Neighbourhood DBN - 18 November 2018

Neighbourhood 18 NOVEMBER 2018

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

All about the water Tom Hewitt MBE is living his dream on the canals of The Point Waterfront and the nearby beach, page 2

2

SUBURB FOCUS: THE POINT WATERFRONT

yourneighbourhood.co.za

4

BUSINESS Q&A

6

Connecting homeowners with great communities

PROTECT YOUR PLACE

2

PROPERTY NEWS

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

The Point Waterfront Tom Hewitt MBE, founder of the organisation Surfers Not Street Children, lives and works in The Point precinct, and he wouldn’t consider living anywhere else WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: SUPPLIED, STEPHEN PILBROUGH & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale

I

n so many respects, The Point Waterfront is a glorious corner of Durban… and for those who live there, they certainly consider themselves privileged. You’re one, maybe two steps away from the beach and waves, you practically live inside the view, the reflections of the harbour lights and non-stop maritime activity are captivating, and it’s one of the best-secured corners of the city.

Until recently, Durbanites had a grumpy relationship with the precinct, primarily because of the stop-start, agonising pace of the planned development, and the negative perceptions about Mahatma Gandhi/Point Road, the access route, itself. So much of the city’s historic architecture is around this area, and some has been exquisitely restored by heritage architects such as Emmett Architects.

Today, this massive mixed-use project – a joint-venture between eThekwini Municipality and a Malaysian consortium – is back on track, and the R30m extension to Durban’s Promenade is now underway. This extension is expected to be completed

by June next year, and is considered a catalyst for the R35bn Durban Point Waterfront Development. Light is flickering at the end of this tunnel.

A few decades ago, British-born Tom Hewitt established an organisation called Surfers Not Street Children, in the Point area. Today, he’s still deeply hands-on with the project, but he also travels extensively fundraising – he was awarded an MBE for the work he’s done. He explained: “Surfers Not Street Children focusses on children in the Point area, so for me, living close to the project means I can maximise time with the team and children. We empower youngsters who have found themselves on the streets, or are at risk. We fuse surfing

PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town

with mentorship and psychosocial care.” This ground-breaking project linking surfing to homelessness has been phenomenally successful.

Home Sweet Home Tom, wife Bulelwa, and their three sons, Sabelo, Siyanda and Sese, live in an apartment at the Point Waterfront. Tom laughs, “I’m a beach boy and always will be. I really love Durban’s Golden Mile and have lived on it for over 20 years.

My sons all surf, so being next to the beach is crucial for us. My middle son, Siyanda, competes in surfing overseas, but can’t wait to get back to Durban!”

Bulelwa, too, loves where they live.

As Tom says, “She loves the beach, but she also has friends in the precinct, so it’s a truly happy place for her. It’s ultra-convenient for us all, as it’s only a short hop to other amenities too.”

For Tom, that connection he feels to the ocean makes this the perfect place to live. “Sometimes it really feels like an island there. We sit on the balcony watching the waves or the ships coming by – the views are superb. A busy port is really fascinating to watch – at night you see the ships on the horizon waiting to come in, and sometimes you see the massive cruise ships coming right past you.

“Our balcony is my favourite space. I love watching the world go by, especially dolphins and whales. How do you top that?”

Hidden gems For Tom, the Point Waterfront represents both work and play: “I like being near the ocean, and I love that it’s super safe – my children can

roam free to the beach. For me it’s a unique neighbourhood as it’s both close to the beach and to where I run Surfers Not Street Children. I make use of the whole beach – I surf the piers, paddleboard between uShaka and New Pier and even skate carver boards along the promenade. I did an ad for Durban Tourism doing these things and it’s literally what I love.”

The Point is crisscrossed with functional canals and Tom makes use of them. “Did you know you can go paddle boarding on the canals if you get a permit? So even if the ocean is rough, you have a relaxing place to SUP among the palm trees.”

Tom’s favourite restaurant is Ciao Bella Cafe: “It’s magic and the staff are awesome”. He adds, “The Chairman is also impressive.”

Perfect Sunday “Sundays for me are about surfing and lazing on the beach,” says Tom. “Sometimes I take my boys and snorkel the reef in front of the old Durban Undersea Club (DUC). You see some very cool fish there. Just don’t touch the reef as it’s razor sharp.”

He grins, “Surfers know that!”

Tom couldn’t resist the story of a really perfect day: “One of the most fun days I’ve had in this area is when I brought Prince Harry to the beach to watch the Surfers Not Street Children kids surfing. The people on the beach and at Surf Riders Cafe got quite a shock.

It was so much fun for the kids in our project.” He shrugs, “The Prince was due to try surfing, but the surf was huge and there were bluebottles!

