pay on a home purchase, it is important that you take into account all the costs of managing a home.

Ongoing costs 1. Home loan repayments You will have to pay off your home loan in monthly instalments.

2. Homeowner’s cover (HOC) This type of insurance is mandatory for all home loans. It offers protection against loss and damage in respect of the home and/or its use and covers the physical structure, permanent fixtures and fittings, lapas and swimming pools.

If you are a sectional-title owner, your insurance is provided by your body corporate. Remember, this does not cover the contents of your home, for example furniture and appliances.

3. Loan protection assurance (LPA) Loan protection assurance provides protection for your home loan repayments in the event of death or disability, and may be a requirement on your home loan.

4. Municipal rates and taxes This amount is determined by the market value of your property as estimated by your local municipality.

It covers municipal services such as waste collection.

5. Water and electricity You have to pay for the amount of water

and electricity you use every month.

6. Levy The body corporate of the building determines the amount that each owner of a sectional-title property must pay every month. This money is used to pay for the maintenance of the common property and related costs such as insurance, painting, security and cleaning.

7. Garden maintenance This amount will vary according to the size of your property and the frequency of maintenance required.

And then there’s the patio with its uninterrupted views of the ocean – ideal for the fabulous alfresco lifestyle that’s made possible by the wonderful weather on the North Coast

8. Pool maintenance This cost varies according to the frequency of maintenance required.

Q: What do you love about your home?

A: This particular sectional-title property has few apartments and they are all on one level. There is also very easy access from the garage.

The bathrooms are all en suite, and the maintenance on the interior is minimal. And then there’s the patio with its uninterrupted views of the ocean – ideal for the fabulous alfresco lifestyle that’s made possible by the wonderful weather on the North Coast. Both of us also love watching the moon rise. And the tropical storms that play out over the ocean’s horizon are truly spectacular.

Q: Did you know exactly what area you wanted to live in?

A: Yes. We were quite particular about that and it was certainly one of the main requirements of the property we would buy.

9. Security This cost varies according to the size of the property, the type of security required and whether or not you are linked to an armed-response service.

It’s important to know what to expect from a cost perspective on a monthto-month basis so that you know what property you can afford.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? Nedbank Home Loans has compiled a free step-by-step Buyer’s Guide to empower not only first-time homebuyers but also anyone who is considering the purchase of a new home. For more information, visit nedbank.co.za/homeloans.

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lan and Stephne Ashworth bought their spacious fourbedroom home on Thompson’s Bay, Ballito in November last year with the help of Wendy McMurray of RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors. The apartment boasts magnificent sea views and exquisite features such as a walk-in pantry. Stephne tells us more about their new home.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Visit Private Property at privateproperty.co.za.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about your area?

A: We love the village atmosphere and the friendliness of everyone around here – including the holidaymakers! It’s such a special thing about South Africans, our openness and willingness to chat, and we have that in abundance here.

Q: Where’s your favourite local coffee spot?

A: The Fig Tree at Simbithi Country Club.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

27 SEPTEMBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

When everyone wins I

nfrastructure is a key part of any functioning economy. Essentially, it’s the foundation on which everything else is based. If you don’t have the proper requirements in place, your economy struggles. There is no better example of that than South Africa’s current electricity supply problem.

If you turn that on its head, however, building new infrastructure has a multiplier effect on economic growth.

In simple terms, every R1 spent on infrastructure results in more than R1 being added to economic output.

The perfect example of this is modern China. The huge growth story that has played out there has been based on massive amounts of fixed-capital spending, sometimes to the extent of building entire cities from scratch.

That is why infrastructure is such a key part of the National Development Plan (NDP). South Africa recognises that it has to increase spending on infrastructure, both to resolve existing shortfalls and to stimulate future economic growth. The challenge is that the government doesn’t have enough money to meet the requirements on its own.

The NDP has set a target level of infrastructure spending at 30% of GDP to achieve economic growth of 5,4% by 2030, but figures from Stanlib show that infrastructure spending last reached these levels 40 years ago.

The government also has a record of underspending its budgeted infrastructure allocation. Estimates show that in 2012 to 2013 it spent only 85% of the R255,6bn it had set aside.

This is a problem, but it is also an enormous opportunity for the private sector. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a potential solution where risks, responsibilities, resources and skills are shared between the government and private investors.

South Africa’s renewable-energy programme has already shown how well this can work. A total of 92 projects, all privately funded, built and managed, have been approved since 2011. This represents a total private-sector commitment of R193bn. The private sector hasn’t come forward with this money out of a sense of obligation or charity: it has been eager to participate because of the potential returns it can earn.

The NDP highlights a number of areas where infrastructure spending should be directed, including education, health care, public transport, broadband internet, energy and water

The result is that the country as a whole benefits from private-sector technology, innovation and knowledge.

This improves efficiency and enhances public services while taking some of the strain off the government.

It only works, however, when the private sector sees the potential for enticing returns on its investment. That is where the government has to play its role. If it can create the right incentives and the right framework, the potential for symbiotic relationships with the private sector can be a win-win for everybody.

Table View:

a criminal’s property playground?

High crime rates could affect property purchases in this coastal suburb WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGE: ANTON SCHOLTZ

T

able View, a residential suburb situated along the Western Seaboard, has been exposed by Crime Stats SA as being one of the most burgled areas in South Africa. What impact does this have on property values in the area? And what can community members do to reduce these statistics?

Crime Stats SA is an online database that shows which regions in South Africa are affected most by crime. Their 2014 data reveals information about suburbs often going unnoticed by the surrounding neighbourhoods. Bordered by wetlands and nature reserves, with Blouberg beach not far off, Table View seems to be one of the most idyllic places to raise a family.

