Neighbourhood 31 OCTOBER 2021
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Natural
balance In the heart of bustling Fourways with 14,000m2 of beautiful wetlands in its backyard, the brand-new MontEco development balances modern city life and the freedom of country living with ease, page 7
Artists Impression
2 BID AND BUY ONLINE yourneighbourhood.co.za
4 DELIGHTFUL DESIGN AT STEYN CITY
10 FIND YOUR HAPPY HOME
Connecting homeowners with great communities
2
PROPERTY
31 OCTOBER 2021
Going, going…
gone online!
A virtual auction for the City of Cape Town with High Street Auction auctioneers Stef Olivier (left) and CEO Joff van Reenen
In the age of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns, everything is going virtual – and property auctions are no exception WORDS: ATLEHANG RAMATHESELE PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
W
hile some people may have found it intimidating to buy high-priced items like property online, current times see us becoming expert negotiators of big business in this new realm – with great results. As digital purchases continue to gain traction, auctions are following suit. However, this wasn’t always the case. Covid-19 and the enforced lockdown altered consumer behaviour in a way that would have taken five to ten years to change under pre-pandemic conditions – even with the ever‑increasing speed of the tech revolution. This is according to Joff van Reenen, director and lead auctioneer at High Street Auctions, a South African online auction company.
expect it to increase to 25% in the next five years. “Influenced by Covid-19, the current market has led many industries online and auction is one of them, breaking down previous perceptions of transacting digitally,” he says. The South African Professional Auctioneers Association (SAPAA) defines online auctions as “the competitive marketing and disposal of goods or assets conducted on an internet-based platform for a predetermined
period with each lot sequentially closing at a given time”. The optimisation of this process makes it more accessible all over the world. “This opens the process up to the overseas market and gives embattled landlords access to a wider pool of prospective buyers,” Jack says. Like traditional in-person auctions, bid prices are updated in real time and the highest bidder is announced at the end of each auction.
Everyone can bid
It may be a common misconception that auctions focus solely on foreclosures and are largely about commercial property, but they actually serve a much broader purpose and more consumers are actively participating. More homebuyers, who have already become used to searching for potential properties digitally, are finding that online property auctions are a safe and easy way to make a purchase.
“Prior to Covid-19 most people would have bought a shirt online, but there’s almost no way they’d have bought a house,” he says. “Now not only will they just as easily buy a house or a building using an app; most will do so site unseen, after having completed a paperwork due diligence and a virtual 3D tour.”
Welcome to the world
John Jack, CEO of Galetti Corporate Real Estate, believes around 5% of real estate sales in South Africa are transacted using online bidding platforms. Given the growing popularity, one could
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING
This Llandudno home was on a BidX1 online auction recently
EDITORIAL TEAM
ADVERTISING SALES
Editor: Marana Brand marana@yourneighbourhood.co.za Sub-editor: Debbie Loots Designers: Peter Batistich & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za
Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen jhb@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com
31 OCTOBER 2021
PROPERTY
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The historic 329-year-old Morgenhof Estate in Stellenbosch received an auction hammer price of R58m in August this year Online auctions in particular offer a myriad of benefits for buyers. “You can bid anywhere, anytime, anyhow and it’s really easy. The tech has also advanced massively in recent years, so it’s a very safe financial platform and it’s also extremely convenient,” says Van Reenen. “The most important thing for people is to work with a company they trust; a reputable brand with market track records. Most of our sales last year were to buyers who couldn’t travel to view properties, and we sold a lot of coastal mansions and bush lodges to foreign investors who were bidding from their homes overseas.” According to MC du Toit, CEO of online auction company BidX1 South Africa, South Africans in general are increasingly tech savvy and confident with regard to concluding purchases online, and that includes a big-ticket purchase of a home – or in the case of an entrepreneur or business owner, acquiring a commercial property.
bidding simulation so you know what to expect on the day and they are available to provide advice and assistance during the auction itself.”
Online auctions vs virtual auctions
According to Van Reenen, exclusive, rare and sought-after properties are best suited for online auctions but the scope of this kind of auction has also changed considerably over time. “One is not physically present at an online auction. You’re bidding via a number of digital platforms on your laptop, tablet or smart phone and you don’t have any physical interaction with other bidders or the auctioneer,” he explains. This is a big difference from the jostling and direct engagement at a physical auction where everyone gathers on the sale floor with the auctioneer at the front on the podium calling out bids and where all the bidders can see each other. Virtual auctions are a hybrid of the two, combining live and online
elements. “A virtual auction brings together numerous electronic bidding platforms including Zoom and apps and incorporates them via live-stream on a sale day with a live audience and telephone bidding. It’s hugely interactive, very exciting and has global reach. High Street Auctions conducts both online and virtual auctions,” he says.
recently launched their new online platform, Galetti Auction Division, as an additional route to market for clients. “This is a new way for us to move commercial property and it’s backed by an experienced team,” Jack says.
