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ESTATE SAVVY Don’t Buy The House, Buy The Neighbourhood HOME DÉCOR Art Meets High Tech EASTERN CAPE & GARDEN ROUTE Edition 7 | Autumn 2018
MORE THAN 130 PROPERTIES TO VIEW
THE NEXT BEST THING Bespoke South African Gin www.seeff.com
Well-being. Timeless. Innovation Valcucine South Africa - Under new management 121 Cecil Road, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925 021 035 1737 or 072 379 5112 mathilda@valcucinesa.co.za
Seeff is honoured that over the past half a century hundreds of thousands of people have trusted us with their stories, start your next chapter with one of our 1200 property experts nationwide.
“With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story and we are honoured to write this chapter with you.� - Samuel Seeff
SAMUEL SEEFF
THE YEAR IS OFF TO A POSITIVE START FOR THE ECONOMY AND PROPERTY MARKET The year has kicked off with a more upbeat outlook boosted by the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC President and now President of SA. Business and consumer confidence seems to be improving and, after a challenging 2017, the economy and property market can do with some good news.
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lthough the economic and political challenges remain for the time being, there are a number of positives from which to take encouragement. The SARB has also hinted that there may be an interest rate cut ahead. FNB is also expecting a better outlook for property prices, anticipating the national average growth for the year at around 5% (from an average of 3.7% in 2017). That said, the market is still in much the same place as where it ended last year and caution remains the order of the day. With increased property stock levels and fewer buyers in the market, it is taking longer to sell. Serious sellers therefore need to continue heeding the call
of agents to keep their price expectations in line with the market trends. On the flip side, we now see more favourable conditions for buyers and there is no reason to wait; if you find the right property at the right price, it is likely a good time to buy. We will have to keep an eye on how the year unfolds politically and economically. The State of the Nation Address has signalled positive action ahead for the country and economy, but the budget is likely to bring higher taxes and costs for consumers aimed at dealing with current deficits. The economic and property market challenges notwithstanding, our branches are more positive about the year ahead.
History has shown SA property is a good investment and the market has weathered many storms. Despite the challenges, FNB reported last year that for the five years to early 2017, prices grew by 50.4% in the Western Cape, 31.9% in KZN, 25.6% in the Eastern Cape, 21.9% in Gauteng and 17.1% in the five smaller provinces. During a challenging phase it is especially
important to work with a credible real estate agency that has stood the test of time having been through the many market cycles and can help you navigate the challenges. SAMUEL SEEFF Chairman Seeff Property Group
“The election of Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the mood in SA, but for now, the challenges remain and the property market is still in much the same place as where we left off last year. Conditions are good for buyers, while serious sellers need to heed the call of agents in regard to their price expectations.” – Samuel Seeff PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY CHAPEL LANE MEDIA
EMAIL: CHARL@CHAPELLANE.CO.ZA
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TEL: +27 (0)82 452 8110
UN SURPA S S E D OC E A N V I E W S
15 HARKER STREET
Introducing a sophisticated property that offers the ultimate in beach house chic styling and a position that takes advantage of the spectacular sea views from all the rooms. This home’s split-level design captures the essence of “laid-back Plett living”, and you can make this contemporary masterpiece – with its symphony of light, glass and timber – your own.
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ompletely understated in appearance from the outside, 15 Harker nestles among good-looking neighbours on a slope that offers some of this town’s most spectacular views. If ever there has been a focal point for Plett, it is the Beacon Isle Hotel, just below. Add ocean, beach, distant peninsula, birds, sunset, lagoon, greenery and more, and you might be forgiven thinking we are scripting the next Disney movie – so picture
perfect is the vista from the deck of 15 Harker. Architect Greg Scott of Greg Wright Architects set out to achieve very specific objectives with the design of this property. The client wanted something comfortable, not too large, somewhat understated and making optimal use of the panoramic views. For this, Greg opted for a design that maximised space vertically, further enhanced by natural materials and installed features, such as the impressive
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stairwell, fireplace and interesting use of screens. Scott saw the dramatic slope of the property as less of a challenge than an opportunity, and he used it to his advantage to create a striking interplay between levels and vertical lines. The culmination of the vision of a daring architect, a
receptive client and a special site, this home’s flowing indoor and outdoor living spaces allow for the ultimate lifestyle moments. Naturally, it has all the amenities one would expect from a house this magnificent. Admit it. When you see that deck, that pool and that view, you
can viscerally smell the cocktails and sunscreen. Imagine having to choose the music to accompany such perfect moments? The place has the feel good of reggae, the pedigree of the Beatles, the authority of a Beethoven, but ultimately, it is a smooth jazz house. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three‌.
