Neighbourhood DBN - 10 June 2018 by Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood 10 JUNE 2018

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

The Bluff Why its good value and unique character is attracting property investors, page 7

SUBURB FOCUS: KNYSNA

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PROPERTY NEWS

10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

RSA

tubing switch

“Boati the ho sales a Turne will go waterto take

Knysna

Traver Heads best re but the space t power A suns for the

Discover the joys of holidaying in the area WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK

IMAGES: SALVELIO MEYER, SHUTTERSTOCK & GOOGLE MAPS

small town that explodes into full-on holiday mode in peak season, Knysna’s beautiful lagoon and surrounds of aweinspiring indigenous forest are the heart of its attraction, with so much to do that the hard part is fitting it all into one holiday.

Buffalo surfing “Every orienta up-riv the kid

“It’s a very relaxed lifestyle, we’re very fortunate to have every activity imaginable on our doorstep – extreme kloofing, boating, diving, fishing and mountain biking trails,” says resident Nikki Smit. “I also love that it’s very community driven, you know everyone.”

*Map not to scale

After the devastating 2017 fires, the town pulled together to rebuild and, like the surrounding fynbos and forest, it’s once again bursting with new growth and energy.

Accommodation Knysna has long been a favourite place for second homes, filling up in the December holiday season as everyone escapes the city to immerse themselves in lagoon and beach activities. From guest houses and B&Bs to luxury hotels and forest lodges, or holiday rentals and caravan parks, there is a huge variety of holiday accommodation and many different locations. This includes the new developments on Thesen Island with their waterfront marina feel, traditional holiday homes on Leisure Island, villas high on the hills around

Living in Knysna, we’ve got everything at our fingertips. On a normal day, we’ll do two or three different things: surfing, mountain biking, sailing if the wind picks up or kiteboarding, taking a boat out to sea, or hiking in the forest. The outdoor side has so much to offer within a relatively small area. JAMES TURNER, RESIDENT

PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town

the lagoon with stunning views, or hidden farms and lodges in the forest along the Garden Route. The whole area really does get booked up in peak season, with regular visitors booking up to two years ahead to be sure of their favourite spot. The Knysna Oyster festival (29 June to 8 July 2018) is another drawcard filling up all the local accommodation for the duration of the ten-day festival with its sports events, food and entertainment.

Lagoon and ocean fun Think of any watersport and you’ll find it in and around Knysna. On wind-free days the expanse of flat lagoon water is ideal for water-skiing, wakeboarding,

SLEEP: • Head over Hills Luxury Retreat: • for incredible views over the Knysna Heads • Villa Paradisa Guest House: for luxury B&B stay with lagoon views • Elephant Hide of Knysna: for a tranquil barefoot experience • Oakhurst Farm Cottages: for a family-friendly forest farm stay • Teniqua Treetops: for eco-friendly treehouse tented suites in the forest canopy

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Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley, Samantha Durand and Leah de Jager Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423

Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Advertising: Julie Ellice kzn@yourneighbourhood.co.za Production: Lucea Goosen lucea@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com

10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

tubing, and when the wind pumps, switch to sailing or kite-boarding. “Boating is massive in Knysna. During the holiday season a big portion of our sales are impulse buys,” says James Turner of Fusion Power Boats. “People will go into one of our dealers to buy a water-ski and leave with a boat ready to take on the lagoon that afternoon.” Traversing the tricky waters of the Heads to reach the Indian Ocean is best reserved for experienced skippers, but the lagoon has more than enough space to explore and play, whether power boating, sailing or paddling. A sunset cruise is another must for the more leisurely explorer. Buffalo Bay is the perfect beach for surfing and safe swimming and play. “Everything is so accessible and family orientated,” says James. “We’ll go up-river to the Red Bridge to chill, the kids love swimming in the river,

and there’s fishing at all levels in the lagoon – they can spend hours catching cuttlefish.” The small tidal beaches around Leisure Isle in the lagoon are perfect for younger kids to play safely, and most days in Knysna are spent at least partly in and on the water.

