Neighbourhood CT - 20 September 2015 by Your Neighbourhood

RSA

Neighbourhood 20 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Picture perfect Explore the buzzing streets of Stellenbosch Turn to page 08 for more

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HERITAGE DAY

SPOTLIGHT: STELLENBOSCH

PET-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENTS

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NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Editor’s Exclusive CLAIRE BARNARDO

Out on the town

t’s a rare occasion for me to go out for an evening with my bestie. We’re both busy women, leading lives that have us running in circles 24/7. Having had one of “those” years though, we suddenly realised that a couple of months had passed since we last got to really connect. So I decided to make a reservation. Besides, there’s no better excuse to dress up than for dinner in the city. I selected my latest little blue number for the occasion. Both of us then grabbed our clutches and headed for Cape Grace. I love the feeling of walking into a place where a smartly dressed gentleman whips open the door for me and greets me in a way that makes me feel like a princess. We started at the bar with a special wine-journey tasting. The ever-sofriendly assistant sommelier, Marlvin Gwese, took our basic understanding of wine to the next level. Learning more about what’s happening in our wine industry made me feel proud about what the Cape produces.

Then it was time for dinner at Signal. Cape Grace’s tasting menus are extraordinary. Each dish is a mini masterpiece and is paired with the perfect glass and matched with impeccable service. We sat back and indulged. The fact that there was a tasting menu designed especially for vegetarians made my day: think mushroom tortellini, garlic purée and gremolata… My favourite of the evening was the melanzane, tomato risotto arancini and balsamicinfused vegetables paired with the Chamonix Cab Franc 2012. Superb! With bubbling conversation and clinking glasses, we savoured each plate and moment. The experience was truly something special. I don’t think we’ll wait that long again before heading out to celebrate Cape cuisine.

A snapshot of Philadelphia A quiet country village only a stone’s throw from Cape Town, Philadelphia is an ideal escape WORDS & IMAGES: KIT HEATHCOCK

picturesque white church and tall blue gums tucked into a fold of rolling wheat fields with a distant backdrop of mountains is all most people speeding past on the N7 see of Philadelphia. Take the time to turn off into the small country village and discover its peaceful charm, relaxed cafés and several small shops to browse for unexpected treasures. The village really is tiny – just three short streets off Hoof Street make up the centre – so park in front of the historic church and school, and explore on foot. De Malle Meul is the first thing to attract the eye. An old mill, it was artist Pieter van der Westhuizen’s studio for many years and his art is still on display inside. Sunday buffet lunches are legendary here, booked up weeks in advance, and Thursday to Saturday it serves casual meals – think

soups, pies, burgers and salads – with outdoor tables in summer. Stroll further into the village to discover the dappled shade and laid-back atmosphere of the Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop, renowned for its delicious apple crumble and a blackboard menu of light lunches, cakes and freshly roasted coffee. There’s a gallery of paintings to browse here too, before setting off to explore Magic Minerals. This is a treasure chest of semiprecious stones and crystals (collected by the knowledgeable owners), gorgeous scarves, clothes, jewellery and gifts. Opposite, the original Post Office building is home to Elize Lourens’s beautiful paint finishes and chic decor collection. Wander down Hoof Street towards the reed-lined stream while enjoying the

birdsong. The charming Blikhuisie sells bric-à-brac, crafts and postage stamps (post a letter from here to get a genuine Philadelphia postmark). Just around the corner in Mostert Street, the Philadelphia Winkel and Post Office offers milk tart and ginger beer, among other staples. And back at the top of Meul Street, pop into Odds Garden Bistro, where rustic vintage furniture mingles with café tables. Keen knitters and crocheters can find gorgeous hand-dyed yarns at the Nurturing Fibres studio (open by appointment) just outside the village in the Old Pastorie.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: De Malle Meul 021 972 1097 (open Thursday–Sunday) demallemeul.co.za Pepper Tree Art Stable and Coffee Shop 021 972 1916 peppertreephiladelphia.co.za Magic Minerals 021 972 1139 magicminerals.co.za/philadelphia.html

