Neighbourhood CT - 18 October 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

RSA

Neighbourhood 18 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

The urban action and cool vibe of

Green Point

See more on page 8

+ Nationally, the largest property marketplace in South Africa

THE TAPROOM

SAUVIGNON SEASON

SPOTLIGHT: GREEN POINT

TRENDY MOUILLE POINT

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

Curry-and-wine

Hello summer! pairing in the city W

elcome in the warmer season by heading outdoors, or off to have some fun. Here are some of our favourites this week. Enjoy!

The Bombay Brasserie at the Taj Cape Town hotel offers a tantalising taste experience

CT - SEA VIEWS & SAUVIGNON BLANC

WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT IMAGES: ANDY MÖLLER

p u o s n r o c yellow

JHB - TSHWANE SUMMER FEST

Summer afternoon— summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language

ocated in Cape Town’s central city, the Bombay Brasserie is modelled on its sister restaurant in the UK. It is part of the opulent Taj Cape Town hotel, in the iconic old BoE building on Wale Street. You can’t help but feel glamourous when entering the Bombay Brasserie, where you are greeted with outstanding design and an ambiance that is modern, luxurious and inviting.

Decor and design

Tall mirrored walls, grand chandeliers, long drapes and detailed seating bring out the extravagance of this Cape Town restaurant. The intricate detail of the interior decor transports you to an Indian palace. The gentle sitar music playing in the background sets the perfect scene for a night of indulgent dining.

HENRY JAMES PTA - ROCKET 88

Gourmet Indian cuisine

smoking sorbet

Next up was the roasted yellow corn soup and turmeric-spiced popcorn paired with d’Orrance Kama Chenin Blanc. The wine pairing with this alone brought out all sorts of tastes you wouldn’t expect. Then came the tandoori starters, bursting with oriental flavours and going down well with a Chardonnay. A smoking sorbet put on quite a show as the palate cleanser, before being greeted with a variety of curries, paired with a blend of red.

DBN - TOP SUMMER PICNIC SPOTS

And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, THE GREAT GATSBY PE - OKTOBERFEST

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423

We ordered the five-course wine-pairing meal but had no idea what to expect, as combining curry dishes with wine is rather unusual. The first course was the Bhalla Chaat, an exceptionally soft lentil dumpling served with sweet yoghurt and tamarind chutney and paired with a gentle, flavourful Anthonij Rupert Pinot Grigio.

Variety of curries

All in all, the Bombay Brasserie did not disappoint. Next time you’re looking to dine in luxury, give them a call.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: The Bombay Brasserie 021 819 2000 goo.gl/imnSzB

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

18 OCTOBER 2015

The devil you know For fine beer and tasty food, take a trip to The Taproom at the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company in Salt River WORDS: CHARIS LE RICHE

n March 2012 the Devil’s Peak Brewing Company began providing thirsty Capetonians with its craft beers. The demand was soon so great that the company had to move from its small set-up in Somerset West to much larger premises in Salt River. At the same time its owners opened The Taproom, the brewery’s very own restaurant and bar located conveniently on the grounds. As I walk into The Taproom, I notice its chic yet sparse interior, which has an industrial feel to it. It’s all about understated coolness. My first thought is that this is where all the trendy people hang – the atmosphere is relaxed, and most evenings you’ll find it full of hungry, thirsty diners. The Taproom is known for serving great craft beer, and with it coming straight from the same premises, you can’t get anything better or fresher. For the full experience, try out the tasting board of five beers, each of which comes with a handy card that tells you more about the beer as well as what food to pair it with. The first beer we tried, and a favourite of mine, was the First Light Golden Lager, the brewery’s lightest option, which is extremely easy to drink. Next on the board was the American Pale Ale that makes up for its low alcohol content with its refreshing fruity flavour. This was followed by the English Ale, an almost creamy

