Fresnaye, Cape Town Asking R32 million

Flawless penthouse renovated by a renowned architect offering a total living space of±465m² with breath taking views. 4 bedrooms plus fully self-contained suite. Sky barflowing onto private roof garden & pool. Contact: Malka Zinman 083 300 2111Lauren Smith 082 853 8772 Office: 021 438 5511 Web ref: 1162122

Constantia, Cape Town Asking R33 million

Unashamedly superior! A tribute to quality! A magical 2 acre garden, with majesticmountain views as a backdrop, is the palette for this architectural 1500m² ‘Masterpiece’.5 Beds en-suite, plus enormous 2 bed cottage. Rouvaun Mc Kirby 071 671 0821,Joanna Thomas 084 404 4120 Phyl McCance Price 082 593 1624, Web Ref: 1229887

Dainfern Golf Estate , Sandton Asking R8.9 million

Beautiful north home facing on golf course - A perfect blend of light and glass withtimeless quality finishes incorporating expansive living and entertainment areas. 4 Bedrooms all en-suite, study. Landscaped garden with atrium and koi pond. Entertainerspatio with rim flow pool. Contact: Dermot 083 680 5286 / Dawn 082 575 9956

Each office is independently owned and operated www.sothebysrealty.co.za

HOMEFRONTBDlive.co.za | @BDliveSABusin ess Day FRIDAY, JUNE 5 2015

ROSENDAL SETS ITS OWN PACE

PAGE 2

SHIPSHAPE CONTAINER SPACES

PAGE 7

ON THE REBOUND IN THE US

PAGE 12

DUBAI IS STILL A SURE BET

PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

In the first quarter of the year, townships outstripped many higher-

priced suburbs in terms of property price growth, according to a report by John Loos of FNB Home Loans.

The report shows that prices in areas formerly identified as black townships under the apartheid era classification rose by 11.6% across the six major metro regions in the first quarter, after a 9.3% rise in the final quarter of 2014. This figure is higher than the overall major metro regions’

“Properties for sale in Soweto get 25% more views per listing than properties in the greater Johannesburg central and CBD areas”Simon Bray, CEO, Private Property

WORDS: ANDRÉ FIORE :: PHOTO: SIMPHIWE NKWALI

Community coupTownship properties are yielding positive returns and in some cases are performing better than suburban locales

house price index growth rate of 7.3% for the same period.

Loos explains that this inflation can be attributed to two main factors: a high percentage of first-time buyers entering the market — affordability being a key priority for them — and demand.

The experience of agents on the ground produce similar findings. “We can’t keep up,” says Bruce Campbell of Pietermaritzburg-based Natal Property Consultants (NPC). “We took a decision nine years ago to branch into this market and have never looked back.”

NPC, which services suburban areas as well as former townships, such as Edendale and Imbali, has six specialist agents in the latter areas who, Campbell says, are continually closing sales. The agency has a number of other agents who also regularly make sales in township areas.

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE Friday June 5 2015

The name of the rose

WORDS: RIEKIE HUMAN :: PHOTOS: CHRIS MEINTJES, SUPPLIED

Much of Rosendal’s charm stems from its being virtually

undiscovered by the tourism industry. We’re talking picture-perfect stofstraatjies, one restaurant, breathtaking scenery and a rustic way of life that seems almost too good to be true.

But it is, and many of the town’s inhabitants once wound down this road on holiday, only to vow never to leave it again. First-timers quickly adjust their internal clocks to that of Rosendal’s — which is pretty slow. Sure, the potent coffee served by the inimitable Lientjie Janse van Rensburg — a self-confessed, card-carrying coffee addict who drinks 13 to 14 cups a day — at Rosa Restaurant is sufficient to speed up your heart rate enough to sprint up and down the dusty streets on a mountain bike, but apart from that your days will probably be spent in respectful quietude, reading on Rosa’s stoep, with one eye on the comings and goings of the handful of locals and their motley crew of dogs.

