Business Day Home Front 02 December 2016

HOMEFRONT 13 OCTOBER2016 2016 WWW .BDLIVE.CO.ZA WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA 2 DECEMBER

MUST READ

A Grand space for fresh design PAGE 2

Tony Stern builds beachside PAGE 6

Give your home hi-tech smarts PAGE 14

Semigrate, don’t emigrate Local coastal properties are ticking boxes for South Africans

Foreign brands set up shop in SA weighing up lifestyle value. The Atlantic Seaboard and Cape PAGE 24

Town’s CBD also attracts those starting out or scaling down

PAGE 8

E+I 4057

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Open mandates encourage quick offers but not necessarily the best offers. This creates competition between agents, which compromises the price achieved for your property.

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Agents speak different languages. On open mandates the market receives different information regarding your reasons for selling, your price etc. which may jeopardise the perceived value of your property.

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HOMEFRONT

DÉCOR

Grand and glamorous Whether you are local or just visiting, the Grand Africa Café & Beach lures with an enticing mix of sun, sand and feel-good factor. The property recently had a style makeover WORDS: KIM MAXWELL :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

I

t is about the first glimpse of azure sea and a suggestion of a beach holiday — even if only for an afternoon.

The Grand at Cape Town’s Granger Bay has always been a venue less about what you’re eating and more about the drinks and friends with whom you are sharing it. A place where piles of sand hold up the outdoor dining tables and slip-slops on feet seem overdressed.

GRAND AFRICA CAFÉ & BEACH IN NUMBERS 1,050

— daily guest capacity

986

— square metres excluding parking

150

But step on to a shaded tropical-style walkway at the new, improved Grand Africa Café & Beach and have a good look around.

Massive mirrors reflect back and subtle décor tweaks now add to the experience.

In July 2016, the Harbour House Group bought a 70% stake in Grand Africa Café & Beach, closed its doors and set about refurbishing one of Cape Town’s soughtafter venues. Three months

and a multimillion-rand budget later, the style revamp is complete.

Inside the original warehouse restaurant interior space, the sway of Café del Mar and newer loungey musical counterparts is familiar.

But a Tanqueray gin bar is new and the long, industrial Grand dining hall next door now overlooks an Absolut Elyx bar. Two white, floating, old-fashioned

— prawn platters sold at weekends

11 — new palm trees 1,112 — pizzas sold in October 2016

120 — GH MUMM beach umbrellas

180

— dining capacity inside the Grand Dining Hall

HOMEFRONT “We’re trying to create new pockets of space”

THE DESIGN Q&A with architect David Townsend, design room manager, Harbour House Group What was the brief for the renovation? We

Radley Dijkers, Brand GM, Grand Africa Café & Beach

wanted guests to see the water, to feel the ocean, from the moment they arrived. We moved the entrance so that you descend some stairs and immediately see the beach and the open sea beyond. The Grand Café & Beach has always closed for winter and part of the strategy was to make the venue attractive all year round and maximise the interior space.

The original restaurant was already on the beach. In what way is the

pressed ceilings are a hanging focal point above the bar counter’s long stack of spirit bottles.

GLASSED IN A good portion of the renovation budget went towards bringing in more natural light by installing large stack-away windows in the original warehouse walls. By early 2017 the whole terrace will be enclosed with stacking glass doors, encouraging outdoor dining and sea views year-round.

Says Radley Dijkers, Brand GM of Grand Africa Café & Beach: “We’re trying to create new pockets of space. The Grand has always traded nicely in summer and closed their doors in July. We wanted to trade right through winter.

And open up to the views.”

A new raised, oceanfacing indoor deck (called the VIP deck) brings the feeling of the beach inside, with white, wooden floor PRODUCED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G4, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925 021 447 7130

panels. Just the place for those who prefer to observe the beach buzz while enjoying a little more privacy and shelter from the elements.

Other new outdoor sections include the Ibizastyle area on the beach, with luxurious daybeds, private bars and a deejay booth for a comfortably exclusive area, discreetly set apart. Two container bars have been repurposed and reclad as a beach beer and sparkling wine bar respectively.

“We wanted guests to see the water, to feel the ocean, from the moment they arrived” David Townsend, design room manager, Harbour House Group

certainly have not moved the beach or the restaurant.

The differences are that we have added a variety of seating spaces, each with its own ambience. We have also added more bars — no more waiting a long time for a drink.

What have you done to retain glamour in the space? Grand Beach has always been known for being a glamorous venue but it needed a lift. We hope the glamour has been upped rather than simply retained.

The new energy in the team meant that all aspects could

be looked at afresh.

One of the main considerations was to add more glam to the interiors of the industrial warehouses. And also to completely make over the steel container bars outside. For instance, we used Ernest Hemingway’s ramshackle Cuban beach house as the inspiration for the exteriors and interiors of these two bars.

Significant design effort and investment was made to the look and feel of the interior spaces, which we now feel should make the Grand an amazing place to come to in winter as well.

SIMPLE SEAFOOD On the food side, the Grand is not changing what works. Head chef Dominic Faict cooked at Kloof Street House and Asoka previously. His kitchen now serves 1,050 guests a day.

“With the wonderful beach setting we’re trying to lighten the menu and bring in more fresh flavours and seafood,” says Faict.

The menu includes signature favourites such as sugar-cured salmon, Chalmar beef fillet with bearnaise and Cajun linefish tagliata. Sushi platters are a new addition.

Dijkers says the concept is “simple food that tastes great” for guests leaning towards something to eat with their drinks. “We’ll do 1.5kg spatchcock chickens.

Or a seafood platter that feeds four: crayfish, prawns, linefish and mussels on it. There’s also our long rectangular seafood pizza.

We do sharing but we do Grand sharing.”

A

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kim Maxwell Creative Director: Mark Peddle Designer: Craig D’Oliveira

new space different? We

Grand Hemingway container bar

PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SALES

Copy Editor: Lorraine Kearney Content Business Manager: Catherine Davis

Michèle Jones Susan Erwee

michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info susan.erwee@thecreativegroup.info

084 246 8105 083 556 9848

WESTERN CAPE Atlantic Seaboard 021 439 7415 / Southern Suburbs 021 673 4200 / Southern Peninsula 021Â 782 6440

Clifton / R59.5 million

Ref# AS1292627

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Spacious three-level beach bungalow discerningly crafted and designed by a renowned architect with spectacular north-facing uninterrupted beach and sea views. A rim-flow pool right outside the living room and large fold-away doors opening from wall-to-wall allow for blissful sunsets. Seamless flow from the living areas to an expansive deck, perfect for alfresco entertaining.

Accommodation includes a self-contained suite, home cinema and wine cellar. Direct access to Third Beach.

Annette Hepburn 082 658 1116

Constantia Upper / R11.5 million

Ref# KW1292843

Simons Town / R3.95 million

Ref# SIM1293126

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Modern contemporary home in sought-after pocket in the heart of Constantia. Situated in a guarded quiet cul-de-sac with south entry access and a northfacing garden, generous proportions and luxurious finishes. It boasts a beautiful main suite with a further 2 quality bathrooms and a self-contained guest or master suite upstairs comprising lounge/ or large study, kitchenette, spacious bedroom with en suite bathroom and sliding doors.

Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Charming open-plan double-storey home with spectacular panoramic views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains. This low-maintenance home situated in the friendly community of Seaforth Sound. Wake up to the awe-inspiring sunrise in the east and drift off to sleep to the tranquil sounds of nature each night.Includes 2 bathrooms (main ensuite), integral auto double garage. Plus separate 1-bedroom income producing flat and large storage room.

Arie KadĂŠ 083 448 0488 / Angie Bloom 083 678 7876 / Lauren Clark 083 306 3830

Rosalie Jack 083 658 4187 / Alan Dunlop 083 415 4505

HOMEFRONT

South Beach rooftop pool, with Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe artwork

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Beachside havens From plastics engineering to luxury coastal accommodation, Tony Stern has beaten the millennial mandate to follow his property passions WORDS: LUCINDA JORDAAN :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

W

hen the second phase of South Beach’s self-catering suites opened in Camps Bay last month, it did so with guests in situ and bookings secured for months ahead.

Owner Tony Stern is relatively pragmatic about this accomplishment.

“We have been in the business for nearly 20 years, and have built up a strong reputation with loyal customers.

We’re also highly rated among TripAdvisor

reviews worldwide.”

South Beach won in the Travelers’ Choice category in the 2016 TripAdvisor awards for hotels.

Stern’s success in the short-term accommodation market was instant and, says Reggie Hennop, his operations manager, is largely attributable to a hands-on approach to ensuring quality suites and services — from close collaborations with architect Greg Wright in the design of the property, to including works by popular local artist Lionel Smit and sculptor Marieke Prinsloo-

South Beach classic suite, with Lionel Smit artwork

“Someone else snapped it up — and the moment that sale went through, I knew I’d made a mistake”

Rowe, and choosing all the fittings and finishes, right down to glassware. Says Hennop: “He has travelled extensively, and bases his choices on his own experiences of what works and what doesn’t.”

Stern also has a strong grasp of the tourism and hospitality industry, having founded boutique agency Paramount Travel in 2000,

which he sold four years later. In 2008, he designed the luxury safari houseboat Zambezi Queen, which cruises the Chobe River.

Bringing the concept of a five-star floating hotel to life, he says, was “the ultimate challenge”.

“I was offered the hull of a derelict boat, and I conceptualised it into a 14-cabin contemporary

design houseboat. It was a monumental task under the most extreme conditions: for two weeks out of every four, I was living in the bush on the border of Namibia and Botswana with no electricity, no water and no roads,” he says.

Stern called on his engineering and design background to effect the transformation.

HOMEFRONT

Tony Stern

Blue Views penthouse

BEGINNINGS The former joint MD of Addis plastics is a qualified polymers engineer with a keen eye for design, particularly regarding the natural beauty of the environment. It is this aesthetic that drew him to the rugged splendour of Bakoven, in Cape Town, where he established the Blue Views Collection in 1997. “When I first bought into Bakoven about 30 years ago, friends were sceptical,” he says.

“It was an overlooked area, one that few knew of or ventured into.”

A motorcycling enthusiast, he had turned into the coastal suburb on a whim one day. “I couldn’t believe the place existed. I was born and bred in Cape Town, but had never heard of it. Nobody had. I saw the beach and houses and decided that this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.”

He found a bungalow to rent and when it came up for sale a few years later, he dithered. “It was offered to me for R26,000 and I turned it down.

“Someone else snapped it up — and the moment that sale went through, I knew I’d made a mistake.”

Blue Views penthouse It was the last mistake he would make in terms of property investment. Soon after, he bought two small properties in Woodstock. “I paid R22,000 for four small flats in Queens Park Avenue, renovated and converted them into two townhouses — I think it cost less than R5,000 — and sold them for R32,000 within a year.”

FLIPPING That is where his interest in property development kicked in. He followed it up by flipping two more houses in Woodstock and Observatory. But he yearned for Bakoven.

Four years after moving out, he bought the Bakoven house he still lives in today.

“I paid R150,000 for a 1,300m² property that hadn’t been modernised since 1930, with the original outside toilet,” he says, still delighting in that remarkable find.

Stern is largely credited with rejuvenating the area, as he set about snapping up surrounding properties and transforming them into modern architectural masterpieces. Initially, his intention was to invest in the long-term rental market, but he ended up tapping into a need for short-term rentals of large, spacious homes at a

Premier Island living in Harbour Island World class Marina 304 m² Penthouse with capacious 196 m² roof terrace.

3 Bedroom with panoramic Ocean, Marina & Mountain Views. Large 15 meter mooring included.

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time when Cape Town’s film industry was booming.

RENTALS “First, I bought a threebedroomed home on 600m² for R300,000, modernising and converting it to five bedrooms. But the long lease market then was very poor.

In fact, I couldn’t find longterm tenants.” Fortunately, he was approached by a production company specialising in magazine shoots. The company wanted to rent for seven days. “That’s when I realised the potential for short-term rental,” he says.

That initial investment

“I paid R150,000 for a 1,300m² property that hadn’t been modernised since 1930, with the original outside toilet” THE BLUE VIEWS COLLECTION: 10 Blue Views Bakoven properties. Various villas and luxury flats.

19 South Beach Camps Bay luxury suites.

First phase (nine flats) developed in 2014; second phase (10 flats) launched in November.

soon paid off, with the demand giving him room to expand his property portfolio and combine his passion for renovations with that of providing others with the luxury accommodation experience he sought when travelling.

Today, Stern’s Blue Views Collection comprises 29 luxury properties in the Camps Bay area, including one- to seven-bedroom villas as well as the South Beach flats.

South Beach, on the beachfront, was first developed two years ago.

It offers guests a selection of 19 sea-facing suites and a bespoke accommodation service that is part boutique hotel, part self-catering, with a concierge service and a host of amenities that guests refer to as “home from home”.

HOMEFRONT COASTAL

Semigrate, don’t emigrate Local coastal properties are ticking boxes for South Africans weighing up lifestyle value. The Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Town’s CBD also attract those starting out or scaling down WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER AND NICOLA JENVEY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Tierboskloof, Hout Bay

HOMEFRONT

T

he beach holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans, often fostered by childhood memories of summer holidays.

Now estate agents are experiencing a trend among the country’s wealthy and upper-middle class citizens of weighing up semigrating to Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal coastal enclaves against emigrating to popular coastlines abroad.

Families and retirees are exploring various gated estate options, while for those scaling down, there is the lure of luxury apartment living in Cape Town’s central business district (CBD) and Atlantic Seaboard.

For most, the semigrationemigration decision is an extremely complex one, based on numerous, often shifting variables, from residency and citizenry rights and the financial implications of just about everything, to the quality of school and tertiary education, medical care facilities and lifestyle.

