Neighbourhood PTA - 25 October 2015

RSA

Neighbourhood 25 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Buying trend Residential buyer interest in off-plan, page 17

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

What’s ON SHOW in Pretoria this weekend?

Get the full list at yourneighbourhood.co.za

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DRAYMAN’S BREWERY

05

HALLOWEEN GUIDE

08

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: SOWETO

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BATHROOM UPDATE

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive

Aromatic City exploration Asian?

W CLAIRE BARNARDO

IMAGES: GRANT PAYNE, LISA BURNELL, & SUPPLIED

ith the glorious weather now, I’ve vowed to spend more time outdoors and there’s just so much to do! For starters, be a tourist in your own city. Here in the Mother City, The Cape Town Partnership has developed the City Walk – following on from the Fan Walk success during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The route starts in the Company’s Gardens, continues down St George’s Mall to Waterkant Street, and progresses up the Fan Walk to St Andrew’s Square.

Whether you prefer it mild, medium or hot, Pretoria’s Thai cuisine packs a flavoursome punch WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

Simply Asia, Southdowns

Located in Southdowns Shopping Centre, Simply Asia Thai Food & Noodle Bar offers aromatic dishes in a simple yet elegant setting. Here, authentic Thai chefs equipped with professional training and fresh ingredients create innovative, colourful Thai fare, adorned with herbs and spices. Order your meal by number: for starters, try 103 (sweetcorn cakes, served with a sweet chilli sauce). A delicious main is 267 – roasted chilli tamarind duck, with sweet roasted-chilli tamarind sauce, broccoli, celery, mushrooms and jasmine rice. The 902, warm chocolate spring rolls, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and served with vanilla ice cream, makes a decadent dessert.

It connects significant places in the urban heart of Cape Town through storytelling, public art, walking tours and retail offerings. By extending daytime foot traffic into the evenings and over weekends, it aims to activate the CBD as a 24-hour city.

The City Walk also now forms part of the revised Big 6 most visited attractions – the Big 7: the Robben Island Museum, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Groot Constantia, Table Mountain Cableway, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. This is truly impactful work around public-space activation, as well as encouraging trade in the city. Why not look out for what’s happening in your city too?

ED’S CHOICE…

Having breakfast at Company’s Garden restaurant with my family.

Koi Restaurant, Lynnwood Bridge

Bringing you the latest trends in Asian cuisine with a touch of the West, Koi Restaurant in Lynnwood Bridge serves highquality, healthy dishes in a light and airy, welcoming atmosphere. Dip into a dim sum starter platter, which includes chicken and ginger, prawn and shiitake mushrooms, and beef potstickers. As a main course, sample the melt-inyour-mouth, sesame-crusted, seared tuna with grilled vegetables and wasabi mayonnaise – then round it off with coconut jelly, roasted banana and coconut sugar caramel.

Thai chefs equipped with professional training and fresh ingredients create innovative, colourful Thai fare, adorned with herbs and spices Asia House, Moreleta Park

Sweet, salty, spicy, bitter and hot flavours are the mainstays of Thai food, and the extensive menu at Asia House in The Village Shopping Centre offers masterful blends of these in its inexpensive, first-rate Asian dishes. The main focus at this establishment being takeaways, the friendly, efficient staff are always at the ready with freshly prepared, spicy meals. Sample the tom yum goong soup – prawns and mushrooms in a hot, sour broth – for starters, or the spicy pad mee prik phao gai (stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetable chilli paste with cashew nuts) as a main.

And why not end off with a classic, chocolate-dipped fortune cookie?

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Simply Asia, Southdowns 012 665 4998 simplyasia.co.za

DID YOU KNOW? Koi Restaurant, Lynnwood Bridge 012 348 5722 koirest.co.za

With its natural geographic design, Cape Town’s CBD is seen as the safest and cleanest inner city in South Africa and is an asset for how the city is positioned in terms of liveability and tourism desirability.

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423

Asia House, Moreleta Park 012 997 6447 facebook.com/pages/Asia-HouseMoreletapark/

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

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

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Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Prost!

Drayman’s Brewery is at heart of the craft beer and whisky movement in Pretoria WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

W

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

ith Oktoberfest, a German folk beer festival, recently taking place nationwide, there’s no better time to enjoy craft beer while learning more about the beer and whisky industry. Drayman’s Brewery, a craft brewery and distillery in Silverton, has been creating craft beers since 1997 and distilling whisky for more than a decade in Pretoria.

Since the brewery’s inception, owner Moritz Kallmeyer has performed more than 4,000 mashes, with his beers enjoying increasing popularity, and distributed to restaurants, bars, pubs and bottle stores across Gauteng. Although craft beer has gained momentum only in the past five years, he’s been creating craft beer for almost two decades and is believed to be a facilitator of the movement – now also producing “craft” spirits.

“I am passionate about my brewery. You won’t survive this industry and spread the ‘beer gospel’ unless you love what you do and are in it for the long run.

