Real Estate April 2015 ( Issue 20) by REAL|life

REAL

ESTATE ISSUE 20 • APRIL 2015

HOT PROPERTY

The ultimate Sandhurst estate | Buying better – luxury goods with a conscience | Spotlight on Steyn City

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“When you choose a place to live, you’re making a long term investment in your life.” The Houghton is…

“

As much about the sunrises and sunsets as it is about the security. It’s about no load-shedding and 24/7 water supply.

And waking up to look out over the most beautiful garden in the city. It’s about more return and less risk. Extraordinary, that’s what it is.” Resident Investment Banker

ON SHOW DAILY – LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FROM R3,9 MILLION SHOW APARTMENT Unit 12018, The Houghton on the 12th 53 2nd Avenue, Houghton Office – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100 Email – alan@thehoughton.com

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CREATIVE GROUP

FINGERPRINT SECURITY

BACKUP GENERATORS

5 STAR HOTEL SERVICES

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RUNNING TRACK

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Safe. Secure. Surrounded by nature.

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ozi is our focus this month, with two extraordinary property developments launching simultaneously, both of which will change the face of Joburg but in entirely different ways. Steyn City, beyond Fourways, has set a new benchmark for estate living, with a million new trees being planted on 809 hectares of previously undeveloped land (see more on page 86). The public seems to agree – on its first show day, 50 per cent of available stands (235) and 90 per cent of the apartments were sold. By contrast, in the gritty heart of the city, property wunderkind Jonathan Liebmann, Propertuity’s CEO, launched Hallmark House with visionary starchitect David Adjaye. They had met at the opening of MOAD (Museum of African Design), where Jonathan led him outside, pointed at the building and said, ‘This is my magnum opus and I’d like to work with you.’ Since Hallmark House is David’s first big project in southern Africa, it was fitting that the heavens opened on the afternoon of the launch. A thunderous African hailstorm broke just as we were arriving in a nippy tuk-tuk – the easiest way to get through the traffic, which had come to a virtual standstill. Rain, of course, gave way to a blast of sunshine and a dramatic skyline sunset. Hailed as the ‘new wave of African urbanism’, Hallmark is being rebuilt as an inclusive residential and hotel space with a focus on high-level living – a first for Maboneng. Reaching skywards, the plant-covered, glass-panelled tower will have 201 apartments, 92 of which will be hotel rooms and 109 residential (46 now sold). ‘Twenty per cent of our buyers are foreign investors,’ says Jonathan (read more on foreign investment on page 25). Like David, those investors believe that Joburg has ‘some of the most incredible real estate in Africa and one of the most developed infrastructure systems on the continent’. Exciting times ahead!

REAL

ED’S LETTER

ESTATE

PUBLISHED BY PA MEDIA, THE CREATIVE GROUP CAPE TOWN Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock 7925. 021 447 7130 JOHANNESBURG 9-6th Street, Parkhurst 2193. 011 476 6293 www.realestatemagazine.co.za THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO Shaun Minnie

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CONTRIBUTORS ELSA YOUNG One of the foremost decor, travel and lifestyle photographers in South Africa, Elsa’s endless professionalism and easy-going attitude make her a favourite to work with among magazine editors around the world. She’s worked with the best in the business and her decor styling skills are second to none, as you will see from the polished images she produced for our Show House feature this month.

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PATRICK CAIRNS As a leading independent financial journalist, Patrick Cairns contributes to a number of local online and print publications. He writes widely on business, economic and investment issues in South Africa and their wider impacts on the social landscape. After spending three years in the tiny diamond-mining town of Orapa in Botswana, he returned to Cape Town last year with reinvigorated enthusiasm for the country and its potential.

Cover image Elsa Young Photographs Lar Photography, Michelle Snaddon, supplied

ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND SUBMISSIONS Jackie Maritz Advertising Coordinator

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS APRIL 2015 16 SHOW HOUSE Off-the-charts luxury specs and palatial proportions in the form of a classically inspired contemporary home raise the bar for residential living in Sandhurst 25 SPECIAL REPORT The threat of restrictions on foreign property ownership has industry leaders puzzling over the government’s rationale for the move 31 COLOUR CORRECT Simplify your decor colour combinations and work new shades into your spaces in five easy steps

40 GREATER GOODS As the embodiment of all things aspirational, it falls to the luxury industry to lead the way in matters of environmental sustainability. We explore how this seemingly superficial industry can, in fact, inspire consumers to protect the earth as we know it 47 BREATH OF FRESH ART Two art aficionados describe how they transformed a city heritage space into the perfect platform for exposing up-and-coming South African talent to the public 54 MARKETPLACE The property news you need to know, now

84 GLOBAL BUY A stable economy, unspoilt wilderness and excellent infrastructure are attracting increasing numbers of people to Namibia’s main residential centres 86 SUBURB FOCUS Steyn City is transforming the landscape and the economic potential of the greater Fourways area 89 PRACTICAL ADVICE Things to consider before you put in an offer on a property 96 DREAM HOME Indulge your island fantasies at this Ibiza villa

Photographs iStock, supplied

11 WORD ON THE STREET

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Our reach is further than the eye can see Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve partnered with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World to sell your home.

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WORD ON THE STREET Places to be and things to see in the hippest ’hoods

GLOBAL GOODS IN WOODSTOCK

Words Genevieve Putter, Julia Freemantle, Michelle Snaddon Photographs Annalize Nel, Valérie van der Wal, Sally Rutherford, Henk Hattingh, Etienne Stevens, supplied

Sumarie Krige’s eye for hand-picked home furnishings and decor finds from around the world is well known, and by the end of April she will have a new showroom in Woodstock, Cape Town. Following the success of her Gauteng stores, the first La Grange Interiors showroom in the Cape couldn’t be in a better location: Albert Road, among some of the most creative and cutting-edge enterprises the city has to offer. lagrangeinteriors.co.za

Cast in stone We can’t get over the striking but delicate interpretation of stone by the jewellery designers who took part in the inaugural PPC Imaginarium Awards. We love entrant Tarryn Small’s Cement Encaged design, which was inspired by architectural lines. A much-praised patron of the arts, PPC takes an innovative approach to fostering new talent, and its Imaginarium Awards saw designers in different categories – architecture, jewellery, film, sculpture, fashion and industrial design – submitting entries. ppcimaginarium. co.za

SOFT TOUCH Hinterveld’s mohair blankets have become even more timeless with the launch of the ethereally lovely Beautiful Story range in neutral colourways and contemporary but classic patterns. Available in sizes that range from throw to king-size, they’re a can’t-miss gift idea. hinterveld.com

A WORLD APART My World, Ceramic Factory’s autumn/winter 2015 collection, celebrates individuals who live their passion every day. A first for the producers, it sees them collaborating with three local manufacturers in the Robertson Valley and explores the possibilities of combining ceramics with glass, wood and metal. The planter (left) with its copper base is a charming mix of modernity and nostalgia. ceramicfactory.co.za

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20 DESIGN INDABA TURNS

For the past 20 years the team at Interactive Africa, spearheaded by Ravi Naidoo, has brought some of the world’s most innovative and dynamic thinkers to the threeday conference. Here’s our pick of this year’s 10 most memorable Design Indaba moments 1. THE SIMULCAST addressed the need for widespread access to Design Indaba by streaming the conference live to venues around the country. For those starting out in the creative industries, this was a pivotal opportunity to benefit from the conference.

2. WILLIAM KENTRIDGE’S presentation on his creative process around a new body of performance art, Refuse the Hour, had audience members on the edge of their seats. The climax was an improvisation by the musical ensemble which was brought on stage to enact what it all meant.

3. REIMAGINING MATERIALS was a recurring theme that appeared in presentations by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius (jongeriuslab.com) and Italian design duo Forma Fantasma (formafantasma.com). Hella reused KLM’s old air hostess uniforms for the interiors of the Boeing 747 business cabins, while Forma Fantasma used volcano debris in a bespoke range.

4. AFRICAN FASHION’S COOL SET had everyone talking. From the whimsical designs and styling of Senegalese Selly Raby Kane (sellyrabykane.com) to her fellow countryman Omar Viktor Diop’s (omarviktor.com) fashion-inspired photography and Zulu-inspired collections by Sindiso Khumalo (sindisokhumalo.com), the vibrancy and energy of these young creatives’ work was a hot topic throughout the three days of Design Indaba.

5. VARIATIONS ON NORMAL (variationsonnormal.com) is the name of product designer Dominic Wilcox’s blog (dominicwilcox.com), which showcases his creative object-making skills. ‘I treat playfulness deadly seriously,’ says Dominic, whose work is all about giving new meaning and function to everyday objects.

5 MINUTES WITH

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Casper Vissers, business partner at one of our favourite international furniture design brands, Moooi, sat down with us to talk design

6. ‘COLOURS ARE LIKE MUSICAL NOTES; you can play endlessly with them,’ said 84-year-old Rosita Missoni, co-founder of renowned Italian fashion and homeware brand, Missoni (missoni.com). Her love of art, colour and family continues to inspire her work, and to this day she’s actively involved in the homeware line of the family business she and her late husband, Ottavio, founded more than 60 years ago.

7. THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF DIGI-TECH stretched our minds. English collective, The Workers (theworkers.net) presented Tate Britain After Dark, where digitally controlled robots brought the art to the internet via a live stream. Israeli Yoni Bloch also wowed the audiences with his Interlude platform (interlude.fm) that allows viewers to direct their own music videos, adverts and feature films.

8. KIRSTENBOSCH’S BOOMSLANG won the Most Beautiful Object in SA award this year by public vote. Designed by architect Mark Thomas and structural engineer Henry Fagan, the winding walkway, which takes visitors from the forest floor up to the treetops and over the canopy, was inspired by the skeleton of a snake.

9. THE EMERGING TALENTS provided insight into where tomorrow’s stars are at today. A standout presentation was given by Dutch graduate Teresa van Dongen (teresavandongen.com), whose Ambio light uses bioluminescent bacteria from the skin of an octopus as an alternative light source,

10. THE EXPO is always a treat to get a handle on the landscape of local young design talent. And speaking of landscapes, architecture student and blogger of Design Heard (designheard.blogspot.com) Nikki Onderstall’s cardboard laser-cut topographical models of Table Mountain were the talk of the expo.

Africa’s design narrative… We’ve always believed that making an environment beautiful isn’t enough – it has to be meaningful too. We can learn a lot from Africa’s warmth: design here has an artistic and craft quality about it; it has soul, something that resonates with us. Teamwork… We’ve been in business for 14 years. The keys to our success are my partner Marcel Wanders and my synergy of creativity and business. The South African market… Since we partnered with our South African agent, Steven Lasker of Edge Interiors, we’ve tripled our business in South Africa. moooi.com

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WORD ON THE STREET

<ALL’S FAIR The buzz around this year’s Cape Town Art Fair was the growing mix of South African, pan-African and European work. The intimacy of the new venue at the V&A Waterfront lent itself to close-up viewings of exciting works. We love ‘The Chapters’ (left) by Carolyn Parton – six panels of reconstituted paint fragments taken from diverse sources, including local house painters and artists such as Marlene Dumas. It will soon be exhibited at the Sulger-Buel Lovell gallery in London, a few blocks away from Marlene’s retrospective at Tate Modern. We also liked works by Sanell Aggenbach at Brundyn+ and the art of Mandy Coppes-Martin and Zolile Phetshane at Lizamore & Associates. Meanwhile, RoseLee Goldberg, the renowned author and art historian, gave a series of talks and met gallerists and artists. ‘I want to collaborate with some key New York galleries and bring them to Cape Town for future art fairs. What’s happening in South Africa is very exciting,’ she said. ‘Cape Town has already made its mark on the global art scene and the Cape Town Art Fair will grow in stature and influence.’ capetownartfair.co.za

TAKE TWO

COOL COLLECTORS

The second instalment of Guild, one of the country’s most eagerly anticipated yearly art events, topped its launch with an even wider array of international talent and an elevated local offering. The keyword this year was ‘collaboration’, engendering a real sense of innovation. Highlights included the fantastical Afreaka creatures by the trio of the Haas Brothers, Monkeybiz and Bronze Age. On the more prosaic side of things, wooden furniture by Botswanan designer Peter Mabeo stood out. His work straddles the divide between edgy and functional. Even the entrance hall – a collection of containers designed by SAOTA (Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects) wowed visitors. guilddesignfair.com

That Art Fair’s inaugural event was held in the same week as this year’s Design Indaba, Guild showcase and Cape Town Art Fair. But where the latter is considered highbrow, the aim of this alternative fair – an Art South Africa initiative – is to promote fresh talent to new audiences, especially those who are just starting their art collections. The hefty crop of work by emerging South African artists across disciplines was exceptional. The venue was a talking point too: That Art Fair took place at a multistorey industrial car park in Salt River, which was converted into a grid of temporary walls that wound all the way to the top floor, where the official afterparty kicked off, making That Art Fair the coolest place to see, be seen and bust some moves. thatartfair.com