PUT THIS IN YOUR DIARY…*

Elize Lourens 083 763 4083 elizelourens.co.za

Signal Restaurant’s tasting menu line-up: • Until 19 October – Rall, Bizoe & Migliarina: Three Garagistes • 20 October – 14 December – De Trafford, Keermont & Kleinood: Upper Blaauwklippen Valley from Top to Bottom • 15 December – 13 February 2016 – Graham Beck & Steenberg Vineyards: Exceptional Quality Located Worlds Apart *Dates subject to change

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP 9 6th Street, Parkhurst, 2193 011 476 6293 thecreativegroup.info

Die Blikhuisie 021 972 1097 dieblikhuisie.co.za Odds Garden Bistro 021 972 1005 (closed Tuesday) Nurturing Fibres 083 698 6306 (by appointment) nurturingfibres.com

TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Signal Restaurant 021 410 7080 signal@capegrace.com

THE CREATIVE GROUP CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info EDITORIAL TEAM Group Editor: Claire Barnardo claire.barnardo@thecreativegroup.info Creative Director: Mark Peddle

Editorial Consultant: Bridget McNulty Chief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher Copy Editor: Charis Le Riche Art Director: Leah de Jager Designer: Megan Cooper Online Editor: Lauren Joubert

ADVERTISING SALES: Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Neighbourhood Manager: Dylan Rothschild dylan.rothschild@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za

co.za

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

New look for Waterfront classic With a fresh new interior and the same old jaw-dropping views, it’s easy to see why Balducci keeps bringing in the crowds WORDS: RICHARD HOLMES

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

apetonians seem to have a love/ hate relationship with the V&A Waterfront. We love to take visiting friends and family to wander on the quayside and shop for souvenirs in the indoor markets, but we complain bitterly about the crowds, the tourist kitsch and the overpriced parking. Yet every time I find myself wandering along Quay 5, switching my gaze between sea and mountain views as I debate where to stop for lunch, I’m reminded just why the V&A remains the single most popular tourist destination in South Africa. Balducci has been a stalwart of the Waterfront’s restaurant scene for nearly 20 years, and with good reason: it has something for everyone on its expansive menu, which includes everything from burgers and grills to delicate sushi, seasonal salads and Mediterraneaninspired fare. A menu that runs to a dozen pages normally rings alarm bells

as to freshness and quality of cooking, but here the experienced kitchen seems to make it work. With a few exceptions – next time I’ll try the miso-marinated lamb chops – it’s not overly adventurous fare, but there’s an extensive Asian section for those looking to eat off the beaten track. My starter of calamari tossed in teriyaki and chilli was perfectly tender and flavour-packed, while the sushi was well made and laudably traditional, with a welcome lack of deep-fried, biltong-infused and sweetchilli-drenched choices on offer. At the table alongside, the flame-grilled burger and thick-cut fries were receiving rave reviews. In summer the salads, wood-fired pizza and noodle dishes are a hit. The wine list is as expansive as the menu, with an excellent selection of well-priced easy-drinkers and more

serious Cape estates. Happily, over a dozen wines are offered by the glass. With the plates and the view taken care of, Balducci has recently given its interiors a nip-tuck, with “starchitect” Stefan Antoni brought in to freshen up the look. The result is a pleasing ensemble of classic bistro-style interiors with subtle decor touches of industrial and African influences. Most importantly, stacking doors let those gorgeous harbour and mountain views wash in. Before the summertime crowds arrive and we all start complaining that there’s no parking, perhaps it’s time to revisit this Waterfront classic. TASTE FOR YOURSELF: Balducci 021 421 6002 balduccis.co.za

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

At the heart of heritage JOIN THE TEAM:

What does Heritage Day mean to our Neighbourhood?