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

creation with a taste of light roasted malt and savoury hops. The Black IPA was next, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed the strong bitterness that came through. We ended it off with the Woodhead Amber Ale, a great caramel maltiness balanced perfectly with the fresh hop bitterness. Besides the beers, the food is another highlight of a visit to The Taproom. Each dish is made to complement a beer, so ask your waiters for their recommendation. There’s an authentic American feel to the menu, with items such as crispy chicken and waffles served with a blue-cheese sauce, Woodhead pulled-pork sarm and the Philly cheese, to name a few. The Taproom also serves traditional pub snacks, such as hot wings and chilli poppers, and some more creative ones, such as the cherry duck sliders, flash-fried broccoli and pulled-pork crubeens. The crubeens were the winners for me and had a nice cinnamon flavour to them. For mains we dug into the tender lamb burger with red onion, feta and unusual but tasty cumin mayo (served with fries, of course), and the Texan-rubbed ribeye with tender-stem broccoli, baby carrots and a romesco sauce. We left The Taproom stuffed but superbly satisfied and will definitely be returning for more great food and craft beers.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: The Taproom 021 200 5818 devilspeakbrewing.co.za/taproom

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Halloween

Read more about Andy Möller’s Mother City adventures on his blog: iamonline.ninja.

event invites are already out but where to find a great

costume in Cape LOCALTown? LOWDOWN

This is Not a Post Office

WORDS: ANDY MÖLLER

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

If all you’re looking for is the odd bauble to add more scare to your Halloween décor, or perhaps a tail or set of horns to add to your costume, then stop by This is Not a Post Office (TINAPO) on Kloof Street. TINAPO, a Madame Zingara owned shop, has their own collection of costumes, but it is their wide variety of party and fancy dress paraphernalia that make them so enticing. From feathery boas of every colour to giant lollipops and skull lanterns, TINAPO will definitely keep you entertained as you browse.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Fancy Dress 021 531 5919 fancydress.co.za This Is Not A Post Office 021 423 7817 tinapo.co.za/ China Town chinatownsa.co.za

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Theatreland

Boasting about 15 years of “fancy dress” experience and over 5,000 costumes, with two in-house designers adding more to the collective every day, is Theatreland. What makes Theatreland a delight, besides the variety of costume choices, is the friendly staff that are prepped to help you find the ideal outfit – especially if you have no idea what to dress up as. You’re certain to find something that appeals to your scary senses, whether you want to be a witch, cowboy, pirate, evil fairy or even the Grim Reaper. Theatreland has a branch in Pinelands, and one in Plumstead.

China Town

If you’re on a tight budget, but still want to wow people with a great costume, try scouring the shops at Sable Square’s China Town on the corner of Bosmansdam and Ratanga Road, Milnerton. You can find everything from wigs to wings, costume make-up to Halloween decorations, all at very affordable prices. You’ll be amazed at how far R100 can stretch at China Town, meaning that there really is no excuse to not have a groovy Halloween costume or party this year. There are also China Town outlets on Woodlands Road, Ottery and in Shoprite Park, Parow.

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Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Sea views and Sauvignon Blanc There’ll be fun, sun and Sauvignon Blanc in abundance at the Season of Sauvignon Festival taking place next weekend WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

hanks to its multi-faceted terroir and the cooling sea breezes wafting up off the Atlantic, the Durbanville Wine Valley produces some of the most fêted Sauvignon Blancs in the country. The region’s signature wine is celebrated each October at the popular Season of Sauvignon festival, which this year takes place in the valley from 24 to 25 October. A dozen wine estates will be participating in the festival, offering an eclectic variety of food, wine and entertainment to visitors. Bloemendal’s popular mountainbiking trails are a good way to work up an appetite for the sushi, spit braai and gourmet pizzas on offer all weekend. There will also be live music, big-screen movies, and a jumping castle to keep kids entertained. Meerendal is also getting active with trail runs and a mountain bike event, but the less adventurous can happily browse the Saturday morning farmers’ market. Saturday will also see the estate offering a fascinating tutored tasting of Sauvignon Blancs from around the world. Durbanville Hills will offer the Affair on the Hill with live music and a craft market while Hillcrest welcomes a host of food trucks to the farm alongside tutored wine tastings.