Forest

Behind Knysna, the vast stretches of indigenous forest conceal hidden trails, waterfalls and endless adventure. The best place to start exploring is at one of the picnic sites, accessible by car. Jubilee Creek is in a cool forest valley beside a peaty stream with a 3km signposted walk to a waterfall. The Circles in the Forest trail starts from the Krisjan-se-nek picnic site and takes you into elephant country to a forest pool and a waterfall. Or sign up for a guided hike to go deeper into off-the-beaten-track forest. Mountain bikers and trail runners have endless forest trails to explore, the Garden Route Trail Park serving all abilities, or head to Harkerville with four trails to suit various levels. For those who love watersports and outdoor adventure, Knysna really does have it all.

EAT: • Ile de Pain: for the legendary pastries and breads, breakfasts and lunches • East Head Cafe: for relaxed cafe food and spectacular views • 34 South: for fresh local seafood • Le Maquis: for authentic French bistro cuisine • Kilzer’s Kitchen: for an interactive dining experience on their Cook n Look Wednesday evenings • Totties Farm Kitchen: for real farm food and Sunday lunches after a forest walk

DO: • Scenic MTB and running trails at Garden Route Trail Park • Sunset cruise with Featherbed Co Heads Explorer • Birds of Eden free flight bird sanctuary • Guided hikes and more with Tony Cook Adventures • Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield on Saturdays • Play golf at Pezula Championship Golf Course or Simola Golf & Country Estate

For sale

Median asking price:

R2,84m

Monthly bond repayments For a typical property in this area You’ll pay

R27,406

For a typical property (three-bedroom house)

R2m

R1,2m

R4,4m

In a complex

For an apartment

For a house

per month

Property Type: Based on

87% house

R2,84m

11%

median asking price

over a period of 20 years at 10% prime

apartment

complex

PROPERTY NEWS

10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

My business neighbourhood Beelicious Coffee Shop and Home Industry has residents buzzing WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

to bring patrons an offering of decadent treats in a home-awayfrom-home environment.

Q: Who are your neighbours? A: The Coyote Hair Salon and Westville Day Spa.

Q: How did your business start? A: I began baking from my home in 2016 doing private orders and as my business grew, I knew I needed to expand, especially after I collaborated with some home industries to provide baked goods to them. After much persuasion from my brother-in-law to view the property at the Elvira Centre, I fell in love with it at first sight and the rest is history. We officially opened and started trading on 15 June last year. The shop became an attraction to the residents and passers-by at the centre. Beelicious grew from strength to strength with the baking classes and food market the shop hosted.

Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: My monthly rental is R6,500 which is average for the area.

Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: The shop is convenient for me in terms of location and works in my favour as it is the only food shop at the centre.

he only thing better than the smell of freshly brewed coffee is having a delicious piece of cake accompanying it, especially if it’s served with a smile. For this reason, the ambience and intimacy of a coffee shop never loses its appeal. Shaistha Sha opened the Beelicious Coffee Shop and Home Industry

Q: How did you find your premises? A: My brother-in-law found the premises advertised on Facebook and encouraged me to investigate. Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: Elvira Centre is small, housing only six shops in total. As this was my first time owning and managing a business, I felt comfortable starting small.

Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: I see about 20 patrons a day. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: Definitely! I currently offer baking and cooking classes on Saturdays, which is fast gaining popularity, so I’d love to eventually move to bigger premises in Westville that would allow me to expand into private and corporate catering. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, I have an active Facebook page (facebook.com/beeliciouss) and Instagram account (@beelicious_coffee_shop) where I showcase some of my treats. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: Definitely the bee-sting cake and a comforting favourite which is the tramezzini and chips.

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Beelicious Coffee Shop and Home Industry 031 266 1022 facebook.com/beeliciouss

19880

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10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

Umhlanga Arch offerings sold out

he 162 state-of-the-art, smart apartments and 30 spacious lofts within the iconic Umhlanga Arch, have officially been sold. “When we launched Umhlanga Arch in December 2016, we knew that the opportunities would fly. Since the announcement of our groundbreaking in October last year, followed by the conclusion of our unique highstreet vision, we saw a huge pique in interest, resulting in our final few residential offerings selling out,” says Chris du Toit, developer representative, Umhlanga Arch. Umhlanga Arch is prominently positioned on the slopes of

Umhlanga’s Ridgeside. This R1,3bn development is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the province and will undoubtedly bolster tourism, stimulate investment into the region, further elevate Umhlanga and the greater Durban to a world-class standing, facilitate significant job creation, and most of all, be an unrivalled place to live. “We are on track and can’t wait to see our vision unravel before our eyes. This is truly going to be a gamechanging development in the prime and popular location of Umhlanga Ridgeside – it’s no wonder the residential side has completely sold out in record time,” says Du Toit.

