Bigg est and Best Prope rt y guid e in the Bolan d
SOLD The Boland
29 JANUARIE
D i s t r i c t M a i l | E i k e s t a d n u u s | P a a r l P o s t
PAARL RESIDENTIAL: SELLER’S MARKET, BUT...
Value for money still available One of the more remarkable features of the Paarl residential property scene this year, says Lizette Joubert, Rawson Property Group’s franchisee for the area, has been that although Paarl is now a seller’s market – especially in the lower price brackets – prices still remain fairly stable, estimated by her as rising only six to eight percent per annum on average. What is more, says Joubert, this means that the area still offers exceptional value to buyers, particularly those coming from elsewhere. This Paarl franchise, says Wayne Albutt, regional sales manager for the Rawson Property Group, Western Cape, has over the past nine years grown in strength to be the current market leader in the area, actively involved in more than 20% of all local property transactions. With over 65 Rawson residential sales franchises in the Western Cape, the Paarl franchise also has an excellent referral-based working relationship within the group, nationally and regionally, as a sizable number of buyers and sellers are moving into and out of Paarl. This year, he says, the franchise ranked fifth nationally in the Rawson Property Group in terms of number of sales — and has increased annual total sales by 48%. “The Paarl franchise’s success is not only an indication of the property market in the area, but also attests to the level of professionalism of Joubert and her team as well as to the the local
A family home in Riparia Street that was recently sold by the Rawson Paarl team for R2 550 000 – the full asking price. This home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two garages, a laundry, a swimming pool and a floor area of 372 m². The agent involved was Hestarie Uys. A similar home in the central Cape Town sub urbs, said Lizette Joubert, would cost no less than R6 million. community’s faith and support in their abilities,” says Albutt. “Joubert’s latest figures show that the majority of sales (55%) is still taking place in the ever- popular middle bracket, which in Paarl means houses priced between R1 and R2,5 million. “Here it seems homes on the market usually sell within three weeks. Above that level, demand
is increasing and the area has many upper-bracket homes, although these sales comprise less than 10% of the Rawson Paarl’s total for this area. In contrast, the lower-bracket homes (R350 000 to R1 million) have now been able to generate 37% of sales.” Joubert says the significant number of sales achieved in the
lower bracket is probably not altogether typical of most Paarl estate agencies, but is due to her franchise establishing a targeted Paarl East satellite office a year ago, with husband, Arno as manager. This has been a good business decision and has helped a lot to satisfy local consumer demand. “In this price range,” says Jou-
STELLENBOSCH - R 2 150 000
STELLENBOSCH - R 4 900 000
Alleenmandaat. Nuwe vrystelling. Baie netjiese gesinswoning in rustige woonbuurt. IRMA 083 651 0390
STELLENBOSCH - R1 600 000
EIENDOMME PROPERTIES STELLENBOSCH
Kantoor 021 886 4108 Faks 086 620 3478
info@irmaknipeproperties.co.za www.irmaknipeproperties.co.za
STELLENBOSCH - R1 325 000
New listing.
Gedeelde mandaat.
Modern northfacing apartment in Mostertsdrift with balcony.
Noordfront woonstel geleë oorkant dameskoshuis. Huurkontrak vir 2015.
Available for 2015. LOUISE 083 549 5521
bert, “the big demand is for homes priced at between R600 000 and R800 000. In the middle-bracket price range, demand is focused mainly at round R800 000 to R1,5 million. Looking ahead, Joubert says a revival in upper-bracket homes will eventually come about but has still to materialise, adding that this scenario could change within the next 12 to 18 months. “However you measure it,” says Joubert, “what Paarl can offer in upmarket homes, especially at estates like Val de Vie, Pearl Valley and Boschenmeer, where we are involved, is exceptionally good value, especially when compared with similar homes closer to Cape Town or in Stellenbosch.” The stock shortage in the popular price brackets, adds Joubert, has led to one or two sellers going the DIY route and dispensing altogether with estate agents. “While it is understandable that some enjoy handling this type of operation themselves, as estate agents we have to warn those doing this that we have seen several cases where over-confidence, combined with a lack of indepth real-estate knowledge, has led to costly mistakes. “It has to be appreciated that the legislation surrounding real estate is complicated and that there are numerous pitfalls. which only those experienced in this field will recognise and avoid falling into. There is an old saying which still rings true: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you see how expensive it is to hire an amateur,” she cautions.
IRMA 083 651 0390
STELLENBOSCH - R760 000 Joint Mandate. A golden opportunity to invest in property on campus at this price. Rental contract for 2015. LOUISE 083 549 5521
Sole Mandate. Immaculate home with great entertainment areas. Close to the Jonkershoek Valley.
IRMA 083 651 0390
STELLENBOSCH - R1 490 000 Alleenmandaat. Netjiese ruim noordfront woonstel met twee parkeerplekke. Okkupeerbaar vir 2015.
LOUISE 083 549 5521 X1PNE7L9-SI290115