Here’s what’s happening this Heritage Day. Head out with your friends and family for good times in the winelands WORDS: MEAGHAN ESSEL

“It’s a day when I am able to reflect on the different cultures and traditions in our country and be thankful to be part of a diverse nation” LAUREN JOUBERT: DIGITAL EDITOR

“Heritage Day is a time to pause and to pass on the legacy of our history to our children” LEAH DE JAGER: ART DIRECTOR

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Imbuko Braai Day 021 873 7350 Book via Webtickets: goo.gl/2koKrb Franschhoek Uncorked Festival 021 874 9041 franschhoekuncorked.co.za JC Le Roux Braai Cuisine 021 865 8222 jcleroux.co.za

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

n 24 September we celebrate Heritage Day, aka National Braai Day. Here’s our pick of events to celebrate our South Africanness.

Imbuko Braai Day

The fifth annual Imbuko Braai Day kicks off with a gift for guests in the form of a wineglass. The day is packed with events ranging from heritage trail runs, live music and braai banquets to an endless variety of wine, craft beer collections and entertainment for the kids. The first 200 guests will receive a braai gift bag, so let the race begin: head out at 9am to Imbuko Wines, Uitkyk Farm, Wellington.

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival

This year the Anthonij Rupert Estate is offering a Heritage Day experience like no other. Soak up the sun on the rolling lawns of the Terra del Capo

tasting room while being serenaded by live music by Newton & Co., and then party into the night with an open dance floor, some decadent L’Ormarins port ice cream and an on-site cocktail bar featuring a new artisanal ingredient, Litchi Eau de Vie. Yum. The festival takes place from 26–27 September.

JC le Roux Braai Cuisine

Le Venue Restaurant at the House of JC Le Roux in Stellenbosch is launching exciting new menus in honour of National Braai Day. The three braai menus greet South African culture with a splash of Brut Cap Classique and bubbly. Top up your plate with a selection from the Banting braai menu of marinated beef skewers, oven-roasted Mediterranean vegetables and coriander yoghurt dip and match it all with flutes of your favourite JC Le Roux Methode Cap Classique or sparkling wine.

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Pop-up nation WORDS: CHRIS REID

IMAGE: NICO MARQUES/PHOTEKT

The Bi(h)ome or similar dwellings could well be the solution to South Africa’s urban overcrowding problem

rchitects hold an ongoing interest in finding innovative ways to create quick-response housing for people in need, whether this need is due to some kind of disaster or just the greater influx of people into urban spaces. These often take the form of pop-up structures that offer speedy set-up when the need arises. While pop-ups were historically fairly rudimentary, more like tents than homes, they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated as technology and the development of materials catches up with designers’ visions. A recent example is the Bi(h)ome (also a play on the word “biome”) project, a collaboration between an architecture firm and UCLA’s City Lab. It was developed as a low-cost, low-impact unit to serve as housing for households that have had to take in additional inhabitants, be they children coming to live there temporarily or older family members who have had to downscale their homes. The designers wanted to develop a structure that could be sustainably produced and would be adaptable and easy to install, and the result meets all of these criteria. The Bi(h)omes are also aesthetically pleasing, often a rare consideration in this kind of structure. In South Africa, the local implications for this sort of design are clear: emergency relief aside, pop-up housing solutions could help to alleviate the pressure on households that are seeking to accommodate multiple family members and other occupants within a limited space. Well-designed, responsive dwellings like these could fill a niche that people are already, often inexpertly, filling themselves. Whether suburban South Africans are ready for the pop-up lifestyle, however, remains to be seen.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: City Lab, UCLA bihome.ucla.edu

hike with a twist!

NEWS & LIFESTYLE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Embrace your cultural side

with these Mother City moments LOWDOWN

LOCAL

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF: Think Organic thinkorganic.co.za Organic Emporium organicemporium.co.za Earthbound Wines earthboundwines.co.za

Stephan Welz & Co. Decorative and Fine Art Auction on.fb.me/1KbTDlj

If you love art but at a discount, then you must attend the Stephan Welz & Company Decorative and Fine Art Auction. A wide variety of items will be going under the hammer, from a cobalt-glazed Chinese jar to a 1975 MGB GT V8. The auction is on 20–21 October 2015 at the Stephan Welz & Co. Cape Town head office in Constantia. The public is welcome to peruse all items during a pre-auction viewing on 14–18 October, from 10am–5pm. The main treasure, however, will be an artwork titled So Full of Youth – Not Yet Abused By Time, created by contemporary SA artist Nelson Makamo.