This is all part of the town’s appeal, and the reason for city folk’s flocking to it. “It’s so peaceful; unlike Clarens, which feels like a second Johannesburg these days,” says Janse van Rensburg, who was born and bred

in Rosendal and has no intention of ever leaving.

“While it’s mostly quiet around here, long weekends are something to behold,” says Hanli Deysel, or “Jurgie”, as she’s known among the locals, “and come New Year’s Eve it’s not uncommon for tents to be erected to accommodate all the extra visitors.”

With many good and modestly priced self-catering establishments to choose from, such as the sandstone haven of House Beautiful, and the fact that it’s close enough to towns such as Senekal and Ficksburg to stock up on supplies, Rosendal is the ideal home from home getaway. And for those with a travel bee in their bonnet, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is less than a two-hour drive away.

Staying put is perfectly understandable too, but then swing past Studio Ben, where Henk and André Loots rent out mountain bikes.

Be sure also to check out her kelims and weave-work, buy some of her home-made soap and admire what is arguably the most beautiful garden in town.

Then there’s the weekly highlight of pizza night — every Thursday at Rosa Restaurant. It gives any authentic city pizzeria a run for its money, and there’s a

collection of hard tack that would do both the Scots and the Irish proud: Lagavulin, 18-year-old Talisker and Tullamore Dew. Add the roaring fire, fairy lights hanging whimsically over Rosa’s wire sign and the merry band of locals and tourists and you’re in for a treat.

For the culturally minded, the sprinkling of local art studios is a must, including Willem Pretorius’s Skoppelmaai Studio and Michèle Nigrini’s Meerkatkolonie. Every six weeks there’s a drama or musical to be watched at the quirky theatre right next to Rosa’s.

The more actively inclined are well catered for too. The Mosamane route just beyond Rosendal passes through 7.5km of picturesque scenery — complete with caves — and is well worth the effort.

Whether you make it a pit stop en route to the Drakensberg, a weekend getaway or an extended stay away from the city, Rosendal is the kind of town where your creative juices can’t help but flow.

Says Deysel: “On the one hand, there’s the beautiful silence that allows you to concentrate intensely; and on the other hand, we really know how to throw a good party.”

DIARY

Love Rosendal Festival Held in February every year, this festival is brimful of good food, creative energy, entertainment and, of course, a nod in Cupid’s direction. rosendalinfo.co.za/love-rosendal-festival

Hot Stuff Winter Festival This year’s instalment of this winter warmer of a gathering is scheduled for the weekend of August 7-9. “We’re going to yarn-bomb the town. The plan is to knit loads of squares and make blankets for those in need. And that’s just the start of it all,” says Sam Yeowart, known as Rosendal’s “hoofmeisie”, thanks to her involvement in just about every happening there.

Like the Rosendal Facebook page for Hot Stuff updates: facebook.com/RosendalTheatre.

It’s not for nothing that the privileged travellers who’ve ventured into the small town of Rosendal in the Eastern Free State want to keep it to themselves

“We could be like any other small town, but we’re not. We have extraordinary people who do extraordinary things in our extraordinary little town”Sam Yeowart, resident

NEED TO KNOW

Tourist info: rosendalinfo.co.zaRosa Restaurant: 058 211 0902House Beautiful: 083 632 2600 housebeautiful.co.za Bike hire:058 211 0629henkloots@lantic.netMosamane hiking route: 082 389 2254 mosamane@absamail.co.za

PUBLISHED BY THE CREATIVE GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH TMG Unit G4, Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925021 447 7130

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor: Terence SteenkampCreative Director: Mark Peddle

ADVERTISING SALESMichèle Jones michele.jones@pamedia.co.za 084 246 8105 (Sales & Marketing Manager)Yvonne Botha yvonne.botha@pamedia.co.za 082 563 6685 JHB (Lifestyle)Susan Erwee susan.erwee@pamedia.co.za 083 556 9848 (Western Cape)Bradley Sparks bradley.sparks@pamedia.co.za 073 666 3842 (KwaZulu-Natal) Jackie Maritz jackie.maritz@pamedia.co.za 078 133 5211 (Garden Route)