Still not sold?
When comparing online auctions to traditional commercial property sales, Jack believes that each of these options have their merits and how they are approached should be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.
While some homeowners might still want to opt for the more traditional route of selling their home through an agent, Van Reenen says auctions offer the fairest and most transparent means of selling property. “It’s also a lot faster and more immediate on auction, with the usual turnaround time from signing the mandate to sale at around six weeks,” he says.
“Mass exposure, a ‘quick’ transaction, transparency, qualified buyers and competitive pricing are key factors for auction,” he says. “Alternatively, if the seller wants to keep the asset ‘off‑market’ then a private treaty is best.” While Jack believes that there will always be a place for traditional commercial property sales, his Galetti team
The seller also doesn’t pay any commission and sells by their conditions on to their attorney on their time. “Ultimately it’s market appetite for the lot that decides the price. There are no back room deals, no waiting months for those ‘promising’ prospects that lead to nothing and no putting life on hold waiting for a buyer to show interest,” he says.
Traditional sales vs auction
Du Toit says it’s also important to familiarise yourself with the registration process – such as providing FICA documentation and a deposit. Thereafter, he advises looking out for auction catalogues to stay abreast of opportunities that suit your needs. Learn all about the property you want and ensure you understand the conditions of sale. “You can also visit and inspect the property on show days,” he says. “Property brokers will assist with any queries and can also take you through a realistic
Joff van Reenen, High Street Auctions
John Jack, CEO, Galetti Corporate Real Estate
MC du Toit, CEO, BidX1 South Africa
TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE AUCTIONS As with any significant purchase, ensure you know what you can afford and what you are willing to pay for the property, advises BidX1’s Du Toit. One of the key benefits of online auctions is that you won’t feel pressured in the way you might if you were physically present in a room with other bidders. “With online bidding, you have the privacy to make clear decisions without distraction, so remain calm and stick to bids that you are comfortable at – know your limit and stick to it on the day.” When you have done your homework and decided you want to acquire the property, but don’t want to place your bids manually, you can specify the maximum bid price you are prepared to pay, Du Toit says. The system enters the bids for you – only as necessary to retain your position as the winning bidder and only up to the maximum bid price you’ve specified. This is a good option if you’re concerned about your internet connection, experience load shedding, or don’t have access to WiFi. “Be assured that your maximum bid cannot be viewed publicly, so only you will know how high you’re willing to go,” he says.
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ADVERTORIAL
31 OCTOBER 2021
Designed with flair Four-bedroom duplex apartment by The Private House Company
When eight leading local interior designers each gets a blank canvas to design a home for the people they imagine will live in South Africa’s most prestigious apartment development – the City Centre at Steyn City – the results are simply astounding
I
t’s not surprising that Steyn City embarked on an apartment project of the scale of City Centre, their latest development. It’s both audacious and ambitious. After all, Steyn City has been singled out as one of the top-ten lifestyle estates in the world by wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth, which also named it the leading lifestyle estate in Gauteng in 2019. Since it first launched in 2015, the developers have learned a thing or two about surprising and delighting purchasers and investors – and they applied these lessons with rigour when the time came to introduce the City Centre to the market earlier this month.
Creative freedom WORDS & PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
This is why designers Stephen Falcke, Yvonne O’Brien, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Bilala Mabuza, Donald Nxumalo, Buzwe Mabuza, Ayesha Nobanda and Amanda Elliott were called upon to lend
their expertise. Each was invited to imagine who would live in their specifically assigned apartment, and to design the interior with these homeowners in mind. The outcomes were as varied as you might imagine: while many played with the theme of nature and bringing the outdoors in (as one may expect in an exceptional parkland environment), others chose to emphasise the glamour and excitement of fast-paced urban living. Still others chose to accentuate the serenity that is so much a part of the Steyn City lifestyle. Some designers chose to flaunt opulence; others opted for understated elegance.
