Neighbourhood 4 MARCH 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Branch out Find out why so many homebuyers choose to put down roots in family-friendly Die Wilgers, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: DIE WILGERS
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BUSINESS Q&A
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PROPERTY NEWS
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PROPERTY NEWS
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Die Wilgers Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: ANTON SCHOLTZ, RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS
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he favourable location of Die Wilgers – alongside the N4 highway and surrounded by Pretoria East’s main arteries like Simon Vermooten Road, Lynnwood Road linking up to the N1, Rossouw Street and Rubida Street – is one of the major attractions of this well-established suburb. While meeting the needs of its residents in terms of infrastructure and amenities, the tree-lined streets, beautiful tranquil gardens, green areas and the northern slopes of the Bronberg mountain range offer a breath of fresh air and some breathing space.
*Map not to scale
Property Many properties in Die Wilgers are located in boomed-off security villages and secure complexes or estates. With a security-conscious community actively working together to create a safe and pleasant neighbourhood, residents participate through a hands-on community policing forum and patrols with two-way radios. About half of the residential segment is aimed at young couples, small families or older people scaling down. This segment comprises apartments and compact townhouses selling for
under R1m. This also includes smaller houses and duets (up to 130m2) with a median price of around R1,5m. The other segment comprises medium to large family homes which can sell for anything between about R1,7m and R2,5m. At the top end of the market there are a number of villa-sized homes selling for between R2,5m and R4m. Die Wilgers is home to at least four popular retirement villages offering comprehensive facilities and is close to Life Wilgers Hospital and Life Faerie Glen Hospital.
Schooling
Die Wilgers is home to Hoërskool Die Wilgers and Willow Ridge High School. Both are situated in the residential area of Die Wilgers and are within walking distance or a few minutes’ drive away from residents’ homes. The renowned Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria is located approximately 3km from the neighbourhood in The Willows in Simon Vermooten Road just north of the N4/Simon Vermooten Road interchange. The school has German and English streams and serves pupils from pre-primary school to Grade 12. Lynnwood Ridge Primary School in neighbouring Lynnwood Ridge and Laerskool Skuilkrans in Murrayfield serve this area. These schools are situated less than 2km from Die Wilgers and both have pre-primary components. Private pre-schools and daycare centres include Heidi Speelkamer Kleuterskool, Little Flowers Baby-House and Pre-school, Pooh Bear Child Care, among others. PUBLISHED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423
EDITORIAL TEAM: Group Editor: Charis Le Riche charisl@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Mlungisi Mthembu
ADVERTISING SALES: Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Group Online Editor: Lauren Joubert
Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za or call 087 828 0423 Sales & Marketing Manager: Michèle Jones michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info Production (Editorial & Property Advertising): Lucea Goosen pretoria@yourneighbourhood.co.za
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
SHOP: • • • • •
Willows Crossing Shopping Centre Willow Way Shopping Centre The Grove Mall Lynnridge Mall Gift Acres Shopping Centre
EAT: • Salsa Libre Tex-Mex Bar and Grill: renowned for its tequila and tacos • The Brazen Head Willows: an Irishthemed restaurant and pub • Hooters Willows Crossing: for casual sports bar dining • Fabio’s: highly commended for its delicious Italian cuisine • Machics Restaurant and Alehouse: for great craft beer and pub food
SEE: • • • • • •
The Elza van Dijk Pottery Studio Karoo Cafe Art Gallery Cine Prestige at The Grove Mall Safari Garden Centre Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park Silwil Tennis Club
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PROPERTY NEWS
Explore Die Wilgers is a family-oriented suburb and time off from work or school can be well enjoyed in the area by every member of the family. Kids will have a ball at Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park in Simon Vermooten Road, where they have the opportunity to feed the bunnies and tortoises with food supplied by the venue. The Grove Mall located on the suburb’s border with Equestria offers unlimited fun and entertainment, with tenants like The Grove Mall Ice Arena; The Fun Company, offering arcade games, tenpin bowling, bumper cars and much more; an Imax theatre and regular movie theatres. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of restaurants and shops on offer.