But that didn’t put off the kids in our programme who had a chance to impress royalty. We had a great day with Prince Harry, and he was such an encouragement to the kids.”

EDITORIAL TEAM:

ADVERTISING SALES:

Group Editor: Carla Redelinghuys carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za

Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production: Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

3

IN NATURE: • uShaka Beach: swimming, surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing • Living The Dream Surf School: learn to surf!

• Vetch’s Pier: prime scuba diving spot

DO: • • • • •

The Chairman jazz club uShaka Marine World uShaka Wet ’n Wild Studio 3: print and art classes Xpression on the Beach: hire a bike and other toys

EAT: • Ciao Bella: great for pizzas with the kids • Durban Undersea Club: social activities club with meals • Surfriders Cafe: good, straightforward chow • The Cargo Hold @ uShaka Marine World: dine on the Phantom Ship in full view of the sharks

For sale

For rent

Median asking price:

Median asking price:

R2,150m

R14,000

Monthly bond repayments

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R4,125m

R2,275m

In a complex

For an apartment

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

For a typical property in this area You’ll pay

R20,748

R21,000

R14,500

In a complex

For an apartment

per month

Property type:

Property type: Based on

apartment

median asking price

apartment

7%

92%

R2,150m

93%

8%

over a period of 20 years at 10% prime

complex

083 626 6088 • shoppelocalsa.co.za

Pop into Shoppe

complex

Station Drive beckoned and Sonia

relocated to Sonia’s home,

relocated Shoppe to this dynamic

1 Belgrave Crescent, Durban North,

hub, where it became a firm

operating weekdays from 9am till

favourite of the First Thursday

4.30pm and by appointment on

crowd looking for something

weekends, where one can expect

quirky, original and unique.

personalised service, advice and gift-wrapping in a delightfully

Owned by South African creative

so in awe by the talent of South

Sonia also began hosting an

Sonia Vosloo, Shoppe is a unique

African designers and realised that

annual Divine Open Day in 2013

retail space offering the best in local

Durban had very little exposure to

for the Christmas gifting period in

Pop into SHOPPE to stock up for

art, gifts, curiosities and décor.

designers and artists from other

November. For these, she opens

Christmas...Be sure to follow them

parts of our beautiful country. This

her gracious old Durban North

on Facebook (@ShoppeMadeSA),

Offering the best in locally made

idea of sharing these talents with

home to a variety of exciting,

Twitter (@SHOPPELOCALSA) and

art, gifts, décor and more, Shoppe

Durbanites inspired her to source

clothing, footwear, jewellery,

Instagram (@shoppe_local_sa) for a

launched at the Market restaurant

a collection of locally designed and

confectionary and décor vendors

sneak peek at what’s on offer. Follow

precinct in 2012, the perfect

crafted décor items and art pieces.

for a three-day period.

Sonia’s Divine open day on FB.

Vosloo experienced the Design

In 2016, the development of the

Always evolving and conscious of her

Indaba in Cape Town. She was

vibrant creative community in

customer’s needs, Shoppe has now

ambient space, after owner Sonia

tranquil setting with ample parking.

4

PROPERTY NEWS

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Neighbourhood

My business K neighbourhood

ylie Bilse formulated the Earth to You brand to offer clients the opportunity to have customised jewellery at an affordable price.

Unique, personalised jewellery is a signature of self-expression and adds the final touch to any outfit WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Q: How did your business start?

A: I’ve always loved unique jewellery and started making these pieces for myself as I couldn’t find different, eye-catching jewellery locally.

I started getting compliments on my jewellery whenever I wore it, so I decided to start making it to sell and it just took off. I like to use semi-precious stones, driftwood and shells as I feel they’re nature’s gems.

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

A: The main market that I sell my jewellery at is The Shongweni Farmers and Craft market. It’s located on the outskirts of Durban among the sugar cane fields, overlooking a gorge with a waterfall.

It has a serene, picturesque vibe that’s an attraction all on its own.

Q: How did you find your premises?

A: I often visited the market and loved the vibe and variety of items they had on offer there, many being handcrafted and local. I contacted the managers and the rest is history.

Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business?

A: The market has been around for 20 years and has grown into one of the best markets in South Africa, attracting people from all over.

The market’s surroundings have a real rustic, earthy feel and I feel it complements my brand perfectly.

Q: Who are your neighbours?

A: I have many talented entrepreneurs around me, one of whom is Doug, the silversmith. He creates all his jewellery from scratch.

Q: How many people go through your store each day?

A: I have about 100 people browsing my stall on an average Saturday morning.

Q: Do you have any expansion plans?

A: I definitely want to take my business international.

Q: Do you operate online as well?

A: I have an online store where I have a few of my jewellery pieces for sale and have an active Facebook page (@earthtoyou).

