9 JULY 2017
Neighbourhood PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
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A sea to see
Rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, Sodwana Bay is a firm favourite with holidaymakers, page 2
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PROPERTY NEWS
9 JULY 2017
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Sodwana Bay Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
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odwana Bay National Park is situated on the Maputaland Coast, or Elephant Coast, within the Unesco world heritage site of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Durban, Sodwana Bay is hard to beat as a holiday destination. Adjacent to Africa’s southern-most coral reef, it’s one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. Almost everyone at Sodwana Bay is there for the same reason: its rich biodiversity of land and sea, where scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, swimming, whale watching and turtle tours are the primary focus. With numerous popular dive sites and an impressive 1,200 marine species, 279 bird species, five types of turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins, it’s understandable why this area draws visitors from around the world.
IMAGES: STEVE RUBIN & ISTOCK
Fishing is immensely popular, and ski-boaters and shore anglers have caught record billfish and sailfish here in ski-boat fishing competitions. The wonderful thing about a holiday at Sodwana Bay is that, even if you’re not a diver or fisherman, there’s a great deal to experience. There’s a rich variety of birdlife, guided walks in fascinating landscapes, hiking on a self-guided trail, Big Five game reserve safaris or self-drives, as well as quad biking and kitesurfing. Sodwana and surrounding areas are focused on tourism, so you’re guaranteed guided tours with guides and tour operators who make it their business to show you a wonderful time, and learning experiences (such as getting your scuba diving accreditation).
When you give Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife a call you find that Sodwana Bay accommodation and campsites get booked up quickly the day reservations open for high days and holidays. In fact, occupancy is high all year round, so don’t delay the call. Cosy log cabins and tranquil campsites are situated under a forest canopy, with easy access to the beach. There’s also private accommodation, not only in Sodwana Bay, but also in the surrounding little towns – you can go five star and fabulous, or enjoy the simple life in self-catering bungalows, camp sites and dive camps. Sodwana Bay lies within a wellprotected natural area. It’s a short drive from the uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso, which makes this a rare combination of eco-systems where humpback whales and whale sharks join the Big Five.
WHERE TO STAY: THINGS TO DO: • • • •
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Sodwana Bay Lodge Mseni Beach Lodge Makakatana Bay Lodge
NATURE NEARBY: • • • •
Isimangaliso Wetland Park Lake Sibaya Lake St Lucia Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
• Take the ferry on Lake St Lucia. • Go snorkelling at Cape Vidal. • Enjoy Kayaking on Lake St Lucia Estuary. • Take canoe trips on Lake Sibaya. • See ragged-toothed sharks along Quarter Mile Reef in summer. • Go on turtle tours. • Ride horses on the beach or through the reserve. • Enjoy microlight flights. • Walk the 5km self-guided Mngobeselen Trail.
As a family of five, we holiday every Christmas at Sodwana Bay. The family are busy from dawn to dusk with outdoor activities and no electronic devices! I start dialling Ezemvelo’s number half an hour before bookings open for that period, as I’m terrified of missing out. KATE RIDER, GAUTENG RESIDENT
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9 JULY 2017
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
For sale Property type
Median asking prices
R4m
100%
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
house
R3,16m For a house
Monthly bond repayments
You’ll pay
Based on
over a period of
at
R39,935
R4m
20
10,5%
per month
median asking price
years
prime
For a typical property in this area
3 bed 2 bath
R2 400 000 NORTHCLIFF
Hi James, I’m interested in the 3 bed in Northcliff. Let’s set up a time to take a look!
South Africa’s favourite property website.
A home for everyone www.privateproperty.co.za
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Show house by appointment only
APARTMENTS FROM
R1 175 000
Furnished show house now open For rental enquiries email rentals@emberton.co.za
Emberton Estate boasts world-class facilities, including a charming clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, outdoor Miami gym, swimming pool, tennis court, cricket nets and a 3km walking trail with beautifully landscaped areas. Enjoying close proximity to KwaZulu-Natal’s ďŹ nest schools, hospitals, and malls, discover the true essence of secure, family-centred living.
For all sales enquiries call Clive (072 686 7825) or Sally (082 454 1416) www.emberton.co.za
RAINMAKERMARKETING 05/17
Introducing modern country living.