I appreciate living in this caring and involved community. As a family, we’re also very fond of two of the local schools in the area: the primary school where both my kids went and the high school they are currently attending.
The Safari Garden Centre also offers a pleasant family outing with lots of space for children to safely walk and play around, while the Safari Restaurant on the premises will take care of hungry visitors. You can also just sit back and relax in the beautiful garden setting. Tennis enthusiasts can join the centrally situated Silwil Tennis Club. Presleys Nightclub and Arcade Empire cater to the younger market – they can dance all night, enjoy a show or take part in a fun quiz night.
DANIE LE ROUX, RESIDENT
For sale
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R2,49m
R10,200
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R1,3m
R770,000
R2,39m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R24,443
For a typical property (three-bedroom townhouse)
R8,975
R6,300
R12,500
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
56%
Property Type:
Property Type:
house
R2,49m
36%
median asking price
complex
10%
house
Based on
34% apartment
40% complex
over a period of 20 years at 10,25% prime
24%
apartment
EVERYDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY... Convenience and Value Shopping The newly upgraded Willows Crossing Shopping Centre offers you a one-stop solution for your shopping needs. Enjoy a wide selection of convenience stores and popular restaurants Cnr Simon Vermooten Drive & Rossouw Street, Equestria,
T: 060 991 1985 / 031 274 7408 info@coralassetmanagers.com
or visit our health and beauty stores for a feel-good experience.
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PROPERTY NEWS
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Nostalgie Textiles in Deernis creates one-of-a-kind decor pieces and beautiful household items WORDS: ZENA LE ROUX
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Q: How did your business start? A: A fter completing my degree in textile design at the Tshwane University of Technology, I had the drive to start a small textile business where I would mainly focus on silk screening onto fabric. I started creating beautiful oneof-a-kind decor products and I was also open to doing commission printing and expanding the art form. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: I’m part of the Papaya Collection shop based in Deernis. I chose this area as it’s surrounded by a variety of restaurants and businesses, making it an ideal location. Q: How did you find your premises? A: The premises were previously leased by Wanderlust Leather. It manufactures leather “vellies” and soon needed a bigger space. My friend suggested opening a collaboration shop on the premises, so now the space is leased by a group of boss ladies: Glare, Owl and Fox, Cut Handmade Decor, Wanderlust, Swagger, Nostalgie Textiles and Papaya.
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creative maker of pretty things, Letitia du Toit started Nostalgie Textiles when she noticed that the skill of silk screening was slowly becoming a dying art. She found new ways to make it more modern, unique and accessible to anyone who loves beautifully designed textiles. She tells us more.
Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: The shop is based in a well-located suburb, it’s easily accessible and perfect for quickly popping in for some gift or decor shopping. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Our one neighbour is Coffee on 18th, where we get our daily coffee
fix. On the other side, we have a new tattoo parlour. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: Rental prices in this area are much cheaper than in Pretoria East. Q: How many people make use of your services daily? A: We have quite a few clients who pop in regularly for decor shopping and we also have walk-ins looking for gifts. Every day is different, which makes having a retail shop exciting. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I would love to someday expand the brand, creating a ’50s-style plus-size clothing range with a nostalgic feel. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: Yes, we have a website where you can order online. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: I’ve noticed that people tend to buy more practical products these days, rather than luxury goods. It’s a matter of whether you need it or want it. At the moment, household items like laundry bags, doorstops and peg bags are the top sellers. All products are hand-printed and made with love – each one is unique and proudly South African.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Nostalgie Textiles 072 246 3483 nostalgietextiles.co.za
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PROPERTY NEWS
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
Patio makeover Give your patio a new lease of life with these handy tips WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: ISTOCK
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he size, shape, position and even the orientation of your patio or balcony will always matter when you’re considering a revamp, but you can cherry-pick ideas appropriate for your space. If it’s uncovered, spacious and needs shade and you can’t put up an awning, first prize is a 360-degree swivel umbrella for maximum shade-sun versatility.
