Neighbourhood 19 AUGUST 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Coastal dream
The breathtaking natural surrounds, the security, the lifestyle, Zimbali Coastal Resort & Estate has it all, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: ZIMBALI
yourneighbourhood.co.za
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ENTERTAINMENT TRENDS
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UMDLOTI
Connecting homeowners with great communities
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BUSINESS Q&A
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PROPERTY NEWS
19 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Zimbali Coastal Resort & Estate Interior designer Michele Throssell tells us about her neighbourhood WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: SUPPLIED & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
Zimbali is the perfect fit for my lifestyle because it provides exactly what I need – security when I’m home alone, the sea, and breathtaking natural surrounds MICHELE THROSSELL
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imbali Coastal Resort & Estate is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s prized residential estates, for numerous crystal-clear reasons. It sprawls attractively along the North Coast between authentic coastal forest vegetation stretching all the way to the sea and, for residents, it offers astonishingly different vistas and eco-systems – all green and glorious. It’s a perfect balance between supremely sophisticated and secure living with world-class, signature golf courses, globally acclaimed hotels, spas and restaurants within the Zimbali precinct, and a wonderfully natural environment in which to live and raise a family. Conveniently positioned on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, it’s undoubtedly the best of all worlds.
SCHOOLS: • Ashton International College, Ballito • Curro Mount Richmore, Mount Richmore Estate • Trinityhouse Palm Lakes, Palm Lakes Family Estate • Reddam House Ballito • Crawford College North Coast, Oceans • Umhlali Preparatory School, Umhlali
SLEEP: • Fairmont Zimbali Resort • Salt Rock Hotel Beach Resort • La Montagne Resort Hotel and Spa, Ballito • Fairways Boutique Hotel, Salt Rock • Canelands Beach Club & Spa, Salt Rock
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
EAT: • Ayoba! Restaurant: Central American flair • Osa: flavoursome cuisine of India • Mo-zam-bik Ballito: Afro-Portuguese meals • Zaras Cafe, Ballito: fresh fusion of continental-style food • Fiamma Grill, Ballito: vibrant restaurant in Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel • Beira Alta, Ballito: Portuguese dishes with an African influence • Al Pescatore, Ballito: Italian cooking, plus seafood specials • Spice, Westbrook: Indo-continental infusion of spices • Delish Sisters, Salt Rock: fresh, wholesome dishes using seasonal ingredients
Michele Throssell is a quiet, understated powerhouse within the interior design and decorating fields. She lives with her husband and family at Zimbali and, although her passion is for creating extraordinary interiors, she loves the emphasis on a life which revolves around nature and authenticity, one which is offered by the estate.
Home sweet home For Michele, life at Zimbali is not only the perfect complement to her preferred lifestyle, but it’s also five minutes from her design studio in Ballito. “We bought a piece of land a few years before we built, and spent quite
some time planning and designing our space. The architectural firm we employed, Rowley S Watermeyer & Paul Nel, was instrumental in the architectural design, but I had a very clear vision of what we wanted and how we wanted to live. Naturally, we had to follow the Zimbali architectural design manual, but we celebrated the organic textures and finishes to create a home that was, and is, warm, inviting, and importantly for me, wholly unpretentious. We’ve been in our home almost six years, and every day we still love the extraordinary views and its amazing proximity to the sea – I love swimming, so that easy accessibility matters so much to me.”
we prefer to spend time together as a family and eat at home. If not, we choose to eat out at Delish. It’s not a secret destination, but it’s absolutely a gem in our neck of the woods. The Delish sisters produce beautiful home-made and organic food which is of an incredible standard.”
Michele’s husband commutes regularly and is often away, so the security offered by Zimbali is a great comfort. “Here, in my home, I feel such a sense of safety, and particularly when I’m alone, I feel entirely relaxed at night. That’s very important to me.”
For Michele, a Sunday provides the opportunity for an early rise and a long walk around Zimbali. She follows that with a swim in the ocean, and a late breakfast at Delish. “Tidal pools are my weekend favourites – especially Salt Rock and Thompsons Bay – and I begin the day with a yoga session as often as I possibly can.”