Q: What’s your most popular item?

A: I sell a lot of the crystal necklaces, especially the pieces with spirit quartz which is only mined in South Africa and has a beautiful, sparkly appearance.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Earth to You 083 391 4224 earthtoyou.co.za

20964

KNOW HOW MUCH YOU QUALIFY FOR

AND SHOP FOR YOUR DREAM HOME WITH CONFIDENCE The Nedbank

INSTANT BOND INDICATOR

does credit and affordability checks and lets you know instantly the home loan amount you could qualify for.

ANOTHER WAY WE GET YOUR MONEY TO BACK YOU Visit nedbank.co.za/homeloans and click on ‘Instant Bond Indicator’.

Terms and conditions apply. | Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

HELLO ORANJEZICHT

WHERE YOUR WORLD IS JUST DOWN THE ROAD

From R1.95 million

incl. VAT (no transfer duty)

Urban living in heritage-rich Oranjezicht, Cape Town.

Key Features: • Panoramic Table Mountain views • Walking distance to Kloof Street restaurants • 21 exclusive apartments • Communal braai and pool deck • Floor-to-ceiling glazing • 2 penthouses with private roof decks

RES IDENTI AL

www.TheAster.CapeTown David - 072 385 4386 Catherine - 074 384 3127 Office - 021 425 8586

CONSCIOUS LIVING

6

PROPERTY NEWS

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Safe as houses

Neighbourhood

Each home has different security challenges, but today’s technology is pliable enough to meet anybody’s needs WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

W

hen it comes to security, your home is unique. Yes, there are commonalities, but generally, your perimeter or whether you’re single or double storey – and a host of other factors – all play a role in the customisation of a security solution.

Homemation’s Warren Husband prefers to make a site visit to assess a home and to talk through current and cutting-edge solutions and technologies: “It’s also important that a client understands what the solution offers them when the system is installed.” Husband believes security should be viewed in layers. “Alarm systems, CCTV systems, smart locking systems, fire and smoke detection, security gates and shutters, and smart lighting can all be included to make the home more secure.”

says Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive, Fidelity ADT. “Modern South African consumers are shifting towards wanting more control of their home and home security. To this end, it’s now also possible to control all aspects of a home system from your mobile phone. We recently introduced two new products which put the power in your hand – literally. They allow homeowners to activate and deactivate alarm zones and monitor every aspect of the system.

It’s also possible to view a live video feed of your outside perimeter.”

He’s enthusiastic about the options offered by the product Control4.

“Control4 allows all these individual systems to come together to make the home even smarter, so the homeowner can access and control these systems individually or orchestrate multiple events to take place as an automated response to a security threat.”

The lighter, entry-level product is SecureHome and effectively acts as a keypad for your security system outside of the home. The more advanced product, SecureConnect, essentially turns your house into a full-on smart home, offering not only a range of security features, but also the ability to turn off other IOT devices such as a pool pumps, security lights and even your coffee machine. Using geolocation technology, SecureConnect can even automatically arm the alarm when you’re 5km away from home. These products are monitored through a central monitoring station with armed response.

Technology meets armed response

Automated responses and security measures

“Modern technology is the gamechanger in the fight against crime,”

Automated responses is only one feature of Control4. Husband says,

“When you have an automated home as offered by Control4, the homeowner can benefit from multiple services in their home, each responding to an alarm trigger. For example, when the alarm system triggers, the Control4 system displays the CCTV camera that looks over the area that triggered, while activating lighting in the home and flashing outdoor lights, to alert those outside of the trigger. While this is going on, the garden irrigation system can be triggered to scare off any animals that might have set off the alarm to avoid another false alarm.

“How about having the peace of mind to know that when you arm the alarm before going to sleep at night, all doors in the home are closed and locked? Any security doors can also be automatically closed and locked,” he explained.

Safe and sound?

It’s one thing securing your home when you’re in it and another when you’re not.

Husband describes the built-in virtual occupancy component of Control4: “Your home can simulate your occupancy while you’re away on holiday. The system can learn your patterns and rhythms while you are home, then replay them while you are away, including lights, and audio/ video zones so that if your home is being watched, it will appear as though there is someone inside.”

TRAVEL WITH

PEACE OF MIND FOR THE HOLIDAYS Your Control4 smart home lets you know that things are safe and sound while you’re away.

With Control4 home automation - check in on things at home from wherever you are. Receive alerts when someone enters the house, the garage door is left open, or a leak is detected. Intelligent security puts peace of mind at your fingertips so you can rest assured that all is safe.

