Neighbourhood DBN - 03 June 2018

Neighbourhood 3 JUNE 2018

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Umhlanga Why this beautiful “village” is seen as a leading light in the property market, page 2

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SUBURB FOCUS: UMHLANGA

yourneighbourhood.co.za

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BUSINESS Q&A

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INVESTING IN LAND

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PROPERTY NEWS

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Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

Umhlanga Here's what's happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH & GOOGLE MAPS

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mhlanga has clearly defined zones and is broken up into mini suburbs. The “little holiday village” has exploded into a metropolis which has essentially become the new city centre. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping was the catalyst for the “live, work, play” philosophy in the area, which is practised globally and is now the modus operandi for new developments throughout South Africa. Nobody wants to waste time commuting, so people

*Map not to scale

choose to live in areas where work, schools and shops are near home.

Therefore, mixed-use developments are seen as being convenient areas to live and build communities.

Above Umhlanga Village is the commercial hub of Umhlanga Ridge.

This is the commercial and professional heartbeat of greater Durban and is populated not only with major head offices which relocated from city centre, but also others which moved to the coast from other provinces or have offices around the world. As more land is released, it’s just as quickly taken up by new developments.

Those flying into Durban on business need go no further south to get to Umhlanga, as King Shaka International Airport is an easy 15-minute drive away.

Property

I’ve lived in Umhlanga since I was a girl.

My parents recently moved into a local retirement village, and we’ve moved into this large house, and we’re loving it! For me, it’s literally home from home!

Of all the property in KwaZulu-Natal, that on the North Coast has gained in value considerably more than elsewhere. But there are still more affordable pockets of Umhlanga, particularly in the numerous apartment blocks around Gateway. New residential developments are constantly coming up, often smaller ones tucked away in the mini suburbs of Umhlanga.

Property along the prized beachfront is a mix of residential, largely on the south side, and holiday accommodation on the northern stretch. On the beachfront there are numerous gated or smaller complexes – many of them have been there for decades. The area a road or two back from the beach is largely comprised of freestanding homes and older homes on good-sized plots.

CAROLINE TRE, RESIDENT

Holiday accommodation is made up of the “hotel belt”, primarily timeshares PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town

DO: • Tag along with the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board to see what they do.

• Test your skills at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping’s WavePark.

• Enjoy live music concerts and weekly craft markets at Chris Saunders Park.

• Spend the day swimming and surfing at Bronze Beach.

• Enjoy family-friendly boat trips from Granny’s Pool.

EAT: • Little Havana: for delicious steaks • Ile Maurice: for Mauritian and French meals • The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box: for bistro-style meals and ocean views • Fish: for fresh seafood • The Chefs Table: for innovative cuisine • Old Town Italy: for traditional Italian dishes • Pintxada: for Spanish cuisine

SHOP: • • • • •

Gateway Theatre of Shopping The Pearls of Umhlanga Oceans Mall Cornubia Mall The Crescent at Umhlanga Ridge

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Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Mlungisi Mthembu Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423

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3 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

and apartment complexes. Much of this accommodation was bought up by people from Gauteng many years ago, and although the demographics of the owners are constantly changing, the area is always busy during the holidays.

New multimillion-rand residential apartment blocks like the Pearls of Umhlanga, with a top-end mall on the ground floor, epitomise the “live, work, play” philosophy.

Exclusive residential estates like Hawaan Forest Estate offer world-class security and an unparalleled lifestyle right at the heart of the action.

Resident Edwin Chetty says, “I work in IT, and recently bought an apartment in the Gateway precinct. I can literally walk to work, there’s a laundromat downstairs and I have all the entertainment I want just across the road. For a single guy, this is perfection!”

Schooling Schools follow development, and that’s happened in Umhlanga. But the entire North Coast has spawned new schools to cope with the rapidly increasing population. Durban North has a broad range of superb public schools – from pre-primary to high school.

In Umhlanga, you’ll find the private schools of Reddam House Umhlanga

For sale

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PROPERTY NEWS

and Crawford College, and public schools include Atholton Primary School, Umhlanga Pre-Primary and Montessori Life Pre-Primary.

