Neighbourhood 12 NOVEMBER 2017
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Sea for yourself With a range of accommodation options and unspoilt natural surroundings, Uvongo is the ideal holiday destination, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: HOLIDAYING IN UVONGO
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PROPERTY STATISTICS
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BUSINESS Q&A
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PROPERTY NEWS
12 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Uvongo Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: ISTOCK
THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA: • Go bird-watching at the Uvongo River Nature Reserve. • Spend the day sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters of Uvongo Beach. • Check out the Rotary Craft and Fleamarket every Saturday and Sunday. • Enjoy shopping and entertainment at MacBanana Lifestyle Centre. • Play a round of golf at one of the many top-class 18-hole golf courses on the South Coast.
STAY OVER: • • • • •
Insumi 10 65 Laguna La Crete Stephward Estate Country House Beaumont House Driftsands Sea View Flats
DINE OUT: • Cbali South Coast Restaurant: for cocktails in a cosy spot • Breakers Restaurant: for seafood and meat dishes • Pavilion Italian Restaurant: for traditional Italian fare • Stephward Estate Restaurant and Tea Garden: for light meals and Sunday roast • Mozambik, Uvongo: for tasty Portuguese cuisine
PUBLISHED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423
U
vongo is a charming little town tucked away on the KwaZuluNatal South Coast. Its beach has shark nets and lifeguards, making it an ideal holiday destination for the whole family. With a wide range of holiday accommodation, from nearby caravan and camping parks and simple chalets, to luxury homes with sea views, there’s a holiday home to suit all budgets. Residents and non-resident owners have capitalised on the town’s charm by setting up plenty of bed and breakfasts and selfcatering units. Uvongo is sandwiched between the bigger, brighter towns of Shelley Beach and Margate, which both have large retail centres, movie theatres and a host of restaurants and activities. Margate is known as the South Coast’s sunset strip, so if you’re keen on nightlife, head south. Most people don’t because the charm of Uvongo is in its lack of bright lights, noise or large crowds.
The town lies at the mouth of the Vungu River, vungu being the Zulu word for the sound of a waterfall or wind in a gorge. Uvongo is renowned for its beautiful waterfall which flows into a small gorge near the mouth of the river. The beach is highly popular, not only because it’s well protected and beautiful, but also because it’s perfect for all types of water-based activities. It’s particularly ideal for sitting on a deck chair and watching your children play in the rock pools, or surfers and bodyboarders enjoying the waves. A visit to Uvongo usually revolves around the beach, which includes
year-round dolphin and whale watching, and internationally rated dive sites nearby. Aliwal Shoal off Umkomaas and Scottburgh, as well as Protea Banks off Shelley Beach, have a number of well-respected companies offering shark cage diving and scuba diving. Fishing is also popular, as evidenced by the solitary figures you see on the rocks along the beach. It’s an activity that rivals golf. The South Coast has two of the country’s top 10 golf courses. With sea views and so much more to offer, the numerous superb courses in the area draw visitors from inside and outside South Africa. There are many unspoilt areas along the South Coast and people come from all over to enjoy the hikes, walks, mountain biking and birding tours (there are 14 accredited guided birding routes in the area). KwaZulu-Natal’s sub-tropical vegetation and numerous nature reserves, such as the Uvongo River, Umtamvuna and Vernon Crookes, provide superb bird-watching opportunities, with more than 400 bird species. Among the coastal walks is The Saints Walk, which stretches from St Michaels on Sea to Uvongo Beach. Neighbouring St Michael’s on Sea Beach at the mouth of the Umhlangeni River is popular with surfers. The beach is said to offer one of the country’s best point breaks. For the many residents, holidaymakers and day visitors, Uvongo offers the perfect lifestyle.
EDITORIAL TEAM: Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Managing Editor: Molly Fitz-Patrick
ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Senior Sub-Editor: Mlungisi Mthembu Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Group Online Editor: Lauren Joubert
Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Advertising: Julie Ellice kzn@yourneighbourhood.co.za Claire Liebenberg claire.liebenberg@thecreativegroup.info Production: Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za
12 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
For sale
PROPERTY NEWS
Median asking prices
Median monthly asking prices
R780,000
R1,000
R985,000 In a complex
R962,500 For an apartment
For a typical rental property (three-bedroom apartment)
R1,62m For a house
R475 In a complex
Property type 40% house
Monthly bond repayments For a typical property in this area
46%
R7,657 per month
For an apartment
11% 88% house
complex
You’ll pay
R1,000
R1,697 For a house
Property type 14%
apartment
3
For rent
For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)
Based on
R780,000 median asking price
We retired here three years ago. I’m a golfer and my husband loves to fish. It’s as if we’re on permanent holiday, and the cost of living here is a fraction of what it is in Durban. It’s a oneand-a-half-hour drive from Durban, so we haven’t isolated ourselves either, and the children love to spend the weekend with us. CAROL PLANE, RESIDENT
1%
apartment
complex
over a period of
at
20
10,5%
years
prime
OUR PRIME
PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
Award winning Brettenwood Coastal Estate, located just 10 minutes from King Shaka Airport, is situated along one of the most exquisite stretches of coastline in KwaZulu-Natal. It offers its residents security, luxury, tranquility, exclusivity and an extensive range of world class amenities to suit both the young and young at heart.