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Hell’s bells With the re-emergence of Melville onto Jozi’s nightlife scene, thanks in part to other locales such as The Leopard and Jo’Anna Melt Bar opening up in the last year, it’s no surprise that new bar and restaurant Hell’s Kitchen is getting a lot of attention. Aside from the Brooklyn-inspired interiors (face-brick walls lined with plump chesterfield couches), what makes this spot extra fabulous is the owners’ focus on delicious fresh food — even their bread is baked on site. hellskitchen.co.za

A TASTE OF PROVENANCE> Stellenzicht Vineyards, situated between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, has a lot to boast about aside from its location on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains. The new tasting room is a chic abode where the fruits of this vineyard’s labour can be sampled, contemplated and enjoyed. According to winemaker Guy Webber, a sense of provenance informed the tasting room’s design aesthetic, which was undertaken by architect Tony Totten with the understanding that provenance is not only about place, but also community and relationships. This philosophy is ingrained in many features of the new tasting room, such as the recycled wooden furniture and artwork by assistant winemaker Nataleé Botha. stellenzicht.co.za

<NIROX WINTER SCULPTURE FAIR

WHERE: Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng WHEN: 9–10 May WHAT: a food and wine affair featuring the top chefs and winemakers of the Cape winelands town of Franschhoek, whose culinary and viniculture skills will be experienced among the biggest collection of sculptures in South Africa WHY: visitors get to meet the talent behind the Cape’s most well-known food and wine destinations while ogling the art. wintersculpturefair.co.za

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DECOREX CAPE TOWN WHERE: Cape Town International Convention Centre WHEN: 24–27 April WHAT: the biggest local showcase of creative expression and practical home decor ideas WHY: with established brands as well as new design talent, all aspects of the home will be covered, from kitchens and soft furnishings to outdoor ideas and DIY COST: R80 a ticket. decorex.co.za

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THIS PAGE Classic features are counterbalanced by a selection of contemporary Italian furniture from THIS PAGE Ancient Greek clay urns and a Casarredo and textured rugs from Paco. Glossy Moroccan lantern from Hadeda (hadedashop. surfaces form a common thread between pieces com) work together despite their varied origins with different provenances and the monochromatic by virtue of their common neutral palette palette is punctuated at intervals by artwork and OPPOSITE PAGE Travel-loving fashion accents of colour OPPOSITE Interior designer Arlene enthusiast Yolanda de Villiers leans against Rottanburg kept the colour scheme for the exterior oneÂ of the numerous ornate antique Indian surfaces of the house to subtle natural shades of doors in her home. She bought this handsome putty, taupe and grey pair from 3rd World Interiors in Woodstock, Cape Town (021 447 6550)

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SHOW HOUSE

ON A GRAND

SCALE MODERN AMENITIES MEET CLASSICAL LINES IN AN ULTRALUXURIOUS SANDHURST HOME THAT’S ABSOLUTELY TIMELESS Text Julia Freemantle Photographs Elsa Young

nown primarily for its affinity for a contemporary aesthetic, Summersun Property Group’s latest project in Sandhurst shows a different, more traditional, side to the prolific Johannesburg developer. When Arlene Rottanburg from the company’s interior wing began planning the estate, she initially considered demolishing the existing structure, which she describes as a ‘Gone with the Wind’ house. She would start from scratch and populate the property with a series of cluster homes. Ultimately, however, she was swayed heavily by the house’s classical features and, inspired enough to keep it intact, she reimagined the house as an elegant grande dame for the modern era. While working on the new design, Arlene visited the US and became familiar with the New Classicist movement – the revival of neoclassical, Renaissance and Graeco-Roman forms, proportions and motifs – but found it a bit restrictive. Fortunately, the subsequent discovery of architect Ken Tate was a revelation. Tate’s work expresses a more open-ended style, drawing on different influences and underpinned by his classical training. She felt inspired to apply similar all-inclusive principles to this palatial home. The 1 810m2 structure called for an approach that would complement the stateliness of the spaces and the suburb while injecting a sense of vitality and relevance. Architects Adriano Moroldo and Aurelio Cimato of CM Architects, regular collaborators of Arlene’s, were tasked with this mandate.

‘Our brief, in addition to honouring the style of the house, was to add every conceivable contemporary comfort and convenience, of a standard appropriate to the prestige of the location, to create a true sanctuary within the classical structure,’ explains Adriano. With Jon Case and Mark Rielly from Antoni Associates, she devised an interior scheme that would complement these aims. ‘Jon and Mark work internationally and are constantly reinventing themselves, so I was excited to work with them,’ Arlene says of the partnership. ‘We wanted the interiors to serve as a natural extension of the architecture.’ She was also conscious of maintaining a sense of Summersun’s signature modern look, the challenge being to find a balance between the two. This took the form of a neutral palette and timeless materials, reinterpreted. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors, for example, are frameless, the porcelain tiles oversized and the traditional silhouettes of the fireplaces finished in a modern stucco effect. To dress the spaces, Arlene and the interior team looked to furniture purveyor Casarredo, whose high-end Italian pieces struck the right note of luxury and modernity, while the bold, simple shapes command the voluminous spaces. But what really propels this house into the 21st century are the impressive tech specs, the incomparable leisure spaces and the resulting sense of luxury. While each is impressive in its own right, the effect en masse is staggering. No amenity or luxury has been left unexplored – name it, the house

has it. Private cinema? With white leather seats. Pool gazebo fitted as a restaurant with pizza oven for daytime dining, overlooking a championship tennis court. And for after-dark entertainment, you can escape to the billiard room and wine cellar or into the cigar bar. The hotel-style spa is equipped with a sauna, massage room and steam room, and leads out onto a courtyard planted with an invigorating mix of lemon trees and lavender chosen for their scent and to enhance the peacefulness of the space. Just one small corner of the extensive estate, it displays the level of attention to detail that’s been applied to this project as a whole. The manicured garden, the efforts of landscape designer Meleney Bruwer, is a nod to the house’s neoclassical roots. Here she has moulded the previously ungainly and hilly 4 500m2 terrain into an ordered reflection of the symmetry and poise of the house itself. Drawing on international landscaper Paul Bangay’s work, Meleney has combined evergreen shrubs with perennials and a pareddown selection of old-fashioned flowers such as viburnum, camellias, agapanthus and ferns to lend the area a sense of structure and understated elegance close to the house, while grown pin oaks and white stinkwood trees border the driveway. This sense of occasion as you enter the property is not a momentary experience, however; it extends into every element of the house’s redesign, making it worthy of the phrase ‘modern classic’.

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SHOW HOUSE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The kitchen features Duco and Caesarstone surfaces, is fitted with integrated Miele appliances and has a separate butler’s pantry and walk-in chill room – as they have done elsewhere in the house, Arlene and the design team have used traditionally inspired light fittings but have chosen cool light as opposed to warm for a new and modern effect; the dining room’s high-gloss surfaces lend a sense of occasion to the space – chairs by Italian designer Pietro Costantini pick up on the black-and-white tiled floors; water features and sculptures outdoors have a classical bent; the front door was inspired by the entrance to Number 10 Downing Street OPPOSITE Marble-clad walls and vanity in the bathroom are complemented by an expansive mirror and a glamorous chandelier

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I naturally gravitate towards objects that have a story,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; comments Yolanda of this bamboo ladder from Indonesia

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SHOW HOUSE

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The summer-house gazebo, geared towards entertaining, is set out like a restaurant and features a bar and pizza oven â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Arlene and the design team have used marble here too, but this time in a dramatic black; a cantilevered bar counter shows the depth that can be achieved even within a neutral colour palette; glossy blackand-white tiles in the hallway echo the linearity of the off-centre arches; textured finishes give the pool gazebo a more earthy appeal than the main house OPPOSITE, FROM TOP In the study, bold shapes and graphic pattern achieve a masculine feel; the wine cellar features the same sense of symmetry and proportion as the designers have exercised throughout theÂ house

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SHOW HOUSE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The sleek hotel-style pool is a rare, purely contemporary moment in the constant balancing of old and new – it is accessed from the gazebo, a self-contained entertainment area that is separate from the main house; the fully specced spa offers a sauna, Roman hot pool and steam room done in slabs of granite and accented with mosaic; the 6 300m2 estate has been landscaped in a formal style, to complement the classical lines of the house’s exterior – a limited palette keeps the effect understated and elegant OPPOSITE The house’s spa, complete with a massage room and lemon-and-lavender-scented courtyard, leads onto a gym

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OCTOBER 2014

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HOT OFF THE PRESS! Marketed by Vered at an asking price of R60m, the property has since been sold

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TIPS FOR NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY PURCHASERS Non-resident purchasers must be alerted, at the time of purchasing a property in South Africa, as to what they will need should they in due course sell the home and wish to repatriate their investment to their home country. Non-resident sellers may take the proceeds from the sale of a house out of South Africa (repatriate) after • any sums still owing under a mortgage bond over the property have been paid; and • the non-resident’s Capital Gains Tax liability was settled with SARS. However, the repatriation of funds will require compliance with South African Exchange Control Regulations which means, amongst other things, that

the Reserve Bank will investigate the initial source of the non-resident’s investment in South Africa. WHICH DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETAINED? The documents the Reserve Bank will request are: • the Deal Receipt/s (the record issued by a South African bank to the non-resident as proof of receipt of foreign funds transferred by the non-resident into the South African bank); • a copy of the agreement of sale; and • the conveyancer’s final statement of account.

It is therefore important to make sure that these documents are securely filed away after your purchase. For a non-resident, there are various questions regarding a property transaction in South Africa. Contact STBB for assistance in all aspects of your transaction, before concluding the deal.

MASTERING THE INTRICACIES OF HOME OWNERSHIP

MORE THAN JUST THE PAPER WORK

SPECIAL REPORT

THE OUTSIDERS WHETHER IT’S FOR OUR CLIMATE OR THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUTH AFRICA AS A GATEWAY TO THE REST OF THE CONTINENT, FOREIGNERS HAVE A GOOD APPETITE FOR LOCAL PROPERTY. BUT FOR HOW MUCH LONGER WILL THEY BE WELCOME HERE?

Text Patrick Cairns Photographs Greg Cox, iStock, supplied

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‘Many of those buyers are from other African countries who are here on business’ – Lew Geffen

C OPENING PAGE The Clifton, by Molori Private Retreats, is one of South Africa’s most exclusive serviced apartments ABOVE A penthouse at One&Only Cape Town sold for R110m in 2009 – the buyer was a South African, a fact that gives the lie to the idea that foreign buyers are the only ones buying up SA’s luxury properties and pushing up prices OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Exclusive South African developments and individual properties – Legacy’s DaVinci Hotel & Suites on Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton; the Pearls of uMhlanga; Pebbles Beach House, Kommetjie; these Bishopscourt homes were sold by Seeff, the first for R24m and the second for R25m

lifton, Bantry Bay and the V&A Waterfront. Houghton, Hyde Park and Bryanston. These are some of South Africa’s most sought-after suburbs, and it is not only locals who are trying to get in. Over the past 15 years, these areas have also become renowned as desirable locations for foreigners looking to buy property in the Cape and Johannesburg. Figures for the Cape Town area between 2012 and 2014 show that approximately 28 per cent of homes that sold for more than R20 million were bought by citizens of countries other than South Africa. However, it would be wrong to think that foreign buyers are only found at the top end of the market. An analysis of properties sold in and around Cape Town in the last four months of 2014 shows that foreigners bought a number of properties below R2 million in suburbs such as Gardens, Mowbray, Table View and Lakeside. International buying of local property is, therefore, probably a lot more diverse than most people realise. It is not just about the rich – and occasionally famous – picking up expansive villas on the Atlantic Seaboard. ‘Many people come here and buy something for the price of a garage in London and have themselves a holiday home,’ says Lanice Steward, MD of Knight Frank Residential South Africa. It’s telling that most foreign buying of local real estate takes place in Johannesburg. According to property data company Lightstone, 1 497 properties worth a total of R2,4 billion were sold to foreigners in Cape Town during 2013, while 2 565 sales worth R2,8 billion were made to foreigners in Johannesburg. There was activity

in other parts of the country too – 670 properties sold for a total of R800 million in KwaZulu-Natal, and 260 properties worth R230 million sold in the Eastern Cape. ‘Cape Town remains a very popular node, particularly in the upmarket areas, but in Johannesburg we are seeing a different kind of foreign buyer,’ says Lew Geffen, chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa. ‘Many of those buyers are from other African countries who are here on business. And then there is the general leisure market, where a foreign purchaser could buy a holiday home anywhere along the coast from KwaZulu-Natal to Paternoster.’ The rise in the number of buyers from the rest of Africa is one of the most important developments in property sales in recent years. Figures from New World Wealth show that just seven per cent of real estate investment by foreigners in South Africa originated from Africa in 2007. This grew to 19 per cent by 2013 and is estimated to reach 30 per cent by 2017. ‘Africans are particularly interested in picking up properties in Johannesburg, mainly because it is a business hub for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa,’ says Andrew Amoils, the head of research at New World Wealth. ‘A number of people from nearby countries, such as Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, are likely to have a base in Johannesburg for business reasons, although it won’t necessarily be a big space. Our research suggests that the really big homes are owned by people from places such as Nigeria and Ghana.’ African buyers have also been showing interest in properties around top international schools, such as the Ecole Française du Cap in Sea Point, heightening demand.

