Neighbourhood PTA - 31 March 2019 by Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourhood 31 MARCH 2019

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

Beauty in the East The Pretoria Kunskamer art gallery in Groenkloof adds even more aesthetic value to this already gorgeous suburb, page 2

SUBURB FOCUS: GROENKLOOF

yourneighbourhood.co.za

HOME LOAN ADD-ONS

Connecting homeowners with great communities

MARKETPLACE

PROPERTY NEWS

31 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

Suburb focus

Groenkloof The well-established suburb of Groenkloof ticks all the right boxes when it comes to owning a dream home in one of Pretoria’s most desirable neighbourhoods WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE IMAGES: RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS *Map not to scale

estling on the northern slopes of Klapperkop in Pretoria’s affluent “Old East” area, the picturesque suburb of Groenkloof hits the mark as one of the most desirable neighbourhoods of the Jacaranda City. With Groenkloof Nature Reserve as its southern border, beautiful tree-lined streets including almost one hundred rare white jacarandas winding up the sidewalks of the charming Herbert Baker Street, Groenkloof lives up to its name – a genuinely green suburb. Big wooded gardens, several parks and abundant birdlife further add to the peaceful, relaxed mood. This dream neighbourhood boasts the perfect location. It’s a five-minute drive to Pretoria’s CBD, and main roads like George Storrar Drive and Florence Ribeiro Avenue connect Groenkloof to the R21 (to OR Tambo International Airport), Ben Schoeman freeway, as well as the N4 and N1 highways. These roads also link Groenkloof to neighbouring suburbs like Waterkloof, Brooklyn, Muckleneuk and Lukasrand. Groenkloof is home to several

embassies and consulates, lovely guesthouses, a few churches, health and sport clubs. In addition to its many modern facilities, Life Groenkloof Hospital boasts a state-of-the-art stroke unit and a healthy dose of specialist disciplines. Groenkloof is within easy access of prominent tourist attractions, like Freedom Park, Die Voortrekker Monument, Fort Klapperkop and others. Community safety, participation and cohesion are promoted and overseen by several community initiatives established in the area.

Property The real-estate market in Groenkloof caters to buyers and investors at the high-end of the market and includes a diversity of homes ranging from compact studio flats, good-sized two- to three-bedroom apartments and comfortable townhouses, to spacious traditional family homes and ultra-modern, elaborate, exquisite homes with spectacular views over the Jacaranda City. Property (free-standing and in security estates) are sought-after and there’s no overflow of available real estate in the market. If a small apartment becomes available, potential buyers can expect an asking price of about R1m, while bigger apartments and duet homes can go up to R2,5m and more. Older-style, sizable family homes on big stands sell for between R2,5m and R4m+ on average, while at the top end of the market, asking prices range between R5m and R15m+. The latter includes a few commercial properties and homes suitable for embassies and extended families. Almost half of stable property owners in Groenkloof falls in the 50 to 64 age group (46,5%) followed by 22,5% between the ages of 36 and 49.

Schools

Groenkloof and its surrounds offer a choice of excellent, highly-reputed schools. PUBLISHED BY TIMES MEDIA PROPERTY PUBLISHING 1st Floor, Block H, Sable Square cnr Bosmansdam and Ratanga roads Milnerton, Cape Town

EDITORIAL TEAM: Group Editor: Carla Redelinghuys carla@yourneighbourhood.co.za Senior Sub-Editor: Marana Brand Designers: Anja Bramley & Samantha Durand Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za

Most of these have preprimary facilities while many other private nursery schools and daycare facilities are also available in the area. Top primary schools include, among others, Brooklyn Primary, Waterkloof Primary, Laerskool Anton van Wouw and Laerskool Pretoria-Oos. The prestigious Pretoria Boys High School, Pretoria High School for Girls, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool are literally situated on Groenkloof’s doorstep. Both Crawford School Pretoria and Courtney International School offer private tuition to learners from preprimary phase up to Grade 12. The University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof campus is also located in the neighbourhood while the University of South Africa’s main campus is situated in the neighbouring suburb of Nieuw Muckleneuk.

