Neighbourhood 27 MAY 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Doringkloof Why so many decide to put down roots in this family-friendly suburb, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: DORINGKLOOF
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PROPERTY NEWS
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PROPERTY NEWS
27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Doringkloof Here's what's happening in property in the area WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS
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ying alongside the N1 highway in the southeastern parts of Centurion, Doringkloof is only a few minutes’ drive from the R21 to OR Tambo International Airport and the N14 intersection. The suburb is conveniently bordered by the main access road, Botha Avenue, in the east while another trunk road, Jean Avenue, runs through it in the west.
*Map not to scale
EAT: • Viva Vita Italian Pizzeria & Family Restaurant, Doringkloof: for Italian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere • Delizioso, Doringkloof Mall: Mediterranean-style restaurant • Ridgeback Village Restaurant, Die Hoewes: a down-to-earth cafe with several themed bars • Turn ‘n Tender Centurion, Die Hoewes: for great steaks and wine • Beerhouse Centurion: for craft beer, live music and great food
Doringkloof is unique because it has a residents’ association as well as a neighbourhood watch, and both committees are active and committed to serving the community. Doringkloof residents participate as volunteers to create a safe, unified community in which to live, work and grow in a balanced environment.
1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga Roads Milnerton, Cape Town
Residing in Doringkloof has many advantages. The peaceful nature of the neighbourhood enhances a relaxed style of living within close proximity to every amenity imaginable. The suburb has its own primary school and is located close to many other top Centurion schools, there's a wide variety of church denominations in the area, and Netcare’s flagship Unitas Hospital and the Lyttelton Police Station are only minutes away in neighbouring Lyttelton, which also boasts a library, clinic, railway station, post office, many community shopping/business centres, professional practices and private businesses. Doringkloof is also close to the Centurion Gautrain station. “The neighbourhood watch makes use of a radio system that is monitored by coordinators 24/7. There are also dedicated patrollers who assist with everything from house burglaries to open gates and even lost pets,” says resident Jessica Viljoen. “The residents’ association consists of various subcommittees and forums, such as environmental and civic affairs groups, as well as care, welcome and prayer groups. There’s also a business forum and a sports committee.”
Property Traditionally, Doringkloof is a suburb comprising spacious family homes on large stands with lush gardens. About two-thirds of settled property owners in the area are aged between 36 and 64.
JESSICA VILJOEN, RESIDENT
PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING
This established neighbourhood also features many beautiful leafy trees, two well-maintained parks and a natural spruit area, which all contribute to the serene look and feel of the suburb.
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27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
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PROPERTY NEWS
SHOP: • Doringkloof Mall: a local mall with 59 shops • Centurion Mall: for fashion outlets, restaurants and entertainment • Lyttelton Manor Shopping Centre: a community shopping centre • Irene Village Mall: boasting a village square look • Eco Boulevard: close to Doringkloof in the suburb of Highveld
SEE: • Placecol Skin Care Clinic, Doringkloof Mall • Russian Ballet Academy of South Africa • Art exhibitions at Centurion Art Gallery • An exciting music production at Centurion Theatre • Irene Farm
Current trends include the development of contemporary higher density developments requiring less maintenance aimed at smaller families or individuals. These sectional title developments have already attracted a larger influx of buyers between the ages of 18 and 35. Everything considered, Doringkloof is a reasonably priced area for middleincome buyers and it offers great of value for money. The estimated average asking price for a freestanding three- or four-bedroom house is between R1,5m and R1,7m. First-time homebuyers and/or investors can expect to enter the market at around R750,000 for an apartment in a stacked complex, while new trendy upmarket apartments sell from just under R900,000.
Schooling Laerskool Doringkloof Primary this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. The school serves about 1,200 pupils from the area. Doringkloof is also centrally located close to primary schools in the neighbouring suburbs of Lyttelton and Irene, such as Fleur Primary, Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, Irene Primary School
For sale
and the independent Cornwall Hill College offering education from the pre-primary to secondary school. Lyttelton Manor High School and Hoërskool Centurion are situated within cycling distance of Doringkloof while Abbotts College Centurion (Grade 8-12) in the nearby Highveld Techno Park is easily accessible.