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SPECIAL REPORT

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All of this foreign interest in local property proves South Africa’s attractiveness as a destination for leisure and investment. There is, however, a cloud hanging over this positivity. In the past two years, the department of rural development and land reform has been discussing proposals to limit foreign ownership of South African land. The reiteration of the government’s intention by President Zuma at his 2015 state of the nation address was followed by a caveat that the restriction would apply only to arable land, but the exact parameters are yet to be established. Instead, foreigners will be able to lease land on a 30-year basis. This won’t, however, affect existing landowners. But what is puzzling the real estate industry is that the department has not articulated why this move is necessary at all. ‘Leasehold is not a conventional South African methodology and would require significant understanding and implementation of dramatic changes to current property practice, not to mention the question of whether or not this is a constitutional issue as well,’ comments Pam Golding Property Group CEO, Dr Andrew Golding. South Africa would certainly not be alone in limiting foreign ownership: as a number of countries impose restrictions on where noncitizens can purchase real estate, if any. But the benefits of doing so have to be very clearly understood when considered against the potential

negative consequences. Discouraging foreigners from buying property in South Africa would almost certainly have an impact on foreign investment and tourism and might even send the wrong message to noncitizens who call South Africa home – if only for part of the year. ‘Foreign property ownership and activity extends not only to foreign visitors, but also predominantly to foreigners who reside here permanently,’ says Samuel Seeff, chairman of Seeff. ‘There are also many foreign buyers from the UK and northern European, the “swallows” who travel south to escape the harsh European winters.’ These swallows tend to stay for between three and six months and will often be visited by friends and family. Together, they spend a large amount of money in the country. One possible reason for restricting foreign ownership is the fear that international buyers who arrive with stronger currencies push up prices and make local property unaffordable to South Africans, but there is little evidence that this actually happens. There are no official figures on how much South African property is in foreign hands, although the industry puts it at about three per cent of the total. The actual figure may be higher (it is difficult to determine exactly who bought a property if it was purchased through a holding company) but it is unlikely to be much higher than that. This means that the influence of foreign

‘That is what drives a property over the asking price – not foreigners paying too much’ – Lanice Steward

buying is not widespread. Nor do industry players believe that international buyers are more likely to pay more than locals do. ‘What drives any market is supply and demand,’ says Steward. ‘Right now you have very little stock at all levels, and we have seen as many as 17 offers being made on a single property. That is what drives a property over the asking price – not foreigners paying too much.’ As Seeff points out, it is also a myth that foreigners purchase the most expensive and exclusive real estate in the country. ‘The highest prices – and especially record prices in the country – were paid by South African buyers. The two highest prices ever achieved for residential property, a Clifton apartment that sold in 2013 for R190 million and a penthouse at the One&Only that sold for R113 million in late 2009 were both bought by South Africans. Of the 51 most expensive properties sold in the country in 2014, only eight were sold to foreign buyers, and the four highest prices in 2014 were all paid by South Africans.’ So far, the government’s proposed restrictions don’t seem to have dampened the appetite for South African property. The industry is reporting that interest is still strong. This is an encouraging vote of confidence in the country, although hopefully it doesn’t mean that international buyers will be blind-sided by changes to the law, if and when they happen.

TOP Central Square, a luxury mixed-use development in Sandton, Johannesburg, which includes 168 apartments priced from R2,5m

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COLOUR

‘I love to juxtapose unexpected, rich colours against each other – ocean-coloured, moody walls with pops of coral. This works really well in a retro interior’ – Sarah Ord

COLOUR CORRECT WHILE PLAYING IT SAFE WITH NEUTRALS IS THE DEFAULT CHOICE OF MANY, HERE EXPERTS OFFER ADVICE ON NON-INTIMIDATING WAYS TO COMBINE COLOURS AND BROADEN YOUR PALETTE Words Genevieve Putter

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CONTRAST CLASH OPENING PAGE The entrance hall in blogger Patricia Goijens’s (noglitternoglory.com) Antwerp apartment boldly captures the retro aesthetic, thanks to the use of teal wall paint set against a collection of some of her favourite mid-century furnishings and accessories. Sarah Ord from Sarah Ord Interiors explains how to achieve this look using a contrasting colour palette. sarahord.com ■ Be brave! Start with a fabric, like a geometric print, for inspiration, and then play with the colours from there. ■ Pull out all the paint swatches that appeal to you and lay them around the fabric. ■ Pick the wildest, but make sure they are opposites in some way – light with dark; saturated against moody. ■ I don’t believe that there are strict rules as to how things go together, so long as you are true to what you love. ■ Black and white also speaks this language, and could be incorporated into the artwork or lighting.

Wall: Plascon Blue Depths (B5-C1-1)

‘Sometimes it’s important to add a strong contrast detail to the colour scheme, as it provides a focal point and can bring the whole look together’ – Hans Blomquist

Chair: Plascon Sunrise Glow (Y2-A1-2)

BLING WITH ZING>

Wall panelling: Plascon Around Town (P5-E1-3)

Chair: Plascon Velvaglo Elfin Magic (G3-E2-1)

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Photograph Sean Calitz

The effect of adding a gold accent to a layered tonal interior palette is instant glamour. Here the metallics and shades of muted mauve share a warm tone, brought to life by the contrasting turquoise of the chair. plascon.co.za

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COLOUR

TONE DEFT Dutch interior art director and stylist Hans Blomquist’s new book In Detail features some awe-inspiring interior ideas. The main thread running throughout the book is that even the smallest details inspire an entire interior palette. He shares with us his thoughts on the tonal theme, where layering various shades of the same colour can have a dramatic effect. In Detail is available online through Amazon.com. Q: What are some of your favourite trends/styles with regard to tonal or layered combinations of a similar shade, for use in interiors? A: I prefer colours that have a washed look, those that are pale but still have strong tones. I also tend to go for dirtier colours, both in pastels and stronger shades, as they have a more vintage feel about them. Additions of the traces of time are important in any interior. Q: What should readers bear in mind when thinking about the trend of layering with a group of similar colour tones? A: It is important to start with a colour scheme you like. There is no right or wrong in choosing colours; it is more up to each individual’s taste. I prefer to use colours with a slightly muddier feel: they are more comfortable to live with. Q: How would you advise readers to go about achieving this look? A: It’s important to choose colours that make you happy and that you like to surround yourself with. Sourcing different kinds of fabrics is just as important, as you need to layer texture as well as colour to achieve depth. Take your time. Collect colour swatches and textile samples and play around until you find a look you like, and then start sourcing the items that fit it.

Wall: Annie Sloan Louis Blue

Photographs Debi Treloar

Sofa: Annie Sloan Emile

Cabinet: Annie Sloan Graphite

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Photograph Paul Bowyer Photography

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COLOUR

MONOCHROME MAGIC New to Paris’s luxury boutique hotel scene is the Chess Hotel, designed by Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier. Using the black and white of a chessboard as the starting point for the palette, the duo created depth with graphic pattern and one accent colour. Mia Widlake of Studio 19 shares her thoughts on how to decorate with a monochrome palette. studio19.co.za Q: Monochrome combinations are always so timeless and, as a result, really popular. How do you go about achieving this look? A: My favourite trend is the Scandinavian style: they’ve mastered the art of stark contrast between the very white and the very black. Another trend is the use of softer whites and greys for a different take on a monochromatic look. Q: How would you introduce touches of colour into a monochromatic scheme? A: Whatever you do, never use red! The trick to combining colour with a monochromatic theme is to use colour very sparingly. I would suggest that readers choose one colour and then use different tones of that colour in the space. Using black and white already packs quite a punch, so using too many colours can be overwhelming. Q: If readers wanted to go for a look similar to this space, what would you advise? A: The Chess Hotel in Paris is a beautiful example of this trend. They have used dark teal on the odd pillar and on the chair seat, which makes it very effective. In this example, the monochrome is black-heavy, so the dark teal works well in the space alongside it, as opposed to yellow or red, or pale colours such as pastels, which would clash with the blackheavy monochrome. If it was more white-heavy, then it would be possible to use lighter colours. Q: Any other tips? A: The best advice I can give readers is to use colour on specific items instead of painting an entire wall or room a colour. The beauty of monochrome is its versatility; using colour on smaller items ensures the longevity of the look. For example, they could introduce colour into the cushion piping or onto the backs of cushions. Use accent items instead of accent walls.

Wall: Midalux 240-5 Black

Wall: Midas Stream Line 8482-5

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PASTELS WITH PUNCH Part of Dulux’s Colour Forecast for 2015, this scheme features muted pastels that pack a punch, thanks to a bold accent of bright colour. Interior designer Etienne Hanekom shares some DIY do’s and don’ts for achieving a geometric effect with muted pastel tones. Before you do, however, the one thing to remember is that ‘pastels are saturated colour, so to make a design statement, you have to couple them with bold black or a striking contrasting colour’. etiennehanekom.com ■ Decide on a feature wall or item. ■ You would need some level of artistry with a brush to create panels like the ones pictured. ■ Start on paper first. Practise with markers and play with colour combinations. ■ A smart tip is to buy the 250ml tester pot samples that you can have mixed in your selected choice of colour swatches. ■ Play around with your pattern. Keep it geometrical, or take inspiration from nature by following the same lines and maintaining the balance between light and dark. ■ To add a contrasting colour, you can, for example, take a matt black kitchen and add pastel kitchen appliances to make a statement. If you prefer a calmer interior, you can mix pastels with textured fabrics and natural timbers for warmth.

Yellow: Dulux Sunny Savannah 6

Mauve: Dulux Amethyst Shower 6

‘This palette is “edible”. The yellows are tones between a classic banana smoothie and a ripe lemon peel. It’s a fun burst of energy that’s mixed with cool neutrals and balanced with a bold solid black’ – Etienne Hanekom

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COLOUR

WHAT A GEM Jewel tones are a firm favourite for creating a room with richness. Interior designer Andrea Graff gives us some pointers on using geminspired hues at home. andreagraff.com ■ A modern custom-designed upholstered sofa in a striking jewel-toned fabric is an amazing statement piece to use as a starting point. Use an equally rich fabric to heighten the effect. Velvet is perfect. While gem tones live happily with other rich shades, the pairing of saturated jewel tones against unexpected pastels or neutrals is also a direction to take. I love a sapphire blue with pastel candy-floss pink – it’s daring and different. ■ Temperature is key to determining mood. The warmth or the coolness of a hue cues the feel and dictates the finishes, accent fabrics and colours. Depending on the effect you want to achieve (cool and calm, or warm and vibrant), you would choose the second colour. For example, with a dark emerald green, a dark sapphire blue would work equally well, as they are close to each other on the colour chart but produce a different effect to how it’s been used with a warm ruby. ■ Don’t hold back on colour and pattern, as long as you can easily live with them. ■ Test your paint colours against each other all over the room, as paint changes according to light and other factors. ■ Keep your furniture uncomplicated. ■ Limit yourself to a reasonable number of complementary colours in the overall scheme.

Lamp: Dulux Blush Rambler 2

Photographs www.ochre.net

Wall: Dulux Soft Fauna 1

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LUXURY TRENDS

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THE LUXURY INDUSTRY STANDS ACCUSED OF DISREGARDING THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABILITY, YET THE REALITY IS THAT LUXURY MAY ACTUALLY BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

Text Jocelyn Warrington Photographs Supplied

t’s been a challenging time for the luxury industry. In the wake of the threat to sales caused by the 2007–08 economic crisis and a growing awareness of real social and environmental challenges, such as climate change and wars over resources, not to mention increasing consumer expectations of luxury brands, the industry as a whole has been forced to take a good, hard look at where it stands in the real world. ‘Luxury brands are used to being very proud and, in many areas of craftsmanship and heritage, justifiably so, but, until 10 years ago, they couldn’t really be too proud of their performance on social and environmental issues,’ says Dr Jem Bendell, professor of sustainability leadership and founder of the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) at the University of Cumbria in the UK. Today, however, the world of luxury is changing fast and might even provide some solutions to global challenges. Brought to a head by the impending economic crash, the real watershed moment for the industry came in 2007 when the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a report, researched by Bendell and Anthony Kleanthous, global policy adviser at the WWF (UK), entitled ‘Deeper Luxury: Quality and Style When the World Matters’. Bendell explains: ‘The “Deeper Luxury” report came about because the WWF, as one of the world’s largest environmental organisations, had made a commitment a few years previously to move beyond talking about conservation as something “out there” – the beautiful environments that we want to protect – and to actually start talking about how we ourselves, through what we consume, where we work and what we invest in, affect the state of the planet.’