PROPERTY NEWS

Good value on The Bluff A variety of property available in this southern suburb WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA

IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH

Investing in property is one of the sure ways to ensure your investment pays for itself, but often the property you purchase will not immediately be as perfect as you’d hoped. To make your investment more appealing to the market and a lot more profitable, we recommend a portion of cash outlay, to ensure you can update or renovate it sooner rather than later. MIKE GREEFF, CEO, GREEFF CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Midrand maintains property boom

idrand’s residential property market has steadily made an upward trajectory with 526 more property registrations having taken place between 2016 and 2017.

developments they have launched over the years. Our latest, Jacana, is a signature sectional-title product offering ideal for both homeowners and investors alike,” he says.

“Midrand is attracting a variety of markets, notably young professionals, first-time homeowners and business headquarters of blue-chip companies such as PWC and Deloitte, ” says Andre Christos, CEO, Leogem. “The location lends itself to convenience and modern living, as it sits between Pretoria and Joburg, and benefits from the Gautrain and Mall of Africa bus terminal. There is no denying that this area is growing, and shaping into an upmarket, bustling node. Leogem have played a significant role in shaping Midrand with the lifestyle property

There has been a 48% increase in the last year of registrations for sectionaltitle properties. “Sectional-title living meets the modern needs of working professionals while providing a secure yet dynamic lifestyle. On launching Jacana, our goal was to provide a practical lifestyle, where each apartment is carefully designed to make the most of the space, while the development is close enough to access popular amenities such as retail, fashion, dining hotspots, cultural experiences and business establishments,” says Christos.

Brackenfell market: alive and well

rackenfell has over the last five years seen more development than most other Cape Town suburbs, says Rowan Alexander, director, Alexander Swart Property. When development peaked in Brackenfell two years ago, the total value of property transferred here exceeded R2,5bn in one year. “Regrettably,” he adds, “this boom has come to an end because a dire lack of sewerage infrastructure makes it impossible for most new projects to be undertaken.” The total market value of transferred properties for the last 12 months has therefore dropped to R1,864bn, but, while this may seem discouraging,

the size and scale of projects over the last five years has generated a repeat sale market that is now stronger than ever. In the last 12 months, for example, 1,343 Brackenfell properties changed hands, and there are no signs of the sales tempo slowing down. As he sees it, Brackenfell has now experienced the first phase of the typical 40-year property cycle which affects most suburban residential precincts – the stage in which, after a lull period, large-scale growth and new developments take place. These are then followed by extensive renovation of existing buildings as land runs out and older buildings are demolished to make way for new buildings, Alexander explains.

he Bluff is an umbrella term for seven smaller suburbs: Brighton Beach, Grosvenor, King’s Rest, Ocean View, Fynnland, Treasure Beach and Wentworth, all situated south of Durban on the promontory of land that forms a natural boundary to the harbour. One of Durban’s older areas, The Bluff has a distinct sense of community and unique character and it’s not surprising that the area has a bustling property market. According to Private Property data for April, the Bluff was the 17th most searched-for suburb in Durban with a median price of R1,695m.

“Residential properties range in price from R1m to R10m with commercial properties up to R35m,” says Wondera Erasmus, owner, Harcourts Brighton Beach. Tyson Properties currently has homes on their books ranging in price from R430,000 to R5,7m. “There is also vacant land available,” notes Erasmus, giving buyers the opportunity to build their own dream home.

the many elevated properties in the area, all offering good value for money.

The area is often underrated with buyers not considering the spacious rooms, established gardens and magnificent sea views available from

The location is convenient for many people who work in the nearby areas of Prospecton, Mobeni, Island View, Jacobs, Durban central, Fynnland or Merebank. Transnet, Portnet and Engen are all nearby and buyers wanting to live close to their work are an active sector of the property market here.