WORDS: ANDY MÖLLER

Cape Town’s Best Views 2015 Exhibition www.chaseveritt.co.za/cape-town-bestviews-competition

As a city that emphasises healthy trends, it makes sense that Cape Town celebrates International Organic Day on 22 September. Can you take on the challenge and avoid all hormone-, antibiotic- and pesticide-crammed produce? With no official legislation to regulate organic foods, it can be challenging to find delicacies to indulge in on International Organic Day, so try these: choose organic farmers by ordering from Think Organic or the Organic Emporium, let the vino flow with a bottle or two of Earthbound’s organic wine, and opt for a healthier nightcap with spirits from Jorgensen’s Distillery.

Decorative and Fine Art Auction

IMAGES: SUPPLIED & ISTOCK

Jorgensen Distillery jd7.co.za

International Organic Day

Cape Town’s Best Views 2015 Exhibition

To celebrate its new office, Chas Everitt’s Cape Town city branch has been hosting an interesting art campaign in Neighbourhood and online in 2015 and, finally, it’s time for the big unveiling. The Cape Town’s Best Views 2015 exhibition will take place on 1 October 2015 at the Blah Blah Bar in Gardens, and the public is invited to see the stunning artworks that were created from a variety of scenic shots of Cape Town. Five local artists were selected to create these masterpieces, namely Carol Mangiagalli, Lucie de Moyencourt, Atang Tshikare, Patricia Fraser and Andrew Sutherland. As a First Thursday special, the exhibition will be open to everyone who wishes to attend.

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SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Spotlight on Stellenbosch Oak trees, historic buildings, students, green spaces, cafés and lots of great wine are among the first impressions of this buzzing university town, but there’s much more to life in Stellenbosch than its undeniable picture-postcard charm WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY

IMAGES: ANTON SCHOLTZ, SUPPLIED & GOOGLE

ART ON CHURCH

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Visitors flock to Stellenbosch for its quaint, oak-tree-lined historic streets and for its welldeserved reputation for gourmet food and wine. Students come to study at the world-class university that occupies a significant area of the town centre. And residents get all that plus a lifestyle that offers the best of all worlds. Stellies is all about small-town convenience; a diversity of culture and arts more typical of a big city; prestigious schools; a vibrant café culture; beautiful surroundings; and the mountains and wine estates that embrace the town and offer a wealth of outdoor activities. “Stellenbosch is probably the most happening town outside the city centres – never a dull moment,” says Ilse van der Merwe of the Demo Kitchen, who has lived here her whole life. “It’s a town filled with so many choices on the social calendar, restaurant scene and local music scene.” Locals can take their pick of events, from the annual Woordfees literary and music festival to the summer street soirees with open-air wine tastings; from lunchtime concerts at the university Conservatoire to theatre productions at Oude Libertas amphitheatre; and so much more. The town centre, with its oak-lined streets overflowing with cafés, delis, boutiques and traditional high-street shops (no need for out-of-town malls here), is very walkable, and residents who are lucky enough to live in sought-after

NG CHURCH

Mostertsdrift and other central residential areas can easily walk to work, stopping for breakfast in a favourite café and avoiding traffic, which can clog up narrow streets in peak season. Top schools like Rhenish Girls High School, Bloemhof High School, Paul Roos Gymnasium and Eikestad Primary School are grouped amid green sports fields just over the Eerste River, and the adjoining suburbs of Die Boord and Dalsig are also popular for families whose children can easily walk to school. Morning or evening exercise is also simple to slot into the daily routine: trails for running, mountain biking and dog walking wind around the mountain slopes in the Paradyskloof, Coetzenburg and Eden areas; the small Jan Marais Nature Reserve is within