If you decide to semigrate, it means choosing whether

to move into one of the superb gated estates strung along the coastline. This decision is likely to be prompted primarily by concerns about security, followed by a strong desire for a particular lifestyle.

The Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal coastlines have a diverse range of gated estates, vast and boutique, each with their own environmental attributes and facilities, ranging from golf to great schooling on site. They all prioritise security and the peace of mind accompanying this.

Those semigrating to the Western Cape are also drawn to the province’s proven track record for service delivery.

CAPE TOWN Cape Town’s City Bowl, or CBD, remains buoyant, especially for flats with sea or mountain views, despite many suburbs reporting slowdowns in sales.

Property developer Signatura has launched a 25-unit Green Point building, The Beacon, injecting an investment of R110m into this increasingly

sought-after suburb. The six-storey building offers panoramic views, fine finishes, plentiful parking, energy-saving features and pet-friendliness. Flat prices start at R2.35m.

It joins Signatura’s other properties on the Atlantic Seaboard: phase two of Chelsea on Main, The Richmond, Brittany and The Barkly. Says Signatura founder John Rabie: “We recognised the huge gap in the market for convenient, well-situated and beautiful new homes and anticipated the upswing.”

Castle Rock is another new development on the doorstep of the City Bowl, offering buyers flats from R1.6m. Young professionals and investors can bid farewell to gridlocked traffic and elusive parking by using public transport.

Propstats data reflect City Bowl flats are spending an average of 30 days on the market, but many sell within a few days — and with a negligible 3.6% differential between asking and selling prices.

Strategically positioned at the gateway to the V&A

NineOnS, Green Point

The Solis, Sea Point

Two16OnHL roof garden, Sea Point

“We recognised the huge gap in the market for convenient, well-situated and beautiful new homes and anticipated the upswing” John Rabie, Signatura founder

Benguela Cove Lagoon & Wine Estate, Botriver Lagoon

HOMEFRONT

The Beacon, Green Point Waterfront, The Yacht Club is a mixed-use development by the Amdec Group, developers of Melrose Arch, Val De Vie and the Evergreen Lifestyles brand.

Amdec chairman John Wilson says more than 90% of the development has already been sold with The Yacht Club flats promising breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the harbour.

Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2018, it is within walking distance of the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the Foreshore financial hub.

URBAN APPEAL Property development group Blok specialises in urban living. It has eight innovative apartment complexes on the market — TwelveOnV in Bantry Bay; TENONQ, Sixty6OnK, FourOnC, Two16OnHL and SevenOnS in Sea Point; NineOnS in Green Point and SevenOnT between the city and the Atlantic Seaboard.

“Blok apartments are designed and curated by passionate urban dwellers and this understanding results in a product that delivers on every aspect of city living … from the delicately constructed flow to the generous size of each unit,” says Blok chairman Marco van Embden.

Seeff City Bowl sectional title specialist Bernice Musikanth says even new developments are selling swiftly, despite being priced slightly higher on a square metre basis. She recently sold out the The Rugley in Vredehoek, where the 10 flats were priced between R3.45m and R6.5m.

The Solis is another virtually sold out Sea Point development with the 11 flats designed for a panoramic urban lifestyle in one of Cape Town’s favourite neighbourhoods. Developed

by Horizon Capital Residential and scheduled for early 2018 completion,

Pezula Golf Estate, Knysna the flats embrace enticing views across Sea Point and the ocean. In line with its name, the flats capture 21st century living with solar geysers and luxury finishes.

Along the Atlantic Seaboard, luxury flats in Camps Bay now range up to R22m for mountain and sea views, while one fourbedroom villa with modern finishes and views across Bali Bay came to the market in August for marginally short of R30m.

According to the Pam Golding Properties Residential Property Review (September 2016), as of January 2016, the Western Cape was the destination of choice for 33% of South Africans who moved.

It states: “House price inflation in the Western Cape remains higher than other provinces, despite the economic downturn.

This attests to the steady demand for properties in this province. The average house price inflation for SA for the period January to September 2016 was 5.59%, compared with the Western Cape’s robust 10.35%. In KwaZuluNatal, it was 6.69%.”

ESTATES Gated estates are springing up along the Western Cape coastline. They tick every box and then add the sea, beach, views of water, whales and sunrises or sunsets. Many have wonderful stories behind the original land, so there is history too, but increasingly, it is the beauty of the natural location that draws those who are weary of urban landscapes, urban problems and urban crime and grime.

Tierboskloof Estate in Hout Bay is a case in point. With its proximity to nature, its mountain location, sea views and position, the focus is on preserving and highlighting these natural attributes.

Looking up at Tierbos from the village of Hout Bay, it is camouflaged in the

Oysterbeds, Witsand foothills of the mountain.

Each house is surrounded by indigenous vegetation and has unobstructed mountain and sea views. Entry level prices are about R5.5m, and top off at R17m.

On the east coast, Hermanus has long been a high-growth village, in particular for retirees, local and global. The shortage of retiree-specific accommodation — at Kidbrooke, for example, the waiting list is 10-plus years — has prospective residents expressing interest in the various gated complexes throughout the town, says Peter Greyling, Rawsons Property franchisee for Hermanus: “Hemel en Aarde Estate is on the Cape Town side of Hermanus, about 5km from the CBD. The estate is the only residential complex in Hermanus which offers leisure facilities such as a well-equipped bar and clubhouse, tennis and squash courts, a gymnasium, sauna and

“It’s billed as one of the safest, most secure estates in the area — and it’s surrounded by a Peter Matkovich designed golf course” Terry Dwyer, Seeff Properties Arabella

steam rooms, a swimming pool, and extensive walking trails. Prices range from less than R3m for homes on smaller plots, to more than R15m for the most luxurious properties.”

Around the Hermanus Golf Course are the separate precincts or villages that comprise The Fernkloof Estate. Vacant stands start at R4m; houses range from R4.8m to more than R8m.

GOLFING LIFE Terry Dwyer is Seeff’s resident agent at Arabella Country Estate, about 25km from Hermanus, a luxurious golf estate with panoramic views of the Palmiet mountain range and tranquil Botriver lagoon, 7.3km from the Rooisand Nature Reserve and 27.1km from the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. “It’s billed as one of the safest, most secure estates in the area — and it’s surrounded by a Peter Matkovich designed golf course.” Prices range from

R3.5m to R10m.

Pam Golding Properties’ area manager for Hermanus, Onrus and Elgin, Nicola Lloyd, considers Benguela Cove Lagoon & Wine Estate on the Botriver Lagoon outside Onrus the most highly sought-after estate in the region: “It’s one of SA’s lowest density security estates, mainly populated by permanent residents. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful estate, with secure access, helipads, boat house and jetty, vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.

“Stands are sized from 1,500m2 to more than 4,000m2 and priced from about R2.3m (incl VAT, no transfer duty), and a fourbedroom luxury home from about R15m.”

Jo Attenborough, agent for Seeff Country, has concluded sales in the Witsand/Port Beaufort area to buyers as far afield as Canada and Dubai, but most sales are to South Africans.