Explore The suburb of Groenkloof includes the scenic Groenkloof Nature Reserve which offers a wealth of opportunities to get up close to nature. This nature reserve boasts several wildlife species, a prolific bird life and bushveld/highveld vegetation. The reserve is well-known for its hiking, cycling, mountain biking, self-drive and 4x4-trails, and the Friends of Groenkloof Nature Reserve group regularly organises relevant events, activities and challenges. Security measures, like entrance control and the closure of the reserve at night, are in place. In Groenkloof the Eugene Marais Park, a small section of indigenous bush, offers a circular hiking trail where plant life, some rock formations and the tranquillity of the bush, can be enjoyed. Dogs on leashes are allowed. More green areas in and around the suburb include Jan Cilliers Park, Magnolia Dell and the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

ADVERTISING SALES: Call us for advertising opportunities on 087 828 0423 Production: Lucea Goosen pretoria@yourneighbourhood.co.za Online coordinator: Chantelle Balsdon chantelle@augmentcreative.com

31 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

I love the absolute beauty of Groenkloof; there’s a mix of the old and the new, modern and romantic. The fact that we have in the region of 100 restaurants within a 5km radius from the neighbourhood also counts for a lot!

PROPERTY NEWS

EAT SHOPPING • The Harlequin: extensive menu and great selection of beers and wine • Café 41, Groenkloof: highly rated, multi-cuisine, family friendly • Fumo Restaurant: contemporary Italian, lots of attitude • Ristorante Grissina@131 Herbert Baker (Boutique Hotel): fine dining in a beautiful setting • Baracas Wine & Beer Bar: trendy, sophisticated hit in Groenkloof

CHARLIE SMITH, RESIDENT

STAY

• Groenkloof Forum: local convenience • Groenkloof Plaza: with the famous Café 41 and legendary Groenkloof Slaghuis as tenants • Brooklyn Mall: loads of retail therapy, cinemas and eateries • Brooklyn Design Square: several lifestyle outlets and piazza with popular restaurants

• Illyria House: five-star splendour, timeless elegance • 131 on Herbert Baker: four stars, beautiful setting and views • Spacecube (B&B) – luxury suites and spa • Stay2Live: self-catering, beautifully furnished, peaceful surrounds • Pandora Guest House: hospitality and convenience top the priority list

For a typical property in this area You’ll pay

R36,812 per month

R3,75m

For a typical property (four-bedroom house)

R2,34m In a complex

COMPLEX

Median asking price

For rent Median asking price

R7,100

For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)

23%

R7,500 In a complex

R6,500

In a garden cottage

APARTMENT

Monthly bond repayments

APARTMENT

For sale

COMPLEX

FUMO

50%

74%

For an apartment

R3,78m

R7,080

For an apartment

For a house

R22,995 For a house

15%

HOUSE

over a period of 20 years at 10.25% prime

R1,265m HOUSE

R3,75m median asking price

GARDEN COTTAGE

Based on

29%

Café41 CAFÉ 41 GROENKLOOF Known as the flagship store of the group, Café 41 Groenkloof was originally opened to serve as the local coffee shop in the area. Twenty-five years later can choose between el fresco dining on the lovely veranda or a more cosy experience inside. Laid-back easy or grabbing a quick bite, Café 41 Groenkloof caters for both. Café 41 Groenkloof offers a continetal menu with a local twist, fine wine and great cocktails. The store also offers a full catering service for all you home and work functions. Details: Tel: 012-460-5216/ Email: groenkloof@cafe41.co.za

Now in SA!

PROPERTY TRADING THAT NEVER LEAVES YOU IN THE DARK. PROPERTY TO THE POWER OF With BidX1 on your phone, not even loadshedding can stop you. BidX1, the leading global digital auction platform. Fair and fully transparent Real-time bidding Transactions closed same day Available on any device, anywhere ONLINE PROPERTY AUCTION | 10TH APRIL

View the full national catalogue and register to bid at bidx1.com

Innovation. Backed by experience. In proud association with Pam Golding Properties

31 MARCH 2019

Neighbourhood

PROPERTY NEWS

Money matters Access bonds and home loan extensions: these are the two key additional home loan products offered by the principal banks – but what’s the difference between them? WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

any banks offer financial products which have small to significant differences between them. Of course, all of these products are entirely reliant on your affordability, and before applying for them, it’s wise to assess affordability either via the bank’s online calculators, or by consulting the experts. The online calculator is no guarantee you’ll be granted the loan, but you’ll have a good idea whether you’re likely to fulfil the criteria.

Flexi facility

FNB has two key additional home loan products, and Stanley Mabulu, channel head, FNB Home Finance Division, explains them and the differences between them.

“An extension can be classified as when a customer requires to register a higher bond on his existing home loan. A further loan can be applied for, which is subject to a credit assessment, favourable credit score and sufficient equity in the property. An extension can also be considered as extending the current loan term under the existing home loan, that is, the remaining term is 77 months and this can be extended back to 240 months provided the customer meets the normal credit criteria,” says Mabulu.

“FNB Home Loans has a home loan flexi facility product, which allows a customer electronic access to additional or surplus funds which were paid into the home loan account over and above the minimum required repayment amount over a period of time,” Mabulu explains. Other banks have different names for this product, like Standard Bank’s access bond.