ASKING PRICE: R18.9 million ERF: 669m2 BUILDING: 550m2 BEDROOMS: 4, all en-suite BATHROOMS: 4.5 WWW.SEEFF.COM REF: 347277 AGENTS: ALET OLLEMANS +27 (0)83 657 5678 OR alet@seeff.com DANIEL VAN RENEN +27 (0)82 883 6271 OR daniel.plett@seeff.com
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“DON’T BUY THE HOUSE… BUY THE NEIGHBOURHOOD!” So, what makes a good neighbourhood? Seeff weighs in with some advice on what to look out for.
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ESTATE SAVVY
These days it is all about lifestyle and convenience when it comes to choosing a home. Where your home is located can be as important as the house itself when it comes to buying. Your neighbourhood needs to meet your lifestyle needs if you are going to have a happy home. CONVENIENCE
CHILDCARE & SCHOOLS
URBAN OR SUBURBAN
SHOPS & OTHER SERVICES
With traffic becoming a real issue in almost every metro and town, you will want to ensure that you are moving to a neighbourhood that offers at least relative convenience to your place of work as well as to other commitments that you may have. No-one wants to spend their days and especially their weekends in traffic jams.
It is important to determine if you want to live in a busy urban area or opt for the tranquillity of the more exclusive suburbs. The latter is often preferred by families as the houses tend to have more space and the neighbourhoods sometimes come with green belt areas or parks for walks and the odd picnic. Apartment developments, however, have become a popular option for families looking for a secure home with access to all the amenities of modern city living.
SAFETY RECORD
It is advisable to investigate the safety record of the area and see whether there are community initiatives, such as a Neighbourhood Watch, that you can join and become part of taking care of the community.
TRANSPORT
You will want to choose an area with a good transport network, particularly if you are reliant on public transport. It is also advisable to investigate the peak hour transport trends in the area. Don’t just look at the neighbourhood on a Sunday, but check what happens with traffic during the busy week periods.
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Depending on what stage of life you are in, you may need to think ahead about what happens if you want to start a family. You will want to choose an area where there are affordable childcare facilities and, of course, access to good schools. This is important since there is always competition for space and first option often goes to local residents.
While you do not necessarily want to reside in a busy area with lots of commercial activity, you do want to be close to shops or at least have shops en-route from work or school for your daily necessities. Check also if there are other facilities that you may need in the area such as gymnasiums or sport clubs and places of worship.
THE NEIGHBOURS
To get a better understanding of where you might consider living, you should also see who your neighbours are. Pop in and have coffee at the local coffee shop and observe. If you are buying in a security complex, make sure you understand all the home-owner rules as well. You would not want to find out that you have no say about rowdy parties, for example, only after you have already moved in.
GREEN BELTS & PARKS
Explore whether there are green belt areas or parks in the neighbourhood or at least nearby, especially if you have dogs or enjoy walks, jogs or cycling. A dog- and child-friendly neighbourhood typically becomes very important the older you get and adds to your quality of life.
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U Y E R S
BUYING PROPERT Y IN SA
South Africa has a secure and well-developed legal process for acquiring fixed property, yet there are some variations in how the marketplace functions locally, as well as specific regulations that affect foreign nationals who wish to invest in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route region.