9 JULY 2017
Neighbourhood
Beyond compare Steyn City, a sprawling 810ha multibillion-rand lifestyle resort north of Fourways, offers a unique style of living
CONTACT US
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teyn City is surrounded by rolling hills, providing an atmosphere of country living, while still being close to major arterial routes and Lanseria International Airport. In just two years, Steyn City has proved itself a game-changer in South Africa’s property industry. In a country where gated security estates are hardly a phenomenon, Steyn City’s ability to distinguish itself on a number of fronts speaks volumes. Indeed, it has proved that it’s able to offer a lifestyle beyond compare, thanks not only to the variety and quality of facilities available, but also to the lifestyle that these facilities have helped to create. Most impressive is that all infrastructure has been available from the outset; from the moment the first prospective buyers viewed the developing lifestyle resort, they were able to experience Steyn City in its entirety, rather than waiting for the different components to come on board and hoping that they would live up to what had been promised. The lifestyle resort’s success, therefore, comes as no surprise. One of its most noteworthy accomplishments to date has been its inclusion, at fourth place, in New World Wealth’s 2016 ranking of lifestyle estates. The index considered factors such as security, facilities, activities, quality and design of houses, views, scenery, wildlife, appeal to wealthy buyers, and resale and price growth potential. Steyn City’s excellence is evidenced by the
SHOW DEVELOPMENT
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Steyn City 010 597 1040 sales@steyncity.co.za steyncity.co.za
fact that the top three estates all have a coastal location; moreover, they have been established for several years. The lifestyle resort has, additionally, been exceptionally well received by buyers – even at a time when the market is notoriously slow. Phase 1 has been a sell-out success, with all apartments, stands and the first cluster development snapped up by eager purchasers. The second cluster development, 65 on Park, is now under construction and is halfway to completion with a new show home for those who wish to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Magaliesberg mountains.
Residents are invited to wander through this beautiful location with a number of trails ideal for walking, running, cycling and even horse riding. In fact, there are more than 15km of pedestrianised walkways. Each of the Steyn City villages is accessed via quiet cul-de-sacs and crescents, with all traffic confined to the lifestyle resort’s main thoroughfare – an arrangement which gives mothers complete peace of mind when their children spend the day cycling through the development either on the boulevard or via the green lungs.
Purchasers’ enthusiasm is explained by the sense of community that defines this lifestyle resort, and that manifests in every aspect. This has been achieved first by installing a top-notch security system. Steyn City boasts electrified perimeter fencing, stringent access control, a 24-hour security nerve centre and a troop of guards who patrol the entire lifestyle resort around the clock.
Although many would consider the Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, with its award-winning clubhouse, to be the highlight of the lifestyle resort, there are many more facilities on offer catering to a variety of interests. The equestrian centre, for instance, is a fully equipped, world-class complex which caters to the horse rider’s every need. There’s also a gym, tennis courts, children’s play nodes and a skate park, as well as outdoor workout stations.
The environment itself is especially appealing. One of the first things visitors to the lifestyle resort notice is the magnificent land art created by local artists as part of a development programme. Also remarkable is the dense vegetation which has helped to create a parkland atmosphere: over 500,000 trees, ground covers and shrubs all contribute to a setting akin to a nature reserve.
In an effort to offer the same services, amenities and conveniences as a fully fledged city (which it will one day be), Steyn City has a deli offering fresh, on-the-go meals and pantry essentials. Residents (and visitors) can also dine at XIX (Nineteen) Restaurant, managed by the Saxon, the ideal venue for a business luncheon or meeting for frequent business flyers who use Lanseria International Airport.
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ADVERTORIAL
9 JULY 2017
Neighbourhood
Opportunities abound Just Property is rapidly emerging as a leader in the property business
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omething noteworthy is happening at Just Property; there’s a restlessness, a sense of anticipation that is driving change and drawing attention from across the industry. This appears to be a brand that is going places, driven to do things differently in a traditionally staid industry. Born from humble beginnings, as the go-to company for property rentals and management, Just Property now delivers across the property spectrum: sales, rentals, and commercial and investment opportunities. This fresh, dynamic brand is increasingly attractive to prospective clients and employees alike.
Going places
The market sentiment is depressed, with local economic conditions directing many away from investing in property. One would understand if agents and brokers felt threatened and negative about their industry. The sentiment from the leadership at Just Property is that it is well positioned to ride this storm out and to emerge stronger than before. Its strong rental footprint offers a stable annuity income across the country and it is keenly focused on building its sales capacity so that it can take advantage when the market turns. Based at Just Property’s head office, Carla Visagie (national business manager) is championing new products. Externally, her Homeownership Journey serves to “educate to affect change” and is an investment that will
teach inexperienced buyers how to achieve responsible and sustainable homeownership. Internally, this millennial is driving a contemporary sales mindset across the franchises.