Each beer is hand-crafted with pride, skill and dedication, and a great beer has an indefinable quality, reflecting the brewer’s art and passion,” Moritz says.

His passion for brewing started in the seventh grade, when he had a fascinating encounter with fermenting “mielie beer”, made by Filemon, a farm worker staying on the smallholding where he grew up. Moritz says his mother spurred on his interest when she bought him a book “Maak jou eie wyn tuis” by Anna Olivier, and he began making fruit wines, which he aged in the sock drawer of his cupboard.

Among the popular beers brewed at Drayman’s are Altstadt Weissbier, Jolly Monk and Merlin’s Mild. Altstadt Weissbier is known for its carbonated, refreshing character and rocky, bright white head from a high proportion of wheat malt. Jolly Monk has a soft, insistent smokiness, a fruity, bittersweet palate, and a treacle-toffee finish.

Merlin’s Mild has the flavour of malt and ripe fruit with a hint of bittersweet, spicy chocolate in the finish.

Moritz claims that Drayman’s Solera Whisky (first bottled in 2009) is the only Solera Whisky in the world made using the traditional Spanish Solera Process. He also claims his is the only brewery in South Africa producing Ethiopian Tej, a gluten-free honey beer favoured by locals at festivals.

“Our brewing process uses ultrafiltration, resulting in a true, allnatural beer, craft-brewed in the finest old-world traditions. My goal has always been customer drinking pleasure. I want to brew and distil the best beer and whisky using everything traditional in brewing and distilling, as well as [that which] modern science has to offer,” says Moritz.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Drayman’s Brewery 012 804 8800 draymans.com

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

25 OCTOBER 2015

Neighbourhood

Coricraft supersized

Coricraft’s new superstore puts an innovative spin on home furniture retailing WORDS: CATHERINE BLACK

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

I

t’s exciting times if you’re a fan of Coricraft, who recently opened their biggest store in the country in Joburg’s buzzing Kramerville design district.

The new 2,500m2 “superstore”, twice the size of any other existing Coricraft store in South Africa, offers a range of exclusive home furnishings and furniture presented in an entirely new way. “For the first time ever, the store layout is built around a multilevel apartment concept that aims to bring Coricraft’s range of home furnishings to life,” says Coricraft merchandise director Lee Reichman.

The new double volume store is made up of four apartments containing bedrooms, bathrooms, living and dining areas showcasing the products being sold. With the rooms updated every six weeks, Lee says that the store is not just a showroom, but also a functional retail space that lets you buy exactly what’s being displayed.

Besides the apartment layout, there are several other features that set the new store apart. “For the first time ever, we have a significant amount of ready-to-go stock that you can either take home with you or have delivered to your home the next day,” says Lee. “So if you see it, you like it, you buy it.”

Apart from the exclusive couch collections, the superstore is also the first in Gauteng to stock the Volpes

Linen range. It includes everything from bedding and linen to throws, inners and curtaining, and even bathroom essentials including towels and bath mats. This, in addition to Coricraft’s new range of carpets and luxury scatter cushions with feather inners, means that customers can now shop for all their home furnishings under one roof.

For the first time ever, the store layout is built around a multilevel apartment concept that aims to bring the range of home furnishings to life Lee says that customers can also add their own personal touch by creating customised Coricraft couches in the store. “Simply bring your own choice of fabric into the Kramerville store, select an upholstered style of couch and it will be made for you,” she says.

With more space and more product shown in an innovative new way, plus a host of personalised touches, the Kramerville superstore looks set to become an inspiring addition to Jozi’s hottest decor and design district.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Coricraft 011 262 1710 coricraft.co.za

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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Railways Cafe presents Halloween!

It’s that time of the year and things are about to get adventurous with a Pirates of the Caribbean themed party. On 30 October, Railways Cafe is opening the ship gates for Halloween with a great line-up at their quirky venue. Prepare to be entertained by the likes of Tidal Waves, December Streets, Yo Grapes and more. Gates open at 5pm, and strictly no under 18s will be allowed to enter.

LOCAL LOWDOWN

This week don’t miss out

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Morné Venter: Speak In Messes

Pretoria-based artist and creator of web-comic Putdowness, Morné Venter is having an exhibition with a twist in association with City Soireé. The event will be hosted on 29 October at a private residence where guests will get the opportunity to engage with the artist, while one lucky guest will stand a chance to commission an artwork worth R4,000. This is the perfect opportunity to acquire an original, thought provoking, artwork that’ll feel comfortable in any home.

on these hot things to do in the capital city

Night of The Walking Dead

Fox, in association with Tuks FM, is hosting a zombie walk inspired by the well-known TV series The Walking Dead at Hatfield Plaza on 30 October.

If you have the guts to join, come dressed as a “walker” or your favourite character from the television show.