THE ROLE OF AGENTS Unlike some foreign property markets, South Africans do not use a Buyer’s Agent. The primary focus of realtors (also called “estate agents”) is to secure a mandate from a prospective seller to market their property and then to place
this property on the radar of as many suitable potential buyers as possible. Larger established agencies such as Seeff have thousands of properties listed on their website, www.seeff.com, where prospective buyers can search according to criteria like
area, price, size and amenities There is no single multi-listing platform where all available properties in an area, regardless of the estate agency who holds the mandate, can be viewed. Yet, as a prospective buyer, your Seeff agent can assist you in gaining
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access to any home listed with Seeff, other agencies, or privately. Once you are ready to make an offer, the estate agent will provide all the necessary legal paperwork, and manage the whole process of transfer between the buyer and seller, including liaising with the transferring attorneys. The seller pays the agent a commission for these services, as agreed upon when securing the initial mandate, or as renegotiated. As purchaser, you have fully transparent disclosure of such incentives. WHO CAN BUY Any foreign national can acquire property in South Africa, excluding, of course, illegal aliens. Property may also be purchased through corporate entities, either registered locally or internationally, rather than by an individual. However, in the case of a foreign corporation, a local public officer and local registration may be required. In the event of you opting to buy through a corporate entity or trust, Value Added Tax may be attracted by such a transaction. Upon selling, individuals and companies are subjected to a withholding tax unless a prior directive on Capital Gains Taxes has been issued by the tax authorities. It is highly advisable to consult with a local property
taxation and exchange control specialist attorney before submitting an offer to purchase, in order to clarify what suits your situation best and how your future repatriation of funds and profits may also be affected by the structure you choose. DEEDS OFFICE & CONVEYANCERS Each property in South Africa is held under title deed and registered with a regional registry of land. The seller appoints a specialised attorney, called a “conveyancer,” who will ensure that your new property, as well as any bonding to financial institutions, are recorded in order to protect your legal interests in your new property. Make sure that any alterations or additions to the property meet building regulations and have been approved. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Financial assistance can be obtained from any one of the major banks’ homeloan divisions, or through several bond originators. This will be granted in the form of a loan secured by a mortgage bond to be registered in favour of the bank granting the loan. Foreign buyers can only apply for loans to the equivalent value of their so-called “borrowing base,”
i.e., the amount of foreign funds they introduce to pay part of the deal. In effect, it means that a foreign buyer cannot obtain local financing for more than 50% of their transaction. Funds brought into the country for the purposes of the transaction can either be lodged with a local bank, or in the trust account of the conveyancing attorney, who contributes to a fidelity insurance by the profession to protect the public against the risk of trust account fraud. It is the exception that such cases occur and you are generally well-advised to lodge your funds with the conveyancer. Large estate agencies such as Seeff only work with larger, and well-respected attorneys, so do ask your realtor to refer you in this regard. REPUTATION MATTERS In the final instance, investing in a new geography like the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, with its wonderful lifestyle and financial returns, can be very rewarding, yet carries some risk. Working with a leading group such as Seeff, with more than 50 years of local experience and with a significant number of their property transactions in this area being concluded by foreign buyers, is the best way to get the best advice, excellent post-tax returns, and peace of mind.
Legal Disclaimer. Opinions expressed in this article should not be taken as legal or business advice and readers are advised to seek professional opinions on the matters raised within this article.
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YAMAHA DISKLAVIER & MusicCast
THE WORLD’S FIRST MULTI-ROOM INSTRUMENT
For the first time in its 317-year history, the venerable acoustic piano can now play to any room in the home – even outside – thanks to powerful multimedia entertainment technologies introduced by Yamaha, the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer, and a global leader in AV audio systems.
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ART & MUSIC
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amaha’s Disklavier reproducing piano is the most advanced instrument of its kind, and converging technologies now successfully link the new Yamaha Disklavier Enspire to the company’s highly acclaimed MusicCast wireless multi-room audio system. This allows Yamaha piano owners to experience great piano performances anywhere in their homes, and to control them right from their mobile devices. Yamaha sells more Disklavier pianos than any other modern day reproducing piano manufacturer, largely due to the instrument’s perfect balance of fine craftsmanship, engaging sound, unrivalled multimedia capabilities and lifestyle versatility. Further satisfying the growing needs of today’s multimedia family, the Disklavier can be enjoyed or practiced upon in silence with headphones at the touch of a button. Unlike other reproducing pianos, the Disklavier is the only one that features DisklavierTV™, a subscription