Stellenbosch is probably the most happening town outside the city centres – never a dull moment. It's a town filled with so many choices on the social calendar ILSE VAN DER MERWE, RESIDENT

the town boundaries; the excellent university sports facilities are also open to residents; and there are three premium golf courses within reach of the town. It only takes five minutes to escape town altogether and head for genuine mountain wilderness: “One of my top things to do is hike in Jonkershoek,” says Kora Holm, resident for 13 years, “preferably all the way up, until you reach the summit and the stunning view of False Bay is revealed.” Here there are waterfalls to hike to in winter and beautiful scenery year round – even the winding drive up the valley is guaranteed to relax and refresh the soul. On weekends there’s an abundance of choice when it comes to markets. Root 44 is fun for all the family,

SPOTLIGHT

Slowmarket at Oude Libertas is excellent for real food and a chilled atmosphere, and then there are the Blaauwklippen family market, Spier organic farmers market and monthly Woodmill market. Stellenbosch’s foodie credentials are just as visible in town, where artisan ice-cream parlours, patisseries and delis turn shopping into a taste adventure. There are plenty of more affordable eateries and wine bars catering for the student population, too. “It is a town that offers value for money to students,” adds Ilse, “but also caters for the premium tourist and established resident with a taste for the best in life.” This is something that becomes obvious when you scan a list of restaurants on nearby wine estates, which reads more like a who’s who of South African cuisine: Jordan, Terroir, Rust en Vrede, Overture, Makaron, Tokara and the list goes on. For a town so rooted in history, Stellenbosch has an incredibly youthful energy. Besides the university, known internationally for its research and development and post-grad studies, there is a wealth of innovative businesses, both hi-tech and creative. “There’s a vibrant mix of creatives living and working here, passionate about preserving Stellenbosch as a premium historic town, but also keen on developing Stellenbosch’s unique modern heart,” comments Ilse. “It’s the closest to living in Europe that you’ll get in SA, with a distinctive uncompromising local flavour.”

SPOTLIGHT

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

EAT LIKE A LOCAL Basic Bistro for cosy atmosphere and good affordable fare Asta for traditional Italian family food Schoon de Companje for artisan breads, breakfasts and ice-cream Blue Crane and Butterfly for great coffee and fantastic cakes Tokara Delicatessen for awesome views and delicious unpretentious food Gino's for value-for-money pizza and a lively atmosphere on rugby nights Pane e Vino for excellent Italian food and Dalla Cia wines SCHOON DE COMPANJE

MORE THINGS TO DO Visit the Stellenbosch University Botanic Gardens for its peaceful atmosphere and nice coffee shop. Stroll around to see the artworks and sculptures by local artists on display in the streets. Go on the free park runs at Root 44 on Saturday mornings. Pop into the Pulp Film Society (student organisation) for classic, art house and mainstream movies. Go wine tasting on foot in town at Bartinney Wines, Brampton Wine Studio and The Big Easy. BARTINNEY WINES

Residents who are lucky enough to live in sought-after Mostertsdrift and other central residential areas can easily walk to work, stopping for breakfast in a favourite café and avoiding traffic, which can clog up narrow streets in peak season

BRAMPTON WINE STUDIO

BOTANIC GARDENS

COOPMANHUIJS HOTEL

EAT LIKE A LOCAL - GOURMET The Jordan Restaurant Terroir Makaron at Majeka House Tokara Overture Helena’s at Coopmanhuijs Cuvée at Simonsig DE STOMME JONGE

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

SPOTLIGHT

Property prices in Stellenbosch

A typical property for sale in Stellenbosch is a two-bedroom apartment at an average asking price of

40% of properties for sale are houses, at an average asking price of

R1,25m

R1,54m

R2,97m

R6,800

Demand

13% of properties for sale are in complexes, at an average asking price of

A typical property for rent in Stellenbosch is a one-bedroom apartment, at a monthly asking price of