If you fancy flitting from farm to farm, you might as well do it in style: Base 4 Aviation will be offering helicopter shuttles between De Grendel, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal. While the entertainment varies from farm to farm, common to all of them will be the Durbanville Valley tasting, where guests can sample the new-vintage 2015 Sauvignon Blanc from every farm in the valley. It’s an excellent way to swirl and sip your way through the varied terroir of this region’s famous cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc. The festival will also see the launch of the Durbanville Twelve Sauvignon Blanc 2015. Each of the 12 farms in the valley contributed a ton of Sauvignon Blanc grapes that were then vinified to make a blend of Sauvignon Blanc that is a true taste of every farm in the valley. If you love your Sauvignon Blanc, then the Season of Sauvignon should be the highlight of your wine festival calendar.

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Season of Sauvignon durbanvillewine.co.za

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Smart about health The next wave of healthy technology will be embedded in our homes, much like it’s already embedded in our wearables WORDS: CHRIS REID

echnology is fast changing our relationship with wellness. A whole new category of fitness “wearables” has sprung up seemingly out of nowhere, with shelves full of devices that help users track their steps, monitor their heart rate and generally nudge them towards a healthier way of living. With brands such as Jawbone and Fitbit now entrenched as the executive accessory of choice, the next wave of health technology is already waiting in the wings. This time it is set to move beyond the individual to become embedded into our living spaces themselves, making our homes smarter and us healthier.

IMAGES: SEVENHUGS

The Sevenhugs family sleep monitor tracks a household’s sleeping behaviour in correlation with environmental information One of the major areas designers are focusing on at the moment is using technology to track the rhythms of a home’s inhabitants to help improve their wellbeing. The Tempo Environment Monitor from Blue Maestro, for example, records long-term trends in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure, to help homeowners fine-tune and manage their home’s heating and ventilation. In a similar vein, the Sevenhugs family sleep monitor tracks a household’s sleeping behaviour in correlation with environmental information, to wake family members up at the optimum time, monitor their sleep health and keep tabs on the children if they wake up at night. As with all discussions of smart homes in the South African context, it’s good to keep in mind that we’re still at the beginning of the trend curve. Issues of wellness are, however, as much a part of our national psyche as anywhere else in the world, and so as uptake of smart home technology continues, home health technology should follow suit.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Blue Maestro bluemaestro.com Sevenhugs seven-hugs.com

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Spotlight on Green Point

A growing cosmopolitan vibe and thriving cafe culture are transforming Green Point from sleepy suburb to hip and desirable urban scene WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: ANTON SCHOLTZ, PRIVATE PROPERTY, ISTOCK, GOOGLE

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Once a sleepy little residential area sandwiched between bustling central Cape Town and busy Sea Point, Green Point still has a selfcontained village feel as you weave up and down its narrow side streets, which date from the era of horses and carriages rather than SUVs. But Green Point is no longer sleepy. A vibrant energy has overflowed from its urban neighbours and a trendy strip of restaurants and bars has grown up on its main road. “Green Point is an up and coming cosmopolitan area. It’s being renovated across the whole strip and is the newest yuppie stretch in Cape Town” says resident Jason Helman. One of Green Point’s attractions for most of its residents is how very central it is. “It’s within walking distance of everything, from the Waterfront to Sea Point,” says Joel Yutar, who has lived there his whole life. “I like taking a walk to Sea Point chatting to people on the way. There’s a good community feel.” It’s also close enough to walk to work in the CBD, and if your office is further afield in one of the suburbs, you’re going against the traffic both ways, which adds to the convenience factor.” The Cape Town Stadium is generally accepted as a positive addition, bringing big sports fixtures and concerts to the area, which residents can easily walk to without worrying about

parking. “On match days or when there’s a big concert, there is a lot of traffic, but it’s well controlled and not an issue,” Joel says. Perhaps making more of a difference to everyday life for residents, is the Green Point Urban Park, developed at the same time as the stadium – a large open space with lakes, a biodiversity garden, an outdoor gym and plenty of room for kids to run, play, cycle and skateboard. “An award-winning community park, it has radically transformed the manner in which Atlantic Seaboard residents (and those from further afield) interact with what’s generally known as the Green Point Common,” comments Martin Jacobs, who grew up in Green Point and now lives in Sea Point. “It’s a place to unwind, to exercise, to meet friends for a picnic, and it’s a well-maintained outdoor space where moms gather with their babies.”

