Neighbourhood 23 FEBRUARY 2020
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
We hunt! The biggest independent developer in KwaZulu-Natal, page 4
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PROPERTY FOCUS: PENNINGTON
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PROPERTY NEWS
23 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
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Tranquil living in Pennington A small town on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, Pennington is an eclectic mix of agricultural land under sugar cane and dairy farming, and holiday homes belonging to families flocking to the coast to appreciate the year-round beautiful weather WORDS: NICOLA JENVEY *Map not to scale
IMAGES: TERRY HAYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY & GOOGLE MAPS
P
oised on hills overlooking the Indian Ocean, Pennington takes its name from an English family who began farming in the area in the late 19th century before sugar magnate Sir Frank Reynolds acquired part of the property to develop his country home. Reynolds named his estate Umdoni Park after the local water myrtle (mdoni) trees and built a seaside residence – now an upmarket accommodation venue – for the South African prime ministers reflecting his admiration for Louis Botha.
Property Given its dominance as a holiday destination, the bulk of properties in Pennington are holiday homes rather than permanently occupied residences. In accommodating large family units, stand-alone houses are typically three-, four- and fivebedroom mansions and sea views are the most sought-after options. However, driving through the seaside town, the number of “for sale” signs cannot be ignored with The Dog House Craft Café owner
BUSINESS INSIDER Andy Turner and Natalie Danks of the Dog House Craft Café and Basset Breweries have called Pennington their home for 19 and 12 years respectively, choosing the tranquillity of a seaside lifestyle over big city living. They believe the town is blessed with “very little crime” while bushbuck, porcupines and bush pigs roam the streets. The couple say they’ve seen a change in the Pennington community, shifting from the permanent residents being retirees to younger families seeking a more balanced lifestyle and willing to commute to work. The couple chose the private nature reserve Yellowwood Farm for their businesses for its beauty and a keen sense of participating in the area’s protection. Customers are drawn from locals and as far afield as Pietermaritzburg when the weather calls for a legendary oxtail and craft beer pie and they commented that the 2019/2020 festive season was “hugely successful and busy” despite the economic woes under which South Africans are struggling.
Andy Turner commenting this reflects the current economy where running two properties has become beyond reach of countless citizens. On a positive scale the multi-million rand Umdoni Point Lifestyle Village, a development planning to bring 271 sectional title housing units to the market for the over-50 age group, was launched last September. Umdoni Point sales representative Des Robb says only 12% of the 50ha will be developed with the balance remaining as natural forests and wetlands. The current focus incorporates the 70-unit first phase with construction starting on the show house before the end of February. “This development will put Pennington on the map, fundamentally changing the village via capital investment, increased population and the opportunity to improve the local economy,” he says.
Must-do activities Given the subtropical climate, outdoor activities dominate the Pennington lifestyle. Up first are the Pennington
and Impithi beaches for crayfish diving and black mussel collecting – fishing and mussel licences are required and can be purchased from the post office – shifting to opportunities for shark cage diving, walks and birdwatching in the TC Robertson Nature Reserve and Umdoni Rain Forest and rounds of golf at Selborne and Umdoni Park. Within easy driving distance along the South Coast are another six golf courses, while travelling north towards Durban more than doubles the options.
Schools Currently, the town boasts Pennington Pre-primary, Pennington Primary and Sezela Primary schools as government schools, as well as the new private education institution Woodcrest Academy. Operating from Lynton Hall Cottage, the facility offers grades one to seven on a mainstream Caps curriculum and a senior multigrade home-school class supported by full-time educators. Other high school options include the private institutions Curro Creston College and South Coast Academy, while Port Shepstone High School is a highly respected government high school.