Explore Life in Umhlanga largely revolves around restaurants, socialising and the beach. There’s a sensational beachfront and residents enjoy coffee with friends in the myriad little boutique roasteries, cocktails at sunset at the top of The Oyster Box or a visit to one of the world-class spas in the area. The beachfront here has an extensive boardwalk which runs past the lighthouse, the rocky coves and the local five-star hotels.

At the far northern end is Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, under the auspices of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Bird-watchers and hikers love the trails through the area, but the beach is the major drawcard. Many residential complexes and hotels have direct access to the beach, with breathtaking views, often all the way back to the Durban promenade and skyline.

Holiday-maker Grant Slade says, “We bought a timeshare in Umhlanga 25 years ago, and we visit every single Christmas from Gauteng. We’re right on the beach and can walk to all the shops and restaurants.

We don’t even need a car.”

For rent

Median asking price:

Median asking price:

R1,95m

R12,000

Monthly bond repayments

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

For a typical property in this area

R3,6m

R2,9m

R6,5m

In a complex

For an apartment

For a house

You’ll pay

R18,818

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R18,500

R13,500

R26,000

In a complex

For an apartment

For a house

per month

Property Type:

34% house

48%

apartment

18% complex

beach resort

Property Type: Based on

R1,95m

13% House

67%

median asking price

apartment

over a period of 20 years at 10% prime

20% complex

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My business neighbourhood Tongue and Groove Decor in Glen Anil creates bespoke wooden decor items WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

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ooden furniture never loses its appeal. Whether you prefer a vintage look or a more contemporary design, the timeless pieces of elegance become the focal point of any home.

Taryn Squires used her passion for stylish and functional wooden furniture to start Tongue and Groove Decor. Her business now brings customised offerings to clients all over Durban. She tells us more.

Q: How did your business start?

A: I’ve always had a passion for wooden furniture and filled my home with trendy pieces. I was fortunate enough to buy this little business and now I’m able to manufacture the most exquisite furniture for my clients. With my amazing team at the factory, we love making clients’ dreams a reality.

Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop?

A: We’re based in Glen Anil, which is a safe area, with other manufacturing businesses operating on the same premises. I also live in Durban North, so I’m close by, making it convenient.

Q: How did you find your premises?

A: Durban North is relatively small,

and us business owners stick together. I had put the word out that we were looking for something bigger and safer. A friend of a friend mentioned he knew someone who was renting, and, voila, it all worked out.

Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?

A: The mini factories are safe and have a large garage door which we’re able to roll up to get full outdoor exposure. There’s unlimited parking space right outside the front door, which is a bonus for us with our big deliveries of wood.

Q: Who are your neighbours?

A: A plumber, a glass manufacturer and a company that sells ice.

Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area?

A: Our rental is within the average for the area.

Q: How many people visit your business each day?

A: We see an average of three clients

per week. Clients like to come through and see the items we’re working on and get to know us before placing an order, which I love.

Q: Do you have any expansion plans?

A: For now, it would be to create a showroom on the mezzanine floor.

Q: Do you operate online as well?

A: Yes. We have active Facebook (goo.gl/22xycS) and Instagram (@tongue_groove_dbn) pages where we showcase all our work and clients can make contact.

Q: What’s your most popular item?

A: Definitely the kids’ range of house beds and the Phoebe bed with storage draws underneath.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Tongue and Groove Decor 083 633 2525 goo.gl/22xycS

19880

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e r ' u o y e r Whe e m o c l e w m r a w met with a Shopping has never been such a sophisticated experience. Visit the Pearls Mall and explore Umhlanga’s most vibrant boutique shopping destination. www.thepearls.co.za | facebook.com/thepearlsmall 800 parking spaces available | 45mins FREE parking Mon – Sat: 09h00 – 18h00 | Sun & Public Holidays: 09h00 – 16h00

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Flat interest rate expected for 2018

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he decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank to keep the repo rate of 6,50% (base home loan rate of 10%) unchanged was largely expected in the market according to the Seeff Property Group.

The group said that given the stillsluggish economy and pressure on the consumer price index due to rising costs and some renewed volatility in the currency, it was expected that the MPC would take a conservative stance.

Seeff also expects the interest rate to remain flat for the rest of the year.

Stuart Manning, group CEO for Seeff, said that the economy had not yet seen a notable uptick, although the

overall sentiment was up following the appointment of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The early January surge has been somewhat tempered by policy uncertainty around land expropriation.