There are some great prizes up for grabs for the best dressed on the night.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF:

Rita-Mari Ludike is a freelance art director, photographer and the blogger behind Rita Hello: ritahello.com

WORDS: RITA HELLO IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Railways Cafe presents Halloween facebook.com/RailwaysCafe Morné Venter: Speak In Messes citysoiree.co.za/events/morne-venter/ Night of the Walking Dead tuksfm.co.za/Events/ NightofTheWalkingDead

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

New media

A designer take on media consumption at home WORDS: CHRIS REID

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Cassina South Africa afritaly.com 021 418 5382, 011 447 7062 Samsung Serif samsung.com/global/seriftv

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

IMAGES: CASSINA & =STUDIO BOUROULLEC

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ven though it has been a feature for only a few decades, the TV lounge is often the defining social space in most homes. When TVs were large, boxy appliances, it was easy to make them the focal point of the room, and they dictated the layout of the furniture accordingly.

With shifts in technology first slimming down TV sets and then diverting viewers to the additional screens of laptops and tablets, however, the old order is no more.

Media consumption has become increasingly fragmented and, as a result, designers are rethinking the traditional TV room entirely to provide solutions more in line with how we live today.

There are two main responses designers have taken towards changing media habits. The first accepts the new viewing habits and designs new pieces of furniture as a result. These can take the form of personal pods and modular designs, but the more mainstream pieces simply integrate additional features into existing silhouettes. The MyWorld sofa by Philippe Starck for Cassina, for example, hides tech accessories and charging cables in the arm of the piece for easy access when you want to move from one screen to another.

The more reactionary approach, however, has been to reimagine what media technology can be. Here designers seek

to bring TVs back into the centre of focus rather than relegating them to the wall or corner. The new Serif concept TV, by the Bouroullec Brothers for Samsung, does exactly that. By giving the device weight and sculptural presence, the designers compensate for the slimming down of technology and justify the set’s prominent placement in a room.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, these two approaches to spatial design will become more prominent in the coming years. The one individual homeowners choose to align themselves with is a matter of personal preference, but the space is evolving and the challenge is for designers to keep up.

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

RSA

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on SA’s featured neighbourhood

Spotlight on Soweto

History, accessibility and a unique energy are just a few reasons why Soweto’s people are proud to call it home WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGES: PRIVATE PROPERTY, GOOGLE & ISTOCK

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Soweto is a place in South Africa like no other. Packed with history, the area was directly linked to the discovery of gold and, although it once may have been a dusty township, the development has been staggering − today it has 37 suburbs. According to Shawn Mackrell, master licensee for Seeff: Johannesburg South, Alberton and Soweto, increased house prices in Soweto are due to an influx of middle class residents, with affordable property prices and easy access to the city centre adding to the appeal.

Resident Fortune Ringane agrees, citing Soweto’s accessibility as a key reason for living there. “There are so many transport options and it’s a very convenient area to stay in,” she says. The upgraded road infrastructure and Rea Vaya, the City of Johannesburg’s new bus rapid transport system, are two such examples.

Home to about 40% of the total Johannesburg population, Soweto has a unique energy not found in many other places. “It’s very vibey and friendly,” says Fortune, “and there are so many entertainment options that you really don’t need to go anywhere else”. She cites the iconic FNB stadium – built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and shaped like a calabash – as her favourite place to spend time, and she regularly goes to watch Orlando Pirates play.

Khotso Motau grew up in Soweto and mentions Sakhumzi Restaurant and Bar as being one of the best known in the area.

Opened in 2001, Sakhumzi is situated on the famous Vilakazi Street, the original home of both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

It has grown from humble beginnings to one of the hottest spots on the tourist trail. But it’s not just for tourists. On weekends you’ll find it packed with middle class Sowetans, all enjoying the signature buffet featuring mogodu (tripe), stews, pap, samp and other tasty dishes.

I live in Weltevreden Park and I have friends who live in Illovo, but on weekends we all head back to Soweto because it feels like home KHOTSO MOTAU, FORMER RESIDENT

Khotso says that many former Soweto residents who now live elsewhere often return to the area on weekends. “I live in Weltevreden Park and I have friends who live in Illovo, but on weekends we all head back to Soweto because it feels like home,” he says. Dichaba Meat Lounge and Beer Garden in Orlando West is another of Khotso’s favourite places to hang out, while resident Mlungisi Taleng mentions Nambitha as being his favourite restaurant, with its soul food that includes traditional African dishes.

Looking for a bit of retail therapy? You’ve come to the right place. Fortune names the world-class Maponya and Jabulani malls as an indication of how much the area has developed, with their extensive lists of top retailers and eating establishments.

SPOTLIGHT

9

says that young, upwardly mobile people who wanted to get on the property ladder would previously have moved out of Soweto, but now that there are so many great property investment options in Soweto itself, they are choosing to stay.

Seeff ’s Shawn Mackrell says the same thing is happening to middle-aged buyers who originally moved out of Soweto and bought property elsewhere.