Michele doesn’t hesitate when asked about the favourite space in her home. “My bedroom. It’s a sanctuary of peace and quiet, with breathtaking views of the sea and golf course. I also love the lights of the ships at night.”
Gems in the neighbourhood The long-term success of Michele’s interior-design business means she, too, travels quite extensively. That usually translates into a love of being at home. “If we have a choice,
Living in Zimbali, having chosen the very site on which to live which provides access to whatever brings you joy – whether it’s the beach or golf – means home is more than a house. It’s a sanctuary of course, but it’s also a community and a lifestyle.
Perfect Sunday
In the past 18 months, Michele has been creating magical interiors in the Greater Kruger area, so for her, although it’s essentially work, she finds Mala Mala in Sabi Sands to be an incredible escape. “I’ve been working there for a while now, travelling there regularly for site visits, and it’s truly a wonderful experience. I consider it the finest resort, given what is on offer regarding bush life and birds.” For Michele, little brings more peace than being in natural surroundings, whether it’s beach or bush… and she’s fortunate to live in an environment which offers both.
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19 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
For sale
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R12,95m
R32,500
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R6,565m
R6,3m
R12,55m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R124,970
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PROPERTY NEWS
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
R30,000
R30,000
R30,000
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property type:
58% house
14%
apartment
28% complex
beach resort
Property type: Based on
R12,95m
63% house
18%
median asking price
apartment
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
19% complex
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HOMEOWNERS RETIREMENT
19 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
MORE ONLINE: yourneighbourhood.co.za
Are you entertained? From music to home theatre, South Africa is by no means behind the tech times. So what’s at the top of the list? WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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ccording to Warren Husband, Homemation, “South Africa is very close behind the trends set by international (tech) companies. Typically, products and solutions are available within weeks of international launch.”
Streaming services
Karl Wagner, Audio Excellence in Umhlanga, concurs, “Our industry is very current. The world has become truly global with no country dominating.”
Adds Warren, “Whether it’s movies, series or music, our improved internet infrastructure and high-bandwidth internet has opened up a whole new way to enjoy our favourites. Gone are the days of looking through old CD or DVD boxes only to find out the disc is missing... Deezer, Tidal and Spotify for the audio enthusiasts and Netflix, Showmax and even DStv are offering their content over the internet, so you never miss a beat when it comes to seeing or hearing your favourites.”
“Not a physical product, but one which gives access to huge music libraries. For a nominal monthly subscription, most music can stream into your home or be stored on a portable device for offline playback,” says Karl.
Wireless distributed music
Having your music available throughout the home is still one of the most soughtafter home entertainment solutions. “It allows for any music signal source, be it a CD player, phone, music streaming service or FM radio, to transmit wirelessly from one room to several, all controllable by a smart device. Our preferred all-encompassing product for this is Yamaha Music Cast,” explains Karl.
Turntables
“Companies like HEOS by Denon can add this feature to the home without cutting into ceilings or running cables across walls to add speakers throughout. It still offers all the features and abilities of a centralised system which is typically installed at the time of a new-build or renovation,” says Warren.
“Not a new technology, but one which proves that ultimately we are human and, like a book, some things are better if they’re tangible,” says Karl. “For a physical connection to the music which matters to us, nothing beats an LP for its artwork, linear notes and authentic sound. Turntables range from modest to state of the art, utilising modern materials and engineering techniques. For music nirvana, we love ClearAudio from Germany.”
Home-theatre systems
Today’s home-movie experience can vary from a very ordinary soundbar to a truly immersive cinema. As Karl explains, “It’s expanded from sound playing only in one plane – front to back – to coming at us from a 360º field with overhead speakers. Dolby Atmos and DTSX can position a sound accurately within a room. Quality home theatres do require the services of a specialty AV integrator like Audio Excellence.”
Bluetooth speakers
Warren says portable entertainment technology is a fast-growing segment of the market which introduces highquality audio and video experiences to a younger generation, or those who might not be purchasing larger home-installed solutions. “For those on the move, who want to take their favourite entertainment experiences with them, there are multiple solutions – headphones in all shapes and sizes for your gym session or travelling (with active noise-cancelling for planes, trains and buses), or even for high-quality audio when at home, but without disturbing other family members. Portable speakers are also being reinvented making them water-resistant, so you can bring your favourite music to the pool or beach without worrying the device might not survive the trip.”