Attenborough describes

HOMEFRONT Witsand as “the ultimate in safe country living”.

Oysterbeds Estate is on the banks of the Breede River tidal estuary and is a small gated estate with private home ownership.

The estate is beautiful with green open spaces and ancient milkwood trees, kilometres of safe river banks and beach walking, and has the only exclusiveuse harbour offering a permanent boat mooring to each home owner.

At Breedezicht Estate, investors are offered building packages at cost price — a saving of up to 30% — that link the purchase of a stand to a choice of house design and building packages.

GARDEN ROUTE The sea-nature-lifestyle enclaves of George, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna have always had massive appeal that, increasingly, goes beyond holidaymaking.

Peter Southey of Rawson Properties Knysna franchise confirms Thesen Island as the jewel in the local crown: “Mostly, homeowners are drawn by the water. Thesen Island is made up of smaller islands with canals running between them, all accessible and connected to the lagoon.”

Prices begin at about R3.5m.

Thesen Island, Knysna Suzi Bilyar, principal for Seeff Knysna, is seeing significant activity in Pezula Golf Estate, a unique feature of which is the Sparrebos, a 45ha Afromontane forest with numerous animal and bird species.

“It’s one of SA’s premier residential developments with development limited to maximum 500 sites on 250 hectares — on average, two homes per hectare.

Built around the magnificent Pezula Championship Golf Course, the estate looks across the course to the Knysna Lagoon and Indian Ocean. Prices average R2.4m, with highs of R10m.”

Arabella Estate, Hermanus

“Mostly, homeowners are drawn by the water. Thesen Island is made up of smaller islands with canals running between them, all accessible and connected to the lagoon” Peter Southey, Rawson Properties Knysna

The 612ha Pezula Private Estate, with nearly 4km of coastline, has been named as one of the most environmentally aware and best luxury developments in the world. Prices average at R8m and top R45m.

KWAZULU-NATAL The KwaZulu-Natal north coast, with its superb subtropical weather, easy access to an international airport and high-end retail, less traffic than other property hotspots, sensational natural surrounds, sea views and wealth of gated estates, is becoming a very real

semigration option.

Carol Reynolds, principal of Pam Golding Properties’ North Coast, confirms the pent-up demand in Umhlanga for new estates such as Izinga, Hawaan Forest and beachfront complexes the Oceans and the Pearls.

From Mount Edgecombe to Zimbali, gated estates offer amenities such as private schools, and hiking and biking trails.

In Sibaya, the Signature Estate comprises 45 exclusive stands in a prime residential security estate, with panoramic sea views and direct beach access.

Stands are selling from R4.95m up to R10.5m. Coral Point complex is soon to be launched. Reynolds describes it as having a distinctly resort-type feel.

For Tongaat Hulett Developments, the Sibaya precinct is in its infancy.

The vision is big, the coastal location world class and the lifestyle on offer is superb.

Whether it is the Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal coast, a major driver for prospective semigrators is not just the landscape, but developers’ and home owners’ sensitivity to it; a strong desire to be part of nature; and to be secure.

FOCUS ON TENONQ

TENONQ: the future of communal urban living Innovative thinking has brought a vibrant sense of community to Blok’s latest — and largest — project, TENONQ in Sea Point WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

U

rban property developer Blok has been focused on delivering innovative, high-quality developments on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard and in its City Bowl since it launched in 2014.

To date, it has launched nine properties, all at various stages of completion. The company

has also been involved in a number of communitybased urban intervention projects with the sole intention of benefiting the neighbourhoods in which it develops.

Located at 10 Quendon Road in Sea Point, Blok’s latest project, TENONQ, is an eight-storey building that has been designed to be an extension of each resident’s apartment.

Communal urban living is the cornerstone around which the development was conceptualised.

PET-FRIENDLY It is pet-friendly, something not often found in urban blocks, and each apartment has been designed with the exceptionally high level of personal spec for which Blok has become renowned.

FOCUS ON TENONQ

“Human interaction has, essentially, been designed into communal spaces that people really want to use” Jacques van Embden, MD, Blok

Says Blok MD Jacques van Embden: “While communal areas in apartment blocks are nothing new, we have set out to create shared spaces with activities in mind that enable residents to not only connect with their neighbours, but also to enjoy the benefits that this brings in terms of safety, convenience and community. Human interaction has, essentially,

been designed into communal spaces that people really want to use.”

DESIGN TENONQ’s celebration of shared spaces starts at ground level, where there will be a clear sense of the street continuing into the building, with a carousel designated for drop-offs and collections.

Once inside the lobby, residents will be greeted by the friendly concierge and visitors can wait in comfort. Beyond this, a series of bridges and walkways rise above you towards the building’s crowning feature — the roof deck. On the sixth floor, this deck will offer all residents a pool, gym, braai facilities, dining and lounge areas and, of course, some of the building’s best views of Sea Point.

There are separate elevations comprising the seventh and eighth floors, where the two penthouses are located.

With the property situated between Sea Point’s Kloof and Regent roads, the concept of connected

communal living is continued into the broader bustling neighbourhood, which is lined with cafés, boutiques, restaurants and shops — not to mention the nearby beaches and Promenade easily within walking distance. For farther trips, the MyCiTi bus route is a five-minute walk away from TENONQ’s front door.

The recently reinvigorated strip of Regent Road just beyond the development is lined with the suburb’s trendiest restaurants and shops, and the influx of hip and dynamic businesses is not slowing down anytime soon.

DOUBLE VOLUME TENONQ’s 53 apartments have been thoughtfully designed to maximise the airy modern homes, enhancing a feeling of space through the use of double volume, which is prevalent throughout the building.

The property comprises three studios, six onebed apartments, 10 onebedroom lofts and 32 two-bedroom apartments (mostly duplexes), as well as two two-bedroom

duplex penthouses.

TENONQ will also have ample parking with one or two parking bays per apartment, plus visitors’ bays and motorcycle and bicycle parking.

“Our aim with TENONQ is to push the boundaries on what communal living means for urban apartment residents. We are passionate about urban homes, and recognise that what surrounds the four walls of your apartment is equally as important,” says Van Embden.

“We hope that a building such as TENONQ will encourage more development along these lines as there is most certainly a need for residential density that delivers more than just a place to rest one’s head, but also to connect with neighbours and neighbourhoods.”

raising a deposit, as well as having to secure financing, it pioneered a financial structure whereby firsttime home owners could pay off their deposit in increments, interest free.

“The Blok team, a group of passionate urban residents, care about the urban fabric, both in terms of infrastructure as well as the benefits to its citizens,” says Van Embden.

“All future Blok developments will be designed with this in mind, and will aim to meet needs that we have identified in the community, and TENONQ is a perfect example of this.”

TENONQ launched in late September and the development is scheduled for occupation in summer 2018-19. Of the 53 apartments launched, only a limited number are still available.

FINANCING Blok also pushed a rather important envelope when launching this project.