Explore In addition to a quality lifestyle in a serene neighbourhood, residents have easy access to a wealth of recreational venues and activities catering to everyone from the health-conscious to the shopaholic. Irene Country Club and Centurion Country Club offer beautiful golfing facilities, while residents can use their extra energy at Irene Athletics Club, Centurion Rugby Club, Doringkloof Tennis Club and a number of gyms in the area and its surrounds. SuperSport Park, home to the Titans cricket team, is also nearby. Centurion is well-known for its rich diversity of coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and meeting places. There area also has a music theatre, library and an art gallery.
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R1,77m
R13,500
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (three-bedroom house)
For a typical property in this area
R1,39m
R750,000
R1,85m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
You’ll pay
R17,080
For a typical property (four-bedroom house)
R9,350
R6,300
R13,000
In a complex
For an apartment
For a house
per month
Property Type:
80% house
17%
apartment
3%
complex
Property Type: Based on
54% house
R1,77m
40%
median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10% prime
apartment
6%
complex
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PROPERTY NEWS
27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood Miss Cake is a “cakery” based in Groenkloof WORDS: ZENA LE ROUX
had to be on site. Where in a retail environment was I going to find a commercial site with a small retail site? Having a place close to where I live was important, as I understand the people from my area and their need for luxury.
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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iss Cake focuses on creating a variety of celebration cakes. It also boasts a tastefully decorated 40-seater function room that hosts bridal showers, baby showers and birthdays, as well as an intimate and pretty coffee shop serving, cake, tea, breakfast and lunch. Owner Anelda Martin tells us more about her business. Q: How did your business start? A: A s the person who started Isabella’s in 2008, I’ve always loved the food and coffee shop industry, and so I started baking cakes, quiches and selling platters from home in 2016. Eventually, the demand for luxury cakes forced me to find a more commercial site to work from, but also a place where clients could sit, taste and collect their cakes. Miss Cake officially opened in October last year. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: I was so fortunate to find a “home away from home” setting. I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere near a shopping centre, as my bakery
Q: How did you find your premises? A: I bumped into one of my previous landlords and mentioned that I was looking for a commercial and retail space in one. They immediately showed me one of their sites which was the perfect fit for my business, and so we entered into a lease agreement. Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: T he location is great. The size is perfect, the look and feel are just what I was looking for and, most important, the rental and costs made perfect sense. Q: Who are your neighbours? A: T he popular Body and Skin Renewal is on one side and on the other side is an interior decorating business. We all complement each other perfectly. Q: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area? A: T he rate per square metre in the area would be extremely high, but I managed to get my premises for an affordable rate. This is due to the place being a standalone
structure. My landlords are also people who think about the longterm benefits. Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: We sell a minimum of 100 cakes per week to various people and businesses. We host a minimum of two functions per weekend and we have a steady coffee shop trade. Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: No, never again! My aim is to run a personalised, well-oiled machine with as few expenses as possible. I also desire the flexibility of being able to run around for my busy children and being there for them. Q: Do you operate online as well? A: We don’t sell online but we’re visible on Facebook (facebook.com/ misscakebakery) and our website is user-friendly and informative. Q: What’s your most popular item? A: Our most popular items for sale are our cakes, quiches and our party offerings.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: Miss Cake 064 903 6559 / 064 902 5888 misscake.co.za
19880
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27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
BLACK BOOK
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Neighbourhood
SECTIONAL TITLE LIVING
National Association of Managing Agents NAMA is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that promotes and advances the interests of community scheme management WORDS & IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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ommunity scheme ownership is the preferred form of home ownership in South Africa. To nurture growth in the industry and meet the challenges of the ever-changing environment in which managing agents operate, it has become necessary to adequately train professionals to effectively manage the affairs of communal housing schemes. It’s imperative that trustees and committees are better skilled and informed about their management and fiduciary responsibilities, relevant scheme development and the advantages of employing a professional property manager. With the newly established Community Schemes Ombud Service Act and the Sectional Titles Management Act, it has been found that there are many community schemes that remain uninformed and unassisted when dealing with all the associated changes. Some of the main uncertainties include: • All schemes must be registered with the Community Schemes Ombud Service. • All schemes must pay a levy to
4 Major Challenges Faced By All Managing Agents With a rapidly growing sectional title and HOA industry, it’s critical that you as a managing agent adapt and transform yourself from a basic secretarial service to being professional accounting and legal specialists. It is most likely that you are or will be facing these 4 major challenges: Compliance, Manageability, Scalability and Profitability. For starters, let’s talk about compliancy: With the new legislation in place, there is an additional burden on you as a
managing agent to ensure that each community that you manage as well as your business are compliant at all times. This adds an even bigger workload on your staff and comes with great responsibility for which most managing agents do not get recognition or additional compensation. It is therefore becoming more and more challenging to run a profitable business, let alone trying to stay on top of the evolving legal requirements. Manageability Considering all the essential responsibilities of a property manager,
the Community Schemes Ombud Service on a quarterly basis. • If the management or conduct rules of a scheme are substituted, added to, amended or repealed, such actions must be lodged with the community schemes ombud in the prescribed form before a certificate is issued to approve any such changes. • Management agreements and the duration thereof. • Appointment of auditors. • Maintenance and reserve funds. • Fidelity fund cover.