It’s a really multi-cultural environment, cosmopolitan and well-integrated JASON HELMAN, RESIDENT

You can’t talk about Green Point without mentioning the cafes, new and old, the thriving coffee culture and Giovanni’s Deliworld, an authentic Italian deli that has been hip and happening for the last thirty years. “Giovanni’s Deli is an absolute Green Point institution,” says Martin. “It’s always buzzing with a loyal clientele – the owners and staff know many of them by name. The prepared foods are delicious, and it’s the perfect spot to grab some dinner after a late-ish night at the office.”

SPOTLIGHT

for both locals and visitors, with a Spar and liquor store for good measure. “The community tends to centre around all the coffee shops, with the best cappuccinos in Cape Town at Giovanni’s,” adds Jason. “It’s easy to walk everywhere so you often see the same faces and get to know everyone in the local shops.” There’s also an excellent Woolies food close by and, for full-on retail therapy within walking distance, you can choose between the Waterfront with all its varied shops, markets, boutiques and high street stores, and the Cape Quarter for trendy boutiques and a great vibe. As far as fitness goes to burn off all those coffee-shop calories, Green Point has one of the city’s biggest Virgin Actives within walking distance of most residents, so you can jog to gym and get your whole aerobic workout done in one go. There are also thriving tennis, cricket, rugby and soccer clubs on the open land that is still part of the historic Green Point Common, and the large golf course that wraps around the stadium and urban park. Last but not least there’s the promenade running along the whole seafront from Granger Bay through Mouille Point, Three Anchor Bay and Sea Point, ideal for long sociable walks and daily runs, with the refreshing scent of ocean spray the perfect backdrop to a happening urban lifestyle.

Once the only trendy spot on an otherwise dull stretch of the main road, the deli is now the centre of a trendy strip of cafes, shops and restaurants

GREEN POINT URBAN PARK

CAPE TOWN STADIUM

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Eat like a local •

Giovanni’s for the best cappuccino in town and a fabulous deli

•

Mano’s for relaxed bistro fare

•

Newport Market and Deli for breakfasts and light lunches after a walk on the promenade

•

Pigalle for a glitzy dinner with dancing

•

Cafe Extrablatt for a casual European brasserie vibe and weekend breakfasts

•

The Hussar Grill for excellent steaks and classic elegance

MAIN ROAD

Buying in Green Point The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in Green Point, namely a twobedroom apartment, with the median asking price of R3,7m, is R34,488 a month over 20 years at prime of 9,5 % with no deposit.

Property demand for Green Point

properties

12%

14%

Properties listed for sale in the Green Point region comprise approximately 12% of the total sale listings in the Atlantic Seaboard area

Approximately 12% of the interest (views) in properties for sale in the Atlantic Seaboard area is attributable to properties listed for sale in Green Point

Properties listed for rent in Green Point comprise approximately 14% of the total rental listings in the Atlantic Seaboard area

15%

Approximately 15% of the interest (views) in properties for rent in the Atlantic Seaboard area is attributable to properties listed for rent in Green Point.

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Median asking prices for Green Point properties

R3,7m For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

R6,34m For a property in a complex

R3,01m For a flat or apartment

SPOTLIGHT

R10,2m

Property types for sale

21%

Complexes

Houses

For a house

78% Flats

Property types for rent

15%

Complexes

Houses

Median monthly asking prices for Green Point rentals

81% Flats

R20,000 R25,500 R31,220 For a typical rental property (two-bedroom apartment)

in a complex

for a house

R20,900 for a flat

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Self-employed? Improve your chances of getting approval for a home loan