Having identified that a large issue faced by many first-time buyers was

GET IN TOUCH Call Blok on 087 820 0050, e-mail sales@blok.co.za or visit blok.co.za

HOMEFRONT ECO-EFFICIENCY

Technology leap Smart homes have become an integral part of life, increasing your home’s IQ and its value WORDS: JOCELYN WARRINGTON AND SUPPLIED PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

“Green buildings capable of significantly reducing energy and water consumption are finally becoming real”

H

ome automation has taken a significant technological leap forward over the past few years.

Today’s wireless networks and smart devices allow users to take home control to the next level: hi-tech homes can be tuned in to switch on lights and stream your favourite music when you are still on your way back from work.

They can be automated to run the washing machine, clean the dishes and water the garden at optimal times.

And the reasons for installing smart home technologies have become broader, too.

Green buildings capable of significantly reducing energy and water consumption are finally a reality — it is in the ecoefficiency arena that the most exciting developments

in home automation are taking place.

According to Brad Sale, owner of residential automation systems provider Elas Africa, smart appliances co-ordinate with smart meters, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. This may include smart lighting to control illumination and reduction of water consumption through sensor taps and plant watering systems.

According to Sales smart homes also allow for integration with smart power grids — turning on the geyser, operating the dishwasher or washing machine, or cooling the fridge or freezer.

Says Sale: “In this way, smart home automation can contribute to significant energy savings without impacting the comfort levels of residents.”

GLASS CAN COMPLEMENT A SMART HOME ENVIRONMENT Modern building materials can also increase a home’s functionality and return on investment.

its warmth. This reduces the need for air-conditioning and heating systems, in turn decreasing energy costs.

Solar control – Double glazing, as is the case with PG SmartGlass X2, improves insulation by up to 70%.

UV protection – Fabrics such as curtains and furniture tend to fade and deteriorate in the sun. By introducing PVB-laminated glass to PG SmartGlass X2, it can help filter up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

In summer, natural light is allowed in — creating a more airy interior space — while up to 86% of the sun’s heat is repelled, cooling a house. In winter, heat is kept in the home by the superior insulation performance, maintaining

Sound insulation – Noise bounces back towards its source or is absorbed within the glass, creating a calmer interior space.

Insulation is further improved

with double glazing.

Improved safety – PG SmartGlass X2 can be laminated in order to increase home security, making it trickier for potential intruders to gain entry.

PG SmartGlass is SANS 10400 compliant, with four options available (Standard, Plus, Elite and Superior). These can be selected according to the direction windows they assist with, such as noise or solar insulation. pgsmartglass.co.za

HOMEFRONT RENTING

Evictions: what property owners need to know

CLAIMING FOR RENTAL AND DAMAGES

What to include in every rental lease to avoid sticky situations when things turn sour between landlords and their tenants

Damages include lost income, equivalent to the monthly rental due from the day the lease was cancelled and, while not compulsory, a letter of demand is advisable to set the stage for negotiations relating to the outstanding amount, repayment options and the date from which interest is calculated.

WORDS: NICOLA JENVEY :: PHOTOS: ISTOCK AND SUPPLIED

A landlord can uphold the lease agreement and claim the arrear rental while a claim for damages may also be instituted if loss is suffered.

The landlord must prove the rental claim, lease and outstanding rent, while the tenant must prove payment.

DEALING WITH EVICTIONS Letter of demand: in the first step, the landlord uses the DIY mora letter (in civil law, mora indicates one party to a contract is in default) to place the defaulting tenant in mora (indication they are in delay or default).

Cancel agreement: if, following the allowed period, the breach is not remedied, the agreement can be cancelled using the DIY cancellation letter.

Eviction application: the refusal by occupants to vacate the premises can initiate an eviction following specifically outlined steps.

Ejection: the sheriff of the court will be authorised to attend to the eviction through an eviction order.

Source: The Landlord’s Guide – Property Rental and Eviction by Cilna Steyn

I

nvesting in property as a rental option is a time-honoured method for generating personal wealth on the strength that everyone needs a place to call home, but not everyone can afford to buy.

However, when things turn sour with the tenant and your landlord responsibilities demand eviction, knowing the legal requirements is critical to avoiding expensive, drawnout wrangling that will ultimately affect your asset.

The reality is while there may be short-term savings in renting out a property without using an estate agent to vet the tenant process and/or collect the monthly rentals, there are long-term implications when problems arise.

RIGHTS Founding partner and MD of law firm SSLR Cilna Steyn says the legislation pertaining to residential evictions does not mean landlords have no rights. The right of ownership trumps the right of occupation with

the Prevention of Illegal Evictions and the Unlawful Occupation of Land Acts balancing these two rights.

In 2015, Steyn wrote The Landlord’s Guide — Property Rental and Eviction, a handbook covering the important legal aspects of rental property management and the eviction process written in layman’s language. The book includes tools and smart tips from legal experts, including handy do-ityourself (DIY) templates.

Cilna Steyn

RULES She says the first rule in dealing with a dispute with problem tenants is to avoid playing into their hands by disconnecting the electricity or water, removing or locking doors or any other action that ruins or destroys the property.

“This is pivotal in determining who controls the situation for the foreseeable future — the landlord or the tenant.”

The decision to evict a tenant develops over time and is influenced by the tenant’s response

and behaviour. Steyn says everyone can miss a payment deadline for a valid reason, but a consistent pattern raises red flags.

However, she says too many landlords approach attorneys as a last resort, by which time the property owner has given the tenant enough ammunition to delay the eviction.

“Adding fuel to the fire, the owner is frustrated and the relationship between the landlord and tenant has reached pure spite. This only leads to an opposed eviction, effectively wasting more time and money.”

DETAILS

“The decision to evict a tenant develops over time and is influenced by the tenant’s response and behaviour”

Therefore, when owners realise the time has come to appoint an attorney to trigger an eviction, Steyn says owners must be aware that the professional may not have enough time to explain the intricate details of the process. Consequently, owners should employ an experienced attorney and make their own investment in time to educate themselves on the process.

“Ask your attorney for books or blogs to ease some of the stress. Understanding the court order is not the end of the process and that attorneys need the sheriff of the court to execute the eviction order is also important,” Steyn says.

Once the attorney obtains the eviction order, the tenant has a specific time frame in which to vacate and, if that does not happen, the attorney instructs the sheriff to undertake the physical eviction.

COSTS “The sheriff determines these costs and the attorney has little control over this part of the process. Often the sheriff requires the help of the South African Police Service. This can further delay the eviction. If owners are unprepared for this, they may be additionally frustrated,” she says.

She says once the lease agreement has been cancelled or eviction proceedings started, contacting the illegal occupant can cause problems. For example, if the lease is cancelled and the owner communicates with the occupant indicating the agreement still exists, it may lead to its tacit reinstatement.

“This will mean the whole process must restart.

Hence, once you instruct your attorney, avoid any communication not undertaken through them,” she says.