NAMA promotes and advances the common interest of people and entities engaged in the business of community scheme management by admitting managing agents registered with all regulatory bodies. NAMA provides training to managing agents, trustees, owners and other parties involved in scheme management and living in sectional title homes.
Another question that is raised is: “Must a managing agent be registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board?” The answer is yes.
it is quite easy to lose control of your team’s responsibilities when trying to manage a decent size portfolio. To combat this, it is common practice with most property managers, to introduce more specialized divisions to try and have some form of quality control and create efficiencies. This unfortunately creates silos within a company due to the lack of transparent and efficient systems. Inevitably this will result in poor performance, service delivery and eventually a poor return on time and investment.
Being able to review and report on all the key responsibilities has also now become a necessity instead of a luxury.
Unless you have a transparent system, that allows different users or divisions to work from one platform, it is very difficult to stay on top of all the responsibilities of a property manager.
Property managers that can transform their businesses with the implementation of processes and new generation systems will be able to scale and capitalise on the rapidly growing
Scalability Scalability is an attribute that describes the ability of an organization to grow and manage increased demand. A scalable business has an advantage due to its nature being more adaptable to the changing needs or demands of its users or clients. As with most businesses, efficiency and manageability promotes scalability.
SEE FOR YOURSELF: National Association of Managing Agents nama.org.za
sectional title and HOA market. Profitability When you combine the three factors: compliancy, manageability and scalability, turning your established or new business into a more profitable enterprise becomes more easily attainable. The future of property management Based on a fast-evolving market, managing agents needs to revise their business model and ensure that they achieve optimum efficiencies by implementing the most advanced systems if they want to capitalise on this fast-growing industry.
software solutions all managing agents irrespective of their size are now able to overcome these challenges and transform their business to a scalable business. Contact James at weconnectu today to find out how IPMS (Intelligent Property Management Software) can transform your business. james@weconnectu.co.za Tel: 086 999 0756 cell: 0845000172
With the introduction of the new
1 June 2018
NAMA Gauteng North Golf Day Centurion Country Club, Pretoria
8 June 2018
NAMA Eastern Cape Golf Day Port Elizabeth Golf Club, Port Elizabeth
23 June 2018
NAMA KwaZulu-Natal Golf Day Port Shepstone Country Club
Join the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA) for an afternoon on the green!
Enjoy the day by sponsoring, playing and networking
Contact information Tel : (012) 567-1556 | lizbe@namagolfday.co.za | www.nama.org.za
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PROPERTY NEWS
27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
Buy now in Parkhurst
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report released by research group New World Wealth (NWW) at the end of 2017, listed Parkhurst in Joburg as the third-fastest-growing area for wealth in South Africa. NWW determines the exclusivity of a suburb/area by pricing property per square metre and by the number of R20m homes in the area. Parkhurst’s R12,000/m2 property pricing earned it a spot as one of the fastest-growing wealth areas. Shelley-Ann Solms of Jawitz Properties says this ranking isn’t unexpected but adds that the window to purchase an affordable property in the area is slowly closing. “It’s great that Parkhurst has achieved
this ranking as it boosts the suburb’s standing and popularity and various aspects, from upgraded public spaces to family-friendly lifestyle factors, are driving demand. And with an improved economic outlook on the horizon, I would advise people who have considered Parkhurst as an area in which to live to get in now, before prices start increasing,” says Solms. Over the last few years, property in Parkhurst has become more affordable. The centrally located area is attracting professional families who are buying renovated freehold homes in an area surrounded by good schools and has upgraded, safe and usable public spaces.