Approved! S

WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY IMAGE: ISTOCK

elf-employed individuals seem to face more obstacles than other employees when attempting to get a home loan application approved. However, Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of BetterLife Home Loans, says there’s been a rise in the percentage of selfemployed individuals’ home loan applications being approved. This is in line with a general improvement in approval rate over five years, from 30% after the recession to about 60% today. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of home loan applications from self-employed individuals in the last year of between 8% and 9% of total applications, whereas five years ago these were an average of 6% to 7% of total applications. This may be due to the rise in entrepreneurism and the increasing number of individuals establishing businesses in South Africa,” he says. Rademeyer adds that it can take longer for self-employed individuals to be assessed and approved because it’s not as easy for them to provide proof of income and financial stability as it is for individuals employed by others and who can produce payslips and letters of employment. According to Rademeyer, self-employed individuals can make the process easier and faster by preparing beforehand, checking and improving their credit rating, decreasing debt, supplying proof of cash reserves and assets, saving up for a large deposit and not applying for new credit until their application is approved. Guy Saville, director: IT, credit and systems at SA Home Loans, says about 15% of its applications come from selfemployed applicants, but the group has seen a slight reduction in the volume of applications submitted by the selfemployed. He says this may be due to the economy and regulatory environment not being conducive to small businesses. “It’s more difficult for self-employed individuals to be approved for home loans as the volatility of their earnings through economic cycles and in times of economic stress are higher than individuals receiving a regular salary. If the economy slows sharply, small businesses are first and hardest hit, with cash flow coming under pressure and bond repayments ceasing,” says Saville. According to Saville, the financial accounting in small businesses is often weak, unreliable or behind. He says the gap between accounting profit and actual cash flow often makes it difficult to assess whether the applicant could afford the loan repayments. “To improve being approved for a home loan, self-employed individuals should have up-to-date business and personal accounting, as well as banking and record-keeping, including tax returns. Any over-indebtedness or irresponsible credit-repayment behaviour is likely to deter the lender. We take a personalised approach to lending decisions, and each application is assessed individually by a skilled underwriter on particular circumstances and merits,” says Saville.

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

Children and money F

or better or worse, children have to grow up very quickly these days. Childhood innocence does not last very long. Parenting has perhaps never been more challenging or complex. How much can you let your children find out for themselves, and where do you have to draw the line and provide guidance? There are things most parents perhaps will agree on – for instance that it is up to them to address questions of sexuality. But what about money? How do parents prepare their children to be financially responsible? Even today, it is more likely that parents will talk about sex and drugs than about their finances. For whatever reason, it is more uncomfortable to discuss what we earn and how we invest than it is to deal with things that were until very recently taboo. This problem is heightened by the age of “invisible money”. When most of our transactions happen using credit cards and internet banking, our children hardly ever see cash. This makes it harder for them to appreciate that there is a real cost to things. “Invisible money” can appear like an unlimited resource, rather than something that needs to be appreciated and managed. Given the high levels of debt and a poor savings culture in South Africa, this is something that parents need to treat seriously. Preparing your children to handle money should be seen as a critical part of their upbringing. That means explaining why you go to work every day, and that even things that appear to be abundant, like water, electricity and Wi-Fi, come at a cost. Children that understand this are not only less likely to take what they have for granted, but will be better prepared for their own future.

It is more uncomfortable these days to discuss with our children what we earn and how we invest, than it is to deal with things like sex and drugs that were until very recently taboo

It means not just handing out pocket money to be spent at will, but using the opportunity to teach about concepts like taxes and saving. Having them allocate a portion of their allowances to different things will help them to understand that they shouldn’t expect to spend everything that they earn. Most importantly, though, is teaching your children through the way you handle money yourself. In a home where money is always a problem in some way, children will grow up with the perception that this is something to be feared and treated as an adversary. But where it is managed and treated as a tool rather than a master, children will grow up appreciating that how much money they earn, is not nearly as important as what they do with it.

Multigenerational living in Durban Imagine an estate that encompasses a retirement option and a home for young families… St John’s Village provides all this and more WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

amily is an integral part of life. Keeping your family close is always wished, but is not always a reality. When grandparents get older, they seek a life of peace and sometimes need more care than busy, young parents can provide. The next practical option to ease this issue is retirement homes. Visualise a place where you are secure, central, close to shopping malls, and just a few steps away, there is a designated retirement village.

Meander through the Midlands

St John’s Village in the Midlands is set to be the foremost retirement and lifestyle estate, sited upon the lush slopes at the edge of the historical town of Howick. This lifestyle estate holds innovative concepts of agri-urbanism. St John’s Village plays home to an array of upmarket residential sites and cottages

within various “pocket villages”, some of which are retirement cottages and houses suited for younger families.