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The report not only mapped out the social and environmental challenges facing the luxury industry, such as pollution through mining and working conditions in factories, but also made a compelling case for why luxury brands would benefit commercially from addressing such concerns. ‘But what we found was that luxury brands were seriously lagging behind,’ says Bendell. ‘Many had no policies on social and environmental performance and no systematic approach to monitoring their performance and reporting it or engaging with stakeholders to find out what the most important issues were. And we found that many ethical indices of the best companies on social and environmental performance didn’t include any of the luxury brands at all.’ The report graded and ranked the companies, giving none higher than a C-plus. It also called on celebrities to be more responsible when choosing which brands to endorse. ‘Some of the world’s leading fashion journalists said that in the 18 months after the report came out, there was the beginning of a paradigm shift in the industry towards recognition that sustainability is core to the concept of luxury,’ says Bendell, adding that the report seemed to have awakened a recognition in the industry that sustainability was an area in which luxury brands, which base a lot of their worth on perception, must take the lead.

IS GREEN THE NEW BLACK? But what is sustainability? It was defined by the UN General Assembly in 1987 as ‘meeting the needs of the present without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. And, indeed, as Bendell points out, if we all

lived as Europeans do right now, we’d need three planets to support us. Fortunately, a good many players in the luxury industry have woken up to their responsibilities beyond the success of their businesses and, at last, the industry has begun to examine its role in all facets of sustainability. As importantly, research shows that consumers, too, want to be part of the sustainability solution, claims Dr Guy Champniss, associate professor in marketing at Henley Business School and co-author of Brand Valued: How Socially Valued Brands Hold the Key to a Sustainable Future and Business Success. ‘Increasingly, consumers are looking to brands – not governments – to lead this debate,’ he says. Champniss points out that, interestingly, new and emerging markets have moved up significantly on the luxury industry’s agenda in recent years. ‘If we look now at what is happening in the world of luxury goods, we are seeing that a lot of these companies are pinning all their hopes on markets like India, Brazil, China, Mexico and even Africa,’ he explains. ‘The explosion in the middle class worldwide, and especially in emerging markets, means that luxury brands are very aspirational to these consumers. And one of the things that we’ve found in our research is that consumers in emerging markets are more highly engaged with issues around sustainability than in the developed markets. So, what luxury brands can do is help deliver a solution to the sustainability debate to these consumers by helping them make the right choices in terms of products and services which are sustainable.’ Bendell agrees: ‘Luxury brands are global, famous, prestigious, aspirational brands, and if we want the world to come together to actually change consumer behaviour and live sustainably, we need to see sustainable living as aspirational.’

LEADING THE WAY Since 2009, the 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Fair (in partnership with the New York Times), which takes place annually in Paris, has been one of the most illustrious international opportunities for carefully selected eco-lifestyle entrepreneurs, artists and designers to exhibit their luxury products and projects as part of, according to the fair’s manifesto, ‘a campaign for a better world and to participate in defining the luxury of the 21st century’. ‘There are many goals behind this event, but chief among them is to integrate the notion of both luxury and sustainability, which, I believe, are naturally related,’ explains the fair’s founder, Barbara Coignet. ‘The 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Fair is a platform for those luxury businesses that have incorporated the core values of eco-conceptualisation, human respect and ethics to inspire end users who want to live with greater meaning.’ The premise of the 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Fair is that exhibitors, products and services have to be both ecologically sound and luxurious in nature. The exhibits range from electric sports cars to recycled gold jewellery, solar-powered speedboats and natural beauty products. ‘We look at everything, from the product’s CO2 footprint to the materials used in its manufacture and the actual manufacturing processes themselves – how it was made, where it was made and who made it,’ says Coignet.

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Roderick Fry, one of the designers of New Zealand’s Moaroom (moaroom.com), is best known for his eco-conceived Pi System of tables made from sustainably sourced wood and upcycled old beams. It has been featured in the catalogues of some of the world’s most respected design houses. The clever idea allows for the easy conceptualisation of a variety of solid-standing tables by the simple insertion of planks or panels and the pivoting into place of the metal legs – with not a screw in sight. Its popularity in Europe has proven that design fans are willing to make the effort to work with local forests, artisans and recuperated materials to personalise their own ‘designer’ furniture and reduce transport globally

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LUXURY TRENDS

MAPPING THE FUTURE Of course, luxury tourism has been flying the sustainability flag for many years. An early pioneer in terms of responsible eco-behaviour in its business practices is Abercrombie & Kent, widely regarded as the world’s leading luxury holiday company. ‘We have always been very aware of environmental health, education and ecology, and we put a lot of money into these initiatives in the areas where we operate,’ says Geoffrey Kent, the company’s founder and CEO. ‘The fact is that high-end modern travellers want to play their part in being sustainable, but they still expect the highest levels of service and hospitality.’ Luxury transport, however, has come in for some serious criticism for its apparent indifference to matters of sustainability. ‘We are by definition an emitter; we pollute,’ says Alain Aubry, former vice president of Dassault Aviation. Carbon emission is quite a topical subject, not just in aviation but across the board, and several private-jet operations and manufacturers, Dassault among them, seem to be bucking the trend. Aubry explains how the French business jet supplier has been able to significantly reduce emissions on a number of its aircraft: ‘We reduce both the weight and the drag of the aircraft and from that we are able to reduce the fuel by 30 to 40 per cent in comparison to our competitors.’ While firms like Dassault strive to reduce the consumption of traditional fuels, others, such as Brazil’s Embraer Executive Jets, are looking further afield for new answers. Explains the company’s senior vice president and COO of commercial aviation Luís Carlos Affonso, ‘Brazil has the largest fleet of cars powered by ethanol, which we produce from sugar cane, and we were the first company to produce, in series, an aeroplane powered by ethanol. And we are investing in this biofuel for other applications too.’ What is clear is that we’re by no means going back to a horse-and-cart society. Instead, what we are seeing is that innovation, technology and clear, clever thinking combined with good capital initiatives can create great solutions for a modern yet luxurious way of life. How some luxury brands are responding to issues of sustainability has proven to be multifaceted. According to Christian Blanckaert, former CEO of Hermès International, for instance, ‘This crisis can lead us to put more emphasis on innovation and creation, and in that respect, sustainability is the key to innovation.’ Adds Bendell, ‘Luxury brands have a platform to effect change and to get people to listen, and, perhaps in some instances, this industry can do more than government intervention to get people to change.’ What goes without saying, however, is that sustainability is the future of luxury. How high-end brands respond to our changing world will determine whether they have a future at all and whether they will still have a heritage to one day admire.

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FROM LEFT David Trubridge, key designer at New Zealand’s Moaroom, is best known for his eco-conceived collection of computermodelled lights made of wood from sustainable forests – featured in the collections of a number of international museums as well as the catalogues of some of the world’s most respected design houses, Italy’s illustrious Cappellini included, the lamps and pendants come as a ﬂat pack, reducing their transport impact by as much as 40 times what it would be if they came assembled; extracted from Fairmined-certified mines, the futuristic pieces by France’s JEM (Jewellery Ethically Minded, jem-paris.com) meet rigorous standards for the environmental protection and socioeconomic development of mining communities – the brand’s eco-commitments have earned it a place in this year’s 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Guide

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LUXURY TRENDS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP A sensitively redesigned colonial-era property set in a beautiful coffee estate fringed by rainforest, Fazenda Catuçaba (catucaba.com) is recognised as one of the most luxurious ecological refuges in Brazil – featured in the 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Guide for 2015, the property’s 450ha include an operational organic farm; a luxurious natural haven situated less than an hour from Lisbon, the Areias do Seixo (areiasdoseixo.com) hotel is a recipient of the international Green Key award in recognition of its sustainable methods of operation – according to co-owner Gonçalo Alves, the hotel has a strong environmental conscience and its sustainability policy extends throughout the lifecycle of all of the hotel’s activities while still ensuring that the quality and excellence of its service are maintained; founded by Ali Hewson and her husband, U2 front man Bono, high-end fashion brand Edun (edun.com) focuses on a positive trading relationship with Africa – part of the prestigious LVMH Group of more than 70 luxury brands, Edun aims to source sustainable materials to produce at least 40% of its fashion collection in Africa this year

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LUXURY TRENDS

RIGHT Committed to using only ethically sourced gems, Graff Diamonds (graffdiamonds.com) adheres to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which was established by the UN in 2003 to prevent conﬂict diamonds from entering the mainstream rough-diamond market and ‘to ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments’. The majority of Graff’s diamonds are laser engraved with unique tracking numbers which, while invisible to the naked eye, allow for their origins to be traced. Pictured here is Graff’s sapphire-anddiamond secret-tassel brooch with concealed pavé diamond watch face suspended from a delicate platinum chain. It can be worn three ways: as a single piece, as individual brooches or as a single brooch with tassel FAR RIGHT This silk camel-print tie dress from luxury fashion brand Edun was made in Madagascar as part of its endeavour to promote fair trade in Africa. Edun sources materials from Kenya, Tunisia, Morocco, Madagascar and Uganda. It has nearly 10 000 farmers in northern Uganda, for instance, supplying its cotton. It also collaborates with larger, more established labels, most recently Diesel, in the creation of limited-edition collections BELOW RIGHT Recognised as one of the most luxurious ecological refuges in Brazil, Picinguaba (picinguaba.com) overlooks a 3km-long protected beach at the heart of the Serra do Mar nature park, the tropical coastal forest running between Rio and São Paulo. Committed to sustainable practices in every aspect of its hospitality offering, the innovative boutique hotel is featured in both the HIP Hotels Guide as well as in the 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Guide for 2015 BELOW LEFT The McLaren P1 is the limited-production plug-in hybrid supercar from the iconic British luxury automative manufacturer. Power for the electric motor is stored in a 324-cell lithium-ion high-density battery pack located behind the cabin, and the car can be fully charged within two hours through the plug-in equipment

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Architects Jakob and MacFarlane (jakobmacfarlane. com) remodelled the old Paris docks to create the Cité de la Mode – their sculptural LED light installation further inspired them to create the LED pendant lamp, Float, which is available through Moaroom

Experts agree that innovation is a key driving force behind the sustainability movement – wanting to tackle waste and champion recycling, UK-based Elvis & Kresse (elvisandkresse.com) turned old British fire hoses destined for the landfill into coveted luxury bags, belts and wallets. By offering top-drawer items that are ecofriendly and come with a clean conscience, brands like these demonstrate that there is no need for compromise between luxury and sustainability

Pioneering a new vision of mobility, Lamborghini’s Asterion is a concept car with plug-in hybrid powertrain that significantly reduces CO2 emissions and has a range of 50km on the battery alone

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creative spaces

Photographs Lar Photography

HOW SOUTH AFRICA’S INSPIRED AND CREATIVE THINKERS LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

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BREATH OF FRESH ART Situated in a heritage building along Cape Town’s Church Street, Smith’s emergence onto the Cape Town art scene couldn’t have come sooner Compiled by Genevieve Putter Photographs Lar Photography

The contemporary fine-art gallery Smith is riding the wave of appreciation for Africa’s rising stars. Founders Candace Marshall-Smith and Amy Ellenbogen have taken an innovative approach to the artist-gallerist-investor relationship by prioritising their collaboration with artists as opposed to representing a select few. They also aim to establish meaningful relationships with investors from all walks of life and income brackets. The story of the building in which Smith is housed is as interesting as the duo’s take on art.

FROM TOP LEFT Amy Ellenbogen and Candace Marshall-Smith in the courtyard at their gallery, Smith; the main gallery space featuring the work of Kurt Pio for Smith’s inaugural exhibition

APRIL 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

Candace: We were looking for space to rent, which was proving difficult as nothing seemed the right fit for our vision. When we came across 56 Church Street, it was going on auction, but we put in an offer before the auction was confirmed and it was accepted. It was in a state of disrepair and needed a major overhaul, but we could see the potential and were up for the challenge. We also felt that the dimension of the space, 43 metres by six, over two storeys, was unique and well-suited to a gallery business. We engaged Alexander McGee and Reanne Urbain of Studio Urbain McGee and appointed them as the principal architects, while Gawie and Gwen Fagan acted as consultants on the heritage submission.