6 time winner of the African Property Awards
NEWLY RELEASED LAND FROM R1 350 000 - DIRECT FROM THE DEVELOPER
BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME • • • • • • • • • •
3 Bedrooms (main en-suite) 2 Bathrooms Full study Open plan kitchen with scullery Lounge and dining room Enclosed patio Rim flow swimming pool Staff accommodation Atrium Indigenous garden
NEW LISTING OFFERED AT R6 390 000
PERFECT HOME WITH ROOM TO GROW • • • •
4 Bedrooms (2 en-suite) 3 Bathrooms Lounge & kids TV lounge Kitchen with separate scullery
• • • •
Separate study Patio with bulit-in braai Staff quarters Sea views
YOUR OWN PRIVATE PARADISE • • • •
OFFERED AT R6 450 000
4 Bedrooms (all en-suite) Guest Bathroom Open plan living Kitchen with scullery
• • • •
PRICE REDUCED FROM R11 500 000
Luxury fittings and finishes Rim flow pool Inverter technology Triple garage
OFFERED AT R9 900 000
ONLY 3 RETIREMENT HOMES LEFT - BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE DEVELOPER
O N LY
ISS O M T ’ N O D 3 L E F T.
UT!
FOREST VILLAGE ACTIVITIES: Bird watching | Fishing | Pristine local beaches | Extensive walking trails | Book club | Yoga | Tea at 10 | Themed evenings and events | On-site nursing | Line dancing lessons | Shuttle service to local shopping centres | Nursery | Bridge lessons | Cards | Arts and crafts | Interdenominational fellowship | Social drinks TWO CLUBHOUSES WHICH INCLUDE: Lounges | Library | Honesty bar | 25m Lap pool | Heated aerobic pool | Gym | Sauna | Facilities for grandchildren
2 OR 3 BEDROOMS • SEA OR FOREST VIEWS • LUXURY FINISHES
Land Freehold homes Luxurious apartments Retirement homes
Buy directly from the developer. Land from R1 350 000
Brettenwood Coastal Estate Sheffield Beach KZN North Coast
Shavaun Lindsay Greg Simmonds Michelle Larkens
072 194 8672 084 515 7464 082 775 3998
PRICED FROM
R3 575 000
T 032 525 4581 E info@brettenwood.co.za W www.brettenwood.co.za
Join us for the launch Thursday, 23 November at 17.00 To register your interest or for more information please email info@brettenwood.co.za Ultimate lifestyle investment • Panoramic sea views • Private and tranquil • Best position on Estate Freestanding houses with sea views from Simplexes from
R2 900 000
R3 800 000
Apartments from
Render of apartments for marketing purposes only.
PURCHASE ONE OF THE 34 PROPERTIES ON WAGTAIL AND YOU COULD
DRIVE HOME IN A FORD MUSTANG
*
VALUED AT R1 MILLION
*TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. PRIZE MAY DIFFER FROM VISUAL PROVIDED.
Shavaun Lindsay Greg Simmonds Michelle Larkens
072 194 8672 084 515 7464 082 775 3998
T 032 525 4581 E info@brettenwood.co.za W www.brettenwood.co.za
R1 690 000
S’bh the
WORDS
4-Tier Security System
24-Hour Call4Care Services
5 Days Recuperative Care
Patronage Card
Daily Meals
Laundry Services
Housekeeping Services
Medical Assistance
12 NOVEMBER 2017
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood S’bhekile Jewellers creates bespoke jewellery in the Station Drive Precinct WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
PROPERTY NEWS
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Plots available at Yzerfontein estate
T
he Mile 16 Private Beach Estate residential development is located in the seaside town of Yzerfontein, just 45 minutes from Cape Town. The security estate offers buyers and owners an opportunity to enjoy the West Coast lifestyle and nature. Situated on the doorstep of the West Coast National Park, Mile 16 Private Beach Estate was built in an area surrounded by nature. Less than 100m from the beach estate is a stretch of pristine coastline, aptly named 16 Mile Beach – a favoured destination for whales during the calving season. Fishing is not permitted on 16 Mile Beach, as this is part of a nature reserve, but there are spots further along the coast. The 79 plots at Mile 16 Private Beach Estate range from 340m²
to 800m². Buyers have a choice of four architect-designed plans for dwellings ranging from 100m² to 350m², but other designs can be made by Hennie De Villiers Architects. The development has been carefully planned because of the eco-sensitive nature of the area, and a huge greenbelt area will be retained in the centre of the estate. The freehold plots range from R599,900 to R1,699,900, with building costs currently at R9,800/m² plus R130,000 set-up costs. Although the developer, Group 3 Properties, will essentially sell plots in this development, it has undertaken to construct all the homes at a fixed rate. Mile 16 Private Beach Estate was launched in 2009 and fifty-one stands are still available for purchase.
