MOTORING

The Mazda CX-30 Dynamic has finally hit the roads in South Africa. This new compact SUV forms part of the CX Range and sits comfortably between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5. Following the launch of the all-new Mazda3, the Mazda CX-30 is the second model in Mazda’s next generation line-up. This Mazda SUV was also awarded the top “Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2020 in the United States. The all-new Mazda CX-30 – built by Japanese craftsmen and made with soul – comes in three derivatives: Active, Dynamic and Individual. Combining the bold proportions of an SUV with the sleek profile of a coupe,

Made with SOUL

AS YOU MOVE ON IN LIFE YOU NEED A VEHICLE THAT MOVES WITH YOU. LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE MAZDA CX-30

its styling is a sophisticated evolution of Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, while its spacious and versatile cabin ensures it has the practicality and comfort demanded by customers in this popular segment. When it comes to escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life, on the open road the Mazda SUV offers a dynamic performance, an exhilarating ride and superb safety – making you feel the car was made specifically with you in mind. Each and every element has been created with the intention of further strengthening the connection between the vehicle and the driver, reinforcing the essence of Mazda’s “KODO: Soul of Motion” design. Smooth driving, smart looks and an appealing interior make the Mazda CX-30 the ultimate choice if a compact SUV is on your shopping list. Looking at the Mazda’s stunning features, there are some stand-out ones worth noting: the standard heads-up display, push start, Bluetooth, USB port,

CMH UCB UMHLANGA - THE RIDGE DESIGN - 25.03.2021.pdf 1 3/26/2021 8:10:56 AM multi-functional steering wheel, alloy rims, LCD screen, integrated with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and ISOFIX in all models, while the reverse camera, park assist, keyless entry, auto rain sensing wipers, leather-suede combo interior, automatic lights and BOSE sound system grace the range as it progresses.

The CX-30 comes with a standard three year/unlimited kilometre Service Plan, Factory Warranty and Roadside Assistance along with a five year Corrosion Warranty to provide you with peace-of-mind motoring. *

FOR MORE INFO Contact CMH Mazda uMhlanga on 031 502 5565 or visit www.mazdaumhlanga.co.za

There is a seismic shift in the residential property market, much of which is attributable to the upsurge in demand from the millennial generation, who for the past five consecutive years have represented the largest share of the home-buying market. Being late to buy their first home compared to previous generations – with many either living at home or renting, although it seems that homeownership has not been a priority for this generation – it appears that this trend has changed due to the current and prevailing low interest rates. Affordability is most probably the game-changer, coupled with the fact that many of them now have a family of their own. With wages relatively stagnant over the past 15 years – except in regard to the public sector – the cost of living has skyrocketed. Internationally, during this period, millennials have faced lower interest rates but higher debt – including student loans and credit card debt. As a result, millennials have struggled to save for a deposit – making home ownership more or less out of reach – until around mid-2018 when 100% loans became more readily available.

First-time home buyers – including millennials – are also taking advantage of

Smaller is BETTER

MILLENNIALS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE LOWER INTEREST RATE AND DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES, WRITES GARETH BAILEY

the cheaper lending rates to acquire more expensive properties, with this cohort accounting for almost 50,95% of home loans during the fourth quarter of 2020, according to the bond originator ooba. As previously noted, South Africa’s young population, with nearly two-thirds of citizens currently below the average age of a first-time buyer (34 years), provides the market with a solid underpinning.

The lockdown also appears to have prompted some millennials to start putting down roots, starting a family of their own, and buying their first home while taking advantage of low interest rates. While this sector was said to remain mobile, maintaining flexibility to travel globally, the confines of lockdown is seeing many with young families taking advantage of the near-historic low interest rates and acquiring freehold homes with outdoor space in more affordable, peripheral areas or suburbs – especially as many are now able to work from home instead of needing to be in the hub of central cities. However, they can also still be found renting or buying sectional title apartments in urban growth nodes, particularly in mixed-use developments which offer the convenience of on-site gyms, eateries and retail, as well as shared work space.

In uMhlanga New Town Centre, a new development – The Onyx – offers New York-style one-bed apartments from R1,3-million and unique two-bed loft apartments from R2,5-million. The development which targets millennials and first-time home buyers, is close to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, two private hospitals, a cluster of restaurants and coffee shops, and of course, uMhlanga’s golden beaches. If there is a renewed wave of conversions of commercial property to well-located residential sectional title units in relatively affordable

ABOVE: Gareth Bailey, Pam Golding Properties.

First-time home buyers – including millennials – are also taking advantage of the cheaper lending rates to acquire more expensive properties

and accessible price bands, this would provide good investment opportunities, resulting in an influx of homeowners or tenants to business nodes – quite possibly leaning towards younger and less affluent buyers. While many millennials aspire to living in a central node or live/ work/play environment, others are looking further afield to somewhat more spacious freehold properties in secondary towns, or semigrating to coastal and other desirable outlying and affordable areas for a better lifestyle for their families, yet with access to good schooling and necessary amenities.

Millennials are also seeking homes which cater for their specific lifestyle needs and values – tranquil spaces for quiet relaxation, exercise, yoga or meditation; larger kitchens and living spaces where the family has room to breathe if confined due to lockdown restrictions; open spaces for walking, hiking or mountain biking – such as those found on secure lifestyle estates; and an eco-friendly environment.

With the interest rate expected to remain stable for at least the next year or so, we are likely to see this trend continuing as millennials establish their foothold in the residential property market. *

Durban North office · 031 573 6000 Umhlanga office · 031 561 5300 Umdloti office · 031 568 1299

Umhlanga Rocks / R4.395 million Ref# 1ND1518932

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Penthouse located in Umhlanga’s most sought after complexes. Perched above luscious gardens, absorb the tranquility of the ships resting on the horizon from your private balcony.

Adine Marcon 071 679 4806

Durban North / R3.795 million

Ref# 1ND1522416

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 2 / Parkings 5 / After 45 years, this well-loved home is being released into the market allowing a new family to begin their journey into making fresh memories. Bjern Petzer 082 456 0477

Somerset Park / R3.9 million

Ref# 1ND11514084 Bedrooms 6 / Bathrooms 7 (6 en-suite) / A large family will enjoy the comfort and privacy of this home. Built on level land, the paved entrance offers ample parking space, which can be used for entertaining. Brett Kallides 083 258 9631 / Tanisha Rajcomar 083 439 0350

Umdloti Beach / R4.195 million

Ref# 1ND1521687

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2 / Super chic Manhattan style unique apartment in the most talked about investment community in KZN. Private living with luxurious finishes throughout with exquisite sea views. Nico Swart 082 446 0008