Our brief was to create an inviting space that would stand apart from the art, a space that people would want to visit regardless, while honouring the history of the site. There were challenges, for example, the fact that the building is in a pedestrianised part of Church Street, which meant access was restricted and getting materials in and out was difficult. The building has been built up against on all sides other than the front, which meant no windows and no light. It also had an asbestos roof, which had to be removed safely during the weekend. And, of course, because the building is over 250 years old, many current building methods just didn’t apply.

Amy: When we first walked into the building, we could hardly move because the ground floor was a prop-rental business and full to the brim with interesting paraphernalia, so we had no real idea what the actual size of the space was. Now that the building is able to breathe, the finer details and the history of the space are coming through. The architects have been so wonderful in their foresight and vision for the space – exposing the walls and uncovering surfaces to reveal the essence and heritage of the space. The building was once accessible from all four sides, but over time the city hemmed it in. There are beautiful doorways that have been filled in and windows that face walls. We have embraced this history and highlighted it. smithstudio.co.za

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INVESTMENT INTELLIGENCE

IN PRAISE OF…

Located in the heart of the city, Church Street is a bustling node. One half of it is pedestrianised. There are other galleries within Smith’s vicinity as well as numerous cafes, restaurants and markets. Amy gives us a roundup of her favourite hangouts. ‘I love long, lazy drinks at the Gin Bar in the gorgeous courtyard behind Honest Chocolate (honestchocolate.co.za) in Wale Street and scrummy bagels at Max Bagels (facebook.com/maxbagels) on Bree Street. We have Deluxe Coffee (deluxecoffeeworks.co.za) on the corner and healthy juice and salad at Skinny Legs and All (skinnylegsandall.co.za) in Loop Street. It’s endless, and I am discovering new spots all the time. That is the joy of living and working in the inner city.’

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Candace and Amy in the gallery office; Kurt Pio’s shortboard works, titled ‘Faith’, ‘Brewer’ and ‘Yin & Yang’; De Waal Gate diptych; every effort was made to preserve the original fittings, including the wooden stairwell leading to the second floor; the view from the front entrance of Smith shows the gallery’s unusual, elongated shape

APRIL 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

‘We created a courtyard in the middle of the space to allow light and air into what was originally a dark and damp area. It has become the heart and soul of the building’ – Candace Marshall-Smith

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SMITH’S STARS

Amy and Candace’s plans for Smith include group shows and a continuous search for artists throughout Africa. Some of the emerging stars they will be working with in the near future are Kurt Pio, Grace Cross, Dale Lawrence, Rosie Mudge, Nic Eppel, Elsabe Milandri, Marsi van de Heuvel, David Brits and Dani Bischoff.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Kurt Pio in front of a series of acrylic on paper, which forms part of his exhibition, titled Cape Town; view from the courtyard; the office

APRIL 2015 www.realestatemagazine.co.za

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CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

‘This space lends itself perfectly to a gallery; an elegant, long, contemporary space with warm raw elements is the perfect platform to showcase exciting new work’ – Amy Ellenbogen

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MARKETPLACE

GO ONLINE For more on these stories, visit our website at realestatemagazine.co.za

Property news, reports, and dream homes for sale

TSHWANE ON THE UP With the growing need for residential property in SA’s capital of Tshwane, the Regency, a high-end, 146-unit apartment block, was brought to market by Pam Golding Properties in February. Situated in the Ashlea Gardens area close to Menlyn Maine and due for completion in 2016, the apartments are being sold off plan within the price range of R995 000 and R2,297m. Award-winning architectural firm Archactive International designed the residential concept for Menlyn, one that will offer residents vibrant urban living and every amenity and convenience. With a strong demand for luxury short-term rental accommodation in Tshwane – a result of the large number of embassies and trade missions in the region, who are often in need for convenient, quality accommodation for their staff members – the Regency is a welcome addition to the residential offering in the city. Homeseekers or buy-to-let owners will secure a unit with a R10 000 deposit. pamgolding.co.za

GREENING FROM THE INSIDE OUT Towards the end of 2014 we announced the launch of the GBCSA’s Green Star rating tool for residential buildings. The organisation has since added another rating tool to its arsenal, namely the Green Star SA interior tool, which will be applicable to new builds. With the backing of lead sponsor Standard Bank and supporting sponsor Saint-Gobain, the tool encourages tenants to rate the interior fit-outs of their business premises. The overall aim is to reduce the environmental impact of interior projects, especially multi-tenant retail and office spaces. gbcsa.org.za

APRIL 2015

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OWN A CAMP IN AFRICA Fine & Country Namibia has added Camp Chobe in the Eastern Caprivi to its portfolio of prime properties. Situated on an 18,3ha property on the banks of the Chobe River, 3km northeast of the border post between Namibia and Botswana, the camp includes 20 chalets, a boma, workshop, laundry and accommodation for up to 20 staff members. The main building houses

an office, curio shop, restaurant, reception area, lounge and dining areas, a reading corner, toilets and an elevated bar as well as a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves, scullery and storerooms. The land lease of 30 years is renewable and there are 28 years remaining on the present lease. The property is on the market for R10m. campchobe.com, fineandcountry.co.za

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A HAND-PICKED COLLECTION OF MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES

GOOD VANTAGE POINT Mouille Point, situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, has, according to Dr Andrew Golding, achieved a 532% total increase in rand/m2 for the 14-year period between 2000 and 2014. The newest member of the Mouille Point luxury apartment clique is the Vantage, overlooking Green Point Urban Park and golf course. The entire offering of 22 units – comprising 16 two-bedroom units, four one-bedroom units and two penthouses of two and three bedrooms respectively – was sold within three and a half months by Pam Golding Properties agents, at prices ranging from R4,35m to R11,5m. Developed by Jose Rodrigues of Earthspring Properties and designed by Fabian Architects, the Vantage is scheduled for completion before the end of 2016. WBHO has commenced construction on site. pamgolding.co.za

GOING GLOBAL A big scoop for Chas Everitt International Property Group is the announcement of its membership in the Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network and its luxury programme, Luxury Portfolio International. The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) network comprises more than 500 top real estate firms around the world for a total 3 500 offices and 120 000 sales associates in 50 countries. Together, these companies sell more than one million properties a year for a total value of more than $300bn. The partnership will expand the global reach of Chas Everitt’s luxury property portfolio. chaseveritt.co.za, luxuryportfolio.com

Text Genevieve Putter Photographs Supplied

CONTAINED FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE Answering the urgent call for more student accommodation in Jozi’s Brixton area, Umhlanga Junction Extension has recently been launched. The 75-bedroom student build is constructed entirely from brightly coloured shipping containers and took two months to erect. The six floors comprise single- or double-accommodation units with a communal kitchen/dining area, recreation room, lounge and laundry. To conserve energy, double-glazed windows have been installed throughout, hot water is provided by heat pumps, and the energy-efficient lighting is controlled by motion sensor.

CARGOTECTURE

An area that offers fertile ground for the repurposing and refurbishment of old buildings, Brixton has also introduced dedicated cycle lanes in Caroline Street. These form part of the Johannesburg city council’s Corridors of Freedom initiative, which will allow students the opportunity to cycle to their lectures swiftly and safely, says Paul Lapham, chief executive officer of Citiq, the development company behind the project. The monthly rental at Umhlanga Junction Extension includes all fees as well as 1 Gig free Wi-Fi for each unit. citiqproperty.co.za

a term used to describe any building built entirely or partially from upcycled shipping containers

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UPPER CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R24,9-MILLION

LH349

The epitome of sophistication, this home situated on 4 000m2 features an elegant dining room, formal lounge, gourmet kitchen, family room and bar area. One patio overlooks the pool and landscaped gardens. Upstairs are the master suite with private patio, four additional suites, a study and a lounge. Top security, a cellar, four garages and a flatlet enhance this property. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Charne Shipper +27 (0)83 274 6336 www.jawitz.co.za web ref 86292

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ILLOVO, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R19,5-MILLION

LH381

With the graciousness of a truly noble abode, this elegant French country villa-style home by top architect Peter Cohen flows from the double-volume entrance hall to spacious reception rooms, double kitchens and the covered patio and formal rose gardens. A wall of French doors open onto a summer dining area overlooking the heated pool. Offering total privacy and excellent security, the home includes a garden guest suite too. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Joan Mendelsohn +27 (0)83 267 3124 Lynne Baker +27 (0)82 493 1006 www.jawitz.co.za web ref 88256

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BANTRY BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R35-MILLION

LH382

This Bauhaus-inspired home truly is a very special find, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, grey slate flooring, effortless flow from the living areas to the secluded terraces and an established garden and pool. Unobstructed sea views, a lounge, dining room, playroom, study, wine cellar and staff accommodation make this the perfect home for the family with uncompromising taste in property. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 Living Areas 2 Gail Gavrill +27 (0)82 777 6000 www.knightfrank.co.za web ref ZA3265824

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RONDEBOSCH, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R11,995-MILLION

LH383

A master-built home of grand proportions blending functionality with style. The gracious open-plan sitting/dining room opens out to a splendid covered verandah overlooking the garden and pool, perfect for entertaining. Featuring a gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, six en-suite bedrooms, a study, family room, theatre/media room, generous gym and art studio. There is an additional studio flatlet, staff accommodation for two, garaging for four cars, off-street parking and excellent security. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 7 Garages 4 Living Areas 3 Jeanne Cowan +27 (0)83 443 8108 www.knightfrank.co.za web ref ZA5960

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FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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POA

LH384

With its sweeping panoramic city and sea views, this modern masterpiece on 2 500m2, over two erven, is an unprecedented multisensory experience. Every inch of this four-bedroom, six-bathroom dream home exhibits sharp attention to detail and composition. Simply put, it has set the new standard for luxury homes in Fresnaye. Highlights include a gym and an olive-tree garden. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 6 Garages 7 Living Areas 4 Tanya Joubert +27 (0)82 553 4549 Fran Segal +27 (0)84 983 5278 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 89628

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WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R45-MILLION

LH385

This French-style family villa has been refurbished with creative genius. Capture exquisite sunsets and panoramic views from the magnificent verandah and lap pool leading to lush terraced gardens. Spacious reception areas feature high ceilings, mahogany floors, fireplaces and shelving galore. Seven double bedrooms en suite include a luxurious main-en-suite. The adjoining guest wing is self-contained, with high ceilings and superb views. Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 8 Garages 3 Living Areas 4 Beverley Gurwicz +27 (0)82 412 0010 beverley@sothebysrealty.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 553796

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CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R49-MILLION

LH386

Merging technology with natural beauty, this striking villa offers distinctive features, such as natural rock, glass, wooden and marble finishes, cutting-edge home automation, complete home security, heating and air conditioning, a private lift and a soundproof cinema. Six bedrooms each have secluded balconies, while open-plan living spaces flow to the pool area and patio overlooking an indigenous garden and mountain stream. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 3 Living Areas 4 Thelma Sandeman +27 (0)83 225 9360 Edith Marsh +27 (0)83 654 2168 www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 1051459

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WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R30-MILLION

LH387

A collaboration by Philip Watermeyer and Keith Mason, this modern family home includes masterful allusions to traditional heritage. Open-plan living, dining and entertaining spaces lead to a magnificent patio overlooking a heated pool, rolling lawns, a cricket net and tennis court. Accommodation is in four double bedrooms (two en suite), pyjama lounge and matching second dwelling with three receptions and two bedrooms. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 5 Living Areas 4 Beverley Gurwicz +27 (0)82 412 0010 beverley@sothebysrealty.co.za www.sothebysrealty.co.za web ref 758766

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BLAIR ATHOLL, LANSERSIA, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R17,5-MILLION

LH388

This magnificent family home (1 006m2) is set on a 3 389m2 private plot with views of the secure golf and equestrian estate in which it’s situated. Featuring an entertainment room with bar and vaulted ceiling, a gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, two staff suites, separate laundry, storeroom, playroom and wine cellar. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 6 Living Areas 2 Jo Lotter +27 (0)83 297 7992 jo.lotter@pamgolding.co.za www.pamgolding.co.za

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HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R26-MILLION

LH389

This stylish and secluded family home features a doublevolume entrance hall and private office with separate entrance. The two dining rooms, spacious outdoor patio, covered piazza with gas braai and fireplace are perfect for year-round entertaining. Including home automation, heated lap pool, domestic accommodation and generator. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Louis Green +27 (0)82 820 3040 Lisa Daly +27 (0)82 450 6594 www.pamgolding.co.za web ref HP1202105

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MELROSE ARCH, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R30-MILLION

LH390

An alluring double-volume penthouse with exquisite views, this is 653m2 of pure lavish living. The spacious rooms lead onto expansive outdoor spaces for unparalleled entertaining round the pool and braai area. Pluse basement storage, 24-hour access-controlled security and direct lift access. Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 4,5 Carports 3 Living Areas 2 Victoria Russell +27 (0)74 683 1222 Peet Strauss +27 (0)83 675 1212 www.pamgolding.co.za web ref HP1181555

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HEROLDS BAY, GEORGE, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R57-MILLION

LH379

Surrounding Herolds Bay is a large tract of coastal land of ±1 342ha that stretches inland adjacent to the Gwaing River on the western side and adjoins the access road to Herolds Bay on the eastern side. Dramatic coastal views and undulating agriculturally zoned land make this an exceptional opportunity to own a wellpositioned gem of a property on the Garden Route. Rayvin Rademeyer +27 (0)82 576 5039 rayvin.rademeyer@pamgolding.co.za www.pamgolding.co.za/george web ref GEO1208073

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WATERFALL EQUESTRIAN ESTATE, MIDRAND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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P.O.A.

