Neighbourhood 24 JUNE 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
In full view The countryside charm of Assagay continues to attract investors and homeowners, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: ASSAGAY
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BUSINESS Q&A
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PROPERTY NEWS
24 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Assagay Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale
I’ve been riding horses since I was in junior school, so it was great to move to Assagay once I got married. I stable our horses locally, and we can ride three or four times a week – I love it here. PENNY JADE, RESIDENT
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art countryside, part little village, Assagay nudges Hillcrest. One of its major drawcards is that it’s sandwiched between the winding old M13, the sleek N3 toll freeway, giving quick and easy links to Durban and the northern and southern freeways, as well as the arterial Kassier Road which links Assagay to Old Main Road and the commercial heart of Hillcrest. It’s immensely convenient to everything, even for those commuting to Durban or Pietermaritzburg. The name Assagay, or sometimes Assegay, originates from assegaai, the amaXhosa throwing spear, and the village’s name was taken from the underlying farm, Assagay Kraal.
Property Assagay and its country neighbours, Botha’s Hill and Alverstone, as well as the horse-country settlements of Summerveld and Shongweni, feature a wide range of properties, from smallholdings to farmhouses and gated estates. Elevated considerably from coastal Durban, it’s here where winter really means winter, and market gardens, horse riding, polo, and country fare are the order of the day. Resident Carol Pool, says, “We come from farming stock, so a smallholding was the next best thing for us. We wanted our children to have a country upbringing, and here you have the best of all worlds.” The smallholding reputation has gradually broadened over the years to include larger mid- to high-end townhouse complexes like Silver Oaks, Queensbridge, Highmead and Aintree Lane (Shongweni). The old Polo Pony Hotel, a well-known PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
watering hole opposite the polo grounds, morphed into the Assagay Hotel, and today, you’ll find a brand-new retirement complex, the Polo Pony Lifestyle Estate. Retirement property has certainly been on the increase with a number of popular retirement villages based in the area. Hillcrest Country Retirement Estate is situated in Assagay’s Country Lane opposite the Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, and at Botha’s Hill, perched over the magnificent Valley of 1,000 Hills, there’s the Rob Roy Luxury Retirement Village. As resident Nigel Todd explains, “It’s only in the last few years that retirement villages started up in the area, and we were very relieved because we couldn’t envisage ourselves moving to the city! We’ve moved just down the road, same country lifestyle, just with a care facility.”
Schooling The schooling in the Outer West region is both prolific and excellent and, as the crow flies, schools from Kloof to Botha’s Hill – incorporating Assagay – are ten minutes in every direction. Just up the hill, is the well-known private boy’s high school of Kearsney College and in Hillcrest, you’ll find the private schools of Curro Hillcrest, Waterfall College and Highbury Preparatory School for young boys. Slightly further afield in Kloof is St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls and the co-educational Thomas More. The government schools in Hillcrest and Kloof, such as Kloof High School and Hillcrest High School, cover the full age spectrum and have very good reputations – so, too, has Winston Park.
Explore Given that Assagay is chosen for its country lifestyle, it’s not surprising that residents are often horse riders who stable their horses in the area. From riding for the disabled to numerous riding schools and trails like those in Giba Gorge, the outdoor country life is a major drawcard for those who choose to call Assagay home. Over the N3, is Summerveld, a unique equestrian and residential area which houses the Summerveld Training Centre for Trainers, with stables, grooms’ accommodation and the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA). The latter offers an apprentice programme for youngsters destined to become professional jockeys. As would be expected in this landscape, conservation matters. The Assagay Valley forms the original catchment area of the Umhlatuzana River which flows through the Madwala Reserves, and this neglected public nature area is in the throes of a major uplift. Last year, the Assagay Conservancy, through Conservation KZN, began driving a project aimed at restoring the once beautiful Madwala, making it safe and enjoyable for the local community and visitors. Part of the drive is creating new paths and rest facilities, signage, toilets, an educational centre, and security. It’s a four-year project, and fund-raising is ongoing. Neighbouring Alverstone has a Wildlife Park (a 100ha nature reserve) with well-marked trails, a wilderness adventure programme, environmental education course, and a plethora of indigenous wildlife like genets, bush pigs, and herds of zebra, impala, blesbok and more. It’s child-friendly, so it’s ideal for a day’s outing.