“Many of them are returning and trying to get back into the property market here,” he says. “Younger buyers especially are favouring upmarket suburbs like Diepkloof extension 1 and Orlando West, where property can cost upwards of R1m.”

Kena Kekana, owner of the Rawson Property Group franchise in Soweto, says that there is now a serious shortage of homes for sale in the older parts of Soweto, such as Orlando and Dube. “Many of the existing residents in these areas don’t want to move as they’re established and have convenient access to transport and other facilities,” she says.

Whatever your budget or the area you choose to live in, it’s clear that Soweto is loved for its rich history, its accessibility to the rest of Joburg, its extensive amenities and a unique energy – all thanks to the interesting people who call it home.

The growth of Soweto has been rapid indeed.

“Soweto no longer looks like a township – it looks more like the suburbs north of the city,” says Fortune. Development has, however, been achieved in a unique way and Khotso says Soweto has “become Westernised, but in a township way”. Mlungisi

WATCH THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD COME TO LIFE AT

privateproperty.co.za/soweto

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAL • Sakhumzi for traditional buffets • N exdor for chicken livers and butternut soup • N ambitha for sticky wings or rump steak • W andie’s Place for dumplings and umqushu (samp)

Sakhumzi Restaurant and Bar has grown from humble beginnings to one of the hottest spots on the tourist trail

• T hrive Café for sophisticated dishes and great coffee

SAKHUMZI

KHOTSO MOTAU, FORMER RESIDENT

The iconic FNB stadium – built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and shaped like a calabash – is my favourite place to spend time, and I regularly go to watch Orlando Pirates play FORTUNE RINGANE, RESIDENT

FNB STADIUM

Neighbourhood

SPAZA SHOP IN ORLANDO

25 OCTOBER 2015

MAPONYA MALL

SPOTLIGHT

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The world-class Maponya and Jabulani malls with their extensive lists of top retailers and eating establishments, is an indication of how much the area has developed FORTUNE RINGANE, RESIDENT

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Property demand in Soweto

3%

Properties listed for sale in the Soweto region comprise approximately 3% of the total sales listings in the Johannesburg region.

3%

BUYING IN SOWETO

Approximately 3% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Johannesburg region is attributable to properties listed for sale in Soweto.

The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Soweto, namely a three-bedroom house, with the median asking price of R595,000, is R5,546 a month over 20 years at prime of 9,5% with no deposit

Whatever your budget or the area you choose to live in, it’s clear that Soweto is loved for its rich history, its accessibility to the rest of Joburg, its extensive amenities and a unique energy – all thanks to the interesting people who call it home

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Median asking prices for Soweto properties

R595,000 R470,000

R410,000

R540,000

Property types for sale

3%

Complex For a typical property (three-bedroom house)

For a property in a complex

For a flat or apartment

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SPOTLIGHT

2% Flat

For a house

95% House

Property types for rent

5%

55%

Complex

House

Median monthly asking prices for Soweto rentals

40% Flat

R3,800 For a typical rental property (two-bedroom house)

R3,500

R3,700

R3,900

In a complex

For a house

For a flat

2 bed, 1 bath AVAILABLE NOW.

Not ready to buy? Find a rental now.

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Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

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School, school Whether it’s public, private, or home-schooling, here’s the gist of each WORDS: SUPPLIED

IMAGES: ISTOCK

C

hoosing the type of school system that best suits your child’s needs as well as yours, is no easy feat. It probably ranks high on parents’ stress lists. But looking into options will help you understand which pathway to choose.

Home-schooling

Legal in South Africa since 1996, home-schooling is growing in popularity. Curriculum providers like Clonard Distance Education have noticed a marked increase in the number of parents choosing to homeschool their children.

Why home-schooling?

Many parents feel that their children are falling through the gaps at state schools as the teachers do not have the capacity to provide the valuable attention that their children require due to the ever increasing size of the classes; or the child doesn’t fit into the class, has a learning difficulty and needs more attention with tasks.

socialisation for the learner, and no peer competition.

Public schooling

Public schooling is the most popular form of schooling in South Africa and comprises approximately 97% of the schools in the country. Public schools depend entirely on the government for funding and supplies. Each province is responsible for ensuring its schools are equipped and have enough money to run properly. As a result, standards vary immensely, depending on the efficiency and wealth of the province.

Why public schooling?

For many middle to lower earning parents this is the cheaper option, although there are public schools that are more expensive than most. The enrolment process is a lot simpler than private schooling and students may be offered a fairly good to excellent education.

The pros: affordable, good oneon-one attention, quality control, a safe environment, and available to everyone.

The pros: belonging to a normal system, integration of students into a relatively normal social environment, and there are usually many public schools in one given area, so travelling could be easier.

The cons: requires parental commitment and time, less

The challenges: schools are full, classes are large ratios to teacher,

1510_1359_VAN_SCHAIK_BRAND_AD_265mmWx190mmH_PTA_FA.indd 1

less student to teacher interaction, and students often don’t receive the attention they require to achieve well.