Home loan extensions

Access bond v extension

At FNB, the homeowner can use a flexi facility for existing available funds in the home loan account at no extra cost. An extension entails applying for additional finance to increase the bond amount and registration of the further loan amount in the Deed’s office.

Decisions, decisions

Mabulu explains the differences, “A further loan can be applied for,

which is subject to a credit assessment, favourable credit score, and equity in the property. Should the customer pass the credit assessment criteria with sufficient value in the property, the bank doesn’t need to know why the funds are required. “However, if it’s intended for home improvements, it could result in additional supporting documents being a requirement, that is, approved plans, quote from a contractor or builder registered with the National Homebuilders Registration Council (NHBRC), and more. Don’t forget, a further loan requires registration of a further bond in the Deed’s office and attorney registration fees will be applicable,” he concludes. Not dissimilar at all, Standard Bank’s home loan division has this explanation for the most important points to bear in mind when extending a Standard Bank home loan: A readvance lets you borrow the full amount or a portion of your original home loan, or access funds you’ve registered for future use. With an additional bond, you register a new bond to access the funds you need. It further explains that if you’re applying for funds to make additions or extensions to your property, you may be asked for approved building plans and detailed quotations. Any extensions or additions must meet our conditions and comply with NHBRC regulations. Bond registration costs apply to additional bonds only.

ONLINE PROPERTY AUCTION 10th APRIL Bidding opens 8am INSOLVENCY

INSOLVENCY

HOUT BAY, WESTERN CAPE – LOT 17A

MELKBOSSTRAND, WESTERN CAPE – LOT 12A

Duly instructed by the Trustee of the matter of Insolvent Estate: MP Mathin. Master’s Ref No. N134/2013.

Multiple dwellings on large property located opposite Kenrock Estate. 110 Valley Road.

Double storey family home in walking distance to the beach. 1 Tarentaal Road.

6 400 m2

ON SHOW SUNDAY 2PM - 5PM

HARTBEESPOORT, GAUTENG

Grand home on security estate. Featuring a bar, staff accommodation, office, gym, pool, generator, deck and jetty. 233 Blue Crane Drive, Westlake Country & Safari Estate. 5

1 000m 2

BOSKRUIN, JOHANNESBURG

4 large bedrooms, 3 baths, four garages, staff house, wine cellar, guest suite, large pool with pool house and jacuzzi. 722 Sherwell Avenue, Boskruin, Randburg. 3

2 721 Ha

HOUGHTON, GAUTENG

1 St Pauls Road. Immaculate manor house in Houghton Estate with office, staff accommodation, and undercover braai area.

3.5

4 556m 2

DECEASED ESTATE

GEORGE, OVERBERG

Vacant stand in exclusive golf estate. 40 Bankside Crescent, Kingswood Golf Estate.

840m 2

HOUGHTON, GAUTENG

Family villa in sought-after area. 80 Houghton Drive.

4.5

1 668m 2

DECEASED ESTATE

STELLENBOSCH, WESTERN CAPE

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage and private pool. 1978 Klapmuts, Rosenmeer Security Complex. 3

439m 2

BANK AUCTIONS

FAMILY HOMES | INVESTMENT PROPERTIES APARTMENTS | VACANT LAND OVER 35 BANK REPOSSESSED PROPERTIES NATIONALLY FULL NATIONAL CATALOGUE AVAILABLE ON BIDX1.COM

PEKWA LODGE, 53 WILDE AMANDEL STREET, ROODEKRANS, GAUTENG. ERF 461 ROODEKRANS Duly authorised and instructed by the Executor of the Deceased Estate: ECJ Bergh Master’s Reference number: 016579/2015

UNIT 199 ROSA ROYALE, SUMMERSET, MIDRAND Duly authorised and instructed by the Executor of the Deceased Estate: NM Moyo. 136m 2

Thirteen guest rooms, laundry room, entertainment area, swimming pool, office, double garage, staff quarters and flatlet. 13

2 168 m 2

OVER 70 PROPERTIES ON AUCTION | VIEW THE FULL NATIONAL CATALOGUE AT BIDX1.COM For further information, contact: Bidx1: MC du Toit: Heinrich Moller: Richard Hoey:

info@za.bidx1.com | + 27 (0)21 140 3541 082 563 3275 082 492 6254 076 638 7189

See auction terms and conditions on bidx1.com. See guide prices on the online catalogue. Important to note: Guide prices must be seen as guides only and do not reflect the opening bid or reserve price. In proud association with Pam Golding Properties.

Neighbourhood

stneighbourhood.co.za | 31 MARCH 2019