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24 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
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PROPERTY NEWS
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SLEEP: • Chillifields Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouse • Macnut Farm • Assagay Country Guest House • Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast, Botha’s Hill • Shenindor Bed and Breakfast, Alverstone
DO: • Browse the stalls at Shongweni Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning • Visit the Shogweni Brewery and try some local craft brews • Spend the day exploring the Valley of 1,000 Hills • Experience the Valley of 1,000 Hills by train on the Umgeni Steam Railway • Enjoy a game drive at the Phezulu Safari Park • Visit the Two Acres Tearoom for delicious food that’s truly seasonal
MUSHROOM FARM
SHOP: • • • • •
The Mushroom Farm Woza Moya Craft Shop Watercrest Mall Fainting Goat Centre Sugarloaf Centre TWO ACRES TEAROOM
For sale
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R1,73m
R13,750
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom in a complex)
For a typical property in this area
R1,8m
R1,27m
R2,47m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R16,695
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
R11,750
R4,950
R14,500
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property type:
42%
Property type:
house
Based on
7%
apartment
51% complex
55% House
R1,73m
18%
median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10,25% prime
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Respect Tolerance Kindness Honesty Honour
apartment
27% complex
LI M ITED O FFER
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
24 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Ruby Whitson made her passion a reality with her business Ruby Petal Makeup WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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he role of a professional make-up artist is no longer confined to celebrities. More and more women are beginning to rely on a professional makeup artist to add that final perfect touch to any special occasion. Ruby turned her love of make-up into a career through her business Ruby Petal Makeup, offering clients the opportunity to enhance their natural beauty for that “wow” factor. Q: How did your business start? A: Like most young girls, I had a fascination with make-up. I discovered this art form after completing my studies. I enjoyed creating different looks for my portfolio, including special-effects make-up. One of my first big jobs was bridal make-up for a friend and since then I’ve found a love for weddings and working closely
with people. Ruby Petal Makeup first opened in 2016 and has changed tremendously as I’ve slowly built a following on social media and my customer base has increased quite a bit since doing more advertising and bridal fairs. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: Durban North is my hometown and I have the option of travelling to my clients within KwaZuluNatal or accommodating them at my home. Q: How did you find your premises? A: A s a freelancer, my only option is to work from home. I make different spaces work for me, I travel to various places and host someone if I need to. Q: Why are they ideally suited to your business? A: Working from home gives me a good amount of flexibility and when I travel, I get to see beautiful venues around KwaZulu-Natal while being accessible to my clients wherever they are. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: My neighbours are residents of the Durban North community. Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: I’m lucky enough to work from
home and travel to clients, so rent is not one of my business expenses. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: I usually have about three clients a month as weddings are my forte and they’re mostly held on weekends. I mainly meet my clients at their homes unless they’d prefer to come to me. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I’d love to have my own studio in future. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, I use my social media accounts to share my work and to network with potential clients. You can find me on Facebook (@rubypetalmakeup) and Instagram (@rubypetal_makeup). Q: What’s your most popular service? A: My most popular service is bridal make-up and I work full time doing hair and make-up for Mr Price’s online store.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Ruby Petal Makeup 076 401 0820 facebook.com/rubypetalmakeup
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PROPERTY NEWS RETIREMENT FOCUS
24 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
What about the pool?
Will a swimming pool make your home more desirable? WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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n years gone by, it’s been no question that a swimming pool would add value to a residential property, but in these times of ecoawareness, it’s not as straightforward an issue and both buyers and sellers may be wondering if a pool still adds value to your home.
retirees looking to downsize mayCno longer want the hassle of a pool.
“It is a very debatable topic as to whether building a swimming pool will add value to your home and some agents are of the opinion that having a swimming pool on your property may increase your property value by up to 10%,” says Lee Ellis, principal, Tyson Properties Westville.