Yet it is number nine on a list of Cape Town’s top burgled areas. According to Crime Stats SA, the official number of house-related burglaries in Table View in one year is a staggering 1,235 – beating even some of Johannesburg’s suburbs.

Effect of crime

Isobel Bresler, Realtor of Excellence, Table View area specialist, says that crime has not affected property sales, as the area is

preferred because of its location. “People love the fact that Table View is close to the sea and still offers relatively good value for money. It caters for a wide range of property buyers: in Table View you can still enter the property market for around R700,000 (for a two-bedroom flat) or you can splash out on a property that may set you back R5m or R6m,” says Isobel.

“In 2014 there were 263 freehold properties and 444 sectional title properties registered – that is a total of 707 property transfers. This is compared to 251 freehold properties and 329 sectional title properties in 2013 – an increase of 127 property transfers in 2014.”

– we know this is on the rise just about everywhere,” says Isobel. Upping your security measures does not necessarily mean your property value will increase however. “It depends on the kind of security measures; it does not always lead to an increase in the value of the property but it without doubt makes a difference when similar properties compete against each other. A property with better security measures would normally sell quicker.”

The Table View Neighbourhood Watch is extremely active. Street communities have popped up throughout the neighbourhood, with WhatsApp groups being incorporated to keep homeowners aware of what’s happening around their home, even when they’re not there.

I think prospective buyers are concerned about crime in South Africa as a whole – we know this is on the rise just about everywhere

“I think prospective buyers are concerned about crime in South Africa as a whole

ISOBEL BRESLER, REALTOR OF EXCELLENCE, TABLE VIEW AREA SPECIALIST

Home safety advice

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PROPERTY NEWS

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JOBURG NEWS STORY

Sectional-title: more popular than ever Demand for sectional-title properties is growing both nationally and within Gauteng WORDS: CATHERINE BLACK

IMAGE: ISTOCK

A

ffordability, security and convenience – these are just some of the reasons why demand for sectional-title properties is surging in South Africa, according to the recent Pam Golding Properties Residential Property Index. The index, which looks at property trends across the country, found that while only 10,9% of residential building plans passed in South Africa in 2000 were for sectional-title properties, this figure increased to 38% in 2015.

Within Gauteng specifically, this trend is notable in several residential suburbs, according to Jonathan Davies, manager: Pam Golding Properties Hyde Park.

Within the suburb, he says, sectional-title properties make up 30% of all properties sold, but this form of ownership is growing further afield in suburbs such as Woodmead, Randburg and Soweto.

It’s also popular in upmarket areas such as Sandhurst and Bryanston, where sectional-title developments allow residents to own more affordable homes in affluent areas.

Besides affordability, Davies says, there are several contributing factors to the trend. “Sectional-title properties are convenient, low maintenance and meet the desire for a secure lifestyle,” he explains. Davies also notes that the increase in the transfer duty threshold earlier this year has strengthened activity in this market, as it has allowed buyers looking for lower priced properties more financial leeway.

Charles Vining, managing director: Seeff Properties Sandton, says that sectionaltitle properties also offer peace of mind in terms of maintenance and upkeep.

“Generally the body corporate maintains the building and grounds and facilitates the security services and billing of utilities, which eliminates much effort on the part of the owner,” he says.

Vining cites examples such as Rosebank, where 80% of properties constitute sectional-title living, while Douglasdale and Craigavon now consist of 57% and 74% of sectional-title properties

respectively. Another key driver in suburbs such as Morningside is buy-to-let investors looking to rent to professionals working in and around Sandton.

Given the current economic climate, it makes sense that demand for sectionaltitle properties is growing. With initiatives such as the rejuvenation of the Johannesburg city centre, more areas are becoming viable for creating new sectional-title properties in older buildings, and in so doing, beginning to meet this demand.

Besides affordability, sectional-title properties are convenient, low maintenance and meet the desire for a secure lifestyle JONATHAN DAVIES, MANAGER: PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES HYDE PARK

Expandable Barriers

Roller Shutters www.Maxidor.co.za | 0860 131 131

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MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide

Agency Guide

SOUTHERN SUBURBS Pinelands

WEST COAST 28

Langebaan

26

Yzerfontein

35

WESTERN SEABOARD Atlantic Beach

33, 35

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Atlantic Links

35

Durbanville

23

Big Bay

21, 28, 29, 31

Goodwood

28

Blouberg

31, 32

Plattekloof

24, 25

Bloubergrand

31, 32

Welgedacht

23

Bloubergrise

27

Bloubergsands

27

Bloubergstrand

21, 29, 32

Century City

29

Dolphin Beach

29

Duynefontein

35

Eden on the Bay

32

Flamingo Vlei

28, 31

Melkbosstrand

21, 31, 35

Milnerton

19

Parklands

21, 27, 29, 31, 32

Sunningdale

29

Table View

32

Van Riebeeckstrand

35

Waves Edge

29, 31

West Beach

27, 28, 31

Atlantic Beach Estate Chas Everitt International Property Group ERA Real Estate Leapfrog Properties Nedbank Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties Sotheby's international Realty Val de Vie

33

36 32 35 20 23 - 27 19 28 - 29 31 20 - 21 22

BOLAND, OVERBERG & HELDERBERG Boschenmeer

23

Eastcliff

23

Franschhoek

23

Hermanus

23

Onrus

23

Paarl

22

Pearl Valley

23

Classifieds: Atlantic Beach Property Sales Rawson Properties

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