While buy-to-let investors can do research into properties on the market themselves, there are two areas where expert management is imperative: your investment and its process, and the rental. With the right assistance and guidance, not only would you be investing in your wealth, but also in your time. CHARLIENE HOFFMAN, GENERAL MANAGER, JUST PROPERTY INVEST
Creating the first Auto City in Africa
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automotive manufacturing core that will enable workers to walk to work and redress the poor land decisions of the past.
According to Brendan Falkson, director, Rosslyn Hub, Rosslyn will emulate well-established automotive cities like those in Spain, China, Germany and Japan. This will create a second “CBD” on the doorstep of Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve, anchored by a labour intensive
Rosslyn Hub will include 1,200 houses and 250 rental apartments; a crèche, a primary and high school; a university with student housing; two shopping centres, a value centre and filling station; a logistics park and vehicle distribution centre; a truck staging area and truck stop; motor showrooms and a motor retail area; a hospital and clinic; a hotel and conference centre; and an outdoor automotive pavilion. All this within a secure, pedestrian-friendly environment.
he development of Rosslyn Hub, a R3bn mixed-use development, is a crucial step towards the creation of the Tshwane Auto City: a R50bn project that will be funded by private sector investment and could be an example of how to develop Africa’s future Smart Cities in a sustainable way.
Cape Town’s luxury market
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ccording to Knight Frank’s PIRI 100 index, Cape Town’s luxury residential property market saw growth of 19,9% in 2017, the second-best performance worldwide. The PIRI 100 index, or prime international residential index, formed part of Knight Frank’s 2018 Wealth Report, which tracks data on wealthy and ultra-wealthy individuals from around the world. “Cape Town is fast becoming a truly global holiday destination and an increasingly desirable residential address for South Africa’s high net worth individuals, as well as those from abroad,” said Deon de Klerk, head of wealth: Africa
regions, Standard Bank. “The luxury residential property market in the city has really been able to capitalise on its newfound reputation as the ‘Monaco of the South’.” Knight Frank attributes the strong performance of Cape Town’s luxury residential property market to a combination of demand- and supplyrelated factors. On the demand side, the areas near Table Mountain, including the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl, continue to attract strong inward migration from other parts of South Africa as well as sustained foreign buying. On the supply side, prices were further underpinned by the lack of existing stock or new development opportunities in Cape Town’s prime locations.
Childproofing your home We chat with an expert about how to get started and what to keep in mind WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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hildren are curious, and you want them to be. Whether you’re expecting your first or you have a grandchild on the way, childproofing the house for the next couple of years can give you peace of mind. Michelle Jacobs of Baby Proof says, “The goal of childproofing is not to turn your home into a prison-like setting that completely inhibits a child’s ability to explore and develop. Rather, childproofing should balance such factors as safety, aesthetics, cost, child supervision level and livability.” Childproofing is not just about installing preventative hardware; it’s also about thinking differently.
Getting started
Michelle says, “Getting down on all fours helps us see the world in a new way and opens up our eyes to potential dangers we may not have thought about.” Electrical plug points are child magnets, and although it’s straightforward to fit safety plugs or outlet covers to unused wall sockets, it’s more difficult to know what to do with active plugs. “Hide electrical cords behind furniture, alternatively use trunking, Velcro tape and electric cord organisers to tidy up these cords.”
Staircases or stairs
Safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases are the simplest and most effective solution. “If railings have vertical openings wider than 8cm, safeguard them with plastic garden fencing or Perspex. Horizontal railings, no matter the gap, must always be safeguarded,” says Michelle.
The kitchen
This is a challenging area, and although it’s easiest to install a safety gate, it’s often not practical to do so. There are numerous child safety mechanisms which effectively “lock” cupboards and drawers for little fingers, but still allow adults easy access. All cleaning materials, poisons and detergents must be relocated to a cupboard that children won’t be able to reach. A good idea is making a habit of using the back plates on your stove hob, turning pot handles towards the back and installing an oven lock. Michelle also suggests securing the refrigerator with an appliance or refrigerator latch.