LH391

Ideal for the executive family, this 2 600m2 eco home is set on 8 500m2 and boasts a teppan-yaki bar, soundproof theatre, wine cellar, gourmet kitchens, art studio, private spa, double self-contained guest suite, manager’s flat, quadruple en-suite staff accommodation, basement parking, sunken tennis court and an immaculate garden where 100 carefully selected trees surround an amphitheatre built especially for alfresco entertainment. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 10 Living Areas 4 Gareth Osterloh 0723828914 garetho@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref 3242168

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SCHOONGEZICHT, PLETTENBERG BAY, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

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R10,5-MILLION

LH392

This brand-new, modern, minimalistic 805m2 villa on 5 875m2 of land in Plettenberg Bay’s fabulous Schoongezicht Country Estate offers exceptional privacy and outstanding ocean and golf course views. Surrounded by indigenous fynbos and forests, this spectacular home is being sold fully furnished (no transfer duties). Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 6 Garages 2 Living Areas 3 John Fuller +27 (0)82 905 1516 johnf@everitt.co.za www.chaseveritt.co.za web ref 256001

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HOUGHTON ESTATE, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R21.5-MILLION

LH393

Ideal as a family home or guesthouse, this captivating retreat was designed by Steffen Ahrends and evinces Old World charm – think high ceilings, tall French doors, courtyards and water features. The expansive accommodation includes three en-suite bedrooms and two additional bedrooms, all with delightful views. Highlights include a chef’s kitchen, games room, grass tennis court, pool house, two self-contained flatlets and more. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 Living Areas 4 Nicky Havenga +27 (0)76 879 8977 Sally Darsot +27 (0)82 570 1470 www.seeff.com web ref 345602

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HYDE PARK, SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R13,9-MILLION

LH394

This fresh, ultramodern, clean-lined cluster home of 860m2 on land of 1 064m2 features three reception rooms, an entertainer’s patio overlooking the lap pool with wooden deck and lush lawn and a huge master suite with walk-in closet. Superior security includes an alarm system, CCTV surveillance, electric fencing and 24-hour access control. Suffused with natural light, this immaculate home is simply magical. Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 3 Living Areas George Papadopoulos +27 (0)84 454 1834 Corinna Lowry +27 (0)82 652 8891 www.seeff.com web ref 346800

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WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R20-MILLION

LH395

A dramatic fusion of European style and earthy African ambience, this villa’s soaring ceilings and sheer comfort invite sophisticated entertaining. Generous accommodation for the family is complemented by two guest suites/studies, doublevolume living areas and dine-in kitchen with easy flow to the covered patios and pool. A wood-panelled basement cellar fulfils the needs of the wine connoisseur or simply adds another dimension to entertaining. Top security. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 5 Dee Scholtz +27 (0)83 458 3660 Helen Tomazos +27 (0)83 616 0152 www.ennikestates.co.za web ref EN01-0543

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BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R11,95-MILLION

LH396

This elegant home of ±800m2 on landscaped grounds of 1 660m2 is set in an exclusive, secure five-home complex in prestigious Eccleston Crescent and enjoys panoramic city views. The doublevolume entrance flows to four open-plan receptions opening onto an expansive covered patio with built-in entertainment amenities. Featuring a chef ’s kitchen, home office, pyjama lounge, cellar, staff accommodation, home automation and so much more, it’s the perfect family retreat from the city rush. Bedroom 4 Bathrooms 6 Garages 3 Living Areas 4 Isobel McKenna +27 (0)78 623 4717 Marianne du Plessis +27 (0)83 446 9600 www.fineandcountry.co.za web ref 128756

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MELROSE, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R10,5-MILLION

LH397

Positioned in a gated enclosure of two homes in central Melrose, close to Sandton and Rosebank, this classic villa-style property opens to a double-volume foyer and a procession of airy, spacious rooms with meticulously detailed finishes. It features a state-ofthe-art kitchen and family room leading to a glorious covered patio as well as a swimming pool, deck fountain and Jacuzzi. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 3 Living Areas 3 Estelle Taitz +27 (0)83 231 8019 Ethne Lipschitz +27 (0)83 267 3111 www.firzt.co.za web ref 16273

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SANDHURST, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R35-MILLION

LH398

Set down a quiet cul-de-sac, this ±2 000m2 home on grounds of ±4 800m2 features an office with boardroom and reception area for the executive and seven garages for the auto collector. There are formal and informal dining areas, two covered entertainer’s patios and a home theatre with bar. The upstairs bedroom zone is enhanced by a pyjama lounge, study and main-en-suite with lounge. Full security and staff accommodation for three to four. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 7 Living Areas 8 Jayke Meneses +27 (0)74 117 6273 Inez Meneses +27 (0)79 911 7191 www.firzt.co.za web ref 16254

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KOPJESKRAAL, VREDEFORT DOME, NORTH WEST, SOUTH AFRICA

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R15-MILLION

LH399

This 42ha (108 acre) property enjoys a unique position within the famous Vredefort Dome, a Unesco World Heritage site. It includes a beautiful three-bedroom homestead, two-bedroom guest cottage, one-bedroom staff cottage, 14-stall stable block, large barn, swimming pool and dam with covered deck. The buildings are protected by an electric fence and security system. Established trees, rugged granite formations, three-phase electricity and an abundant water supply complete the property. Offering enormous potential in a sought-after area, the property is also mere minutes from picturesque Parys, popular for its adventure sports, antiques, art and geological exploration. John Spence johnbrucespence@gmail.com www.kopjeskraal.com

PR IVATE SALE

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HYDE PARK, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R26-MILLION

LH400

Savour the luxury and grace of this Provençal-style home. Set in a boomed road with guardhouse, and enjoying state-of-the-art security, the property (2 225m2) features an impeccable terraced garden that sets a tranquil tone. From the welcoming motor court you step into a spacious reception that flows outside to a covered terrace for grand entertaining. There are also two private studies and a delightful guest bedroom with separate entrance. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 2 Stephen Brick +27 (0)82 551 7971 Nina Obel +27 (0)82 552 7325 www.vered.co.za web ref 112683

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BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R25-MILLION

LH401

Perched on the view slopes of Mount Street on more than an acre of lush indigenous gardens, this three-storey contemporary home offers fastidious attention to detail and quality accommodation. From the treble-volume entrance, spacious receptions open onto the covered entertainer’s patio and elevated pool. Fitted with top appliances, the kitchen will impress any chef, while the main-en-suite will impress with its private rooftop spa. Additional luxuries include his and hers studies, a library, basement-level bespoke cinema and billiard room, separate wine cellar, central vacuum system, music throughout, two staff suites and a generator. The guest suite includes its own open-plan lounge/dining room and kitchen. This is a magnificent abode for the top executive. Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4,5 Garages 5 Living Areas 4 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3264606

BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R18-MILLION

LH402

Set within a coveted estate of just six luxury homes in popular Mount Street, and further on a spacious 3 326m² indigenous garden, this French-inspired villa offers extensive, quality accommodation. Included are a chef ’s kitchen with central island and cold room, open-plan informal dining room, playroom and study. The covered entertainer’s patio with fireplace faces onto a beautiful garden with mature trees and feature swimming pool. From the voluminous entrance, spacious receptions, including dine-in cellar, spill to the entertainer’s covered patios. There is a selfcontained guest cottage and dual staff accommodation. The 24-hour security estate offers a communal tennis court, lap pool, squash court and cricket nets. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4,5 Garages 5 Living Areas 4 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3266364

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BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

•

R35-MILLION

LH403

Sequestered within a security estate on the elevated slopes of Eccleston Crescent, this classic triple-storey Georgian masterpiece evinces exacting attention to detail and the finest finishes. From the generous entrance, gracious receptions flank the entertainer’s patio overlooking the pool and presenting sweeping views. Featuring a divine gourmet kitchen, five double bedroom suites (main with gym), gentleman’s study, luxuriously appointed guest suite, basement entertainment (bespoke cellar, playroom and cinema), double staff accommodation and top security. The home is 1 500m2 on grounds of 3 943m2 and includes surround sound and double glazing. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 6 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3261960

BRYANSTON, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

•

R26-MILLION

LH404

Set on 8 641m² along a tree-lined driveway, this elevated executive abode (1 400m2) is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail and the finest workmanship. From the porte-cochere, five spacious receptions and gourmet dine-in kitchen spill over to two covered entertainer’s patios overlooking a feature pool with wooden decking, rolling lawns and tennis court. Spectacular in all regards, it includes a dedicated guardhouse, formal and informal dining rooms, pyjama lounge, self-contained guest cottage with lounge, kitchen and en-suite bedroom, triple staff accommodation, a borehole and four garages. Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 4 Regan Harris +27 (0)82 320 6464 regan@hamiltons.co.za www.hamiltons.co.za web ref 3268098

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MORNINGSIDE, SANDTON, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

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R25-MILLION

LH405

Situated in Millionaires’ Row, this opulent ±1 100m2 mansion features beautiful imported marble, rosewood and handcrafted ironwork. A home for the discerning buyer, it offers ample parking, two lounges, a glorious swimming pool, garden cottage and guest bathroom. The designer landscaped garden with its koi ponds, waterfalls and fountains will enthral the senses and welcome you home to your own private paradise. Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 6 Garages 3 Living Areas 4 Avrille Grainger +27 (0)84 725 2883 avrille@ahprop.co.za www.ahprop.co.za web ref ADHS-1795

RANDJESFONTEIN, MIDRAND, GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

•

R12,45-MILLION

LH406

Run your own guesthouse from this property on a ±1 243m2 double stand. The main house has two sections, the first with pub, open-plan dining room, lounge, study and three bedrooms (main-en-suite) and an additional full bathroom. The second section consists of a spacious sunken lounge, pub, open-plan kitchen and walk-in fridge and scullery. There is also a guest bathroom, dining room, wine cellar, TV lounge and two downstairs bedrooms sharing a full bathroom. Upstairs has a library, walk-in safe and a massive en-suite bedroom with own gym and balcony. The rondavel bachelor cottage comprises a kitchenette and bathroom, while the second cottage has a bedroom, lounge, dining room and kitchen, and full bathroom. The property features two boreholes, a lapa, fish pond, squash court and two swimming pools, one indoors and one outside. Either property may be purchased singly. John Ansell +27 (0)83 468 5353 john@ahprop.co.za www.ahprop.co.za web ref ADHS-1400

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082 511 1115

EMAIL: moreinfo@mspd.co.za

021 801 5400

CMY

* TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

No deposit.

Purchase price includes transfer and bond costs*.

100% bond ďŹ nance available to approved buyers. Estate living with 24-hour security. Fibre optic internet connectivity. Daily shuttle services.

BUYING IN NAMIBIA NAMIBIA IS ONE OF THE MOST SPARSELY POPULATED COUNTRIES, BUT SOUTH AFRICAN PROPERTY BUYERS INTENT ON DIVERSIFYING THEIR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS ARE MIGRATING THERE IN HERDS Text Jocelyn Warrington Photographs iStock, supplied

ome to the world’s highest sand dunes and oldest desert and among the only places to catch a glimpse of the rare black rhino or desertdwelling elephants, Namibia is indeed one of the last true wildernesses. Not only does the country boast some of the planet’s most diverse landscapes and an abundance of natural resources, but it also enjoys one of Africa’s most peaceful and politically stable environments and has an infrastructure to rival those of most developed countries. As a result, Namibia has in recent years become an international property hot spot, with new developments and ambitious construction projects increasingly springing up from the seemingly barren desert plains. ‘Namibia is regarded as the most stable country in Africa, with a robust democracy ensuring political stability, consistent economic growth, modern infrastructure and services and, above all, a high standard of living,’ says Leon Jooste, joint shareholder of Pam Golding Properties Namibia. ‘From a business perspective, Namibia is also an excellent entry point from where investors can launch businesses into the rest of Africa. Excellent road and rail infrastructure connects Windhoek and the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to neighbouring countries, while regional routes are reliably served by various airlines also connecting Namibia to Johannesburg, which is the most prominent regional hub.’ According to Jooste, the Namibian property market is buoyant and there are no indications that things will change anytime soon. ‘In Windhoek we still have a situation where demand outstrips supply in all segments of the market, and this situation will continue while Namibia maintains a consistent economic growth rate of about five per cent,’ he says. Jooste’s views are echoed by Dr Andrew Golding, the chief executive of Pam Golding Properties, which runs successful operations in various towns in the country. ‘With similar banking and property laws, Namibia is a familiar environment for South African investors,’ he says. ‘The appeal of the country’s property

market is further aided by the fact that Namibia is part of the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community, which play a significant role in facilitating trade between the countries.’