Properties for sale in Stellenbosch comprise 18% of the total sales listings in the Boland, and

of the total rental listings

21%

17%

of the interest (views) in properties for sale

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Keep pets in check at

pet-friendly

developments

Pet lovers are often willing to pay more to live in pet-friendly complexes, helping to boost the value of such sectional-title properties. But finding a residential complex that is willing to tolerate pets is becoming more of a challenge of late WORDS: LISA DEWBERRY

IMAGES: ISTOCK

t is becoming increasingly difficult for owners and occupants to keep pets in sectional-title developments, owing to space limitations as well as concerns over nuisance pets. Carl Smit, managing director: SandakLewin Property Trust, says many new residential developments are smaller than older ones, with units being built closer together and with little or no common gardens, so they are not ideal for keeping pets. He says the reasons for the absence of petfriendly sectional-title developments include the unwillingness of people who do not own pets to put up with “noise pollution” caused by pets, as well as pet-related disputes, such as pets disturbing neighbours, damaging property, and the odours caused by pets. “If trustees allow pets in complexes, conditions are usually set, and should they not be adhered to, then the owner or occupant will be sent a written notification stating the breach of rules and be requested to remove the pet within a specified timeframe. In terms of the Management Rules of the Sectional Title Act, trustees may refer the matter to arbitration, and not only will the pet have to be removed but the pet owner will be responsible the for costs of arbitration,” says Smit. Michael Bauer, general manager: IHFM, a property management company, says the ownership of pets in sectionaltitle schemes is a contentious issue that comes up regularly. He says trustees must consider all applications for the pet to stay, and the trustees can’t say no unless they’ve accepted and perused the application. “Prescribed conduct rule 1, which deals with the keeping of pets in a sectionaltitle scheme, is in place because animals can be a nuisance to others in a sectional-title scheme, and trustees may amend it to reflect the needs of the body corporate. The questions are whether the pet will interfere with others’ enjoyment of living, and what conditions can be imposed on the owner to ensure that the pet doesn’t become a nuisance to others,” he says. Bauer adds that if the pet becomes a nuisance then trustees may withdraw permission; however, they usually give the owner a chance to remedy the situation. He says the owner must be given a fair chance at a hearing and that if the trustees revoke permission, then the owner must be given enough time to find the pet another home or suitable alternative accommodation for themselves.

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

Analyse it PATRICK CAIRNS

Shared responsibility T

hree years ago the National Development Plan (NDP) was launched on a wave of optimism. Here, at last, was the strategy for economic growth and development that would put South Africa on the path to prosperity. As yet, however, we have, unfortunately, little to show for it. And almost without exception, people are placing the blame for that at the feet of the government. The feeling is that it has not done enough and that there neither the will nor the leadership to implement key aspects of the NDP. There is, undoubtedly, some truth to this. However, it also obscures one of the most critical aspects of the NDP, which is that it was never meant as a policy for the government to implement alone. There is a key line in the plan’s executive summary that reads, “This is a plan for the entire country, and all sections of society need to take responsibility for making it a reality.” Without saying it in so many words, the NDP recognises that the future of this country is too important to be left up to the government. Yes, the government does have to improve its performance, and the plan does say as much, but leadership should not be left only to those with political power. The simple truth is that South Africa is strongest when leadership comes not just from the Union Buildings but when it is shown by business, labour and civil society too. And a key aspect of that leadership will always be the recognition that none of these parties can succeed on their own. It is only through working collectively that real progress is made. This is exactly what is happening now in the steel industry, and it is starting to happen in mining too. Things have had to reach near-crisis levels, but that has been the catalyst for forcing parties together.

The NDP requires that South Africa’s economy grow at

5,4% 2030 up to the year

Faced with the genuine prospect of these key sectors being decimated, the government, business and labour are talking solutions. There are disagreements, of course, but there is a shared understanding that unless something is done, everyone will end up losing. Hopefully, it won’t take other economic sectors coming close to disaster before similar moves are made; but at the same time, perhaps our current economic troubles are just the thing we need to realise not only our individual limitations but also our combined capabilities. The NDP is already there to guide us. Will we take shared responsibility for it because – truth be told – “business as usual” is no longer an option?