Art Director: Lucia VigliettiEditorial Consultant: Bridget McNultyChief Copy Editor: Yaron Blecher

The Creative Group CEO: Shaun Minnie shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info Busin ess DayA PUBLICATION

LIFESTYLE Friday June 5 2015

Douglas Mason, a Canadian freelance journalist,

predominantly works in other African countries but has based himself in Rosendal. “An unusual choice, I suppose,” says Mason, “but when I stumbled on it by accident, it spoke to me right away.” So, he bought the building that used to house the town’s bank and transformed it into the kind of home that would tempt even the hardiest city slickers to decamp to the platteland.

Douglas says the bones of this 112-year-old building were more than good enough and that it is a fine example of the sandstone buildings so typical of the Free State.

“There were many original features that hadn’t been lost over the years to poor design or makeover decisions, so it was a real gift to find it as is and to be able to bring it back to life,” he says.

Highlights include the original sandstone colonnade, full-length windows, high (3.9m) pressed-tin ceilings, original window and door casings and antique

TRAVEL

hardware. And what’s more, the walk-in safe with steel door and metre-thick concrete walls is still intact.

Staying true to the original features, he restored as much as possible, and where fittings needed to be replaced, he sourced them from architectural salvage depots around the country.

On the other end of the spectrum, modern abodes such as those designed by architect Daniel van der Merwe have the look and feel of a farmhouse but make use of materials such as lightweight steel frames and Vermont planking (cellulose mixed with cement).

And then there’s Hanli Deysel’s home. She needed a cost-effective solution for withstanding the freezing Free State winter, and so she teamed up with Philip Nel, an engineer from Bloemfontein whose forte is modular housing systems.

It works like this: it is custom designed to the owner’s preferences but makes use of discrete segments reminiscent of container homes. Raised

slightly off the ground, Deysel’s house has wooden floors — “I went plain and simple, with scaffolding planks” — and a fabulous northern facade made entirely of glass.

Thanks to overhanging roof segments, she gets warming sunlight in winter and no direct sunlight in the scorching summer months.

Other impressive components include a solar-panel geyser, the option to add another storey in future, as well as the delightful fact that many of the fitted features were scavenged for reuse, such as the enamel bath that hails from a scrapyard in Bloemfontein and the sliding doors of the northern facade that used to be a shopfitting at Truworths.

It is hardly surprising that Deysel says she couldn’t be happier here: “When I’ve been away for a few days and come home, my face pretty much turns red and flushed with excitement as I drive down my street.”

For more on Philip Nel’s modular homes, visit inizio.co.za.

What does Rosendal offer property buyers from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal?The town’s tranquillity is its main drawcard. Children play in the street while their parents go for long walks or simply put up their feet and relax. House prices remain low if you consider how much space you get for your money. You can easily buy a large family home for less than R1m. Proximity is another boon — Johannesburg is about three hours’ drive away and Bethlehem is less than an hour away by car.

Has there been a rise in interest in property in the town?We have definitely received more enquiries, but the market is still fairly slow.

How does Rosendal retain its desirable small-town character?We seem to attract like-minded, creative people. You either “get” Rosendal or you don’t. There aren’t any property developments on the horizon, nor are there shopping malls or townhouse estates, which helps the town preserve its rural identity. But we welcome new residents in a supportive, close community.rosendal-properties.co.za

THE INSIDE SCOOPWe asked local estate agent Zaria de Villiers from Zaria de Villiers Properties why holiday-home buyers should consider Rosendal.

WORDS: RIEKIE HUMAN :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

In with the new — as well as the old

“There’s definitely a sense of soul and a sense of place in Rosendal. It’s an oddly cosmopolitan town but is also very close to the reality of the country. I love Johannesburg and Cape Town, but I don’t want to avoid South Africa’s hard edges; I want to know them”Douglas Mason, freelance journalist

With its eclectic mix of age-old sandstone buildings and smattering of modern-day design sensibility, the tiny town of Rosendal boasts plenty of architectural eye candy

An InternationalAssociate of Savills

DUNKELD GAUTENG

R9.5 MILLION

INANDA GAUTENG

R12.8 MILLION

An original Herbert Baker design measuring ±770 m2 under roof and set amongst 3 065 m2

of mature treed gardens. This charming family home, ideal for entertaining, is built around a

central courtyard with well-appointed receptions and eat-in, farm-style kitchen. Tranquillity, privacy

and security at its absolute best.

Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3 | Garages 2

Louis Green 082 820 3040,Lisa Daly 082 450 6594

MULBARTONGAUTENG

R19.5 MILLION

This luxurious 4-star Mediterranean Guesthouseis found in Mulbarton, offering superioraccommodation and attention to detail.

Spacious yet private.

Bedrooms 12 | Bathrooms 12 | Garages 3

Maurie Graaff 083 609 8453

Defined by bold architectural form and distinctive classic design this impressive family home is set

in a complex of 5 exclusive clusters. Generous proportions and impeccable style highlight the

beautiful open plan receptions leading onto the private garden and pool.

Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 3.5 | Garages 2

Kimberly Dods 082 601 2099,Carol Truter 082 466 1045

WEB ACCESS 1GV1209976

WEB ACCESS HP1212510

WEB ACCESS HP1219806

www.pamgolding.co.za | m.pamgolding.co.za

CONSTANTIAUPPER WESTERN CAPER16.25 MILLION

V&A WATERFRONT WESTERN CAPER24 MILLION

This breath-taking residence affords unparalleled views of Table Mountain, the city, canals and a glimpse of the Marina. Settle into a truly luxurious living space with 3 en suite bedrooms, private swimming pool and deck.

Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3.5 | Parkings 3 Paul Levy 083 300 3001, Lynn Pinn 083 631 4890, Mariël Burger 082 372 2573

VOËLKLIPHERMANUSR33 MILLION

This historical seafront homestead is surrounded by a spacious garden and offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in the main house, plus cottage and staff accommodation.

Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 5 | Garages 2

Rose Marie Marais 082 877 6160

This home is situated in a sought-after secure estate of 19 architecturally designed homes with natural fynbos gardens and private walkways. Superbly located next door to Groot Constantia Wine Estate the emphasis here is on security, style and peace.

Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 5 | Garages 2

Angie Bloom 083 678 7876, Arie Kadé 083 448 0488

WEB ACCESS HF1168428

WEB ACCESS PR1046273

WEB ACCESS KW1220163

INVESTMENT Friday 5 June 2015

I f you are formally employed there is a good chance you are

contributing to some kind of pension or provident fund. Every month you see that amount on your payslip that tells you how much has been deducted,

and so you might feel that your retirement saving is being taken care of. But when last did you check how much you have accumulated in your retirement fund? When last did you calculate whether you are on track to reach the required capital you need to retire comfortably?

Unless you are over the age of 55, the chances are that the answer to both of those questions is “never”.

The recent Sanlam Benchmark survey, which reviews SA’s retirement industry, found that only 5% of pension fund members seek financial advice 20 or more years before retirement. A frightening 67% first receive advice just 10 years before they retire, and an incredible 20% get advice for the first time on their retirement date.

Consider those numbers in conjunction with statistics from BankservAfrica, which show that the average private pension paid into bank accounts in March this year was just R5,656.

The reality is that many South Africans have no idea what their retirement is going to look like until it is nearly upon them.

And when they do realise the situation they are in, they have very little time to do anything about it.

The result is that they end up with pensions that are inadequate, or at least well below what they were earning while they were still working.

In many cases this could have been avoided if they had just taken stock of their situation sooner and not made the mistake of thinking that just because they contributed to a pension fund for their entire working lives, they would have enough when their retirement date arrives.

Since the retirement industry moved from a defined-benefits to a defined-contributions model, there are no longer any guarantees about what you will get at retirement. It is up to each individual to monitor their own investments and check that they are on track.

That is why it is important to involve a financial planner to help you to understand what your retirement goals should be and how you are most likely to get there. The sooner you do it the more they help you achieve your goals.