Room to breathe
In all cases, the interiors of the eight apartments – which range from penthouses to one-bedroom homes – exemplify the Steyn City ethos: live your best life where comfort, convenience, and luxury reign supreme. This is clear in the design of the homes, which feature high ceilings and extra space (each room is big enough to fit a king-size bed, for example), so that families feel they have room to breathe. Echoes of this philosophy are seen throughout the development, reaching its apex with the secure 2,000-acre indigenous planted parkland, which has become Steyn City’s signature. A feature which essentially ensures that each Steyn City resident has access to one of the largest gardens in South Africa, it’s this magnificent area that creates the special atmosphere so unique to the development.
Top facilities
Three-bedroom duplex apartment with internal private lift by Design Collective
Two-bedroom apartment by Design Dreams International
Then there are the countless amenities, all carefully planned to aid residents in pursuing a range of interests, from golf to indoor swimming, horse riding, gym, tennis, yoga, running on the 45km floodlit promenade, cycling on the 50km MTB track, or eating out at a choice of restaurants. There’s also the Ultimate Helistop, a service
One-bedroom apartment by Urban Glam that’s been warmly welcomed by residents wishing to reach their next destination without the hassle of traffic, and the 300m lagoon powered by GAST Clearwater™ – a celebration of fun for families. All of these facilities are showcased at the City Centre’s Brand Experience Centre, where prospective buyers and investors can get their first taste of this one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Apartments range from R2,3m up to R35m.
Experience it for yourself To book an exclusive viewing, contact: 010 597 1170 ccsales@steyncity.co.za steyncity.co.za City Centre, where every day is extraordinary!
R E S E RV E D PA R K I N G F O R YO U R CARS, HORSES AND CHOPPER. Secure luxury apartment living.
At City Centre, you’ll find everything you need to make every day extraordinary. Play a round of golf on a course designed by one of the world’s greatest golfers. Take the horses out for a ride to explore the breathtaking scenery. Or if you’d rather go out for the day, enjoy a coffee in our Ultimate Helistop’s executive lounge while your pilot brings the chopper around. This is City Centre, the apex of secure, luxury apartment living.
TBWA\HUNT\LASCARIS 930885
Apartments from R2.3m up to R35m. Visit www.steyncity.co.za to book your exclusive viewing.
A HOME FOR EVERYONE Conveniently situated close to Lanseria in Nooitgedacht, Country Gardens Estate is shaking up the housing market with its design-forward modular timber homes set in a picturesque estate. Not only are the homes available for an affordable price tag, but they’re eco-friendly and completely off-the-grid.
FROM
R935 000
The homes come in three basic models: Model M – 89m² From R935 000 | Model L – 122m² From R 1 250 000 Model XL – 155m² From R1 525 000
AFFORDABLE | MODULAR CONSTRUCTION MADE FROM 100% TIMBER | OFF-THE-GRID LIVING
SHOWHOUSES AVAILABLE TO VIEW FROM 31ST OCTOBER! VISIT THE WEBSITE TO REGISTER FOR THE OPEN DAY VIEWING. ON SHOW 12-5PM 125 R114, Krugersdorp | Nooitgedacht, Mogale City, Gauteng | GPS: -26.002399,27.919737 Email: info@countrygardens.estate | Cell: +27 (83) 267 5966 | Office: +27 (63) 366 0825 | www.countrygardens.estate
CRAFTED WITH NATURE’S TOUCH.
Artists Impression
MontEco, ideally located in Fourways, opposite Monte Casino, offers buyers all the perks of big city life whilst enabling them to enjoy all the freedom and benefits of the great outdoors.
Artists Impression
Artists Impression
Each of these spectacular apartments have been designed to accommodate a lifestyle that enjoys the city and the outdoors equally. Buyers have a choice between contemporary 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments and stylish 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom loft apartments. MontEco gives you the best the city has to offer with the added benefit of having your very own private and secure wetlands park in your backyard.
2-BEDROOM, 2-BATHROOM APARTMENTS from Monteco Wetland Estate Corner of Montecasino Boulevard and Bradfield Drive. 08600 CRAFT (272 38) Email: info@crafthomes.co.za
www.crafthomes.co.za
R1 299 000
2-BEDROOM, 1-BATHROOM LOFT APARTMENTS from
R749 000
REGISTER FOR THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH AS FOLLOWS: ONLINE: Wednesday 3 November 2021 www.crafthomes.co.za/selling/monteco. ONSITE: Wednesday 3 November 2021 at 12pm to 5pm corner Monte Casino Boulevard and Bradfield Drive.
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MARKETPLACE
31 OCTOBER 2021
Neighbourhood
PAGES
MARKETPLACE
What’s ON SHOW this weekend?