Play

for Property Houzz-It and St John’s Village are giving you the opportunity to win the grand prize of a home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands WORDS: LAUREN JOUBERT

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

our chance to win your dream country home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is just a few simple steps away. St John’s Village, in conjunction with the innovative property-gaming app Houzz-It, is awarding the grand prize of a home to the winner of the current Houzz-It Play for Property competition in December 2015.

How to enter

There are four alternative, easy ways to enter the Play for Property competition: 1. If you’re more hands-on, simply download the Houzz-It app from either the App Store or Google Play and register for the Play for Property challenge. Set your high score on the leader board and you could become a finalist. 2. SMS your name and email address to 33282 (SMS costs R1,50). 3. Complete the online form at

yourneighbourhood.co.za/ competitions. 4. Visit the St John’s Village site in the Midlands and enter your name and email address into the logbook.

The finalists

Four finalists a month will be chosen until November 2015 (the competition kicked off in August 2015) for a total of 16 finalists. This means that even if you were not selected as a finalist in the previous months, you still have another shot at entering the competition in the current month via any of the entry methods listed above. All finalists will be invited to take part in the grand giveaway ceremony on site at St John’s Village, where the final draw will take place.

The house

The grand prize is a house within the Vineyards section of St John’s Village.

Close to all amenities, St John’s Village is truly a home and neighbourhood to all. The house is valued at a staggering R2m and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, scullery and living room, as well as a veranda and covered yard for a total of 201,8m2. Prepare to have all your dreams come true in your new home. Visit yourneighburhood.co.za and the Houzz-It Facebook page (facebook.com/houzzit) for tips and tricks for maximising your opportunity to become a finalist, as well as for news on the Play for Property challenge.

COMPETITION T’s & C’s To view the competition’s terms and conditions, visit yourneighbourhood.co.za/ competitions/play-for-property

Top Tip SIMON BRAY, CEO: PRIVATE PROPERTY

privateproper ty.co.za

With more people becoming environmentally conscious and looking to save money, homes that consume fewer resources are becoming increasingly popular. Adding green features such as solar geysers, water-saving measures and energy-efficient appliances will reduce the cost of home ownership and make your home more appealing to buyers when you’re ready to sell

PROPERTY NEWS

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

First-time buyers make their mark D

espite South Africa’s current challenges such as load shedding, rising interest rates and a depreciating rand, the market for firsttime homebuyers appears to be thriving. Chris Tyson, CEO: Tyson Properties, says, “We’ve seen no slowdown in the housing market for first-time buyers this year. In fact, we’re experiencing the best year since our inception in 2005.” Part of the reason for this, he says, is a shortage of quality homes to buy as a result of the 2008 market downturn. Kevin Penwarden, CEO: SA Home Loans, agrees, adding that from a mortgaging perspective, they’re seeing most growth at the lower end of the property market. “However,” he says,

While interest rate increases and other economic factors may impact affordability, we expect demand to outweigh supply in the residential sector SHAUN RADEMEYER, CEO: BETTERLIFE HOME LOANS

Even with the reigning economic uncertainty, South Africa’s first-time home-buyer market continues to thrive WORDS: CATHERINE BLACK

IMAGE: ISTOCK

“at a consumer level, new buyers are still facing affordability challenges that are tempering the market’s growth.” According to Shaun Rademeyer, CEO: BetterLife Home Loans, the average deposit requirement of 8% to 10% for first-time homebuyers is affecting the types of property that are bought and sold in this segment. “Many first-time buyers are in their 30s by the time they can afford a deposit,” he says. “At this point, they’re usually married with kids, which makes things like schooling, transport and lifestyle extremely important considerations when deciding what and where to buy.” Rhys Dyer, CEO: Ooba, says the average age of first-time homebuyers is 34. “More than half of the bond applications received by Ooba are from first-time homebuyers and more than seven out of 10 applications we receive are approved. Just two indicators of continued lender confidence are a 4% improvement in the year-on-year bond approval rates in July as well as further improvements in pricing from banks. The average price of first-time homes has also increased