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The WHAT HIFI Award winning AVR-X2400H is the entertainment centerpiece to help you build your perfect home theater. This 7.2 AV Surround Receiver with 150W per channel delivers incredibly immersive surround sound, plenty of amplifier power and unparalleled music playback options, thanks to built-in HEOS technology. Available from: Audio Architex, Simplex Radio, Mod ‘n Sound, Intello Home, Audico 011 781 8887 · info@denon.co.za · www.denon.co.za
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2018/08/14 1:26:02 PM
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PROPERTY NEWS
19 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
Developer notching up urban renewal
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ape-based property development group Rawson Developers has reached their goal of bringing urban renewal to properties in Main Road, Observatory. Carl Nortje, managing director, Rawson Developers, says that while the value of development in the CBD was up by over 50% over 2016/2017, the south has also shown immense growth, not only in popular hubs but places needing investment and rejuvenation. Observatory Main Road seems a good example, where a number of unsustainable commercial buildings have given way to state-ofthe-art new developments. “These include our residential apartment blocks, the Paragon and Madison Place.
Umdloti on the rise
They’re conveniently located across the road from the Groote Schuur Hospital campus and highly accessible to the CBD, V&A Waterfront and airport. We broke ground on the reclaimed Paragon site in late 2015, followed by Madison Place in 2016. Both sites formerly contained run-down commercial buildings. Now, close to a full house of 141 units at the Paragon and 88 units at Madison Place had been snapped up by a market of savvy investors,” says Nortje.
There’s increased investor interest as a new development happens nearby WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH
“We currently have another project on the ground in Observatory: the Winchester. Our projects place great emphasis on security and mobility, being close to public transport and/or the major CBD access routes,” adds Nortje.
Property investment offers two types of return – capital, which is derived from property price growth, and income, also known as yield, which is derived from rental income. When choosing a property, it is important to decide which type of return you are seeking to prioritise. GARETH BAILEY, AREA PRINCIPAL, PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES DURBAN COASTAL
Estate living on the rise in Port Elizabeth
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ort Elizabeth will be home to a new lifestyle development named Westbrook, where you can “live, work, learn, play, shop, retire”. Developed by the Amdec Group, it will comprise 3,500 residential homes spread across nine residential villages, as well as the 160,000m 2 Westbrook Town Square, set to feature health-care facilities, retail stores, restaurants and premium office space, and a retirement estate within the development. These offer all the elements of mixed-use constructs like security, accessibility, walkability and a strong sense of community. “Westbrook is the first estate of its magnitude and kind in the area
attracting people of all ages and from all walks of life who’ve been searching for a sanctuary for their families to live, learn, work and play,” explains Clifford Oosthuizen, managing director, Westbrook. The estate itself offers a wide variety of amenities, recreation and leisure facilities at the nearby Bay West Mall. It’s also home to Westbrook Curro School. “The city of Port Elizabeth in general, is reshaping to become a soughtafter destination for properties which are relatively affordable compared to other major South African cities. We have put R91m into this development this year alone because we believe in the future of this place,” concludes Clifford.
Banks positive about lending P roperty statistics for the second quarter (Q2 2018) released by Ooba indicate that banks remain positive about the home loan lending environment. According to Rhys Dyer, CEO, Ooba, ongoing economic and affordability constraints, socio-political issues, and the uncertainty around the Land Reform Bill, are hampering growth in the property market. This causes average price growth to drop below the current rate of inflation. “Home loan application volumes are also down year on year, however, approval rates on these applications are up, illustrating a healthy
appetite from banks to lend money. Banks appear to be confident that property prices will continue to show steady nominal growth, which is great news for homeowners,” Dyer explains. Ooba’s approval ratio of 75,8% for Q2 2018 compared to Q2 2017’s 73,1% shows that bank approvals have increased by 2,7% year on year. “Although we’re technically experiencing a buyers’ market, improved access to home loan finance will increase the pool of potential property buyers. This is also positive for sellers struggling to sell their properties,” concludes Dyer.