Private schooling

South Africa is home to a number of world-class private schools. These schools are run separately from the government and are funded, maintained and conducted by a private group. Because it is privately funded, school fees at these institutions are high.

Why private schooling?

Though often associated with only the most elite South Africans, private schooling seems to address parents’ concerns for both home-schooling and public schooling. Private schools tend to have much smaller classes, and your child gets the benefit of being able to socialise with other children their age.

The pros: smaller classes and individual attention, wider range of school subjects, strong parental involvement, less bureaucracy, and private schools often have a higher standard of education.

Challenges: very expensive and out of reach for many, and they often have more prerequisites than public schools in order to attend.

2015/10/21 1:51 PM

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Neighbourhood

Buying brand new

A recent Residential Building Statistics report indicates that buyers have been choosing to buy newly built rather than pre-owned homes this year WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

25 OCTOBER 2015

A

n increasing number of buyers are choosing to buy newly built rather than pre-owned homes due to advantages such as no transfer duty payable, possible easier financing and minimal maintenance for the first five years after purchase.

A recent Residential Building Statistics report by Absa indicates growth in the number of new housing units constructed in the first seven months of 2015 at 6,3% year on year totalling almost 22,000 units built.

Maggie Rowley, communications manager: Rabie Property Group, says a major benefit of newly built homes is that the buyer is able to secure a property at today’s market price and make payment only about 18 months later. This means that by the time of payment there would’ve been an average capital growth of around 15% in value. She says sales in new developments also include Vat and no transfer duty is payable by the buyer.

“Other benefits of newly built homes are features such as high speed fibre optic connectivity, central hot water heating systems and up-to-date finishes.

With everything new, there should be minimal maintenance for the first five years. However, with pre-owned homes,

PROPERTY NEWS

the buyer may need to accommodate upgrade expenses,” says Rowley.

Shaun Rademeyer, CEO: BetterLife Home Loans, says new developments by established companies are often preapproved by a lender, making it easier for prospective buyers to obtain home loans.

He says developers often give buyers the opportunity to choose fittings and finishes, and sometimes the chance to customise the layout of their new homes.

“New homes come with certain structural guarantees and comply with green design and building principles

If you’re willing to buy something that doesn’t yet exist and do research, there’s a good chance you’ll gain a rapidly appreciating asset for minimal investment TONY CLARKE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RAWSON PROPERTY GROUP

17

making them more eco-friendly and energy-efficient, which means less maintenance and long-term savings for owners. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid with newly built homes, including deposit scams, too many extras and upgrades, no completion date and no provision to rectify problems on the property,” says Rademeyer.

Tony Clarke, managing director: Rawson Property Group, says buying off-plan can be a great investment under the right circumstances, especially for people who want something new and customisable. He says many developments significantly appreciate in value over the building period raising the unit price two or three times before completion and, if bought early, buyers often make a significant profit.

“Do research before buying into a development to clearly understand the process, neighbourhood and value of similar properties sold nearby. Investigating the developer’s track record, financial standing, workmanship and reliability is paramount. If you’re willing to buy something that doesn’t yet exist and do research, there’s a good chance you’ll gain a rapidly appreciating asset for minimal investment,” says Clarke.

18

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

Lessons from Raymond Ackerman I

RSA

NATIONAL NEWS STORY Opening the door to different neighbourhoods in SA

t is almost impossible to have a conversation about Pick n Pay these days without discussing Stickeez. The tiny plastic toys assumed something of a cult status in the short time that their invasion lasted.

However, ten years ago a mention of Pick n Pay would not immediately have conjured up an image of puffy plastic wrapper. The first thing to come to mind would more likely have been the name of the founder of the business: Raymond Ackerman.

He has been out of the public eye for some time, but for many decades Ackerman was one of the most recognisable and respected businessmen in the country. He built Pick n Pay from four small shops in Cape Town in 1967 into what was, at its peak, easily the biggest supermarket chain in the country.

New to the Neighbourhood:

Protea Glen, Soweto There’s nothing more exciting than moving into a new neighbourhood.

Here’s what Mbali Nzimande loves about her new home in Soweto WORDS: ANDREA KIRK

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

A

s the mother of two children under six, Mbali Nzimande was looking for a three-bedroom home in an area that was safe and secure – and had a friendly neighbourhood feel. She finally found what she was looking for. Here, she tells us why she loves her new home and area.

There is no question that Ackerman was a visionary. He developed the idea of self-service retail in South Africa, essentially bringing the supermarket culture to this country.

This was however more than just a business idea. It was the essential starting point of Ackerman’s belief in customer sovereignty – that serving the customer rather than trying to make more money should be the mission of the business.

Q: How did you find your property?

A: After two years of househunting, and many disappointments along the way, I met Mike Mangena at Harcourts Real Estate. He showed me the perfect three-bedroom house and now it’s my home.