from R731,651 in July 2014 to R764,317 in July 2015.” Tyson says that the need for increased security continues to be a key purchasing driver and he expects to see an increase in demand for community or gated living, which could be sectional-title or freehold properties. “Although housing estates differentiate themselves by the facilities they offer, security is paramount,” he says. From a home loans perspective, Penwarden is cautiously optimistic about the next three to five years. “While interest rate increases and other economic factors may impact affordability, we expect demand to outweigh supply in the residential sector and for it to continue to perform well,” he says. Rademeyer believes that the market will continue to realise slow growth, with some of the higher-end properties absorbing most of this slowdown. “First-time buyers would most probably feel the negativity in the market and be resistant to buying,” he says. “However, because of this they could benefit most by being better able to negotiate the best deal.”

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

PROPERTY NEWS

The location is breathtaking – the small, exclusive suburb hugs the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountains and overlooks miles and miles of azure-blue ocean” JAMES LEWIS, SEEFF HOUT BAY

d sing ase ving, hold s ties says.

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The price of exclusivity In the world of high-end living, does Llandudno really offer that much?

landudno is regarded as one of South Africa’s most exclusive suburbs, and buyers are paying a premium to live there. But there isn’t a lot on offer in terms of nightlife or shopping.

WORDS: LEA JACOBS IMAGE: ISTOCK

James Lewis, MD: Seeff Hout Bay, says, “The location is breathtaking. The small, exclusive suburb hugs the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountains and overlooks miles and miles of azure ocean. There is only one access road and,

with no commercialisation, the suburb is just about as exclusive as you could want. There is also no further room for expansion, soolder properties are being snapped up, renovated and remodelled. The suburb is increasingly attracting property buyers who are prepared to pay well into the upper millions.”

12 months. A total of 12 homes have been transferred so far this year for an average selling price of approximately R13,8m. The stats also show that there has been a dramatic rise in the price of property over the past couple of years. In 2012 the average price paid was around R7,7m.

Lightstone statistics bear testament to this, showing that 16 properties with a collective value of around R240m have changed hands over the past

Sue O’Molony, Pam Golding Properties agent in Llandudno and Hout Bay, says that the price of entry-level properties in the area is now approximately R10m,

although there are homes on the market that are priced up to R60m. “There are only 300 luxury villas built on the mountainside, with panoramic views over the secluded beach and the Logies Bay rocks,” she says. “The fact that there is only one access route in and out of Llandudno, with a security base with 24-hour guards and cameras, has added to the overall value and desirability of the area.”

Neighbourhood

20 SEPTEMBER 2015

MARKETPLACE

Neighbourhood

MARKETPLACE

Area Guide

Agency Guide BOLAND, OVERBERG

SOUTHERN SUBURBS Bergvliet

& HELDERBERG

Constantia

Fernkloof

Pinelands

Franschhoek

Hermanus

WESTERN SEABOARD

Paarl

22, 32

Big Bay

21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

Somerset West

Atlantic Beach

28, 31

Val de Vie

22, 32

Blouberg

26, 27, 29

Bloubergstrand

21, 24, 27

Bloubergrand

25, 26, 27, 29

Bloubergsands

18, 24, 30

Eden on the Bay

Century City

La Paloma

Flamingo Vlei

24, 30, 31

Melkbosstrand

21, 29

Milnerton

Parklands

18, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31

Van Riebeeckstrand

18, 21, 24

Sunset Beach

24, 30

Table View

Waves Edge

24, 29

WEST COAST Paternoster

Yzerfontein

Atlantic Beach Estate Chas Everitt International Property Group ERA Real Estate Jawitz Properties Nedbank Neo Estates Pam Golding Properties Rawson Properties RE/MAX International Property Group Seeff Properties Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international Realty Val de Vie

Classifieds: Atlantic Beach Property Sales Rawson Properties

19 27 26 16 18 22 - 24 30 - 31 25 29 20 - 21 32

31 31

yourneighbourhood.co.za | 20 SEPTEMBER 2015