The recent announcement by the ANC’s National Executive Committee that it will first test this with the constitution‚ as it stands, is, therefore, most welcome, he said. Ramaphosa again reiterated in parliament that it would be done in pursuance of economic growth and food security.

GEORGE RADFORD, HEAD: AFRICA, IP GLOBAL

Security tops list for homebuyers

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“I think safety and security are the most fundamentally important features of these kinds of developments,” says Nicholas Stopforth, MD, Amdec Property Development, and a former resident of Melrose Arch.

Smart cities boast electric car charging stations, fibre to the home, waste recycling, water-saving

facilities and rainwater harvesting, centralised air conditioning and low-energy LED lighting, as well as all of the typical features of new urban areas such as green outdoor areas, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, gyms, commercial office space as well as retail and lifestyle outlets.

All of these features will be incorporated into the Amdec Group’s newest projects, the soon-to-be-built Harbour Arch in Cape Town and the One on Whiteley development within the Melrose Arch precinct.

“The other thing that’s beyond beneficial about mixed-use living is the convenience of day-to-day living. I’ve made the ‘live, work, play’ mantra 100% my lifestyle,” Stopforth says. “Essentially, it’s a lifestyle that offers safety, security, convenience and ultimately freedom.”

Luxury Green Point units launched

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reen Point’s former five-star hotel, Romney Park on the lower slopes of Signal Hill, is earmarked for refurbishment into luxury sectional title apartments.

The 26 new north-facing apartments will come onto the market later this year. “We’re looking to build on Romney Park’s reputation for excellence in luxury and fine living,” says Susan Versfeld, Romney Park’s co-owner in charge of sales.

Units will include 10 one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom, four threebedroom and three deluxe apartments, ranging from 51m2 to

Less is more The Swedish concept “lagom” is all about simplifying your home WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Manning further said that the Seeff group remained buoyed by the more positive outlook. “If we can just get over a few hurdles, we could start seeing the economy take a real turn.”

Large infrastructure projects have the potential to remake cities from an economic and social integration perspective. By creating links that did not exist before, areas with depressed economic activity have the opportunity to develop and possibly flourish.

ore property buyers are prioritising security features in their new home or investment purchase. Beyond the average alarm panel, electric fence and panic buttons, new developments are embracing technology for additional modern security features. Mixed-use precincts such as Melrose Arch in Joburg are morphing into “smart cities” and taking urbanism to a new level.

Neighbourhood

526m2. One-bedroom apartments start at R3,09m, two bedrooms at R5,8m and three bedrooms at R7,2m. Deluxe apartments, all with sizeable private gardens or balconies, start at R16m.

The seven-month refurbishment will leave the contemporarycolonial exterior of the building largely untouched.

Interiors will be updated and will provide a range of services and facilities, including a pool and lounging deck, 24/7 security services, laundry facilities, fibre internet and DStv connections.

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University of California, Los Angeles, study on the “Everyday Lives of Families” concluded that the relationship between clutter, anxiety and stress is chemical. It was found that women who live in cluttered homes have higher than average levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

The Swedish word “lagom” can be roughly translated as “not too little, not too much, just right”. Applying the concept in your life can help you find balance. The book by Linnea Dunne, Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living, is a good introduction because lagom isn’t a flash-in-the-pan trend; it’s a focused approach to life.

Lagom in your life?

Lagom affects everything you do.

Sustainability plays a major role, and whether it’s growing your own herbs, making your own compost, buying only what you need, even cooking more simply with less, it’s also about ensuring the sustainability of the source. You’re looking to balance work and life, which includes good amounts of downtime for you.

Decor

Alon Sachs, co-owner of Mobelli Furniture + Living, is a big advocate

of lagom. “With living simply comes decorating simply, which is the key to living well – just find what works for you,” says Alon. “Start with your furniture; get rid of those unwanted pieces, declutter your indoor living area and live simply.”

He says that decluttering the home does a world of good for the soul, helping you de-stress and enjoy a sense of calm and ease. He adds that embracing this trend comes down to how you arrange your indoor living space.

Less is more

Alon says that sustainable, sophisticated furniture pieces with simple, clean design lines tick all the right boxes. “With the right decor items, balance, comfort and utility will work in harmony.”