service capable of streaming live and on-demand, note-for-note piano performances by top artists around the world or from the stages of prestigious music events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, directly to a Disklavier in the living room. As these artists perform in one location, their entire performance is streamed to Disklavier pianos and the remote instruments’ keys and pedals move up and down to faithfully recreate the original performance. Disklavier Enspire boasts an unrivalled software library – from the finest piano solo performances, to thousands of pop, jazz and Broadway favourites – available through the Yamaha MusicSoft online store. In addition, users can access their content through the MusicCast app, as well as stream music from the company’s Pandora-style Disklavier Radio service. The dynamically immersive music that is produced by both the Disklavier Enspire and MusicCast wireless music technology opens up any room in the home to the industry’s most authentic sounding reproducing piano performances, which is carried over networked MusicCast audio components and wireless speakers. For incredible sounding performances in the main listening room, the Disklavier ENSPIRE can be connected to the new Yamaha WXC-50 wireless streaming preamplifier and WXA-50 wireless streaming amplifier to power a pair of speakers in the room. Just like that, the concert comes home to the living room as never before. The Yamaha WXC-50 preamplifier is also capable of sending a high quality sound to compatible wireless speakers in remote rooms. The Disklavier Enspire has just become available in South Africa. Never again miss a single note of your favourite performances, inside or outside. And for a late night singalong around the piano, you have access to an endless choice of music. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
WWW.DISKLAVIER.COM AND WWW.YAMAHA.CO.ZA
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ITALIAN INNOVATION
RIMADESIO IN THE CAPE
Italian firm Rimadesio has been producing stunning and spectacular furniture: doors, sliding panels, shelving units, walk-in wardrobes and a collection of complementary furniture for 60 years. Now in South Africa, bulthaup | living kitchens is partnering with Rimadesio to open a monobrand showroom that will enable homeowners and developers to increase the level of finish for luxury homes and high-end developments. P R O P E R T Y PA G E S | 3 6
DÉCOR
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efined by a highly architectural interpretation of furniture, the Rimadesio collection stands out for its precise and unmistakable style, striking a perfect balance between the precision of shapes and the unique matching of materials and exclusive finishes. To say that Rimadesio merely produces systems for subdividing environments and for the architectural definition of internal spaces is to deny the gorgeous nature of the product. Rimadesio creates highlystylised objects, made to guarantee a superb look, but which still lend themselves to daily life, and fit the concept of contemporary living advocated by the company. Glass, a pure and ecological material, plays the most important part in the collection. For these reasons, Rimadesio is viewed as a perfect match for bulthaup, a global leader in luxury kitchens. According to Ramón Casadó, the Design Director and a Co-Owner of bulthaup| living kitchens, South Africa: “What we see with the Rimadesio products is stunning design with specialist materials and quality craftsmanship built from 60 years’ experience, and this fits the bulthaup profile exactly. Now we can extend innovative design, luxury and quality from the kitchen to other rooms in the home, and at an extraordinarily high-level of finish – with gorgeous sliding doors and room dividers, cabinets, shelving and unique furniture pieces. I’m really excited to show our clients these products – they’re amazing!“ Innovation is a constant feature of the Rimadesio Collection. The company views technology as an opportunity to improve the quality of the living environment and a priority is the continuous research of solutions aimed at improving quality and standards in the combined use of aluminium
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and glass, Rimadesio’s signature materials. Rimadesia products are totally recyclable, treated with advanced paint technologies, without harmful substances, and handled in the final phase with ecological packaging systems that are aimed at reducing the effect on the environment. At the centre of the production process, the system is fully powered by solar energy, coming from photovoltaic plants, with 5 250 panels installed on the Giussano headquarters’ roof. This is just another element providing solid proof of the commitment to building a green DNA in every phase of the production process. With a precise and coherent identity, Rimadesio is today a 100% made in Italy brand with a strong international presence in 90 countries, and monobrand showrooms in the main cities. The collection is constantly increasing in size and is forever evolving in style. Rimadesio is partnering with Living Kitchens | bulthaup to bring you these beautiful designs.
CONTACT Johannesburg Showroom +27(0)11 262 5257 info@bulthaup.co.za www.livingkitchens.bulthaup.com
G I N ' S
G E T T I N G
G O O D
LOCAL BOUTIQUE DISTILLERIES LEAVE SOUTH AFRICANS SPOILED FOR CHOICE An eruption of boutique gin distilleries, brands and bars are popping up all over the world, and South Africa is developing a reputation of note. The most popular unique ingredients to beautifully infuse gin locally are fynbos – fine-leafed shrubs endemic to the area; and rooibos – a local caffeine free tea. A number of local craft gin brands have emerged and received wide acclaim over the last year including Inverroche, Hope on Hopkins, Woodstock Gin Co, Jorgensen’s Musgrave, Triple Three, Cruxland, and New Harbour Distillery – who is also a carbon neutral distillery.