U
mdloti is a secluded gem on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Traditionally a resort town, many people from all over the country fondly remember happy beachside holidays here in years gone by. “There has been a lot of growth in Umdloti over the last decade,” says Kerry Bailey, principal, Tyson Properties Umhlanga and Ballito. “Older homes have been beautifully renovated and vacant land in Bellamont Road has been developed. The development of the Sibaya Casino and the opening of the King Shaka Airport have had a positive impact making it more attractive to a potential buyer or investor.” This upward trend is expected to continue with the suburb’s location becoming more in demand for its
convenient position between Durban and Ballito and adjacent to the new development taking place at Sibaya. “The current market is looking good,” says Colin Moses, manager principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Realty Westbrook Beach. “There’s been a steady and firm increase in sales specifically in apartments, probably because of investment opportunities or second-home owners who may not live here but would like to have beach property. There have been more buyers aged 50 to 60 than sellers, followed by the age group of 36 to 49.” “Properties in Umdloti range from entry-level apartments in the early R2 millions, to high-end homes that can sell for between R15m and R20m,” says Bailey. “There are free-standing houses,
sectional-title units – both simplexes and duplexes – and apartments.” She adds that homes along Bellamont Road that offer bigger plots and beautiful sea views are sought after along with South Beach and Newsel roads. Moses says that in terms of complexes and apartments, Surf Side, Marginella, Telena, Lazy Lizard, Camarque, Donna Sierrax, Umdloti Resort and Club Mykonos are perennially popular. Agents in the area are expecting even more interest in the sleepy seaside town as the development at Sibaya progresses. “Sibaya is booming business-wise,” says Moses. The market is buoyant and there’s considerable investor interest, Bailey notes. “Umdloti offers a quieter lifestyle than Umhlanga and is sometimes more attractive to the buyer who wants to be out of the hustle and bustle.”
19 AUGUST 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood FitnessAlive Sport and Fitness Academy trains girls and boys in their specific sport codes, so they can excel WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
PROPERTY NEWS
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hysical activity for kids forms part of early childhood development and goes a long way to keep boredom at bay. Ria Mncube supports the idea of fit, happy kids by promoting outdoor play. Her business, FitnessAlive Sport and Fitness Academy, combines fun and exercise for all age groups. Q: How did your business start? A: I started a business when I struggled to put my honours degree in sport science to use. I used to work in one of the branches of a reputable gym and it would frustrate me to wake up each day simply to put weights back on the rack. I had so much to offer, just no platform to do so. I started FitnessAlive Sport and Fitness Academy in 2015 and we opened the Westwood Mall branch on 4 August this year. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: I operate from the Motion Inc Indoor Sports Arena at the Westwood Mall, which is within a residential area and very central to attract clients. The sports centre itself is new and they’re open to trying different things. They never had a kid’s fitness programme, so it was a good fit. Q: How did you find your premises? A: I try to keep up to date with news relevant to sport and new facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. I came across an advert for the sports arena and contacted them to ask about using their facilities.
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Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: The arena is inside a mall, so parents can do their shopping while the kids are having fun. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: The Planet Fitness gym, which is great for bringing new clients to me. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: The rent is high, but we have reached a rental agreement that works for both parties. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: I see about 20 kids a day. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I have a branch in Durban North and am currently working towards setting up something in Pietermaritzburg, Ballito and my hometown of Richards Bay. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: I have active Facebook and Instagram (@ 111fitnessalive) accounts and will open a website soon. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: Kids enjoy the netball training, soccer, volleyball, basketball, aerobics and fitness training.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: FitnessAlive Sport and Fitness Academy 078 330 9391 bit.ly/2OReDoa
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PROPERTY NEWS
10 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
AGENTS MOVE TRANSACTIONS FORWARD
No home is a perfect fit – not for the seller, not for the buyer. Registered estate agents know how to overcome objections on price, date of occupation, and all the nitty-gritty elements that make up a property transaction. Registered estate agents have the experience to move the transaction forward.
Another good reason why you should use an estate agent
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