Analyse it

Have you really thought about retirement?

WORDS: PATRICK CAIRNS

The golden rule of retirement is that the sooner you start saving the better. Consider that compounding returns of 10% per annum will turn a R1,000-a-month investment into:

R206,552 OVER 10 YEARS

R765,696 OVER 20 YEARS

R2,279,325 OVER 30 YEARS

R6,376,780 OVER 40 YEARS

Markets are shifting, and Campbell says many buyers are moving into suburban locations and have houses to sell in the township areas. “A few years ago, agents working in the suburbs would refer these properties to our agents in the townships, but many of them now know their way around the townships and are taking a far more active role in the sales process.

“We have invested significantly in the township areas. The houses are priced at the lower end of the market, from R250,000 for a four-bedroom house to a maximum of R800,000 for a very big home, and the market is really active.”

The situation is similar in Soweto. Simon Bray, CEO of Private Property, reports that Soweto is one of the most popular areas on the property search portal and that it consistently features in the top 50 in terms of site visits.

“It is a high-demand area with a large number of views for every listing,” Bray says. “Properties for sale in Soweto get 25% more views per listing than properties in the greater Johannesburg central and CBD areas. Soweto also has a high demand for rental properties, with 34 people on average interested in each property for rent.”

Says Dina Soukop, CEO of Soukop Property Group: “Affordability and value for money are major draw cards in areas such as Soweto. You can pay R900,000 for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a 460m2 stand, with a separate cottage, or R799,000 for a two-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Meadowlands,

Township propertiesin demand

complete with outside braai area and fireplace.”

It isn’t all rosy, however. Campbell highlights a common problem faced by buyers looking at purchasing properties at the lower end of the market: creditworthiness.

Many clients are financially vulnerable and struggle to raise a bond. This often results in township properties being “sold” two, three or four times before a real deal goes through. “Yet despite the fact that the agents work three times harder, they still constantly make sales,” Campbell says.

Nazmie Anthony of Pam Golding Properties Mitchells Plain and Southeastern Suburbs in Cape Town has 12 agents in Mitchells Plain alone, and she couldn’t agree more. “Regardless of the issue of creditworthiness, we find that the average age of first-time buyers is getting younger and younger, as this generation gets better jobs and earns more. We have a policy, though, of getting all our clients in these areas preapproved for credit before we show them any properties.”

As with former township areas in other parts of

the country, the demand in the Western Cape is “exceptional”, says Anthony. “Prices have risen too: a three-bedroom council house in Gugulethu would have fetched R110,000 to R180,000 five years ago, but will now sell for R280,000 to R360,000. You’re looking at R850,000 for a four-bedroom bonded home in Ilitha Park in Khayelitsha, and three-bedroom homes in suburbs such as Portlands, Rocklands and Westridge in Mitchells Plain have increased from R290,000 to R340,000 five years ago to R450,000 to R640,000.

“There is lots of movement: homes in general are well maintained; many people sell to upgrade; and many people sell to move to other areas that perhaps offer more prestige or better value for money.

“Although we have 51 listings in Mitchells Plain, and even though our agents are people who live in the area, have been to school there, belong to the local sports clubs and know their neighbours, we still need to do regular expos to get sufficient stock.”

“In the past, agents working in the suburbs would refer these properties to our agents in the townships, but many of them now know their way around the townships and are taking a far more active role in the sales process” Bruce Campbell, CEO, Natal Property Consultants

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

and so you might feel that your retirement saving is being taken care of. But when last did you check how much you have accumulated in your retirement fund? When last did you calculate whether you are on track to reach the required capital you need to retire comfortably?

Unless you are over the age of 55, the chances are that the answer to both of those questions is “never”.

The recent Sanlam Benchmark survey, which reviews SA’s retirement industry, found that only 5% of pension fund members seek financial advice 20 or more years before retirement. A frightening 67% first receive advice just 10 years before they retire, and an incredible 20% get advice for the first time on their retirement date.

Consider those numbers in conjunction with statistics from BankservAfrica, which show that the average private pension paid into bank accounts in March this year was just R5,656.