23 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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Pennington is South Africa’s hidden gem, especially as the national freeway N2 passes by the town. Yet, there’s nothing not to love – the sea views, outstanding golf courses, abundance of wildlife and birding, and the quality of life it offers. I shall never leave. DES ROBB, RESIDENT FOR 35 YEARS
EAT • Umdoni Park Golf Course restaurant • Impithi Beach Kiosk, Pennington Conservancy • The Dog House Craft Café and Basset Breweries • The Resu-Wrecked Heron Ladies Bar and Restaurant
MEDICAL FACILITIES NEARBY
• Frailcare Centre • GJ Crookes Provincial Hospital (public hospital) • GM Seaview Hospital (private hospital) • Umzinto Medical Centre • Hibiscus Private Hospital
SHOP
You’ll pay
R13,516 per month
R1,425m
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R1,2m In a complex
For rent Median asking price
R8,500
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
3%
R7,000 In a complex
R4,000
For a garden cottage
COMPLEX
For a typical property in this area
Median asking price
13%
OK Foods, Pennington Scottburgh Mall, Scottburgh Shelly Centre, Shelly Beach South Coast Mall, Shelly Beach
13%
APARTMENT
Monthly bond repayments
APARTMENT
For sale
COMPLEX
• • • •
17%
over a period of 20 years at 9.75% prime
R930,000
84%
For an apartment
R1,75m For a house
R4,000
For an apartment
R8,500 For a house
67% 3%
HOUSE
median asking price
HOUSE
R1,425m
GARDEN COTTAGE
Based on
The data reflected herein represents data that is voluntarily obtained from subscribers from the Private Property South Africa’s website and is based solely on data collected by Private Property South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Further, the data reflected herein is accurate as per the Private Property South Africa database dated 19 February 2020. Reliance on such data is at the sole discretion of subscribers and Private Property South Africa hereby indemnifies itself of any consequence of such reliance.
Biggest Independent Property Developer and Property Specialist in KZN Specialising in: Leisure and Hotels | Medical | Residential | Commercial
AFRICA RISING (Pty) Ltd is one of the leading property development, marketing and project management companies in KwaZulu Natal. We have over 1.2 Billion rand on our books for current and future developments. In addition to development, marketing and project management we also assist in the legal side of the whole project process, which can be daunting to some lacking knowledge in this area.
ZIMBALI SUITES
THE MADISON MEDICAL SUITES
THE MADISON RESIDENTIAL
THE MARINA RESIDENTIAL
Located along one of the most prestigious parts of KZN’s breathtaking Dolphin Coast, these suites offer an idyllic escape from the city.
Directly Opposite Umhlanga Gateway Hospital (BUSA MED).
Situated in the heart of the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre.
Located in Umhlanga New Town Centre, Gateway.
15 executive medical suites to chose from, these are Lifestyle Medical Suites that come with owner access to an outdoor swimming pool, gym and sauna.
Surround yourself with world-class shopping, a range of culinary experiences, entertainment options and of course, the glorious Umhlanga coastline, right on your doorstep.
Luxury Apartments with access to large indoor swimming pool, gym Units have fully fitted BIC and granite Kitchens, Smeg Ovens, extractors and Hob. Some units have sea views.
Last 10 Units available
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom R 1 300 000
Combining the luxury of living in an exclusive serviced suite with all the offerings of a fivestar hotel and integrated coastal resort. 3 x 1 bedrooms R 2 300 000 each 2 x 2 bedrooms R 4 500 000 each
Prices starting from R 2 300 000
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms R 2 450 000 (Duplex) 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms R 3 950 000 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathrooms R 3 650 000
2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms R 2 350 000 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms R 4 700 000
AFRICA RISING GROUP Biggest Independent Property Developer and Property Specialist in KZN Also Specialising in: • Property syndication • Property swaps • Conflict Resolution and mediation • Project origination • Property instalment sales • Property financing • Project management
PARK AVENUE
QUEENSBURGH 611619 OLD MAIN ROAD
SIBAYA SITE
THE GRAND CENTRAL OFFICE SPACE
HOTEL MARINA
Situated in the heart of the vibrant Umhlanga New Town Centre Park Avenue.
Located in Northdene which is a suburb of Queensburgh approximately 20km West of Durban in the Greater Durban Metropolitan Area. The property fronts onto Main Road which is a main thoroughfare linking Malvern, Queensburgh and Pinetown and also provides main access to and from the M7 freeway.
An opportunity for people to buy land at a central location as it falls between Ballito and Umhlanga.
This ground floor shop is ideally locality next to Gateway’s Theatre of Shopping and European Square.