Going green

There is a noted emphasis on the ideal “green” way of life within St Johns Village. Some of the sustainable features here include: • Solar geysers • Rainwater harvesting tanks • Organically grown fresh produce planted in communal garden areas. Designed to encompass an estate for multiple generations, this village was designed to offer a lifestyle that is carefree and suitable to both retirees and young families who are looking for a safe, relaxed and fitting living space.

The Orchards Retirement Village

The Orchards consists of 120 semi-

detached, sectional title retirement cottages and are available in one, two and three bedroomed options with either single or double garages. There are options of carports, open or enclosed balconies, solar heating and rainwater harvesting. These homes are finished with high-level fittings and offers those that are 55 years and older, a safe commune, close to their families. There are numerous other facilities available to residents of The Orchards, some which include housecleaning, and rehabilitation. SEE FOR YOURSELF St John’s Village stjohnsvillage.co.za

Top Tip SIMON BRAY, CEO: PRIVATE PROPERTY

privateproperty.co.za

The rental market is very competitive at the moment, with around 50 tenants for every property listed. A tenant can put themselves at the front of the queue by signing up to Private Property’s Hot Rentals product, which allows you to receive email or SMS alerts an hour before everyone else

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

Rising from the ashes What was once regarded as a rundown area has been transformed into an upmarket, trendy spot in recent years WORDS: LEA JACOBS

IMAGE: ANTON SCHOLTZ

f the organisers of any international tournament ever wanted to illustrate just how beneficial hosting an international can be, they need look no further than Mouille Point. What was once a rundown neighbourhood has been transformed into an exclusive area thanks to the construction of the Cape Town Stadium and the development of the Green Point Urban Park. “This,” says Lew Geffen, chairman: Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, “has stimulated residential

development and a regeneration in the area, and brought it more in line with its neighbour, the V&A Waterfront.” “Mouille Point is now filled with interesting eateries and luxury apartments that boast sea views unrivalled in Cape Town. The seafront is now also a popular extension of the Sea Point Promenade and attracts walkers, cyclists and dog lovers to the lawns and paths that hug the coastline, as does the wonderful green space that is the new Urban Park.”

He says in addition to its close proximity to the V&A Waterfront, the area is only five minutes away from the CBD and 10 minutes away from Clifton’s beaches. “It was only a matter of time before it came into its own and as a suburb it has most definitely ‘arrived’.” Ian Slot, Seeff ’s managing director: the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl area, says sales activity and property values in Mouille Point have more

than doubled over the last five years. “This is twice as fast the average property in the country that doubles in value roughly every ten years.”

apartments are now commanding rates of around R48,000/m2 on average and have sold at the very top end for as much as R104,418/m2.

“Where you could once buy a seaview flat on Beach Road for around R2,3m, buyers are now paying well into the upper millions. Five years ago almost 40% of the sales on Beach Road were still under the R2m price mark. Now, only about 13% of sales are concluded for R2m or less.” Seeff agent Bianca Gutteridge says

She notes that aside from top sales in the new Amalfi development, notable sales this year include a 212m2 unit in Thermopylae that sold for R11m at R51,887/m2. A 338m2 unit in Aquarius sold for R22m at a rate of R56,701/m2, while a 222m2 unit in Mouille Sands sold for R16,5m at a significant R74,324/m2.

Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

Taking back the Western Seaboard Crime may be a problem nationally, but that doesn’t mean that every suburb is sitting back waiting for the situation to improve WORDS: LEA JACOBS

IMAGE: PRIVATE PROPERTY

rime is a reality in South Africa, but it has interestingly resulted in a positive offshoot. Suburbs can no longer be complacent and as a result communities are now working together to reduce the chances of crime. A well run neighbourhood watch scheme that works in tandem with the local police force, is now worth its weight in gold. One of the areas that has benefitted enormously from utilising neighbourhood watch initiatives is the Western Seaboard. Mike Abrahamse, Rawson platinum elite franchisee, says the crime rate in the area has stabilised and this is due to residents taking a firm stance against crime by working with the various crime watches in the area, security companies, as well as the police. “The homeowners of these areas have taken their own initiative forming ‘semi-formal crime watch pockets’ that are located in every neighbourhood, where owners themselves are constantly on the lookout for any suspicious activity in the area. They make use of Whatsapp groups to keep other residents well-informed of any suspicious activities,” he says. These crime prevention initiatives are keeping the area more secure