Recent upgrades of the beaches and shopping centres in the area have done the property market good and the establishment of the Sodurba Whale Watching Festival – taking place on 30 June at Brighton Beach – will bring visitors to the area.

“There is a range of property available including freestanding houses, simplexes, duplexes, apartments and maisonettes,” says Lynn Roper, franchisee, Tyson Properties Bluff, who adds that properties in Marine Drive, Maxwell Road, Sormany Road, Milkwood Beach Estate, Vistaero and D’anstey are always in demand. “The market on the Bluff is best described as active but cautious,” says Erasmus. Roper adds that any secure property with a sea view is popular and complexes and estates will always have good resale value.

RETIREMENT FOCUS

10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

RETIREMENT FOCUS

Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za/retirement for additional content on

RETIREMENT Interested in making the most of this unique opportunity? Contact our media sales team on 087 828 0423

10 JUNE 2018

Neighbourhood

RETIREMENT FOCUS

Retirement options There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a purchase model – it’s all dependent on finance and the lifestyle you’d prefer WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

here are three key retirement models: sectional title, share block and life rights. Like any property or legal transaction, visit as many retirement developments as you can to compare apples to apples. Having said that, there are numerous variations on the theme, so it’s not that straightforward – everything is development specific, and within the same purchase model costs can vary considerably.

Sectional title

With sectional-title retirement options, the buyer owns the unit outright by means of a title deed registered with the Deeds Office. The developer carries no responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and cost management aspects once the development is sold. In this model, the onus is on the resident to care for their asset. The advantage? Capital appreciation like any other sectional-title purchase. Stefan Botha, director, Rainmaker Marketing, says, “Sectional title is proving popular with younger people who’re not yet at retirement age, but who see it as a good investment – they get a great rental yield until they want to use it for their own retirement purposes. On the other side, there’s a growing

segment of young people investing in retirement for their parents and want to see capital appreciation on that investment they’ve made.”

cheaper to acquire accommodation this way initially, it may prove difficult to sell down the line.”

Share block

“With greater life expectancy than ever before, one of the biggest concerns worrying older people is whether they will outlive their asset,” says Arthur Case, CEO, Evergreen Lifestyle. “With this model, you have a right to occupy the unit for your and your spouse’s lifetime, free of maintenance responsibilities.” Everything remains both an asset and the responsibility of the developer. When life rights terminates, the property reverts to the village’s owner – your estate will receive the original purchase price, plus a pre-determined percentage of the net profit (less certain pre-determined costs).

Though less used today, with share block you don’t obtain exclusive title to the unit you’ve bought, you own shares in the company which owns your home i.e. not a section of the building itself. In this way, costs involved can be minimised. To maintain the property, directors of a share-block company establish a levy fund to which you contribute to cover its running expenses. You receive a share certificate. Transfer duty is still payable on the purchase price to Sars, but the sale is not registered in the Deeds Office. Maria Davey, Meumann White Attorneys, says, “Today, this model is not a popular one for a retiree development. If a share-block company gets into debt and the property is attached and sold in execution, the use and occupation agreements will come to an end. As a shareholder, you have no real right over the property you occupy. Furthermore, finance to buy into a share-block company is not readily available, so although it might be marginally

Life rights is not a property transfer, so no bond registration fees, transfer duties and VAT is payable. Life-rights units are usually more affordable than the other models – no capital appreciation, but no maintenance required, and it’s in the developer’s interest to maintain his asset well. In addition, life rights has a comforting methodology of levy transparency for two years ahead, which makes financial planning easier for the retiree.