As Pick n Pay’s success has proven, this is not a sentimental ideal.

Putting your customers’ needs ahead of everything else makes seriously good business sense.

“If you fight for the consumer, she will look after you,” is how Ackerman puts it. And long before Smart Shopper cards and Stickeez promotions, the customer loyalty enjoyed by Pick n Pay proved his point.

It is a pity then that Ackerman remains something of an outlier in the business world on this point.

For most, profits come first.

My neighbours have been very friendly and welcoming, and it just feels like a great area to raise my kids

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this as it is a key motivation for any company to exist in the first place.

However, it is problematic when it leads to the sort of corporate behaviour that has been in spotlight recently: Volkswagen cheating on emissions tests, Lewis levying unemployment insurance on credit given to pensioners, or Banks manipulating foreign exchange trades.

Pick n Pay now has a market capitalisation of around

R31 billion

Q: What do you love about your new home?

A: It was perfect when we moved in – and nothing needed to be fixed up. I was heavily pregnant at the time, so it was a big relief not to have any hidden surprises to deal with. The previous owners had done a wonderful job with the garden and it’s one of my favourite features of the property.

Q: Did you know exactly which area you wanted to be in?

A: I was flexible on the area, as long as it felt safe and secure.

In this environment, it is difficult for anyone to trust any business that says it always acts in its customer’s best interests. Some will even argue that Pick n Pay itself got too big to really honour Ackerman’s philosophy.

Companies, however, have to realise that they can’t exist outside of the society that gives them life in the first place. There is nothing wrong with making money, but when it comes at the expense of your own customers, you must ask if you aren’t jeopardising your own survival.

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

A: There are some dodgy sellers out there! I had previously made successful offers on two other properties, only to have things fall apart right before transfer. Working with an agent who is honest – and from a reputable agency – has made all the difference. I wish I had done that from the start.

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

A: The houses are all well looked after, and the streets are clean and safe. My neighbours have been very friendly and welcoming, and it just feels like a great area to raise my kids.

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

Q: Where’s your favourite local coffee spot?

A: I have my hands full with a new baby, so for now, my favourite coffee spot is at home, enjoying my garden!

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

19

Home loan Beautiful questions: bathrooms Answered

Want to create a fresh, up-to-date bathroom look for a good return on investment?

WORDS: LEANDI CAMERON

WORDS: BRIDGET MCNULTY

IMAGE: ISTOCK

IMAGE: ISTOCK

I

f you think your bathroom is dull, out of style or simply not functional, there are a few things you can do to redecorate it – on a budget – to make it special again and up your property value.

Because the bathroom (along with the kitchen and living room) is an often-used space, it’s a great place to start in order to get a good return on your investment.

Fixing it can take time, so it’s vital to find a process that is efficient and cost-effective.

“You can transform your bathroom into your own personal sanctuary for ultimate relaxation and tranquillity; a space where you can indulge your senses, revitalise and energise your body and soul,” says GreenQueen Communications and Geberit South

Q: HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY CREDIT SCORE? A: Your credit health is important, as it will inform banks of your borrowing and repayment behaviour with credit providers over time.

• Your credit score is an important indication of your credit health.

Banks use this score to determine whether you have met previous repayment obligations and whether you are able to repay your home loan.

• The credit bureaux provide easy access to your credit records through their websites. You are entitled to one free credit report per annum and could perform a self-assessment to gauge your creditworthiness.

• The report contains information about your loans, credit cards and retail accounts, and displays how much credit you are using, as well as the credit available to you.

Banks look carefully at borrowers before they lend money. What the bank looks out for can be summarised in the four Cs of credit:

1. Character

From your credit history the bank will determine whether you possess the honesty and reliability to repay your debts. Considerations may include: • whether you have used credit before • how long you have lived at your present address • whether you pay your bills on time • how long you have been at your present job.

2. Capital

The bank will want to know if you have valuable assets such as property, investments, or savings with which to repay debt if income is unavailable.

3. Capacity

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

This refers to your ability to repay the debt. The bank will look to see if you have been working regularly in an occupation that is likely to provide enough income to support your credit use.

4. Collateral

Collateral is an additional source of security that you can use to assure the bank that you have other loan repayment sources. In the case of a home loan the bank will require the property that you are buying as security for the loan.

Africa representative Jodi Lynn Karpes.

For example, “a minimalistic style of bathroom with muted colour tones, and light, open and airy spaces creates the perfect inviting environment for you to unwind and relax”.

There are a few important things to keep in mind before you begin with renovations. Have a clear idea of what you want it to look like. For example, if you need to create more space, or fancy lightening the colour, it’s useful to create a vision board, and a good place to search for inspiration is Pinterest.

Clutter can become a real obstacle to bathroom cleanliness, hiding areas that need attention. Store items that don’t need to stand around.