10-12
- Get the full list at yourneighbourhood.co.za
Area Guide B Bedfordview Bramley G Gauteng H Hurlingham Hurlingham Manor
11 11 12 10 11
Hyde Park K Killarney L Linbro Park M Mozambique P
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Parktown Parkview S Sandown Sandton W Waterfall Westcliff
11 11 11 10 12 10
Agency Guide Balwin Properties
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Private Sale
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Re/Max Advantage
10
Sotheby’s International Realty
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CAWDOR HOUSE
36 Cawdor Avenue, Hurlingham, Sandton Asking R19 000 000
A stately English Country-style home, set on an acre-and-a-half of mature, landscaped parkland (5774 sqm) Occupying a prime position in tree-lined Cawdor Avenue, which is soon to be inside security- boomed Hurlingham Estate. Offering 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 garages. Self contained flatlet with own entrance.
CONTACT DOUG MCMEEKING 082 549 1248
MOZAMBIQUE 3.000.000,00 USD NEGOTIABLE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN MOZAMBIQUE! EXCEPTIONAL PRICE! In Mozambique, 15 kilometres from its Capital, Maputo, a complete Condominium compounded of 18 Two-story + Terrace Houses, being 16 of them Three-bedroom ROW HOUSES, and the remaining 2, Four-bedroom Houses. Seven of the Houses have an Equipped Kitchen. All the Houses have their own small pool, a Barbecue and Solar Panels. CONTACT: MR. KARIM, (00258) 84 310 1861 ( LINKED TO WHATSAPP )
Neighbourhood
yourneighbourhood.co.za | 31 OCTOBER 2021
Properties & Virtual Tours
Web Ref: 4993197
60a Talisman Avenue
B e d fo r d v i e w - M o d e r n o p e n- p l a n l i v i ng a t i t s b es t p l u s f ul l c o t t a g e . O n S h o w S u nd a y 2 - 5 p m
Web Ref: 4894824
39 Westcliff Drive
Parkview - O n Show Sunday 3-5pm. Comfortable family living pervades in this o/plan home. Kitchen, lounge, din/room & fam/room open-
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Properties on Show
Web Ref: 4945385
P a r k t o w n / W e s t c l i f f R i d g e - E xc e l l e n c e w i t h a V i e w . I n v i t i n g o ff e r s . O n S h o w a l l w e ek b y a p p o i n t m e nt
Impeccable, pristine and perfect. Sumptuous reception spaces, onto
ing to a large cov stoep with pizza oven for all year entertaining overlooking
Awaken to birdsong in this gorgeous home that blends elegance with con-
stunning modern “Blu-line” kitchen, complete with state of the art “Smeg”
an established garden & pool. The study can be closed off as WFH as it
temporary notes. Secreted away on 3 833m/2 of lush landscaping, with
integrated appliances. Seamless flow from lounges and dining area to a
has its own entr. 3 Well sized bedrs all with built in cupboards, 3 bathrs, 2
remarkable views from Westcliff Ridge, this home offers 4 receptions, a
beautiful entertainment setting. 4 Bedrooms, full cottage, 2 garages,
e/s makes it “OH So Family”. Outside guest cottage for added income with
library & study, and chef’s kitchen. Upstairs are 4 sumptuous bedrooms,
boomed off street. Asking R7.9m. In att: Ingrid 082 490 6246.
Web Ref: 4975622
11 Moribana
pvt entr from the service lane. D/gar + 2 extra parkings. Asking R3.950m.
with stylish bathrooms. The pool pavilion with entertainment deck looks
See web for the full advert. In att: Theodora / David 082 553 8525
across the treetops & an artist’s studio. Asking R12,9-m. Kim 082 551-5486
Web Ref: 4985075
Web Ref: 4959362
42 Kilkenny Road
11 Bellingham Place
Hyde Park - Elegant townhouse in Dunkeld West, Hyde Park border. O n Show Sunday 3-5pm. Spacious 2 beds en-
P a r k v i e w - O n Sh o w a l l w e ek b y a p p o i n t m en t . N ew rele ase in prim e posit ion . A sunny n/facing garden welcomes you.