The reality is that many South Africans have no idea what their retirement is going to look like until it is nearly upon them.

And when they do realise the situation they are in, they have very little time to do anything about it.

The result is that they end up with pensions that are inadequate, or at least well below what they were earning while they were still working.

In many cases this could have been avoided if they had just taken stock of their situation sooner and not made the mistake of thinking that just because they contributed to a pension fund for their entire working lives, they would have enough when their retirement date arrives.

Since the retirement industry moved from a defined-benefits to a defined-contributions model, there are no longer any guarantees about what you will get at retirement. It is up to each individual to monitor their own investments and check that they are on track.

That is why it is important to involve a financial planner to help you to understand what your retirement goals should be and how you are most likely to get there. The sooner you do it the more they help you achieve your goals.

Have you really thought about retirement?

INVESTMENT Friday 5 June 2015

The respective developers of 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg, and

Philippi Village in Cape Town are busy constructing affordable commercial spaces out of shipping containers.

27 BOXESProperty developer Citiq has spearheaded container developments since the launch of SA’s first shipping-container residential block, 61 Countesses, in Randburg in 2012. The group’s second such development was Mill Junction in Newtown, completed in January 2014 and incorporating disused grain silos.

This month sees the launch of Citiq’s 27 Boxes shopping centre, named for the average size of each shipping container out of which it’s built.

There are many advantages to using this building methodology. Says Citiq CEO Paul Lapham: “Shipping containers make for an amazingly simple building module, with the overall design strongly influenced by the use of what are essentially large ‘Lego’ blocks. They also fast-track the construction process as

WORDS: GENEVIEVE PUTTER :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The shipping news

Two new commercial developments are launching this month and both, in part, incorporate the ‘cargotecture’ trend

compared with conventional building methods.”

It isn’t necessarily cheaper to build with containers, though. To make these structures aesthetically pleasing costs roughly the same as putting up a conventional building, Lapham says.

Situated at Faan Smit Park in the heart of Melville, 27 Boxes also includes 200 secure parking bays, something that is scarce in the area. “People who have visited the site are enthusiastic about its potential, and tenant take-up of stores at the centre has been positive, leading us to believe that our retail concept fulfils a real need in the market,” says Lapham.

The centre appeals to retail start-ups by offering smaller premises at lower monthly rentals, from R2,618 for a 13m2 stall to R4,759 for 26m2. Lease agreements range from a month to five years. The short-term leases are attractive to newly launched brands and is a good fit with the “pop-up shop” trend.

Says Lapham: “There are very few opportunities for small businesses and start-ups to rent affordable space

“Tenant take-up of stores at the centre has been positive, leading us to believe that our retail concept fulfils a real need in the market”Paul Lapham, CEO, Citiq

“This alternative to bricks and mortar appeals to small businesses in the community that aren’t yet able to afford a more expensive, traditional retail space”Amor Strauss, GM, Philippi Village

in secure, central shopping centres. Historically, small and medium-sized enterprises have had either to rely on weekend or crafters’ markets or find premises on the outskirts of the suburbs or the city. 27 Boxes makes sense to entrepreneurs as it has all the advantages of a busy retail space where they can sign up for one month or more and be exposed to enthusiastic shoppers.” 27boxes.co.za

PHILIPPI VILLAGEPhilippi Village is the first of its kind in the Wetton/Lansdowne Corridor connecting Cape Town’s Eastern Suburbs. The village is a joint venture between the Bertha Foundation — a philanthropic organisation encouraging social change — and the not-for-profit organisation Business Place Philippi, which provides

business support services to entrepreneurs.

According to Philippi Village GM Amor Strauss, the idea was simply to provide a range of free resources, such as training and mentoring, to local small, medium-sized and micro enterprises. But “the founders were soon inundated with requests from small local entrepreneurs with big dreams for actual business premises”, she says. “This stimulated a broader vision for the area, where work, trade and recreational activities could flourish and encourage entrepreneurial collaboration.”