A cupboard under the sink is always useful, and wall-mounted storage areas are ideal for smaller spaces.

Paint can be the quickest and easiest way to transform a bathroom.

When you’re choosing a new colour, remember to opt for a satin finish to avoid moisture problems.

New floor tiles can spruce up your bathroom instantly. Manufacturing advancements have made it less pricey to change floors, but keep durability and quality in mind. Also, simply adding accessories such as floor mats, mirrors or curtains can easily change the appearance of your bathroom. Make sure you shop around for good-quality products that can last a long time.

It’s useful to create a vision board, and a good place to look for inspiration is Pinterest

20

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Sandton is increasingly more compressed and does not have the attractive wide streets and beautiful pavement trees that Houghton offers

The new look

Houghton New luxury cluster developments are changing the face of Houghton WORDS: BELINDA MOUNTAIN

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

W

hen you think of Houghton you probably think of a suburb for families with its large properties, stately homes and established greenery – not to mention several excellent schools in the area. But Houghton is experiencing a transformation with the addition of several top-end apartment developments and hotels planned, including The Houghton and The Houghton Hotel.

So why is it becoming the focus for topend developments? According to David Nagle, director of development company Seven and Twelve on Houghton, there are several reasons, one is the ease with which developments can happen there in the first place. “Houghton has a more relaxed approach to town planning, which allows for the development of cluster and apartment living in the suburb,” he says.

Stephen Pellerade from Pellerade luxury home designers and developers, says that the older, and sometimes dilapidated, homes on single acres are being subdivided into multiple homes.

“Because the land is expensive, these new developments tend to be upmarket in character and still attract a more affluent buyer,” he says.

issues, garden maintenance, electrical blackouts and water cut-offs. On the other hand, living in a development means these issues are all taken care of by the estate’s management team who often also has generators and water storage tanks housed on the estate.

Pellerade has recently been involved in developing the most expensive penthouse to date in Houghton (at a price tag of R60m), as well as the most expensive house (in excess of R100m).

Beyond The Houghton and The Houghton Hotel, there are several other clusters currently being developed such as The Corniche, a contemporary cluster development that will consist of 24 luxury homes with energy saving features due to be launched next month.

David says the desired target market for these developments vary – from young professionals requiring security to families downsizing from their large, properties; who no longer want to deal with all the upkeep of running a large homestead and the associated security

According to Pellerade, Houghton also delivers more margin for your spend as a developer. “Sandton is increasingly more compressed and does not have the attractive wide streets and beautiful pavement trees that Houghton offers,” he concludes.

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Entries valid from 1 August – 30 November. Ts&Cs can be found at www.yourneighbourhood.co.za/competitions

22

SHOW DEVELOPMENT

Neighbourhood

25 OCTOBER 2015

Neighbourhood

SHOW DEVELOPMENTS

To see more on the

DEVELOPMENTS featured here

visit yourneighbourhood.co.za/developments

MAKE

INSTANT BOND INDICATOR HAPPEN

In 3 minutes flat!

Find out the home loan amount you can qualify for.

R FASTE OU Y N A E TH ROWS CAN BAGE FOR P THIS OUSES H

Simply visit Nedbank.co.za/homeloans and click on Instant Bond Indicator®. It’s quick and easy. #ThingsThatReallyMatter

Nedbank Limited Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

90 minutes from Pretoria in the Waterberg district Only 38 ready to build freehold stands now available • • • • •

Realise your bushveld dream Exciting sustainable breeding programmes 24 hour access control with regular patrols Exclusive use of the bush camp Ownership of 1000 hectare farm and game

Prime stands available Fully serviced

From R385 000 incl Contact: Susan 073 356 8814 www.ditholoestate.co.za

Restore your Spirit Cando Advertising

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1½

2

TOWNHOUSES FROM

R 1 569 900

BORTOLI VILLAS OFFERS YOU THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE WITH HIGH QUALITY FEATURES These 65 double story townhouses offer exceptional value and all homes come standard with high quality finishes and a fully covered patio with built-in braai, and double garage.

High quality features in the Kitchen include: • Soft close cupboards • Granite countertops throughout • Modern contemporary styled kitchen design

SOUTH AFRICAN PLANNING INSTITUTION

Other: • Mirrored sliding door built-in-cupboards in bedrooms • Pet friendly • Guest bathroom on ground floor

082 511 1115

sales@mspd.co.za

021 801 5400

| Another development proudly by Own the home Live the dream

light up your life. live in The lumière.