SOMERSET WEST Sales & Rentals: 021 851 2633 • somersetwest@pamgolding.co.za • pamgolding.co.za/somerset-west

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Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 2 / Luxurious contemporary masterpiece. This double-volume Penthouse boasts spaces on a grand scale and views of the ocean and the mountains of the Helderberg basin. Easy access to our surrounding wine farms and home to one of the most beautiful beaches.

Mabel Botha 083 458 3782

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Somerset West / R9.7 million

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 6 / Garages 3 / Indulge in this rare, and equally unique luxury residence, with 330m2 cottage, in a prime suburb of Somerset West. This property truly is a home of distinction.

It offers its owners and all who pass through its doors, an appreciation for absolute refinement.

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 6.5 / Garages 2 / Impressive proportions define this home, encapsulating a lifestyle of grand entertaining and while still retaining a warm and homely feel. The quality finishes and interior design, compliment many features.

Mabel Botha 083 458 3782

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Somerset West / R3.7 million

Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2 / Green energy meets pristine luxury. You are not only investing in property, but also purchasing an unrivalled idyllic lifestyle. The home is perfectly suited to the environmentally concerned buyer.

Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 4.5 / Garages 2 / Warm family home. Great position, with loads of accommodation in very secure neighbourhood close to popular schools.

Thea Albertyn 082 925 5510

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Welcome to the retirement you’ve earned.

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Robben Island Durbanville

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Sunday: On Show 14:00 - 17:00

R44

Zevenwacht ; Cape Town R102

Bellville

Kuils River Stellenbosch

M3

Sunette Schlemmert | Francois Schlemmert

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082 441 6031

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Muizenberg

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The images, perspectives and finishes shown are merely impressions of the proposed development and are therefore subject to change at the developer’s discretion. The developer will not be held liable for any changes.

Gordons Bay

False Bay

Email: shani@linetteteepe.co.za

FOCUS ON RONDEBOSCH OVAL

ADVERTORIAL

Game on Live the club lifestyle in luxury and comfort at the Rondebosch Oval in Cape Town

WORDS AND IMAGES: SUPPLIED

R

awson Developers is the well-known, award-winning creator of more than 50 projects over three decades. These include highlights such as the Beaumont of Claremont, the Premier of Newlands and the Rondebosch — all hugely successful sold-out projects in their own right.

Rawson Developers now brings you the Rondebosch Oval: 41 high quality contemporary homes within an estate located in a thriving Cape Town suburb.

It offers a world within a village and a club lifestyle.

UNIQUE CONCEPT There is nothing quite like the Rondebosch Oval anywhere in Cape Town.

It is unique. Major road networks are only minutes away. Quick access to the airport? No problem.

The Rondebosch Oval has generous open and green spaces. It offers access to all the amenities that a busy family, active retirees or serious investors could need. And it promises exclusive sports club membership. This estate is for people who aim to live life to the full. Game on.

SECURITY You get the freedom to relax and let go. There are top-notch security systems at the perimeter, inside the estate and within each home. Active and passive behind-the-scenes technology keeps you and

your visitors safe 24/7.

These systems are all backed by smartly dressed and wide awake personnel who provide a physical security presence, control access and conduct patrols discreetly, ensuring maximum privacy.

TOUCH OF GREEN Rondebosch Oval is built on the grounds of a well-known and active suburban sports club. Our masterplan follows strict design parameters that make a healthy outdoor environment our number one priority. With paved streets, mature trees in abundance and indigenous landscaping, who could ask for more?

Wherever you are situated on the estate, Table Mountain looms in the west with Rhodes Memorial and the university at its base.

And the distant purpleblue of the Helderberg and the winelands beckon in the east.

LUXURY Kick off your shoes and relax inside this superb estate while enjoying its world-class features.

Home owners get exclusive membership to the well-known Rondebosch Sports Club.

It offers premier league cricket, club facilities, gym, swimming pool and bowls.

Its historical roots date back to the Marist schools established in the 1860s, and it will be revitalised by way of a vibrant new

FOCUS ON RONDEBOSCH OVAL

NEIGHBOURHOOD This estate has it all, but if you venture away you will find almost anything you may want within a five to 10-minute walk or drive.

Schools — some of the finest in the country — and the University of Cape Town Restaurants Shops Sports stadiums Clubs Jogging, walking, cycling and exercising at the Rondebosch Common Beat the traffic — the airport is a quick 14km drive away

INVESTMENT Rondebosch is a stable suburb with an economically thriving population. Good property price growth has been experienced over many years.

GET IN TOUCH Rawson Developers Tel: 021 658 7100, 079 691 9661, e-mail: sales@ rawsondevelopers.co.za rawson-developers.co.za

clubhouse, renovated cricket oval, bowling green, swimming pool and a viewing deck.

Rondebosch Oval offers safe, shared spaces for you and your visitors to enjoy. It has all you need to entertain at home or in your village with like-minded people.

There is also fibre optic high-speed internet connectivity. And if you have children at school, some of the best schools and university in the

country are a five-minute drive away.

GREEN LIVING Green living need not be basic living. Rondebosch Oval minimises its environmental footprint via intelligent sustainability features.

Each home, appropriately orientated for the southern latitudes, makes optimal use of natural light indoors, minimising electricity consumption for lighting.

Energy-efficient features include LED lights and LED street lighting, water heating and insulated geysers. Well-insulated interiors keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Double-glazed windows are optional.

These save energy and reduce noise from the outside.

Low flow waterconserving fittings allow home owners to save money and consider the

environment. The gardens are water-sensitive and the landscaping and plant life is water-wise. Rondebosch Oval also recycles.

LIFESTYLE Home owners can select timeless architectural styles and a range of décor options.

Every element of your new home is designerfinished to the highest standards. We pay attention to quality, detail

and material. There are several optional upgrades to the selections presented, which will be discussed with any buyers.

Views of the mountain, or overlooking the sports facilities. What grabs you?

Be an early buyer and secure the prime units.

Each unit has a secure double garage behind a cobblestone apron. There is also ample visitors’ parking available at a central location.

HOMEFRONT RETAIL

Demand drives foreign brands S

Diamond Walk, Sandton City

A wave of global fashion brands have hit our shores over the past two years, thanks to an expanding middle class WORDS: HELEN GRANGE :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

A is the new frontier for premier fashion brands from Europe, the UK and the US. Visit any of the malls in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban, new or established, and you will find a smorgasbord of almost every known global brand, from Prada, Paris Hilton and Louis Vuitton to Zara and H&M. Ordinary South Africans

may be feeling the pinch, and consumer spending is curtailed, but fashion houses continue to thrive, partly because the rich are getting richer, but also because the middle class is growing fast, with more disposable income than in the past.

Sandton City’s dazzling R185m Diamond Walk is the first choice location for the South African flagship stores of the world’s most coveted fashion brands, including

“Since we entered the country, performance has been very good” Jonas Windahl, SA brand manager, Tiger of Sweden

HOMEFRONT

Diamond Walk, Sandton City

Prada, Ermenegildo Zegna, Billionaire, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Arque Champagne Crescent.