CMY “The cost of building and maintaining a swimming pool is expensive K and the investment should be treated as a source of pleasure for your family and friends.”
“Swimming pools are very popular in Durban with our warm weather, so they definitely add value,” notes Chris Tyson, CEO, Tyson Properties. “However, if the property doesn’t already have a pool when the seller puts it on the market, I would not recommend that people put one in to sell the property. I would advise them to rather discount the property with the cost of a pool.” The needs of the buyer are obviously the main factor with young families having a pool on their wish list, while
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Y “The important factor when deciding whether to build a swimming pool CM is to establish what personal value the swimming pool will add to MY your family’s life,” advises Ellis. CY
Shaun du Bois, principal, Just Property Pietermaritzburg and Midlands, says, “The days of actually ‘swimming’ in a pool are mostly gone and people now jump in and cool down. A small pool is often a better, more affordable option.” What if you already have a large, oldfashioned pool? Renovating it is often as expensive as building a new one. Tyson notes that some buyers may be put off by the maintenance of a large pool, but one in good condition is generally attractive, especially when combined with a great entertainment area.
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PROPERTY NEWS
24 JUNE 2018
Water savings for One&Only
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he installation of aboveground HDPE wastewater treatment plants has been completed by SewTreat at the One&Only Resort in Cape Town. The initial Phase 1 plant will remove 40kl of sewage from the hotel’s plumbing system per day and purify it to product-water standards. The purified water will then be used in the hotel’s cooling towers. “The current cost of potable water from the Cape Town Metro is R57 per 1,000 litres and the cost of sewage disposal is R38 per 1,000 litres. In One&Only’s case, because the first plant recycles 40kl of sewage waste per day, the hotel no longer has a need to pay for 40kl of water
or for the sewage discharge. This can be calculated as a total saving of R3,800 per day or R114,000 per month. Annually they save R1,368m from Phase 1 alone,” says SewTreat spokesperson Theunis Coetzer. Phase 2 involves the installation of a second plant that will be used to treat sewage to potable standards for re-use in swimming pools, general cleaning, washing machines and the flushing of toilets. “Phase 2 will see an additional 80kl saving for the hotel per day. Taking into account the total saving offered by both plants, this translates to an incredible annual saving of R4,104m. This means that the One&Only will see a full return on investment for the project in just eight months,” Coetzer explains.
Neighbourhood
First-time homebuyers
We asked the experts what the top pitfalls are for first-time homebuyers and how to avoid them WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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t should be a really exciting time! Your first home, or at least, first purchase, but there are mistakes to be made which, with prior knowledge, can be easily avoided.
Financial readiness
The concept around lifestyle villages or estates is that you grow old while living there. These are not assisted-living facilities for the frail, but rather estates with onsite medical facilities that allow its residents the freedom and peace of mind to live out their mature years in a tranquil setting. LOUA BOSHOFF, BROKER/OWNER, RE/MAX BUSHVELD
Retiring in Amanzimtoti A 4,100m2 KwaZulu-Natal residential site is on the market for R7m and has plans drawn up for a 60-suite retirement home. The Amanzimtoti site which features river and sea views, is being marketed by Seeff Properties. “This plan may be made available to serious potential buyers,” says Seeff Amanzimtoti sales agent Gavin Parkins. According to him, the site which is located next to the Amanzimtoti Golf Course in Athlone Park, is perfectly positioned for a retirement development and is close to core amenities such as beaches,
the golf course, hospital and other medical facilities and retail areas. The suites proposed for The Executive Retirement Hotel are each about 58m², with a large bedroom, walk-in dressing room and en-suite bathroom. They include a large open-plan living room and dining room plus a covered balcony or patio. The units are designed for one or two people. Planned amenities will include a restaurant, lounge, library, laundry, gym and doctor’s room or nurses’ station, while the grounds will feature a landscaped garden with seating and a braai area, swimming pool and two-lane rooftop bowling green.