084 549 1880 031 208 5578

MARK McALPINE Retirement Property Specialist

Life rights

www.retirement-places.co.za

“Aﬀordable Retirement Properties” LUCAS GARDENS

PINEHAVEN Pinetown

OCEAN VIEW

Musgrave Road 2 Bedroom Apartment

Berea 1 Bedroom Apartment

1 Bedroom Apartment

R 550,000-00

R 525,000-00

R 775,000-00

Monthly Levy: R 1,825-00

Monthly Levy: R 6,236-00

Monthly Levy: R 2,284-00

BARNS COTTAGES

Morningside 1 Bedroom Cottage

Berea 1 Bedroom Apartment

R 695,000-00

R 726,000-00

Monthly Levy: R 2,500-00

ALL UNDER A MILLION RAND

KING’S HALL CBD

1 Bedroom Apartment

R 375,000-00 Monthly Levy: R 1,426-17

CAMBRIDGE GARDENS

GLENHAVEN

Morningside

1 Bedroom Apartment

R 425 000.00 to R 995 000.00 Waiting list applies

Glenwood

R 510,000-00 Monthly Levy: R 1,987-00

EDEN GARDENS

TAFTA PARK (Cottages) Bellair

R 395 000.00 to R 775 000.00 Waiting list applies

Monthly Levy: R 8,237.56 Hotel-type accommodation. Levy includes all meals, 24-hour emergency call, daily servicing and making, etc. bed makin

NO IES V E L L IA C E P S

It’s the difference between no medal and the gold medal

The smallest advantage can yield substantial results. A slight change in an athlete’s reaction time can mean the difference between winning and losing. It’s no different when it comes to retirement. While most providers charge on average 3% in fees, we charge less than 1%, which means more of your money is compounded over time – leaving you with up to 60% more cash at retirement.

1 m i C C

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T&Cs apply. 10X is a licenced Financial Services Provider #28250 and S13B Pension Funds Administrator #24/444.

Look out for our monthly Retirement Section. Next issue: 8 July 2018

yourneighbourhood.co.za/retirement

3369

ROB ROY LUXURY RETIREMENT BOTHA’S HILL

You’re invited to experience a spectacular lifestyle, ROB ROY - the Rolls Royce of retirement living!

10 years ago, The ROB ROY Hotel was transformed into the finest retirement lifestyle village in South Africa. Further apartments are being built to meet the increasing demand for first class, yet affordable, retirement properties. ROB ROY consists of houses, apartments and a Care Centre situated in magnificently landscaped gardens within a highly secure estate. Continue to enjoy the lifestyle you are accustomed to, share a sundowner in the MacGregor Bar or take a casual stroll to the King James VII Community Centre. Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck whilst taking in the beauty of glorious sunsets over the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Retirement is the time to live life to the full and to enjoy every moment!

ESTABLISHED CARE CENTRE

The established and equipped 24 HOUR CARE CENTRE has been running for nearly 10 years. It is conveniently situated in the main building and boasts the following features: • Daily / weekly / monthly care available • Different levels of care are available from post-operative or convalescence (short and long term) to 24 hour nursing care if required • Full nursing facilities that specialise in care for the elderly • Full wheelchair access to all facilities • Views across the gardens and The Valley of a 1000 Hills • Ordering and dispensing of medicine and injections • Collecting samples for Laboratory analysis • Individual needs and special diets are catered for • Dressing wounds • Keeping and updating patients records • Assessing patients and reporting to doctors

LUXURIOUS LIFESTYLE

A range of facilities, including: • Heated swimming pool and gym • Community Centre • Card room and Snooker lounge • Libraries • Lounges and in-house Pub • Cinema / auditorium • Dining room and room service • Walking paths • Shop and hairdresser • Hobby workshops • Laundry facilities • Private transport for shopping • Post boxes • Newspaper delivery • Car wash facilities • Bowling Green

24 HOUR SECURITY

ROB ROY offers state of the art security for peace of mind.

ASSISTED LIVING Assisted Living is also offered for those residents who want to remain in their own apartments when independent living becomes a challenge. This includes most of the service offered by the Care Centre but in your own home.

Retirement at the ROB ROY is the time to

lie and he ull enjoy ever� moment!

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AVAILABLE

ROB ROY offers a choice of houses or luxury apartments. All units have their own ﬁtted kitchens and some have private balconies with superb views. Prices range from R750 000 to R2 400 000 and the following is what we have on offer currently: • One bedroom apartment with balcony close to all central facilities • One private free standing one bedroom cottage with separate guest suite and sun lounge • Bright and airy studio apartment • Two bedroom unit with country views and veranda • A selection of the last remaining north facing units in the new Inverness block

www.robroylifestylevillages.co.za

2018/06/06 10:51 AM