DEMAND Built on high demand from the African market, Diamond Walk approached the luxury and superluxury brands that best complement the centre’s existing range of brands, says Alex Phakathi, Stanlib fund manager for the Liberty property portfolio.

More recently, the buzz has been around the R5bn Mall of Africa in Midrand, where top international brands have set up shop, including SA’s first Armani Exchange, Helly Hansen, Asics, Zara Home, The Kooples, Under Armour, Women’secret and Soap Stories. H&M, Forever 21, Forever New, River Island, Mango, Cotton On, Starbucks, Versace and Zara have also moved in.

The new fashion wing at the newly renovated Menlyn Park mall in

Menlyn Park, Pretoria

Pretoria is a triple-level buffet of more than 100 cutting edge fashion brands, including Paris Hilton, C-Squared, Geri, Superdry and Palladium — all firsts for Pretoria. More recent openings there include Zara, which now has eight stores in SA, as well as Bagozza menswear and H&M.

BOUTIQUES A revamped The Zone @ Rosebank, meanwhile, includes tenants Diesel, Guess, Forever New, YDE and Republik, which add to the fashion offerings at the redeveloped Rosebank Mall, anchored by Stuttafords, Edgars and Woolworths.

Alongside them are dozens of smaller boutiques such as Lipsy London, Jo Borkett and Kurt Geiger.

The Zone complements and competes with neighbouring The Firs and Rosebank Mall, as well as other subregional centres, including Killarney Mall, Melrose Arch, Norwood Mall and Hyde Park. The last is the home of elegant fashion brands such as

“The redevelopment of Menlyn Park shopping centre was driven by a strong demand from retailers, as they’re enjoying robust trade results year on year”

Tiger of Sweden. At Cresta Shopping Centre, new space was created in 2015 to give access to new retailers, many of which are fashion, shoe and accessory brands.

Looking to Cape Town, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre is also in on the fashion explosion.

Affordable brands such as H&M have been joined by Danish label Day Birger Et Mikkelsen, Banana Republic and Ted Baker. Here, Karen Millen and Michael Kors are firsts for SA.

Malose Kekana, group CEO, Pareto Limited

INVESTMENTS The investments made are considerable. Aside from the substantial rentals some of these retailers are willing to pay — “rentals for the prime stores in a mall average R1,000/m 2” says Paul Gerard of Flanagan & Gerard shopping centre developers — spending by several on their shop décor is on a grand scale. Diamond Walk Prada store, for one, is now Prada’s biggest in the world, covering 800m 2 and featuring black and white marble

Diamond Walk, Sandton City

chequered flooring, crystal tables and velvet sofas.

Then there are the price tags. A black and white shift dress by Prada can cost R24,000, and the media made the most of the Louis Vuitton crocodile leather handbag tagged at R400,000.

So why this proliferation of fashion and spending?

Partly because many can still afford to buy top quality; according to the Credit Suisse Research Institute’s Global Wealth Report 2016, released towards the end of last month, 66,000 South Africans are members of the top 1% of global wealthholders, and 45,000 are dollar millionaires.

Also, a large share of the fashion market is black South Africans, and designer labels enjoy high spending priority, economists have found.

RESULTS “The redevelopment of Menlyn Park shopping centre was driven by a strong demand from retailers, as they’re enjoying

robust trade results year on year,” says Malose Kekana, group CEO for Pareto Limited, owner of the centre. Pareto Limited is Africa’s first blackowned, black-managed property company. It bought Menlyn Park shopping centre in 2015.

Although competition is certainly heightened in this sector, the global brands that have ventured to SA’s shores, especially H&M, which draws impressive foot traffic, have not been disappointed.

Even the high-end retailers are here to stay.

Says Jonas Windahl, Tiger of Sweden’s brand manager in SA: “Before we opened our first store in 2009 in Melrose Arch, we didn’t have SA on the map. But since we entered the country, performance has been very good. The middle class is getting stronger here and they are increasingly aware of fashion. We have found that South Africans are very astute about quality especially.”

FOCUS ON BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE ADVERTORIAL

Exclusive country living The perfect home is waiting for you at Blue Hills Equestrian Estate WORDS AND IMAGES: SUPPLIED

REDDFORD HOUSE PRIVATE SCHOOL Having opened within Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate in January last year with a 70% occupancy rate, the new Reddford House private school is a collaborative initiative by Century Property Developments, Graeme Crawford of Crawford College fame and the successful Reddam House private school situated in Waterfall Estate.

“Noticing the demand for and importance of top-quality educational facilities within our communities, it was imperative to cater to this need of our clientele,” says Mark Corbett, CEO: Century Property Developments.

Residents will benefit from the security and convenience the estate school offers and will be able to spend more quality family time together, as opposed to wasting time commuting in traffic.

Reddford House caters for pupils of all ages, from toddlers through to Grade 12s. It offers an internationally respected academic curriculum as well as cultural and sporting activities, all within a secure, relaxed environment that promotes selfdiscipline while nurturing individuality, talent and self-assurance and prepares students to excel in the world of work.

“Residents will benefit from the security and convenience the estate school offers and will be able to spend more quality family time together”

FOCUS ON BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

V

isitors to the Midrand area and clients with their investment ear to the ground will know about Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate and the exceptional value which is being offered in this new development.

With more than 75% of the stands already sold, savvy investors have recognised the unique opportunity to acquire a large country property within a secure estate close to urban centres.

Located in Beaulieu, the large freehold stands range from 5,000m² to 15,000m² in size and are priced from just R2.8m. Clients are given the opportunity to choose their own architect and builder to construct their dream home.

“Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate appeals to people who want an exclusive country lifestyle within the boundaries of extremely tight, nonintrusive security and, of course, a secure financial investment,” says Rob Emett, sales director: Century Property Developments.

URBAN HUB Apart from easy access to the main arterial highways, this development is situated in a new urban hub that includes the recently opened Reddford House private school, an upmarket convenience shopping centre and several business parks (to be launched next year) that will all be located near the entrance to the development.

Century has found that Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate appeals to people working in Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria, as it is close to main arterial routes. The estate boasts 128 properties and some of the most magnificent fauna and flora in the area, with ample

greenbelts, natural dams and established indigenous trees attracting abundant birdlife. Residents can look forward to a unique dualism between country living and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The estate and its abundant facilities are conducive to a safe, wholesome, family-friendly lifestyle.

R55 ROAD UPGRADE TO BEGIN The country atmosphere at Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate will soon be complemented by access from an upgraded R55 double carriageway that services the area.

COMPARISON Century is so confident in the success of this new development that it has made a direct comparison between Blue Hills and the exclusive Waterfall Equestrian Estate built

by Century in the Woodmead area.

At Waterfall, the 8,000m² properties sold for R2.8m in 2010; now, just five years later, they are valued at more than R10.9m, while the prices of completed houses range from R22m to a staggering R160m. Century expects to see comparable appreciation on Blue Hills Estate properties.