as well as having helped to boost sales in the area. “Virtually every home buyer asks for crime stats of the area and they automatically feel reassured when they come to hear of the good work done by other residents forming their own crime watch initiative and working together with security companies and the police.” Even so, it still remains important for residents to ensure that their properties are better secured. “For example, Table View is a closed and slightly secluded community and security was previously less on the radar making it ideal for criminals – hence the current upward trend in crime,” says Deon Lessing, principal: Chas Everitt Western Seaboard. Areas as such have needed to play catch-up with security measures that are probably well-infiltrated in other suburbs. “The time has come to shake off the ‘closed’ view of the world and get in tune with what is happening in terms of security. Now we each need to do our bit, as the neigbourhood watch is really the community at large,” says Lessing. Though crime is a reality wherever you live, the good news is that banding together and forming neighbourhood watch schemes will go a long way to keeping streets and homes safer for all.

PULLING TOGETHER Neighbourhood watch schemes do an excellent job along with the local security companies and overseen by the Community Police Forum, which works closely with SAPS. Table View Neighbourhood Watch 084 383 1814 Parklands Neighbourhood Watch 079 453 7420 Bloubergstrand Residents Association 082 789 1260 Crime Watch SA 086 050 0005 or 021 552 1717

SECURITY BASICS Make you home safer while keeping future upgrading options in mind: •

Fit a good alarm system with a control unit (for potential beams) and link it to an armed response.

•

Build a wall with the potential for fitment of electrical fencing later on.

•

Most of all be aware! You cannot sleep with open windows, no alarm, no wall and no burglar bars and expect the community to keep you safe.

•

No laptops and handbags on the front seat of your car and leave your ID book in a safe place.

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Untitled-6.pdf 1 2015/10/13 03:16:06 PM

FROM FROM

2 BEDROOM HOMES

Keyfeatures features ofofthee Key theeestate: estate:

42m² two two bedroom homes on single plots plots 42m² bedroomone onebathroom bathroom homes on single Landscaped public Landscaped publicspaces spaces On-site-security On-site-security Close to public transport routes, school, shopping centres and beaches Close to public transport routes, school, shopping centres and beaches Magnirficent views of the Helderberg Mountain range Magnirficent views of the Helderberg Mountain range All costs included All costs included

R399 900 2R399 BEDROOM HOMES 900

Untitled-6.pdf 1 2015/10/13 03:16:06 PM

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Neighbourhood

18 OCTOBER 2015

MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide

Agency Guide

ATLANTIC SEABOARD

WEST COAST

Bantry Bay

Paternoster

Camps Bay

Yzerfontein

Sea Point

NORTHERN SUBURBS SOUTHERN SUBURBS Pinelands

29, 35

WESTERN SEABOARD Atlantic Beach

28, 35

Big Bay

23, 29, 30, 35

Blouberg

Bloubergrand

29, 30, 31, 32

Bloubergsands

Bloubergstrand

22, 23, 26, 29, 31, 32

Eden on the Bay

Flamingo Vlei

La Paloma

Lagoon Beach

33, 35

Melkbosstrand

Milnerton

30, 32, 33, 35

Parklands

23, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35

Royal Ascot

31, 35

Sanddrift

33, 35

Sunningdale

30, 33, 35

Table View

30, 31, 35

Waves Edge

Bellville

Bloemhof

Boston

Durbanville

Plattekloof

Tygervalley Waterfront

Atlantic Beach Estate Chas Everitt International Property Group ERA Real Estate Jawitz Properties Neo Estate Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties Sotheby's international Realty Val de Vie

20 31 32 27 24 - 26 33 29 30 21 - 23 36

BOLAND, OVERBERG & HELDERBERG Boshenmeer

De Wijnlanden

Franschhoek

Hermanus

Onrus

Paarl

21, 24, 36

Somerset West

21, 24

Stellenbosch

Val de Vie

21, 36

Wellington

Westcliff

Classifieds: ERA Real Estate Jawitz Properties Atlantic Beach Property Sales Rawson Properties Re/Max International Property Group Seeff Properties

35 35 35 35 35 35

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 18 OCTOBER 2015