Interiors have always dominated trend forecasts, with scant mention of exterior spaces beyond the latest patio furniture. However, we’ve seen a significant shift over the past decade and these areas are now often near the top of buyers’ wish lists, even more so when homes are more compact on smaller erven. Concepts like living walls, sunken patios, creative terraces and designer pergolas are now becoming the norm rather than the exception. BRENDAN O’BRIEN, CHAIRMAN, URBAN SPACE PROPERTY GROUP
Growthpoint launches G-Eco
G
rowthpoint Properties has launched an innovative pilot project that turns the large volumes of food waste generated by client businesses at its properties into compost.
S
’bhekile Ndlangisa turned his artistic ability and passion for making jewellery into a successful business that services the local community. He creates timeless pieces that have the potential to become family heirlooms. From repairs to custom designs, he caters to each client’s specific needs. Q: How did your business start? A: I began in a small studio in my home in Mayville. People in the township were surprised to see someone doing this type of work. I received a lot of support from locals who wanted handmade wedding rings or customised jewellery, which allowed me to move to the CBD as demand grew. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: A fter two years in the CBD, I moved my business to the Station Drive Precinct. I was following the hype and wanted to be with other creatives. It was also more accessible and convenient for my customers. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I heard about the Station Drive Precinct from a friend who worked in the area, and it suited me perfectly. Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: The location is central and convenient. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Luke William Upfold of the
Lightship Tattoo Gallery and many other artists. Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: It depends on the size of the shop. It ranges from R3,000 upwards. Q: How many people go through your business each day? A: A minimum of 20 people a day. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Not currently. I’m working towards sustaining my business and seeing it grow into a household name. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: I’m on Facebook (facebook.com/ sbhekilejewllers), Twitter (@sbhekilejewelle) and Instagram (@sbhekile_jewellers) to promote my work and gain business, but I see all of my clients on my premises because the jewellery is customised and the ideas get drawn with them present. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: Definitely my interlocking rings, which work for any occasion.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: S’bhekile Jewellers 082 593 9935 / 031 822 2688 instagram.com/sbhekile_jewellers
The project, named G-Eco, is a partnership with Life and Earth and has the potential for massive environmental benefits. Forty to 60% of landfill waste comes from food and garden waste. Growthpoint decided to start a sixmonth wet-waste-diversion trial. To start the project, driven by Growthpoint’s Industrial Property Division, Life and Earth installed a food waste composting machine at Growthpoint Business Park in Midrand. The plant turns food waste into 100% organic compost and can process up to 1,000kg of food waste
each day with the capacity to make about 9 tonnes of compost a month. During the first four months, Growthpoint diverted 16 tonnes of waste from landfill and produced 6m3 of nutrient-rich soil. The resulting positive environmental impacts are significant when considering that composting food waste on site instead of sending it to landfill reduces CO2 emissions by 332kg per tonne. By removing food waste from the waste stream, recyclables increase by about 30%. According to Life and Earth, the country sends more than 10,2 million tonnes of food waste to landfill every year and food waste costs our economy more than R4,6bn annually. Growthpoint Properties already reduces waste through recycling and plans to ensure all its buildings have on-site recycling by the end of 2018.
Property market overview
P
roperty remains one of the oldest and most popular investments globally, and property forecasters have recently mentioned that the biggest deterrents for buyers are not only the economy, but having confidence in the location of the property. Lightstone provides analysis to evaluate trends and segmentation within the property sector. Lightstone’s analysis includes the data of 7,9 million registered properties across South Africa; 6,5 million of which are residential properties with a combined value of R5 trillion. Freehold properties make up the biggest portion of this figure with 69,7%, with estates following second
with 15,5% and sectional titles with 14,8%. Estates consist of a much higher proportion of total value versus volume as these properties are on average valued at three times more than normal freehold properties. Even though Gauteng is the smallest province, it’s home to the biggest portion of total properties in both value and volume – Western Cape comes in at number two and KwaZulu-Natal at number three. Gauteng and the Western Cape include more than half of all properties (6,4 million) and two-thirds of the total value (R4,7 trillion). As the biggest province, the Northern Cape is still the least developed residential province with less than 1, 3% of the total value of residential properties.