New headquarters for Barloworld Logistics
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ork has begun on the new headquarters of Barloworld Logistics in Irene, south of Pretoria. The company will vacate its Sandton offices to occupy the site, a mixed-use precinct named Irene Boulevard, developed by Abland with Giflo Developments and architectural services company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. According to Abland development director Thinus Delport, the precinct will comprise a 16,000m² lifestyle and shopping centre. Barloworld Logistics’ headquarters will be a four-star, green-rated building. It will make up 5,500m² of the property. “We broke ground mid-March this year and are aiming
for completion of the Barloworld Logistics headquarters in April next year,” Delport says. The mixed-use precinct on Alexander Road just off the Botha Avenue interchange is close to the N1 highway. There are plans for a Gautrain station in the vicinity. “Barloworld Logistics’ new headquarters is a physical embodiment of our vision for the company – modern, future focused and fit-for-purpose,” says CEO Kamogelo Mmutlana. Phase 2 of the development will begin in Q3 this year. This will offer retail and lifestyle amenities that include a leading national grocer, new and existing restaurants, and beauty and health facilities.
When you apply for a home loan, there are certain things which need to be taken into consideration. Chris Tyson, managing director, Tyson Properties, believes the biggest mistake made is not prequalifying yourself with a bank, prior to finding the right property. “Often a first-time homebuyer will try to purchase a property they can’t afford and end up disappointed when their home loan application is declined. This is mainly because other costs related to running a home haven’t been taken into consideration, such as rates and maintenance.” Richard Gray, CEO, Harcourts SA, concurs, “Your monthly calculations need to be accurate, and they must accommodate budgetary fluctuations. We often find first-time buyers over-extend on affordability and, in the end, lose a home they have sacrificed so much for.” Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive, Pam Golding Property group, suggests first-time homebuyers
obtain prequalification from a financial institution or mortgage originator such as ooba. It can be done online in a few minutes.
a regional perspective. Take a look and gauge your requirements against the market average.”
“This ensures you are looking for a property in the right price range and not setting yourself up for disappointment if you see the house of your dreams and are unable to afford a large enough bond.”
Property isn’t a short-term purchase or investment. Golding suggests you ensure that the property caters for your longer-term needs. “It is always advisable to buy the ‘cheapest’ house in the best area you can afford, as the cost of moving is high. Transfer duty and agent’s fees are sunk costs and eat into any capital gain you make with the sale of your property. If you intend having a family, be sure to choose the area zoned for the schools you want your children to attend and be aware of the cost of travelling to work, including both petrol and time.
Hidden costs?
Not really hidden, but some you may not know about, and others may be forgotten in the excitement of purchasing the property. Golding says, “Consider all the financial implications of buying and owning a home. There are the initial costs of transfer duty and legal fees as well as factors like connecting your electricity, the cost of the move, and monies that need to be spent on the house such as curtains. Then there are the usual costs as well as budgeting for maintenance.”
Regional insight
Gray believes it’s imperative that firsttime buyers make use of technology to gain a deeper understanding of the regions in which they wish to purchase. “Property portals, print media and other resources give great insight into the property market from
Think long-term
Partnering with a local expert
As a first-time buyer, it’s ideal to have somebody to rely on. Gray suggests you partner with somebody who really knows the area and the industry, “Your local real estate expert with an extensive footprint in your target areas, will have an in-depth understanding of your main challenges and queries. I suggest you play open cards and build a relationship with the agent, and that way, avoid some of the major hurdles.”
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PROPERTY NEWS
10 JUNE 2018
Neighbourhood
OFFICES - END USER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - FOR SALE - HILLCREST
Stunning office block with fantastic frontage to Old Main Road, Hillcrest, and easy access to the M13 on and off ramps. These transitional zoned offices of approximately 512sqm are set on level land of 4050sqm in manicured gardens. There are approximately 50 parking bays on site with shaded awnings and drive through automated access. These offices boast light and airy private and open office spaces as well as an inside and outside social area and a beautiful ground floor board room with doors opening to the gardens. The ground floor is wheelchair friendly with ablutions and ramps already in place.
To view, contact Dawn 074 322 2012
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