Control4 has the home automation solution that will give your house the smart it deserves. Stream audio, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm your alarm all with your voice, remote control, tablet or smartphone.

visit www.control4.co.za for more info

Contact Control4® for your nearest authorised dealer 011 781 8887 • www.control4.co.za • homeowner@control4.co.za Copyright ©2016, Control4 Corportation. all rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, the 4-ball logo, 4Store, 4Sight, Control4 My Home, and Mockupancy are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as property of their respective owners. All specifications subject to change without notice.

Control4 Sunday Times Neighbourhood Ad 11 November 2018.indd 1

2018/11/12 1:12:25 PM

18 NOVEMBER 2018

Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

7

A look at Cape Town’s 2019 property landscape W ith an eventful 2018 drawing to a close and the new economic year a largely unknown entity, many homeowners are considering what the markets may be doing in 2019.

Mike Greeff, CEO, Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, says, “This year has seen the market contend with political instability, rising inflation, recession and record-high fuel prices.

Despite all the challenges, the realestate sector has remained more buoyant than many expected. While there’s been visible tightening at the higher end of the market, the middle and lower markets have been resilient and haven’t been as dramatically affected as the industry expected. The outlook for 2019 seems quite promising with the results of the elections expected to provide clarity to the general populace.

Foreign investor confidence is also gradually on the rise, due to Moody’s rating of the country as stable. The Cape water crisis which dampened the market has been averted and the South African Reserve Bank has kept repo rates stable for the time being. ”

The Southern Suburbs

“Sales are reported to be historically lower than the boom of previous years, but still stable,” says Simon Raab, director, Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate. “According to Propstats, sales for the area over 2016 to 2017

totalled R3,5bn from 1,001 transactions.

Properties took on average just 50 days to sell with the difference between asking and selling price a mere 7%.

When compared to 2018, proof of the slowing is reflected by the numbers – 925 transactions totalling R3,22bn with a 7,7% price difference. Time on the market was also up by five days.

The trend is expected to continue into 2019 due to buyers adopting a wait-and-see attitude but should ease post elections. Investors are set to see numerous developments in the Southern Suburbs being completed around the same time. The sectional-title market specifically has seen an increase of stock becoming available,” adds Raab.

City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard

Ryan Greeff, director, Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, says, “This area is the place to be for young buyers who are looking for a trendy location in the heart of the city. While sectionaltitle units remain popular, there’s been some affordability tightening in the bracket above R3m. The housing segment which ranges between R3,5m and R5m has remained relatively buoyant. The luxury market (above R10m) has seen buying primarily by foreign buyers. Upcoming areas to take note of as possible investment hot spots are developments in Vredehoek, Higgovale and Oranjezicht.”

Southern Peninsula

“All signs point to Noordhoek increasing in popularity due to schools being developed in the area, as well as road infrastructure being completed,” says Jeremy Barnes, regional manager, South Peninsula division.

“Kommetjie and Scarborough continue to offer the best of both – village living paired with modern infrastructure that facilitates remote working. A new commercial development in the Simon’s Town area has led to increased interest and while there are still excellent value-for-money properties available, stock in the area is limited, which will possibly lead to prices rising. An exciting development is the Harbour Bay development which is nearing completion of its first phase, as well as the Harbour Bay Mall which has already been completed. Fish Hoek and its surrounding areas have become very feasible areas for first-time buyers.

Promising hubs

According to FNB’s property barometer, Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay have experienced a promising upswing in property prices having grown by 12% in the second quarter of this year. The suburbs of Observatory, Woodstock and Salt River showed price inflation of 17,6% in the same period. If current trends continue, market growth is expected to hover in the 3% to 4% range for the next 12 to 18 months.

R1bn mixed-use Park Square opens

U

mhlanga’s latest business and lifestyle development, Park Square, has opened its doors.

Developed by Nedport Developments, the R1bn, four star Green Starrated development features 36,000m 2 of commercial space, a 4,000m 2 retail area and a 3,500m 2 connected open square.

The retail arcade offers some of Durban’s finest stores, restaurants and coffee shops and it connects the square with the Chris Saunders Park, which boasts indigenous trees, grass and planter boxes. This forms part of the development’s design to create a natural open space where a connected work culture and distinctive leisure and retail elements exist side by side.

Park Square connects the surrounding communities through considered stores, restaurants and services, while simultaneously being a dynamic place for professionals to work and socialise.

Located on the Umhlanga Ridge, close to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport System stop, and other attractions with ample parking, Park Square will benefit from access in an upmarket, safe and convenient location.

Office areas will enjoy a second, more exclusive breakout space which enhances the development’s people-centred approach.

JOIN OUR

FUTURE

ACHIEVERS campuskey.co.za BLOEMFONTEIN

CAPE TOWN

0861 STUDENT

PORT ELIZABETH POTCHEFSTROOM

APPLY NOW!

# campuskey PRETORIA

STELLENBOSCH