Hit the floor
Tinks Robinson of Peppergreen Interiors looks at the latest trends in outside flooring. “Consider concrete pavers with peach pips in the gaps or a ground and polished concrete floor. If you prefer screed, consider sharing that smoothness with the texture of wood, or even brick alongside. Decking will always be a favourite – ecodecking looks as natural as it feels. For colour or a covering, an outdoor floor rug really warms the space visually, particularly if you’ve chosen a grey floor. They can be inexpensive and happily go into the washing machine.”
Add a touch of green
When it comes to living decor, Tinks suggests using concrete pots and large proportioned troughs. “Plant them up with water-wise succulents,
aloes, rockroses or spekboom. Hedging plants look good massed in a trough, so consider something like buxus, which you can control by clipping.” That can also work as a screen from neighbours or an unsightly work area. For a larger space, Tinks says you should mix it up and not be limited to one or two materials. “Glazed terracotta pots can add colour to the mix and large pots can be planted up with small, growing trees; you can even add fruit like lemons for colour.” If you want to add wood, Tinks suggests using large wooden planters.
Pull up a chair
It’s not always easy to choose the perfect outdoor furniture, particularly if your patio is uncovered and you have a small budget. “Modular wooden furniture works well for covered patios – you can rearrange it to form diverse seating options. For a comfy, cosy lounging space, I love upholstered sofas and armchairs covered in UV resistant fabric.” The sofas and armchairs needn’t match – you can pick up good second-hand items and have them reupholstered. For outdoor furniture, a combination of wrought iron and wood is a pleasing meeting of materials, but if you prefer
the look of a harder surface, concrete tables and benches are not only functional but are also a plain palette against which you can add colour. If you have specific needs around portability and flexibility, consider powder-coated, scratch-resistant aluminium loungers on wheels. For a small dining area, lightweight aluminium chairs with weatherproof close-weave mesh are ideal. Think light and versatile.
New threads
“This is a question of taste and budget, but always choose UV resistant fabric,” says Tinks. There’s a wonderful range of outdoor fabrics and designs available. So if you’re planning on a green theme, opt for botanicals, island-style or textured plains. Cushions in bold pops of colour can also look great. If you enjoy a more bohemian feel, mix and match to your heart’s content, especially if you have a covered area.
Set the mood
Tinks suggests using candles in glass cylinders, uplighters with a dimmer application and pendants at varying heights. “Your space and logistics will dictate which works for you.”
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4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood Zimbali Lakes Resort
PROPERTY NEWS
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Moondance Luxury Villa open
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esigned by architect Stefan Antoni, Moondance villa has opened for exclusive-use bookings after it was revamped and updated by the Berman Brothers Group. Located at the foothills of Lion’s Head in Fresnaye, Cape Town, the multilevel architectural property sleeps eight guests and offers the utmost in privacy, complete with all modern conveniences and panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. The villa is available
for exclusive-use private rentals, small weddings, launches and functions. Peak season rates are R130,000 per night, while low season rates start from R65,000 per night – including a butler service, full breakfast and stocked bars on check-in. The four en-suite bedrooms are luxuriously finished and include a 260m² master suite with walk-in closets, a private lounge and kitchenette. The villa is also home to the largest private gym on the Atlantic Seaboard, professionally equipped with an on-site steam room and Technogym equipment.