Umhlanga Town Centre (Gateway)
This 9063 m2 property (The Sterling) has proposed plans for 100 room Hotel, 50 - 2 bedroom apartments, super car showroom, 500 seater conference centre or theatre, shops and restaurants.
The site comes with: 2 secure parking bays, zoned mixed use 1 for any commercial business, flooring - carpets & tiles, kitchen, air-conditioned, burglar armed, built in cupboards and 2 toilets.
The hotel has 63 rooms, a conference centre, restaurant, swimming pool, fully fitted kitchen, refrigeration room, a large dining area, a huge private lounge & bar, a spa, cigar lounge as well as interactive lounges.
Park Avenue is set to become one of the most sought after developments due to both its location and offering. Residents have access to a swimming pool and gym. Units have fully fitted BIC and granite Kitchens 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms R 1 850 000.00 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms R 3 295 000.00
This fully fenced, 22 300m2 property has 5 building structures on site and a swimming pool. The ideal space for a hospital, school, church or religious organisation.
Selling price R 55 million
Selling price R 6.5 million
A four star property with five star facilities.
Price P.O.A
Selling price R 14 500 000
CONTACT US TODAY! CRYSTAL
031 566 1230 | africarising@vodamail.co.za | www.africarisinggroup.co.za
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PROPERTY NEWS
23 FEBRUARY 2020
Neighbourhood
Radisson Hotels achieves continental success
T
he Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson Blu, the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa, has surpassed its expected Indian Ocean development objective of doubling this portfolio by 2022, and is now aiming to triple it in 2020. The Indian Ocean is a key market in the group’s African development
strategy, with seven hotels in operation or being developed in the region. This forms part of Radisson Hotel Group’s African portfolio comprising almost 100 hotels in operation and under development across 33 markets. Already established in Mauritius, the group has expanded to two other Indian Ocean islands – Madagascar
and Reunion. “Our development strategy in the Indian Ocean focusses on both leisure and business segments for resorts, hotels, serviced apartments and mixed-use developments across our five hotel brands. Seychelles is the next priority island in the group’s expansion strategy,” says Radisson senior director of development Erwan Garnier. “As part of our aggressive African development plan, 65% of our future hotel supply will come from our newer brands, specifically Radisson, positioned in the full-service upscale segment and already gaining significant traction across Africa, and Radisson Collection, in the affordable luxury segment. We’ll continue in the lifestyle upscale segment of the market with the Radisson RED brand, building on the momentum gained by the success of the Radisson RED hotel in Cape Town. Finally, we will keep taking advantage of the success of Radisson Blu, our flagship upper upscale brand that remains the fastest growing on the continent,” Garnier says.
Current Joburg rental market in a nutshell W hile the rental market remains extremely competitive at the moment, there’s still great rental demand and many people – especially millennials – currently prefer renting to buying.
offers accessibility to the Fourways Business node), family homes in the Linden area, and the suburbs of Randpark Ridge, Sundowner and Northcliff, are especially sought after.
Sandton
David Ingle, principal, Seeff Edenvale, says Edenvale and Bedfordview have seen an increase in high-end rentals priced between R20,000 and R30,000 per month.
Charles Vining, Seeff’s MD in Sandton, says millennials and a mix of local and expat clients who want to be close to the business environment, are some of the groups drawn to the popular rental hotspots in Sandton and surrounds. Vining says they’re witnessing a trend in Sandton where many millennials are choosing to rent as opposed to buying. “Millennials like the relative freedom of renting versus owning. We see few young people renting straight after graduating. Most work for a year or so, possibly living at home or sharing with friends, before renting a home of their own. “Security is a major consideration when considering rental property in Sandton. Wi-Fi and off-street parking are almost non-negotiable, while developments with gyms, clubhouses or recreational areas like parks and dams are big draw cards. “Traffic also has a big impact on the location decision of most tenants. For family tenants, school proximity trumps most decisions.”
Randburg
Duane Butler, GM, Seeff Randburg, says, in general, demand for rental property here has declined and rental rates are down due to affordability issues. Butler says despite this there’s still great demand for rental properties in Randburg, especially those bordering the Sandton suburbs due to accessibility to the Sandton CBD. Rental property in suburbs like Greenside and Jukskei Park (that
Edenvale and Bedfordview
“There’s a shortage of stock in this range as many owners are reluctant to rent out their properties fearing that tenants will not take care of them. Greenstone Hill is definitely the rental hot spot in Edenvale, where there’s always good stock available and property moves quickly.” Ingle concludes that Modderfontein has seen new sectional title stock come available from M&T Developers and Linbro Park has also supplied new stock from Balwin.