Each piece of furniture needs interrogation and should be seen as part of the bigger picture. So often we fall in love with a single item, without giving too much thought about how it integrates into the whole. Or, indeed, how it makes you feel or, perhaps, how you want to feel in the space.

Bearing in mind the lagom way of living harmoniously, ensure

everything is easy to maintain.

Alon suggests incorporating furniture with a relaxing look and feel, with soft and neutral shades, into your indoor living space.

“Consider including furniture with material combinations into the mix; they offer that much-needed balance between modernity and comfort. Ensure the living space is trendy and conforms easily with the lagom way of living.”

Accessories

Alon says having too many accessories can clutter up your home and take up too much of your time. So choose carefully and don’t confuse mementoes/knickknacks with decorative accessories.

“Keep in mind that if you’re going with the ‘less is more’ theme, then accessories should be simple and minimalistic to make that ultimate statement of style in your home.”

Simplify

Decor isn’t just about decorating a home. It’s a reflection of who we are. Paring down decor could be a good way to reduce the tendency to hoard, overbuy clothing and overstock fridges, and, according to research, it will help reduce stress.

3 JUNE 2018

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PROPERTY NEWS

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Investing in land Vacant land on North Coast estates sees excellent returns WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

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nvesting in property is considered one of the best ways to increase your wealth. Savvy investors in KwaZulu-Natal have recently started to invest in vacant land in newly launched estates and have seen excellent growth on their investments.

“The first time we saw really incredible returns on land was in Simbithi Eco-Estate,” says Stefan Botha of specialist property marketing firm Rainmaker Marketing. “People who bought plots in 2004 for about R300,000 were about to sell for R1,2m in 2014, quadrupling their money in a decade.”

Devon de Lange, sales director of Dwell Properties based in Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate, says that although Simbithi Eco-Estate was exceptional, there are still plenty of opportunities to see excellent returns on your investment if you’re able to get in on the right estate at the right price. “We’re seeing upwards of 50% growth on land values at Elaleni with nothing but the roads developed.

It’s expected to rise by another 20% when the amenities go in later this year.”

The structure of launch investments is beneficial to investors, with many

Getting finance for this kind of purchase can prove tricky, however.

“The banks don’t consider land to be the soundest investment and they will often only approve 70% of the purchase price, meaning the buyer will need to fund the other 30% themselves, leaving speculation here open to a smaller pool of buyers,” says Botha.

De Lange also notes that this kind of appreciation is not the norm in every estate in the province. “The North Coast has seen a particular boom and choosing the right estate with trustworthy developers is key to seeing your investment grow.

Choosing the right piece of land which will be attractive to future buyers when you are ready to sell is also essential. Privacy, views and proximity to protected green areas are desirable features.”

THB/43620/03/STN/E

SIMBITHI ECO-ESTATE

developers expecting buyers to pay a deposit with no monthly outlay for a bond repayment or levies until transfer occurs later. This means that buyers are realising enormous capital appreciation with very little outlay, allowing them to make money when selling on the land at a later date.

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THE LUXURY YOU WANT THE LIFE YOU DESERVE

S E E F O R Y O U R S E L F W H AT A T R U E L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E I S A L L A B O U T G R E AT H O M E F R O M H O M E C U I S I N E | A C H O I C E O F P O O L S | S PA A N D W E L L N E S S C E N T R E | M A G N I F I C E N T V I E W S | B O U T I Q U E G Y M | L U X U RY L I V I N G

Experience the tranquillity of nature; breathe fresh air; marvel at the vistas across the golf course; and enjoy having a five-star hotel, spa and gym on your doorstep – all in a secure environment.

This can be your lifestyle, in the heart of Johannesburg.

• LUXURY APARTMENTS FROM 3-BEDROOM EN SUITE STARTING AT R7.9M • HOTEL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY SUITES STARTING AT R4.4M

OSBORN RD

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HOUGHTON GOLF CLUB

2ND A VE

Come and have a look at our luxury apartment 12029, available daily for viewings WARREN BECKER 082 302 3004 | warren@thehoughton.com ASHLEIGH SMITH 073 220 7357 | ashleigh@thehoughton.com Houghton on 12th, 53 Second Ave, Houghton | Show apartment 12029