Where to buy and how much to pay ‘Many of the South African property enquiries are for Swakopmund, the country’s main coastal resort destination and a sought-after recreational centre,’ says Jooste. He adds that the town offers a wide variety of residential properties, ranging from smaller flats to townhouses and some impressive freestanding houses. Windhoek, the capital city, has a sophisticated real-estate infrastructure covering the entire spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial products. Says Jooste, ‘The more popular residential areas are the upmarket suburbs of Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf, Luxury Hill and Auasblick, where prices vary between N$5 million and N$18 million. These areas are well served by the best private schools, hospitals and various shopping centres, which cater

for the daily needs of locals and foreigners alike. Windhoek is situated in a hilly area and many properties offer lovely views over the city and the countryside.’ The Namibian dollar matches the South African rand one for one. According to Jooste, Windhoek offers every real-estate product imaginable, from flats starting at N$1,2 million to large mansions in the upmarket areas for up to N$20 million. A number of new lifestyle estates have arisen on the outskirts of Windhoek. Developments such as Omeya Golf & Residential Oasis (omeyagolf.com), Finkenstein Estate (finkenstein.org) and Herboth’s Blick (herbothsblick.com.na) have become very popular among local and international buyers and, as with the market in Windhoek proper, demand isn’t letting up. ‘New units priced between N$1,2 million and N$2,5 million offer the potential for sound capital growth and return on investment,’ says Jooste. ‘There is also a strong demand for livestock and game farms all over the country, with prices having increased considerably due to high demand and the flourishing agriculture sector,’ he continues, adding that Namibia’s robust, rapidly growing tourism industry has created a number of exciting investment

FROM TOP Beautiful Damaraland; situated in Erongo, near Sossusvlei, this lodge on 440ha comprises 14 en-suite bungalows and is on the market for N$19m via Pam Golding Properties, reference 3NM1157619

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GLOBAL BUY

LEFT TO RIGHT Namibia’s well-developed capital, Windhoek; the iconic Swakopmund lighthouse – the resort town is popular among property hunters in search of second or holiday homes

opportunities available to foreign investors in game lodges and private reserves. The relatively high capital prices of real estate in Windhoek set the return on investment for residential property at about five per cent and commercial real estate’s at about seven per cent, says Jooste. ‘One should, however, keep in mind that we are experiencing a consistent capital growth figure of about 20 per cent a year on residential properties, which guarantees attractive investment opportunities,’ he adds.

How to buy as a foreigner ‘Current legislation puts no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate in local authorities, and many foreigners own properties, especially in Windhoek and Swakopmund, for leisure, investment and corporate-use purposes,’ says Jooste. Foreigners need a residence permit, but apart from that, foreign residents and citizens of Namibia are regarded as having equal status when it comes to the purchase and possession of land or property and conveyancing. The important exception is agricultural land: the Agricultural Land Reform Act prohibits foreign nationals from entering into any agreement on the right to buy agricultural land in Namibia without written ministerial consent.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Situated in Olympia, this five-bedroom home with heated pool and views is on the market for N$9m via Pam Golding Properties (PGP), reference 3NM1169162; overlooking the river, this lodge in Caprivi is on the market through Leading Real Estates for N$14,5m, reference 135; Omeya is one of the new lifestyle estates that have sprung up on the outskirts of Windhoek; a hunting farm in Omaruru, on sale via PGP for N$80m, reference 3NM1206806

USEFUL CONTACTS High Commission of Namibia in South Africa, namibia.org.za Leading Real Estates, leadingrealestates.house.na My Property Namibia, myproperty.com.na Namibia Real Estate, namibia-realestate.com Pam Golding Properties Namibia, pamgolding.co.za/real-estate/namibia/ property-sales-rentals

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spotlight on…

STEYN CITY

FROM TOP The Jack Nicklausdesigned golf course is just one of the many planned sports facilities on the estate; Steyn City is accessed via two gatehouses with state-of-the-art security, one on William Nicol Drive and the other off Cedar Road

THE GREATER FOURWAYS AREA IS BOOMING AS DEVELOPERS TRANSFORM IT INTO A DESTINATION TO LIVE, SHOP AND WORK. THE AMBITIOUS STEYN CITY IS FURTHER UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE AREA Text Andrea Vinassa Photographs Supplied

NEWSFLASH REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE ATTENDED THE RECENT MEDIA LAUNCH OF STEYN CITY and met the key players behind the project that’s set to change the face of Joburg. Giuseppe Plumari, chief executive officer of Steyn City, explained his vision for a community-driven development, the concept being to draw residents together and create a safe, outdoors-oriented estate for people of all ages and from all walks of life. ‘When Douw [Steyn] and I embarked on this journey, we wanted to create something that would set the benchmark for estate living. The biggest enemy of community living today is traffic. We wanted to take the car, for the most part, out of the everyday equation. Our dream was to create a pedestrianised oasis in the city,’ says Plumari of the sprawling property, which was landscaped by Patrick Watson.

APRIL 2015

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he Fourways area will soon attract a lot of attention from investors and homebuyers, thanks to the recently launched lifestyle estate Steyn City, which is taking shape along the Jukskei River between William Nicol Drive (R511) and Cedar Road. The brainchild of businessman Douw Steyn and property developer Giuseppe Plumari, Steyn City is expected to boost property values and create jobs in addition to the 11 000 it has already generated, while its unprecedented infrastructure development will benefit the entire district. Eventually, it will even rival Sandton as a CBD, according to estate agents in the area. Brian Falconer, partner at Chas Everitt International Property Group, says the improvements to the transport infrastructure, including turning William Nicol Drive into a six-lane carriageway, have already made the world of difference to homeowners in the area. ‘We anticipate that Steyn City will bring many prospective buyers to look for a home here, while the billions in investment capital being poured into Steyn City will have a spillover effect on all property as far north as Lanseria, which is already expanding its commercial capacity,’ he says. Fourways already offers Fourways Mall, Fourways Crossing, Broadacres Shopping Centre and the new Dainfern Square. Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive officer of the Pam Golding Property Group (PGP), weighs in on Fourways: ‘With a huge amount of infrastructure development, not to mention residential property and commercial property development taking place, the greater Fourways area has arguably become the fastest-growing node in Johannesburg and has an exceptionally bright future.’ This growth has been ‘little short of astonishing’ and is having a significant impact on the property market. The PGP Fourways office reports a 43 per cent improvement in sales turnover for 2013 to 2014. ‘It is not surprising that it is now becoming known as the Sandton of the north,’ adds Golding. But former Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni insists that Fourways will be even bigger than Sandton. He is the nonexecutive chairman of the JSE-listed Accelerate Property Fund, which plans to turn the area into a ‘mini Manhattan’. Accelerate is planning to develop the tallest building in Africa and hundreds of thousands of square metres of retail and commercial space, which will dovetail with the long-term growth plan for Johannesburg North and connect the economies of Diepsloot, Dainfern and Fourways. Meanwhile, sales have kicked off at Steyn City, a new suburb with a vast green belt that will provide the antidote to the high-density development taking place around it. In terms of land surface area, the estate is approximately six times the size of the Sandton city centre and is the largest single residential development ever undertaken in South Africa, explains Golding. Planning permission has been granted for residential units, including 8 300 apartments and sectional title homes, 730 cluster homes, nearly 820 freehold homes and 120 retirement village units. In phase one, apartments are priced from R1,65 million to R3,9 million, ultraluxury apartments at R13,9 million, cluster homes from R6,2 million to R8,4 million and freehold stands from R2,3 million to

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SUBURB FOCUS

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND SHOP

R16 million, while the six show houses are priced from R16 million to R22 million. Jason Shaw, manager of the PGP Fourways office, notes that developments such as Steyn City are an indication of the high levels of investor confidence in the area. ‘PGP will jointly market the residential properties with Steyn City Properties,’ he says. The developers are following the rather novel approach of developing the lifestyle resort and the residential units before placing them on the market, adds Shaw. James Christelis, area specialist for Sotheby’s International Realty in the greater Fourways area, says it is popular with families because it is close to schools such as Crawford Preparatory, Dainfern College, Brescia House, St Stithians College, the Michael Mount Waldorf School, HeronBridge

College, the British International College and the American International School of Johannesburg. Seeff Sandton MD Charles Vining says buyers can find homes priced from R550 000 to R13 million. According to Lightstone, 44 per cent of buyers in the past 12 months were young adults aged from 18 to 35, and 35 per cent of buyers were in the 36-to-49 age group. Buy-to-let investors have always looked to townhouses along Witkoppen Road and in the sectional title nodes of Fourways for value. Close to Sandton, it gives them a large pool of prospective tenants. Yields are high because rental properties in Fourways generally sell for between R9 000 and R13 000 a square metre, while those in Sandton sell for between R12 000 and R18 000 a square metre.

Escape from supermarket shopping at the Fourways Farmers’ Market (ffmarket.co.za). For all your decor needs, visit the Design Quarter (designquarter.co.za). Purveyor of iconic furniture and homewares, Weylandts has a massive triplelevel store in Fourways. Top off a decor browsing session with designer coffee and a snack at its inhouse restaurant, The Kitchen. (weylandts.co.za). Cedar Square offers popular brand-name eateries and Ster-Kinekor movie theatres in a chic setting (cedarsquare.co.za). For gaming, movies and a night on the town, Montecasino Gaming and Entertainment Complex and the opulent Palazzo Montecasino Hotel are the obvious choice (montecasino.co.za). Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, the original homestead in the area, offers a library, art gallery, dance and karate lessons, biodanza, a playground and a tea garden (friendsofnorscot.co.za). CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Steyn City’s clubhouse has floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Nicklaus Design golf course; the estate will offer apartment living in addition to freehold homes; Charles Gotthard was instrumental in creating and commissioning the various public artworks; family life is a big focus and children are well catered for

‘The biggest enemy of community living today is traffic … Our dream was to create a pedestrianised oasis in the city’ – Giuseppe Plumari

STEYN CITY AT A GLANCE n 809HA of previously undeveloped land n 50% parkland and open spaces n 60KM track for off-road cyclists n 100KM track for runners n 8 300 apartments and sectional title homes

n 730 cluster homes n 820 freehold homes n 120 retirement village units n 18-HOLE Nicklaus Design championship golf course

n 15KM promenade n 11 000 people employed thus far n R6BN total investment in phase one n 1 MILLION trees to be planted n 30-MEGALITRE water resevoir, part of the city council and Joburg Water’s master plan for the region

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Take your career to the next level! Contact Irene on 011 884 0060

Have you outgrown your company? Areas still available

¥ Athol Illovo Inanda (houses & clusters) ¥ Hydepark Sandhurst ¥ Saxonwold Westcliff Forestown Parkwood ¥ Parkhurst ¥ Northcliff ¥ Douglasdale Fourways ¥ Dainfern Cedar Lakes ¥ Norwood Orchards Oaklands ¥ Houghton

PROPERTY INVESTOR

advice column Text Hess Cumming Images iStock

PART 1

ASK THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU MAKE AN OFFER… It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement once you have found a home that seems to perfectly fit the bill, but don’t sign on the dotted line before you have gathered some facts

sking a few pertinent questions can quickly help you determine whether or not the chosen property is indeed your dream home, and may even save you some money. The first question you should ask is, why is the property being sold? This can help you structure an offer to purchase that really meets the sellers’ needs. For instance, if the sellers have been transferred to another area or are under financial pressure to sell, they may well be willing to drop their asking price slightly in return for a quick and easy transaction. On the other hand, a home that is being sold because the owners are entangled in divorce proceedings, or a home that is part of a deceased estate, may not be your first choice if you are keen on a quick and straightforward transaction, because the process could become bogged down in complicated legalities. If the owners admit to selling for reasons such as noisy neighbours, extensive planned developments that will alter the character of the neighbourhood or a high crime rate, you will have to decide whether or you will be able to cope with those particular circumstances.