Philippi Village includes the Hub, the Shed and the Container Walk. The Hub is a commercial business centre with A-grade office space and is aimed at established social ventures that can make a difference in Philippi. The Shed is a communal marketplace and events venue. The Container Walk caters to start-ups and other small businesses that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford secure, quality trading spaces or offices.

The shipping containers that were used for the Container Walk’s structure provided a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing building solution.

Says Strauss: “Retail spaces in refurbished shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular as designers find ways to reuse the large containers. This alternative to bricks and mortar appeals to small businesses in the community that aren’t yet able to afford a more expensive, traditional retail space.”

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) are involved in the project. The IDC is the main funder, and

the CCDI called for designers to submit proposals for a prototype for the fitting out of the shipping containers.

The winning design by Heinrich Kammeyer and Shilo Hope was chosen for many reasons, including time to completion and cost.

Tenants of the Container Walk will have a structured lease agreement through which their rent is subsidised for the first three years while establish their businesses.

Strauss says: “Although a sliding scale rental subsidy will be available to the start-up entrepreneurs through the funding arrangement with the Bertha Foundation, a rental contribution is compulsory to show commitment to the enterprise.

“By offering these entrepreneurs active training, mentoring and business support services, we’re giving them a better chance to survive the most difficult years. It is expected that after three years some of those in this batch will evolve and grow and take up space in the Hub, thus creating a sustainable ecosystem.”

Tenant occupation of the Hub started last month. The Container Walk is scheduled for completion in September. philippivillage.co.za

PHILIPPI VILLAGE.

27 BOXES.

FOCUS ON WATERFALL ESTATE Friday June 5, 2015

WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The Waterfall Estate show house

It’s exciting times at Century Property Developments as the group launches new luxury cluster homes at Waterfall Country Estate

The beautifully furnished 398m² show house at Waterfall Country

Estate in Midrand, Gauteng, has recently been completed and is perfectly situated near the river, providing the most incredible views. This stylish home offers four spacious bedrooms, all of which are en suite to beautifully finished bathrooms. The designer kitchen flows onto an open-plan living area and a private patio with a built-in braai, while the large garden is a great space the whole family can enjoy.

The house includes a double garage, storage space under the stairs and an amazing loft that has been designed as a multipurpose area that can be used as staff accommodation, an exterior office, a bachelor flat or even a man cave.

“What makes these units spectacular is the attention to detail, the finer touches that improve the overall look and feel,” says Joanne Reynolds, principal residential architect at Century Property Developments. “We have used neutral finishes that create a warm ambience, will appeal to many home buyers and make the house lovely and light. All the rooms within the house have been constructed with extra height to create a feeling of openness.”

The house includes many green features, such as polystyrene in the foundation, cavity walls and insulation in the ceiling. To reduce the amount of electricity needed

to run the home, only LED lighting has been installed, as have instant gas geysers and gas stoves. All the houses are south-entry and north-facing, thus making optimal use of the natural light and heat of the Highveld climate.

In phase one there will be 24 houses completed in a variety of four- and five-bedroom designs. These homes range from 398m2 to 414m² in size and are priced from R5.9m to R7.8m. By investing in this newest phase of Waterfall Estate, you will be saved the inconvenience, stress and time delay associated with private construction and be assured of the best-quality fittings and finishes.

“We invite you to come and view the furnished show house, open daily from 9am to 5pm,” says Reynolds. “This is your opportunity to invest in a completed home and immediately start enjoying the property value growth and upmarket lifestyle that Waterfall provides.”

A SAVVY INVESTMENTSince the launch of Waterfall Country Estate, buyers have seen a 200% property value increase on their initial investments — even higher, in many cases.

Because of the high demand, the limited number of properties and the unrivalled lifestyle facilities, the value of Waterfall properties have and will continue to far outperform the industry growth norm.

“Since the launch of the show house in Waterfall Crescent we have had many enquiries and only 13 of the 24 houses in phase one are still available,” says Norman Mohr, sales manager at Waterfall Country Estate. “This illustrates the demand for completed houses in our secure estate. We even have many existing Waterfall clients who are interested in buying, as they recognise the excellent investment opportunity we’re offering.”