“Both these areas are ideal for tenants working anywhere from Sandton to Midrand and Edenvale.”
Soweto
Khosi Sibiya and Phindi Mphahlele, owners, Seeff Soweto, say the rental market here is vibrant, especially among millennials. “Not many people are able to buy a property in the current economic climate and this, coupled with the fact that there are many new developments taking place in the area at the moment, is fuelling Soweto’s rental market.” Millennials are the largest generation residing in Soweto at the moment and they’re also the group who rent the most. Millennials are moving out of their parent’s homes and forming their own independent households and like the generations before them, they prefer to rent before they buy.
Jawitz launches reserve outside Pietermaritzburg
J
awitz Properties has brought several plots of land at Emanzini Private Reserve development to market. The development, which fuses modern convenience and safari luxury, is in the heart of the uMngeni Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, a malaria-free area, on the south shore of the Albert Falls Dam. Just a 25-minutes’ drive outside of Pietermaritzburg, the reserve will encompass 18 bush lodges, which are sectional title sites ranging from 200m 2 to 350m 2; eight eco lodge sites with building footprints of 200m 2; and Spurwing, comprising eight sites with building footprints of 250m 2 each with majestic views of the Albert Falls Dam.
According to Ken Albon, property consultant, Jawitz Properties Pietermaritzburg, the reserve is one of KZN’s best-kept secrets and has been designed for those who love to spend their time in nature but still enjoy the conveniences of modern living. “The property not only carries a large number of prized game and offers superb birdwatching, but it also offers water sports, as well as trails and biking routes.” The 300ha reserve offers buyers a range of residential property options that can be managed as turnkey projects or developed as plot-and-plan homes according to set architectural guidelines to maintain the theme of the development.
Evergreen introduces flexible pricing options E
up to 30%. To ensure the prospect is viable, the capital returned to the life rights holder on termination is reduced to compensate for the price reduction.
Given the current weak property market, Evergreen has decided to not sell the standard life rights at the usual market-related price, with the original capital to be returned to the life rights holder’s estate on termination, but instead to offer life rights on a new house or apartment at a discount of
“Being able to move into an Evergreen home at a reduced price will allow you to lower the price on the sale of your family home, leaving you in a cash-neutral position. This is only possible because of the financial strength of the Evergreen Group,” says Evergreen Lifestyle brand marketing director Arthur Case. “It’s the only retirement village developer able to offer flexible pricing on this scale, making the product unique.”
vergreen Lifestyle retirement villages has introduced flexible retirement purchase pricing. This new initiative makes the same property available for purchase at different prices, while allowing the purchaser to determine the price of life rights on a new home or apartment.
Welcome
TO HAPPY WANDERERS HOLIDAY RESORT...
Happy Wanderers Holiday Resort is uniquely situated on a 500m unspoiled private beach in Kelso. Just 65km south of Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Happy Wanderers has been in existence since 13th December 1963 and has, in recent years, undergone major refurbishment. Even though Happy Wanderers is privately owned and is essentially a Self-Catering Family Resort, it is a popular holiday/weekend destination, offering Apartments, caravan/camping sites, a stunning Ladies Bar, and a la Carte Restaurant, outdoor patios, games room, a well stocked Superette, fresh water swimming pools, kiddies outdoor play centre, outdoor chess and in season and weekend entertainment. Happy Wanderers has a small conference centre and is a popular venue for weddings and functions. We too have a oatable beach wheelchair for folk who are not able to walk on our beautiful beach. We thank you, should you choose to visit us where you will be met by a happy welcoming team of Staff.
CONTACT US 1 Abrams Drive, Kelso, South Coast, KZN, SA happywanderers@telkomsa.net Call Us: 039 975 1104 / 1155 / (Restaurant 039 975 1226) | Email: caradinerestaurant@gmail.com Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 4pm
kingsford.co.za 8 Kings Avenue, Westville