Hurlingham Manor - Conveniently located within strolling distance of St Stithians. On Show Sun 2-4pm. Formal lounge
suite & 3 recepts opening onto a covered decked patio & landscaped gar-
O/plan living in this fam/home from kitchen to patio encompassing lounge,
o/plan to din/room, sliding doors & security shutters to expansive cov patio
den with a water feature. 2 Basement parking bays & large storeroom. Ideal
fam/room & din/room for all year entertainment + a private children’s playroom
with built-in braai, TV room with air-con, Caesar stone kitchen & breakfast bar,
lock-up-and-go with beautiful finishes, this home ticks all the boxes. Close
or games room + a private study/office opening onto the courtyard with it’s
sep scullery, 3 beds + study, 2 baths, main with dressing room & e/s, double
to Rosebank & Sandton CBD’s, Dunkeld West & Hyde Park shopping cen-
own entr. From the children’s playroom, stairs lead up to a pvt large wing/4th
staff suite/guest, pool in landscaped garden, d/gar, solar panels with invertor.
tres. Asking R3,9m. In att: Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353, Debbie Parkinson
bed with e/s shower, bed & sitting room area opening onto a balcony. Further
Asking R4,5m. In att: Karen 083 435 7703 John 083 271 0231. Dir: W Nicol
083 326 7739 Dir: Bompas Rd into Pitts & Jan Smuts Ave into North Rd.
3 beds with 2 baths mes + a walk-in storeroom. Theodora 082 553 8525
into Republic, R Woodlands, R Nederburg, R Goedehoop, L Bellingham.
Web Ref: 4881344
Web Ref: 4956131
Heathrow
H y d e P a r k - R e no v a t e d el e g a n t o n e b ed r o o m , o n e b a t h r o o m a p a r t me n t ( 8 5 s q m ) i n t he A i r p o r t b u i l d i n g s a c r o s s t h e r o a d fr o m H y d e P a r k s h o p p i ng ce n t r e . O n S h o w Su n d a y 3 -5 p m
The Trails
Web Ref: 4938899
4 Excelsior Place
S a n d o w n - N e w R e l e a s e ! M a g ni f i c en t 3 B e d r o o m n o r t h f a ci n g s i mp l e x . O n S h o w S u nd a y 2 - 4 p m
Hurlingham M anor - An elegant off ering with self-contain ed cottage. O n Sh ow Sunday 2-4pm. Entr hall to lounge &
Town home with exquisite landscaped garden. Renovated and very pri-
din/room (both boast a fireplace), which flow out to the decked, cov patio,
vate. 3/4 living areas including dining room/living area, enclosed patio
pool terrace & garden, kitchen, sep scullery, 3 homely beds, 3 baths (mes),
Compact yet spacious with excellent finishes. Asking price R1.75 million.
and family room. 3 Magnificent beds with main en-suite. Pre-paid elec-
d/auto gar, staff toilet. Cottage has sep entr via auto gates to secure park-
In att: Di Kuhlenthal 082 960 5353: Debbie Parkinson 083 326 7739. Dir:
tricity. Beautiful bathrooms. Asking R3.5m neg. In att: Marc 082 854
ing, lounge with slider to private garden, din/room, granite kitchen, bed &
From Jan Smuts and 2nd Avenue follow pointers
7272 Stan 082 558 9258. Dir: The Trails, 127 Linden Road, Sandown
E/S shower room. Asking R3.7m. Karen 083 435 7703 John 083 271 0231. Dir: W Nicol into Republic, R Woodlands, L Boschendal, R Excelsior.
Web Ref: 4927601
81 Forest Road
Web Ref: 4796088
Web Ref: 4995129
K i l l a r n e y - C e nt r a l l y l o ca t ed N o r t h f a c i ng , r e n o v a t e d
B r a m l e y - On S ho w S un d a y 2 - 4 p m
K i l l a r n e y - H i d d e n j e w e l . O n S h o w S u nd a y 2 - 4 p m
Centrally situated, large well-appointed Ranch Style 5 bedroomed home
North facing townhouse fully renovated with quality finishes. 3 Bedrooms,
a p a r t m en t . O n S ho w S un d a y 2 - 4 p m
with massive WFH studio & workshop or 2nd home. Built by a master
2 bathrooms duplex townhouse, travertine tiles throughout, low mainte-
Beautiful Rhodesian Teak floors adorn this bright unit, spacious flow into
builder, well maintained. 2 Dbl garages plenty off-street parking in a
nance garden with astroturf, 2 garages, storeoom plus staff quarters. Low
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus dressing room, enclosed balcony,
neatly paved area suitable to park many cars. Property is ready for
levy and more. Price reduced to R3.8m. In att: Ashika 063 232 0892. Dir:
1 basement parking plus staff room. Priced to go at R1.980m. In att:
repurposing or development. Asking R2 080 000. Call Howard. 082 457
Follow boards from Riviera Road
Ashika 063 232 0892. Dir: Follow boards from Riviera Road
0880. Dir: left from Louis Botha into Forest Rd.
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yourneighbourhood.co.za | 31 OCTOBER 2021
Neighbourhood