It’s the first luxury apartment development of it’s kind in Melrose, with many architectural innovations that create a modern and unique design, both in appearance and function Perfectly appointed spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Excellent spaces to entertain in with folding stacking doors from living area to large patios. Bio-metric lift access from under-building parking garage. 2 Parkings and clubhouse with pool 24hr security and concierge services to make your life easier and more comfortable All this and everything else just around the corner in trendy Rosebank Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to secure your future investment Only 7 luxury apartments still available from R4 475 000 to R7 725 000

VISIT US ON SITE THIS SUNDAY FROM 2-5PM Directions: from Oxford Road turn into Melrose Street past traffic circle, entrance on right hand side or from Glenhove Road towards Rosebank, turn right into Tottenham Avenue at traffic circle turn right into Melrose Street Architects

Developers

Interiors

Conveyancers STRAUSS SCHER AT TO R N E YS

Benjy Pein 083 453 4156 | 011 731 0300 benjy@firzt.co.za For more information visit www.firzt.co.za

CONSTRUCTION AlREADY IN PROgRESS

!

LD SO 4

Web ReF 16858

Artist Impression

THE DEFINITION OF TIMELESS STYLE Be inspired to live the dream

If The Run Of The Mill Is Not For You? 19 BRIaN ROad OFFERS YOu ThE OppORTuNITY TO pERSONaLISE YOuR pERFEcT hOME

Artist Impression

North-Facing 1000m2 Land in unparalleled position in boomed enclave 500m or bigger You DeciDe?

Artist Impression

2

ON SHOW SUNDAY 1-5PM Visit us on site to view finishes and artists impressions or view a partially completed similar property. gAiL

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ctive in A Virg

Tre

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rD rivers

Artist Impression

Artist Impression

Joan Richter 082 552 7323 joanrichter@firzt.co.za Limor Zino 082 888 7561 limor@firzt.co.za For more information visit www.firzt.co.za

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The Wedge

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Simplex or Double Storey?

3/4/5 bedrooms all en-suite?

Double or Triple garaging? one or Two staff suites?

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Follow FIRZT pointers from Rivonia Rd, into Centre Rd (see roads marked in Green)

ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY FIRZT REALTY COMPANY

25 OCTOBER 2015

MARKETPLACE

29

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide A:

M:

Waterkloof Park

33

31, 46, 48

Waterkloof Ridge

33, 51

41

Wierdapark

35

Midfield Estate

35

Willow Acres

37, 38, 39

46

Midlands Estate

47

Willow Acres Estate

49

34

Midrand

44

Willow Park Manor

51

Midstream Hill

47

Wonderboom South

54

54

Woodhill

49

48, 49

Woodhill Estate

33

Alphen Park

31

Menlo Park

Amberfield Glen Estate

34

Meyerspark

Annlin Ext 36

39

Arcadia Arundo Estate

B: Baileys Muckleneuk

31

Mnandi AH Monavoni

Blue Valley GolF Estate

34

Monavoni AH

Boardwalk Meader

48

47

Monument Park

Brooklyn

31, 48

32, 42, 51

Z:

Mooikloof

Brummeria

31, 50

46

Zwartkop

Mooikloof Eq Estate

32

Mooikloof Gardens

32

Mooikloof Ridge

50

C: Capital Park

39

Moreleta Park

Centurion Golf Estate

34, 47

32, 43, 46, 49, 50, 51

Mountain View

Clearwater Estate

50

39

Murrayfield

Clydesdale

50

32

Constantia Park

50

Copperleaf Estate

54

Cornwall Hill

47

D: Die Hoewes

34

Die Wilgers

38

Donkerhoek

50

Doringkloof

34

E:

N: Newlands

51

NKWE

37

O: Olympus

51

P: Pretoria Central

46

Pretorius Park

51

Eldoraigne

48

Equestria

39, 40, 56

Raslow

Erasmuskloof

46

54

Rietfontein

54

Rietvalleirand

42, 51

Rooihuiskraal

35 35, 49

F: Faerie Glen

31, 43, 48, 50, 54

Rooihuiskraal North

S:

G: Garsfontein

R:

31, 50

H: Hazeldean

37

Hennopspark

34

Highveld

47, 54

I: Irene

34

Irene Proper

47

Irene Wood Estate

34

Silver Lakes

38

Silver Lakes Estate

32

Silver Lakes Golf Estate

49

Silver Stream Estate

32

Silver Woods

51

Silverton Ridge

46

Six Fountains Estate

32

Soshanguve

46

Soutdowns

47

Soutdowns Estate

47

Sterrewag

42

T:

K: Kameeldrift East

41, 54

Knoppieslaagte

35

Kyalami AH

54

L: La Montagne

50

Laezonia

35

Leeuwenhof Estate

31

Lynnwood

48, 50

Lynnwood Glen

31

Lynnwood Manor

41

Thatchfield Close

35

The Meadows

46

The Reeds

35, 40, 47, 54

The Wilds

46

V: Val de Grace

32

W: Wapadrand

51

Waterkloof

33, 49

Waterkloof Heights

33

35, 40

Agency Guide Adrienne Hersch Properties Aida Balwin Properties Leapfrog Nedbank Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Seeff Properties Sotheby's International Realty

54 50 - 51 56 46 - 47 22, 28 53 36 - 45 30 - 35 48 - 49

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48

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50

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54

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