While the increase in VAT from 14% to 15% is unpalatable and erodes consumer disposable income, particularly among lower income earners, it was anticipated and is hoped will go a long way towards offsetting the Budget deficit. Welcome news for lower- and middle-income earners is the adjustment of the bottom three personal income tax brackets for inflation. DR ANDREW GOLDING, CEO, PAM GOLDING PROPERTY GROUP
Moving on up Reduce the stress of moving house with a little preparation WORDS: CANDICE BOTHA
IMAGES: ISTOCK
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oving house is a stressful process that, like many other taxing events, can be made easier with a little preparation. Mark Holden, moving consultant, Master Movers, has moved house more than 30 times himself and so has practical as well as theoretical expertise in his field. Holden’s strategy begins with choosing a professional moving company. He advises investigating how long the company has been in business, if it uses closed trucks and if the staff is trained. “An amateur moving company might be cheaper, but they often use open vehicles and hire casual, inexperienced labour for the day,” he says. “Rather use a company accredited by the PMA (Professional Movers Association).” When packing, decluttering and disposing is his first step. “You can save yourself money by not paying to move things that you no longer need or use,” he says. Having the right equipment is next, with professional moving boxes – laminated multiply cardboard boxes that can be stacked five high and will not lose their shape – being top of Holden’s list. Many removal companies offer a complete service including wrapping,
packing, a supply of boxes and in-transit protection cover. “Packing material to fill up spaces and bubble wrap is essential to protect fragile items, and upholstered furniture should be covered in plastic,” he says. “Pack a ‘survival box’ of tea and coffee, a kettle, mugs, cloths, tissues and toilet paper for when you arrive at your new home as well as a ‘valuables suitcase’ that the moving company is not allowed to touch, with all your important documents, jewellery, cash, hotel and travel information and insurance info.”
It’s possible that something could go wrong, so insurance is a good idea. “Your insurance broker can offer you this cover or you can choose to purchase cover through the moving company,” says Holden. “If you choose to take out cover, you can partially cover the load for items you deem necessary, but there will be a minimum cover applicable and you will be able to specify the items. An excess will apply like in all claims.” Your cover should be for the replacement value of items not what you originally paid for them.
High demand for student rentals in Braamfontein
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shortage of student accommodation offered by Wits, UJ and other tertiary institutions close to the Johannesburg city centre has resulted in an almost unprecedented demand for student rentals in Braamfontein. Byron Cornish, licensee, Johannesburg CBD, says that 95% of the enquiries their branch receives are for student accommodation, but because of Braamfontein’s size and no new developments being erected in the area at the moment, demand far outstrips supply. “The majority of students looking for accommodation are from Wits, due to the close proximity, but there’s also a large demand for the Unisa-based universities, like Rosebank College, Damelin and
Boston College, to name a few. There are also many small technikons and colleges in the area, making Braamfontein a true student hub”. Cornish adds that even though the universities offer accommodation in student residences in and around campus, many students prefer sectional title living over this type of accommodation, especially from their second year onwards. “While Braamfontein student accommodation is still below the curve when looking at prices of UCT, Stellenbosch and other universities, the returns are still great for investors. Generally, bachelor units are priced from R6,000 per month, one-bedroom apartments from R7,500 per month and two bedrooms from R8,500,” Cornish says.
Cotswold Fenns
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ituated along the Upper Highway in KwaZulu-Natal, within the Hillcrest area, Cotswold Fenns has a variety of opportunities to meet the needs of investors, first-time homeowners and those simply looking for a secure “lock up and go” property.
Set in the misty Hillcrest mountains, Cotswold Fenns offers modern, country living while allowing you to experience the best of nature, with a 100,000m2 natural wetland area (which includes nature trails, bicycle tracks, picnic sites, ponds with the prospect of catch and release fishing, an array of birdlife, bird hides and viewing decks) as your backyard. This gated eco-estate also features a lifestyle centre and clubhouse
which leads to a recreational park, swimming pool with tanning deck, an outdoor gym and so much more. Cotswold Fenns also promotes healthy living with its 3km fitness track and 15 workout stations. The estate is also pet-friendly. The launch of the new two-bedroom, two-bathroom units priced from R1,18m (including transfer duties) also means that more young professionals and first-time homeowners will be able to invest. Staying up to date with international technological trends, Cotswold Fenns has introduced a new way of purchasing property. You can now book your unit online from the comfort of your own home and at anytime that’s convenient to you.