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Then, if you are still interested in the home, it is time to find out more about the property itself. Ask the agents for a written list of known defects if they did not disclose this at the start. Sellers are obliged to disclose all known defects, and while some could easily be rectified by a handy homeowner once he or she has taken occupancy, other defects may require professional – and potentially expensive – repairs. In either case, you will be quite within your rights to get estimates for repair work and

THE FIRST QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK IS, WHY IS THE PROPERTY BEING SOLD? THIS CAN HELP YOU STRUCTURE AN OFFER THAT REALLY MEETS THE SELLERS’ NEEDS

2015/03/13 8:20 AM

PROPERTY INVESTOR

use these to negotiate a lower purchase price. It is also helpful to ask about previous problems with the property and how these were resolved. This will give you an opportunity to personally inspect previous repairs or, if in any doubt, to engage a professional to do an inspection. Rising damp, for instance, may have been addressed with damp-proofing, but if the underlying problem has not yet been remedied, you may well find the problem returning. Roof leaks that have been repaired may require an inspection of the supporting structure to make sure that trusses are still in good condition.

Next, ask the sellers how they arrived at their asking price. Find out whether they used a comparative market analysis (CMA) to arrive at a fair price, and then ask the agent to supply you with a copy. The CMA will list the actual selling prices (as opposed to the advertised prices) of comparable homes that were recently sold in the neighbourhood and will help you decide whether or not the asking price is indeed fair. If not, you may want to use the information to negotiate a better deal.

PART 2

WORKING OUT HOW MUCH TO OFFER Making an offer to purchase can be quite daunting. Unlike most consumer goods, no two homes are exactly alike, and determining a value that satisfies both buyer and seller is an art

any factors influence the value that sellers and prospective buyers place on a property. Sellers, for example, generally have in mind more than a structure when they determine their asking price. To them, the property is a home that may hold many happy memories and they might therefore overestimate its value. But that does not mean the buyers should foot the bill for their emotional attachment to the house. On the other hand, buyers may value differently two comparable properties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two townhouses in the same complex, for example â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because of factors that would not influence somebody else. The buyers may prefer the location of one, or the way the sunlight filters through a well-placed specimen tree. Such preferences may influence the offer they are willing to put in. Although a comparative market analysis (CMA) will not address such subjective perceptions, it is a good starting point when deciding how much to offer. The document will list recent sales prices of other properties in the neighbourhood and will give prospective buyers a good indication of market trends in the area. This will prevent their putting in an over-enthusiastic offer that is way above market value, or a ridiculously low offer that may antagonise the sellers to such an extent that they flatly refuse to negotiate a more equitable deal. A bit of research will further reveal how fast homes are selling in the area and how closely selling prices match asking prices. Quick sales that match asking prices indicate there are plenty of qualified buyers competing against one another, and it might therefore be prudent not

Next issue:

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to haggle too much and to offer the highest price you can afford. On the other hand, if there is a big difference between asking prices and prices achieved, buyers have more leeway because sellers may be willing to negotiate. It is, in any event, a good idea to ask the marketing agent whether the sellers have indicated that they are willing to accept an offer lower than the asking price, and to what extent they might be willing to negotiate. Buyers should also find out how long the property has been on the market and whether the sellers have reduced the asking price before. Properties that stick in the market may be overpriced or have serious defects, and buyers should factor this in when making an offer. If there has been a considerable time lapse since a previous reduction in the asking price, it may indicate that the seller is ready to consider another reduction in order to achieve a sale. Lastly, buyers should ask if previous offers were declined, and if so, why. They can then use the information to tailor an offer that, hopefully, will clinch the deal on the property they really want.

TIP ASK THE MARKETING AGENT WHETHER THE SELLER IS WILLING TO NEGOTIATE

Sole mandates vs open mandates; and what compliance certificates are needed

2015/03/13 8:20 AM

UMHLALI | KZN | R 18 950 000 STATELY COUNTRY ESTATE

SIMBITHI | KZN | R 9 200 000

ENERGY EFFICIENT EXECUTIVE HOME

SEEFF.COM WEB 324610 This exclusive 25Ha country estate enjoys stunning views of rolling hills and the coastline beyond. Incl. equestrian facilities and more.

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4.5 Garages 3 SEEFF.COM WEB 343361 This home offers the perfect balance of comfortable family living and effortless luxury. With high quality eco-friendly design, it includes beautiful water features, a cinema room and breath-taking sea view.

ZIMBALI | KZN | R 8 950 000

ZIMBALI | KZN | R 8 800 000

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 SEEFF.COM WEB 261044 Outstanding one level apartment in one of the best positions with waterfall, lake, conservation area and sea views.

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2 SEEFF.COM WEB 289500 This spacious home is an entertainer's dream offering the best of luxury living with top class finishes and elegant detailing.

SIMBITHI | KZN | R 5 950 000

ZIMBALI | KZN | R 5 395 000

Tim Johnson 082 424 6202 | tim.johnson@seeff.com

PERFECT POSITION

Andreas Wassenaar 082 837 9094 | andreasw@seeff.com

PERFECT FAMILY HOME

George Baxter 084 890 1822 | george.baxter@seeff.com

CHARMING AND ELEGANT

Sally Edlmann 079 773 6431 | sally.edlmann@seeff.com

FAIRWAY VIEWS

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 SEEFF.COM WEB 342049 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Garages 2 SEEFF.COM WEB 290620 This wonderful new mandate is east facing and looks over an open servitude with a dam to the left. Enjoy Outstanding position along the front row of this popular Zimbali sectional scheme. Perfect holiday home lazy days by the pool and easy access to the forest and dam for fishing. or investment property.

George Baxter 084 890 1822 | george.baxter@seeff.com

Sally Edlmann 079 773 6431 | sally.edlmann@seeff.com

Regeneration of central Kenilworth set to continue with the launch of luxury security apartments. “Currently the hub of a significant urban renewal effort, Main Road, Kenilworth is definitely under the spotlight and receiving serious interest from property investors,” says Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Properties, an exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. Greeff, himself an investor in the neighbourhood, with Greeff’s flagship head office situated at 262 Main Road Kenilworth, now has a sole mandate to market the newest release in the area, The Curragh, Kenilworth, designed to fulfill a growing demand for investment type properties in the Southern Suburbs. The development comprises 14 contemporary, Sectional Title twobedroom apartments – six of these are one-bathroom units (73m²), six are two-bathroom units (101m²) and two are penthouses, with twobathrooms, plus guest toilet units (124m²). Apartments are generally north and west facing. “The kitchens are to be fully fitted including hob, oven and extractor and are open plan into dining and living room areas, and buyers may choose from a selection of top-end finishes. The Curragh is designed by architects Otten & Partners for spacious living, and all apartments boast balconies with impressive views. Two secure parking bays per unit are included. CCTV coverage, secured access control with electric fencing. “Close to public transport – Kenilworth Station and Kenilworth Main Road, this location offers a convenient and secure lockup-and-go lifestyle with easy access to the shops and restaurants on e o od eeﬀ. Priced from R2.1 million Inclusive of VAT. Units are now selling off plan. 10% Deposit – Balance on Transfer.

LUXURY LIVING in the Heart of Kenilworth upper

new release

on show EVERY SUNDAY TIME: 2pm – 5pm VENUE: Greeff House, 262 Main road, Kenilworth

• 14 Luxury Apartments, all with balconies • From 73m2 to 124m2 • Sectional Title • Secure Parking (2 bays per unit) • Architecturally inspired / high spec finishes priced from R2 100 000 (incl. transfer duty) Morgan Morris 082 445 4293 morgan@greeﬀ.co.za

Bruce Durham 082 380 1880 bruce.durham@greeﬀ.co.za

Di Tyrrell 082 823 7442 di@greeﬀ.co.za

Vilma Gruneberg 082 895 9172 vilma@greeﬀ.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA, WESTERN CAPE, CAPE TOWN | ATLANTIC SEABOARD | CITY BOWL | FALSE BAY | SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Construction on The Curragh, Kenilworth is set to commence in July 2015. Completion is envisaged in September 2016. For SALES Please Contact: Greeff Properties 021 763 4120 Bruce Durham 27 (0) 82 380 1880 | Morgan Morris 27 (0) 82 445 4293 Vilma Gruneberg 27 (0) 82 895 9172 | Di Tyrell 27 (0) 82 823 7442

High investor confidence prompts new phase launch in popular Noordhoek secure estate After the overwhelming success of Phases 1 and 2, both of which virtually sold out within just months of their respective launches, and with over R100million in sales thus far, the developers of Noordhoek based security development, Chapman’s Bay Estate are releasing Phases three and four.

NEW PHASES - NOW ON SHOW

Sited on a slope at the foot of the Table Mountain Reserve, Chapman’s Bay Estate offers investors a selection of elevated plots boasting some of the most majestic views Noordhoek has to offer. Set amidst indigenous flora, homes are designed to maximise on a relaxed, tranquil and secluded lifestyle, while the estate’s convenient location, just minutes from pristine beaches, mountain hiking and equestrian trails, a stone’s throw from Long Beach Mall and a mere 40 minute’s drive from Cape Town, combines the very best of all worlds. For those living there, space will be one of the defining factors since only three homes will be built per hectare and 145 homes are planned. “There will be no identical cookie cutter houses,” says architect Stephen Lennard, who has prepared optional design variations for the houses, while buyers can also opt to buy a plot and design their own dream home within carefully considered design guidelines. “Environmental appropriateness is the primary point of departure. We’re trying to avoid visibility so we’ve opted for materials and colours with a low reflective index. For example: textured plasters, stone, steel and wood. Roofs will be a combination of asphalt, shingle, corrugated iron and concrete and roof gardens will be encouraged,” explains Lennard. Phases three and four at Chapman’s Bay Estate, a secure eco-sensitive estate in Noordhoek, are now being marketed exclusively by Greeff Properties.Three and four bedroom Courtyard homes are priced from R3.715m; three or four bedroom Wetland homes from R3.925m and three or four bedroom Avenue homes from R4.475 million. Prices include VAT. There is no transfer duty.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS MOUNTAIN & SEA VIEWS Having secured over R100 million in sales in phases 1 and 2, Chapman’s Bay Estate has now released phases 3 and 4 in the development process. These elevated plots possess some of the most spectacular views Noordhoek has to offer. A secure estate, with sweeping views of mountain and sea, surrounded by fynbos, endless beaches and sky, all just 10 minutes’ drive from Reddam House and Westlake Business Park. It is here that you can enjoy the very best of both worlds.

Townhouses from R2 495 000 Courtyard homes from R3 715 000 Avenue homes from R4 475 000 ON SHOW EVERY SUNDAY 2PM - 5PM, ON SITE, OR BY APPOINTMENT.

Silvermine Road

N M a o o rd h in R oe oa k d

FOR SALES, PLEASE CONTACT: info@greeff.co.za Dale Gremels: 082 539 9393 Morgan Morris: 082 445 4293 Bruce Durham: 082 380 1880

Noordhoek views

On show every Sunday, 2pm-5pm, on site. www.greeff.co.za | 021 763 4120

I CONIC OWL’S ROCK A landmark Heritage homestead occupying a vast acreage of seafronting land on the magical Hermanus coastline could be yours for just R12-million. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

SOLD

Perched some 16 metres above sea level and boasting panoramic views that take in the full sweep of Walker Bay from the mountains to the sea, iconic Owl’s Rock was subdivided into three magnificent properties and the first two plots sold in record time. But the jewel in the crown is arguably the 4 864m² plot on which rests a historic Hermanus homestead in classic Cape Dutch style. It is situated on a vast stand amid a manicured, mature garden setting. Further value lies in the fact that it is flanked by lush parkland. Enjoying Heritage property status, it is one of just 26 homes that make up the lovely seaside enclave of Eastcliff, where a scenic stroll along the cliff path brings you to the charming village.

D Guaranteed mountain and sea views and privacy D Excellent existing buildings D Flanked by parkland D Rolling lawns D Lovely mature trees D Whale-watching from the patio

Bright and welcoming, the homestead features four light-filled reception areas, four generous bedrooms and outbuildings with good amenities, including staff accommodation for two. Sympathetic modernisation and expansion of the property is possible too.

For a virtual tour, visit http://youtu.be/cmM0tKO-bQI.

For more information on this exceptional property, contact Hermanus Property Sales today.

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JOHN LEPPAN 082 801 5252 OFFICE 028 313 0914 WWW.HPSREALTY.CO.ZA

2015/03/19 5:39 PM

DREAM HOME

IBIZA

An island dream come true, Ibiza is not only a party town, but also offers the perfect location for enjoying the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. This contemporary villa on the island’s west coast is built on a 2 300m2 plot with ocean views. The large four-bedroom house and separate suite offer a modern but luxurious coastal escape where the focus is on the outdoors: it features a natural Ibicencan garden, sunny patio and pool and outdoor barbecue. The property is on the market for ¤4,5 million (about R59,2 million) through Dynamic Lives (dynamiclives.com, reference Villa Vista Mar).

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APRIL 2015

Text Julia Freemantle Photograph Supplied

I WANT TO LIVE IN…

www.realestatemagazine.co.za

2015/03/16 4:31 PM

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