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PROPERTY NEWS
15 FEBRUARY 2020
Homebuyers turning to PE CBD
Neighbourhood
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uyers from around South Africa as well as returning expats are increasingly acquiring homes in Port Elizabeth, says Justin Kreusch, Pam Golding Properties joint area principal. “Interestingly, there are buyers relocating back to South Africa from Australia and Dubai. There’s also a marked increase in the spread of homebuyers from regions around the country. We also have a strong retirement market,” he explains. “Generally, homebuyers are attracted by the great value our housing market offers, especially in the upper end of the market – but across the other sectors as well – and for the great schools, beaches and moderate climate. This is having a positive, knock-on effect on our rental book, as many people prefer to first rent to get to know the city and their suburb/s of choice better before committing to purchase.” Kreusch says in recent years,
Port Elizabeth has experienced a noticeable increase in sectional title sales, with an influx of young buyers to the CBD, as well as a consistent demand for secure, estate living. “It’s important to note that currently around 98% of all transactions in the Port Elizabeth area fall below the R3m price mark,” says Kreusch. This is an important consideration for sellers whose properties are priced above R3m, given the decidedly smaller pool of buyers. While last year we saw most of our transactions falling below R1,5m, encouragingly, what we’ve seen since September and October last year is the re-emergence of buyers in the R1,5m to R3m price range.” Value-for-money areas include Glenhurd, which is adjacent to Mill Park and Newton Park, a central business hub, and the lower part of Walmer where many younger buyers are purchasing and renovating older homes. Kreusch adds there’s a trend towards refurbishment and development, including activity in the commercial property market. “Walmer Main Road, previously a traditional residential street, is currently experiencing much development from business as is Circular Drive, which is attracting major investment in development. There’s also much activity in the Fairview area where developers continue to sectionalise plots and build ‘duets’. When the ‘duets’ concept began about four or five years ago they were selling for about R700,000, whereas now they tend to go for about R900,000 and upwards.”
Plants gone wild Gardening myths, busted WORDS: EDITORIAL TEAM
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ot everyone is blessed with green fingers. But just because your mere gaze turns a can’t-die plant into a withering heap of leaves, doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden to be proud of. To that end, the whiz team at Lifestyle Home Garden gives some advice.
You shouldn’t water your plants at night
This one is… TRUE Watering during the cooler periods of the day is best – whether that be at dawn or dusk, when the sun is not too hot. This allows water to be absorbed at a more efficient rate, as opposed to evaporating too quickly. Watering in the heat of the day is also not ideal, as when the soil is hot, water can easily become heated and damage plants around it. Watering too late at night is, however, not recommended, as soil and leaves don’t have time to dry off, and this may result in fungal diseases developing.
Gravel at the bottom of a container aids drainage
This one is… TRUE Gravel or broken pot shards create an aerated space at the bottom of pots where soil cannot sit and remain water-logged. It’s common practice to place gravel, pebbles or stones into pots to lead excess water away from soil which may have received too much water. This effectively prevents roots in the pot from becoming water-logged and rotting.
Another hint is to put sponges in the bottom, which adversely, helps to absorb and hold on to water, effectively keeping the plant moist.
Beer is a good way of getting rid of slugs
This one is… TRUE Beer is as tempting to our slimy friends in the garden as has always been believed – they’re drawn in by the smell and will drown in small dishes of beer buried at soil-level near the plants affected. We’re unsure if they prefer stout or pale ale, but we do know this is definitely no myth!
You don’t need to water drought-tolerant plants
This one is… FALSE Even drought-tolerant plants require water, but far less of it. Water them in seasons when there’s no rain, and during rainy periods avoid giving them additional water. “Drought tolerant” simply implies that the plant can go for lengthier periods of time holding onto its own water supply. These plants usually store water in their leaves, stems or roots and are able to withstand heat and drought far easier than plants that are not waterwise.
Bonemeal and compost are essential when planting
This one is… TRUE Adding bonemeal as a way of introducing phosphorous is an excellent idea to promote root formation in
new plants. Adding compost, manure, rotted organic materials and other natural matter is a great way of increasing soil organisms and microbes, ultimately improving soil health. Adding this duo when preparing soil for planting is the best way to proactively work towards healthier soil and plants.
Indoor plants need direct sunlight
This one is… FALSE Indoor plants benefit from indirect bright light, but direct sunlight will scorch and burn them. Most indoor plants herald from more sheltered jungle-type environments – under the canopies of trees in forests. So, emulate that environment to the best of your ability by placing them near windows but not where they will get burnt.
Natural is better
This one is… TRUE In all regards, using organic, natural, heirloom, non-synthetic, indigenous… anything natural is a better solution. Nature will respond better to what is natural in every respect. Plants and seeds produced from heirloom seeds will display the same characteristics as the parent plant, whereas hybrids have been cross-pollinated and may produce sterile seed or revert back to one of the parent plants. Organic pesticides will do their job, but without killing beneficial insects in the process and without doing further harm to the environment. Natural is always better.