Proudly South African
Transformation is needed in the property sector and it goes beyond the requirements of the Broad-Based BEE Act, the Department of Trade and Industry Codes of Good Practice on BBBEE and the Property Sector Transformation Charter. Just Property recognises, at the level of both hearts and minds, that change is something to be favoured and not feared. The Estate Agency Affairs Board indicates on its website that approximately 8% of the 50,000 estate agents currently registered are black. The figures at Just Property show a very different picture, with about 30% of its agents from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Transformation is prominently placed in the Head Office Vision Statement, motivated by the belief in “Equal rights for a better tomorrow”. These are not empty words on a wall; equality is a key tenet in its national “Living our Values” initiative, which agents, managers and franchisees across the country are actively engaged in.
Internationally recognised
Just Property is building an international, best-in-class reputation. As one of only two South African companies to have been awarded the International Star for Quality award, it
is proudly part of a global team of elite companies and has been recognised for excellence in people and brand leadership, products and services, and innovative use of technologies. Recently, it was named as a recipient of an African Property Award, the most acclaimed industry award throughout the region. This is an achievement that is recognised as a mark of excellence for property professionals. “We are very proud to have been nominated and to have had our company recognised in these regional awards,” says Paul Stevens, CEO, Just Property. “It’s a testimony to the hard work of growing a company, which is achieved through the determination and vision of every one of our employees, franchisees and agents. This achievement belongs to us all.” With its restless energy and continued investment in technology, learning and development, and brand awareness, Just Property is rapidly emerging as a leader in the property business. One cannot ignore the appeal Just Property has for prospective clients and for those looking to have a fulfilling career in property.
Just Property 081 355 6700 customerservice@just.property facebook.com/JustPropertySA just.property
INTRODUCING SIBAYA’S FIRST RETIREMENT ESTATE
BOOK YOUR ONSITE APPOINTMENT
RETIREMENT LIVING FROM R1.475 MILLION Shoreline Sibaya is the first secure retirement estate within the muchacclaimed Sibaya Coastal Precinct. Situated less than 10-minutes from Umhlanga, this is KwaZulu-Natal’s premier residential node. Featuring modern, luxurious single-level 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, this pet-friendly estate offers a selection of engaging facilities, open landscaped areas, exceptional sea views, and an array of care services provided by the on-site MyCare Centre, which will be built during phase 1.
ENTRANCE TO SALES OFFICE
M4
INDIAN OCEAN
COMMUNITY CENTRE
shorelinesibaya.co.za 087 095 1658
SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT RAINMAKERMARKETING 05/17
Petrol Station
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 LIVING WITH SPACE TO GROW
BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME WITH STUNNING SEA VIEWS • • • •
4 Bedrooms (2 en-suite) 4 Bathrooms Open plan living Office / TV lounge
• • • •
Covered patio with built-in braai Separate granny flat Double garage Swimming pool
• 3 Bedrooms (main en-suite) • 2.5 Bathrooms • Open plan kitchen, lounge & dining room
NEW LISTING OFFERED AT R6 590 000
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
NEW LISTING OFFERED AT R4 700 000
PERFECT FAMILY LIVING
PERFECT FAMILY HOME WITH ROOM TO GROW • • • •
• Covered patio • Double garage • Direct access to conservation area & dam
NEW LISTING OFFERED AT R6 450 000
• 4 Bedrooms (main en-suite) • 2.5 Bathrooms • Kitchen with large scullery
• Covered pation with built-in braai • Rain harvesting system • Inverter
NEW LISTING OFFERED AT R4 800 000
RETIRE TO A LIFE YOU LOVE.
“Forest Village is amazing in that you can choose your level of participation. We have braais every Friday night and a catered function once a month arranged by the Social Committee. The walking trails and dams are so picturesque and my grandchildren can explore to their hearts content in a very secure environment.” - Lol and Terry von Weichardt- Forest Village home owners
2 OR 3 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS • SEA OR FOREST VIEWS • LUXURY FINISHES
Land Freehold homes Luxurious apartments Retirement homes
Buy directly from the developer. Land from R1 350 000
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
ONLY 14 HOMES AVAILABLE - BUY DIRECT FROM THE DEVELOPER
Brettenwood Coastal Estate Sheffield Beach KZN North Coast
Shavaun Lindsay Greg Simmonds Michelle Larkens
PRICED FROM
072 194 8672 084 515 7464 082 775 3998
R3 500 000
T 032 525 4581 E info@brettenwood.co.za W www.brettenwood.co.za