INFUSE YOUR OWN GIN Want to learn how to distil your own gin? Next time you’re in Cape Town, the folks at New Harbour Distillery offer short courses on how to create an artisanal gin. Master distiller Nic Janeke offers a brief overview of the history and different types of gin and explains the science behind it all. Then you are introduced to how different botanicals (citrus, spice, florals, etc. and fresh or dry) affect the flavour, with tastings, of course. You’ll get a light lunch and end off the class with blending your own bottle of Gin to take home. Courses are held every last Saturday of the month at R850 per person. Booking is essential. WWW.NEWHARBOURDISTILLERY.CO.ZA
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COCKTAILS
BUSH TEA COCKTAIL • 1 shot New Harbour Rooibos Infused Gin • 1 shot Dry Vermouth • 2 tablespoon simple syrup • Dash of Angostura Bitters • Top up with Tonic water and garnish with thyme blossoms
G&T POPSICLES Get set for a refreshing and fun addition to your picnics in the park before winter sets in with the launch of gin-based popsicles. In eye-catching, recyclable packaging, there are two flavours to choose from – a G&T Classic and G&T Berry Infusion. The G&T Classic delivers all the subtle bitterness and juniper-driven notes of a classic gin-and-tonic, while the G&T Berry Infusion incorporates notes of blackberry, strawberry and blueberry to offer a rounded, slightly sweeter G&T experience. Find out more and how to order online. WWW.FROSTPOPSICLES.COM
GINSPIRATIONAL GIFTING Gift a friend (or treat yourself) with a bi-monthly or quarterly membership to the Gin Box, South Africa’s first Craft Gin Club. For any special holiday or for once-off gift purchases, they offer beautifully wrapped presentations of artisanal and bespoke gins. Their Christmas Gin Box, for example, included three limited edition Hope on Hopkins Gins enhanced with notions of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh defined by spiced, aromatic notes of cinnamon, star anise, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, angelica root, zesty citrus and of course classic juniper. Boxes also typically include complimentary gourmet foods and local tonics as well as comprehensive tasting notes with cocktail recipes. WWW.THEGINBOX.CO.ZA
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S c h y p
RECIPE
LINE FISH, JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE & GREEN BEANS
South Africa based and Zimbabwean born Neill Anthony has had an illustrious career as a chef. He perfected his skills during 10 years in Europe in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, Alyn Williams and Jérôme Henry. After returning to Cape Town for FIFA 2010, he scored his own 13-part TV series “Private Chef”, now in Season 3. The show is broadcast locally on South African television as well as on the screens of 160 countries around the globe. In it, Chef Anthony is invited into the homes of prestigious clients, socialite friends, and fun-loving acquaintances and transforms their dining experiences into exclusive extravaganzas. With the ability to deliver exceptional dining in the privacy of your own home, Neill Anthony and his team will travel to you and create a bespoke experience to meet your specific culinary needs.
INGREDIENTS
• 10 x 120g line fish fillet • 750g beans topped, blanched and halved • 1/2 cup olive oil plus 6 tablespoons • 3 eggs boiled for 6 minutes and peeled • 2 shallots, finely diced • 2 red chillis, finely diced • 1 daikon radish, peeled and finely sliced • Juice of 2 lemons • 500g Jerusalem artichokes • 100g butter • 1 cup toasted cashew nuts
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour half a cup of olive oil into large mixing bowl. Finely grate eggs into the olive oil. Add shallots, chilli, beans and daikon. Season with juice from one lemon and stir well until emulsified. Toss through dressing and set aside. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the artichokes. Season with salt and roast for 5 minutes. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Remove and
add the butter to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes. Finish with the lemon juice and remove onto a tray. Set aside. Heat remaining olive oil in a non-stick pan over a high heat. Season the fish fillets with salt and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Remove onto a tray. To Finish: Add cashew nuts to the salad. Place salad onto plate. Top with roasted artichokes and fish. Spoon over dressing. Ready to serve.
WWW.NEILLANTHONY.COM
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WORDS AND IMAGE: Good Food & Wine Show and Neill Anthony
BY PRIVATE CHEF, NEILL ANTHONY
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WORDS AND IMAGE: Good Food & Wine Show and Neill Anthony
Seeff is honoured that over the past half a century hundreds of thousands of people have trusted us with their stories. Start your next chapter with one of our 1200 property experts nationwide.
“With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story P R O Pwith E Ryou.� T Y -PSamuel AGES | 41 and we are honoured to write this chapter Seeff
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