Bathrooms
Barring access to the bathroom isn’t
always feasible, so it’s important to secure this room, from the hot tap to the medicine chest. Toiletries such as shampoo may seem harmless, but can be dangerous if ingested by a child. All medicines should be locked away, ideally in a high, wall-mounted cupboard.
General areas
“Open, unguarded windows can be hazardous,” says Michelle. “They should be able to be locked, but if not, fit them with a Jackloc Window Restrictor. Use window guards, window stops and safety netting on windows, decks and landings, and safeguard balconies with Perspex.” Heavy furniture and bookcases can pose a threat if they can be pulled over, so if in doubt, secure them to the wall with brackets. For heating, Michelle suggests an Econo-Heat electric wall panel heater, which is safe for children. Sharp edges on tables and other surfaces, as well as doors which can trap fingers, can be softened with a range of specific soft foam products. Lastly, be sure to block off your driveway and garage with a door and safety gate.
27 MAY 2018
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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Kid’s room makeover Breathing new life into a child’s room is a fun project that’s easy to do on a budget WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER
IMAGE: ISTOCK
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our child’s age is a good guide to what will work best in their room. Each child has different tastes, habits, likes and dislikes, so you need to incorporate those into their space. Involve them in decisions such as colours, characters from books or TV and sporting heroes. We chat with Michele Metior of M&M Design about what to keep in mind when giving the little one’s room a makeover.
Trends
Michele says that just as with everything, children’s rooms also go through trends, largely in colours, types of wood or even the style and brand of furniture. “But a child’s room is for the child, so take care it’s about him or her before fashion. Each room’s dimensions are different, so are each child’s needs, so marry the two carefully. Look at the room holistically before shopping piecemeal.”
Budget
Working on a budget isn’t difficult, it just requires more DIY. Comparing prices online and in stores can also uncover some differences.
Paint is relatively inexpensive, so changing the colour of walls and furniture offers a dramatic facelift. Scouring second-hand stores and Facebook community sales groups for items which others no longer want, can lead to some great bargains. You could choose to keep the room’s shell simple and monochromatic, then add colour with bright framed posters, quotes, comic strips, wallpaper squares, a bold inexpensive carpet and a bed throw. The options are endless and the inspiration is everywhere.
Decorate for the future?
If you want the room’s decor to last through a few phases of the child’s development, make sure that the high-ticket items are neutral. Michele suggests practical furnishings and furniture. “You can find multifunctional pieces, which last from baby to adult: for example, a changing unit for a baby which can be dismantled and reassembled as a desk unit.”
Storage
Walls and floors
“The more practical the flooring, the better. Timber and vinyl are clean surfaces and can be spruced up with a washable rug,” says Michele.
For young children, Michele suggests easily identifiable storage spaces. “That way, they learn fast how, and where, to pack and unpack their own toys.” You can also choose storage spaces which will hold a little one’s toys today and a teen’s sporting goods in the future. “Baskets are great for that and so are shelves,” says Michele.
For walls, look at using washable paint, painting a wall with blackboard paint for play, using wallpaper on a feature wall, creating a mural or making your own design – something simple, like stripes or plain walls with stars, all you need is masking tape or stencils.
“Coat hooks are really handy – and there’s a wide range, from differentsized wooden ‘dots’ (in plywood or colour) to more industrial-looking ones (which are great when used with metal lockers) – and their functionality can move to school bags, uniforms and sports bags.”
EMBRACE LUXURY COASTAL RETIREMENT ON KZN’S NORTH COAST RETIREMENT LIVING FROM
R1.490 MILLION
9th June: 9am to 5pm 10th June: 9am to 1pm SHERATON PRETORIA HOTEL Limited seats available. Book your appointment
087 095 1658
Situated less than 10-minutes from the popular Umhlanga area, Shoreline Sibaya provides luxurious single-level 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. This pet-friendly estate boasts a selection of engaging facilities, beautifully landscaped areas, exceptional sea views, and an array of care services provided by the onsite Care Centre, which is being built in the phase 1 construction.
OPEN PLAN LIVING The depictions herein are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice.
shorelinesibaya.co.za
67% SOLD
RAINMAKERMARKETING 05/22
It’s no wonder that Shoreline Sibaya has become the fastest selling retirement estate in KZN’s history!