Says Emett: “Waterfall Equestrian Estate is a prime example of how you can grow your property portfolio substantially by making a savvy investment decision. We envisage the same happening at Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate, where stands of 5,000m² to 15,000m² are selling from only R2.8m.

One needs only to look at our history and trust us as a reliable developer with a proven record of achieving wealth through property investment. We are giving our clients golden opportunities on a platter.”

It is not too late to invest at Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate. Don’t miss out: property values are forecast to increase dramatically, as they did at Waterfall Equestrian Estate.

“We are giving our clients golden investment opportunities on a platter” Rob Emett, sales director, Century Property Developments

Harm Schreurs of Century Property Developments has spoken to the Gautransappointed engineers SMEC, who confirmed that the detailed design for the R55 upgrade project has been completed. The environmental impact assessment has also been passed and the construction tender has been awarded. This will see 5km worth of the road (from the T-junction with Main Road to the south, to join Summit/ Olifantsfontein roads to the north) upgraded to a four-lane road.

Accessibility is an important aspect at Blue Hills Country & Equestrian Estate, with residents benefiting from multiple entrances, the soon-to-be-upgraded R55 road and a proposed Gautrain station within 1km of the estate.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES Reddford House private school Scenic walking and cycling paths Children’s playgrounds Tennis courts Space for equestrian pursuits Breathtaking views Century Property Developments’ signature infrastructure

CO

N UN ST D RU ER CT IO

N

LIVE. WORK. PLAY. INVEST

Priced from R1.85 million. No Transfer Duty.

Opportunities abound when you buy into the most exclusive mixed-use precinct in South Africa - MELROSE ARCH. The prestigious development of One on Whiteley will integrate seamlessly with the Melrose Arch precinct - shop till you drop, watch the world go by from the many coffee shops, burn calories at the Virgin Active Gym and then have sundowners in one of the many restaurants.

Top 5 reasons to Invest: • Significant rental returns - Units are in high demand and even our smallest units exceed R20,000 p/m rental.

• Exceptional capital growth.

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• Established precinct pre-approved by all the corporate relocation companies.

• Convenience, luxury, outdoor space, manicured landscapes – for perfect urban living.

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To be part of the ultimate in luxury cosmopolitan living, please contact: Victoria Russell 074 683 1222 • victoria.russell@pamgolding.co.za Peet Strauss 083 675 1212• peet.strauss@pamgolding.co.za Tersia Taljaard 063 695 7571 • tersiat@amdec.co.za Office: 011 684 2995/6 • pamgolding.co.za/melrose-arch

HOMEFRONT PROPERTY NEWS

Clifton smashes residential auction record

A

winning bid of R90m on a super luxury villa in Clifton’s Nettleton Ridge broke SA’s residential auction price record by more than R30m.

Joff van Reenen, director and lead auctioneer for The High Street Auction Company, confirmed that the sale of the home in late November had been concluded.

“The normal transfer process has already started and we foresee no hiccups going forward,” says Van Reenen. The new owner is South African Clare Wiese.

Says Van Reenen: “It’s a shot in the arm for the South African property market when families like the Wieses are investing so much in fixed assets in this country, and this sale

demonstrates how well the auction model works for unique homes.”

The auctioneer holds the records for the most expensive property sold under the hammer in SA – the Kyalami Grand Prix Race Track in Johannesburg for R205m in 2014 – and the most expensive residential price achieved at auction with the Clifton sale.

Growthpoint’s transformation noted

T

Pier Place on Cape Town’s Foreshore reworked

P

ier Place is being refurbished and redeveloped at a cost of more than R200m by new owners Aria Property Group. The 15-storey, 15,000m 2 office building on Jetty Street is in a prime position on Cape Town’s Foreshore.

Says Ilan Kaplan, MD of Aria Property Group: “We looked at Pier Place with fresh eyes to see how it could be moulded to be

more contemporary while retaining its timeless appeal.

“Formerly entirely tenanted by Vodacom, this is a well-maintained and attractive building with efficient floor plates of 1,000m 2,” he says.

“Consequently, it lends itself to redevelopment and optimal space usage, allowing for one, two or up to four tenants per floor.”

Pier Place is letting “at highly competitive rentals

of R145 gross per square metre (for delivery next June) which compares favourably with similar top-end office space in key locations and corridors in the city centre, and is significantly cheaper than the trendy but small, shared office space”, says Kaplan.

Recently completed projects in the area include Growthpoint’s Roggebaai Place as well as Redefine’s The Towers.

New owners for historic Houw Hoek Hotel

T

he historic Houw Hoek Hotel in the Kogelberg Reserve has new owners. Robert Haarburger and Drew Danford acquired the 7ha property for R42m in a sale by Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate.

“Houw Hoek fits into the existing portfolio which includes Arniston Spa Hotel and Arniston Seaside Cottages,” says Haarburger.

The three-star hotel has the oldest liquor licence in SA, and has been in continuous operation for longer than any other hotel in the country.

Located on the site of a tollgate established in the Dutch East India era and built in 1779, it retains much of the original architecture.

The upper storey was added in 1860.

Greeff Properties CEO Mike Greeff describes Houw Hoek as a “thoroughly modern, three-star facility, with substantial infrastructure, staff and goodwill”. The hotel has 53 rooms, conferencing facilities, an a la carte restaurant and pub, as well as sports amenities.

Haarburger says he plans to add rooms, suites and a Ginkgo Spa.

he South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP) honoured Growthpoint Properties last month for demonstrating commitment to transformation in the property sector.

Says SAIBPP CEO Vuyiswa Mutshekwane: “Growthpoint has demonstrated its intention and its commitment to transforming the property sector and has gone above and beyond what is required of it.”

She says SAIBPP recognised Growthpoint for several reasons, including

its Property Point enterprise and supplier development initiative. “But there are many other examples of its transformative actions, such as Growthpoint giving black acquirers preference in its recent office property disposal programme.”

Mzolisi Diliza, chairman of Growthpoint’s social, ethics and transformation board committee, is the group’s largest individual shareholder with 38.6-million shares.

Says Diliza: “Growthpoint has earned a track record of driving meaningful change, starting with concluding the first and largest BEE deals

in the industry in 2005 that have since earned billions of rand for black investors.”

Besides institutional shareholders, more of Growthpoint’s shares are in the hands of black investors than any other group.

More than half of its employees are black.

Growthpoint has continuous executive representation on the board of the Property Sector Charter Council and its executives represented the Property Loan Stock Association, now the SA REIT Association, as a signatory to the Property Sector Charter.

Fair festive retail trading expected

T

his holiday season is likely to ring in good retail sales despite 2016’s frail and fickle economy and could be an improvement on last year, according to Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment MD Paul Gerard.

Says Gerard: “Even with the current political volatility, macroeconomic indicators favour the festive trading season in 2016.”

The shopping centre developer and retail leasing group’s outlook is based on the performance of retailers in Flanagan

& Gerard’s shopping centre portfolio.

“Dominant regional shopping centres are best poised to attract spend,” he says. “Shopping centres that successfully compete for market share are those deeply rooted in their communities.”

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