By purchasing a property in Waterfall, a premier development, clients are making not only a savvy financial investment but also the best investment in their lifestyle.

On completion, Waterfall will include secure residential estates, retirement villages, business parks, a Netcare hospital, five-star hotels, a Reddam House private school and a Gautrain station, as well as convenient commercial and retail elements, such as the Mall of Africa, the largest shopping centre in southern Africa.

Strategically situated just 10km north of Sandton, Waterfall is quickly becoming the preferred address for people who value a full and varied lifestyle. Waterfall offers a spacious, secure environment for their families, upmarket living and true property value growth. With its impeccable attention to detail in all areas of development, Waterfall promotes an integrated

live-work-play environment that sets a new standard in quality estate living.

FACILITIESWaterfall Country Estate offers 37km of walking and biking trails that meander through 300ha of pristine greenbelt along the riverside, as well as a 5ha lake for nonmotorised water sports, a 5,000m² clubhouse with full gym, squash courts, studios and climbing wall, a restaurant and an indoor kids’ play area. It even includes a private school, Reddam House Waterfall, which means that resident children can ride or walk safely to school without leaving the perimeter of the estate.

In addition to the estate’s impressive facilities, each stand also has a fibre-optic connection and piped liquid petroleum gas.

Located within Waterfall are a number of convenient retail stores and commercial areas, as well as the Mall of Africa, where every possible convenience and luxury is available on the residents’ doorsteps.

SECURITYDesigned to raise the benchmark for secure lifestyle estates in SA, the security at Waterfall is managed at the highest level while maintaining a sense of personal freedom for residents. The combination of thermal imaging and optical cameras with built-in analytics enables the

FOCUS ON WATERFALL ESTATE Friday June 5, 2015

“Since the launch of the show house in Waterfall Crescent we have had many enquiries and only 13 of the 24 houses in phase one are still available”Norman Mohr, sales manager, Waterfall Country Estate

The Waterfall Estate show house

live-work-play environment that sets a new standard in quality estate living.

FACILITIESWaterfall Country Estate offers 37km of walking and biking trails that meander through 300ha of pristine greenbelt along the riverside, as well as a 5ha lake for nonmotorised water sports, a 5,000m² clubhouse with full gym, squash courts, studios and climbing wall, a restaurant and an indoor kids’ play area. It even includes a private school, Reddam House Waterfall, which means that resident children can ride or walk safely to school without leaving the perimeter of the estate.

In addition to the estate’s impressive facilities, each stand also has a fibre-optic connection and piped liquid petroleum gas.

Located within Waterfall are a number of convenient retail stores and commercial areas, as well as the Mall of Africa, where every possible convenience and luxury is available on the residents’ doorsteps.

SECURITYDesigned to raise the benchmark for secure lifestyle estates in SA, the security at Waterfall is managed at the highest level while maintaining a sense of personal freedom for residents. The combination of thermal imaging and optical cameras with built-in analytics enables the

security personnel to monitor movements in and around the estate. Visitor access is managed via state-of-the-art systems and is controlled by highly trained personnel. The 27km perimeter wall is 4m high, reinforced with concrete and topped with electric fencing and mounted cameras. A dedicated control room monitors all aspects of security on the estate and ensures peace of mind for residents and their guests. All security systems have dedicated back-up generators to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTThere is a strong focus on green design within the development, the aim being to create a healthy community centred on environmentally conscious principles. Sustainable development means living in harmony with the natural environment while giving consideration to the social, environmental and economic aspects of our decisions and reducing our carbon footprint by maintaining a lifestyle that is less energy-, water- and material-intensive.

In line with the green initiatives at Waterfall, Century Property Developments is striving for the implementation of long-term energy management. “We believe that it is our moral obligation to start thinking not only smarter but greener by introducing certain key initiatives that will ensure a minimal impact on the environment while creating long-term cost savings,” says Mohr.

Home owners have a major role to play in making their houses and environment more sustainable by being aware of environmentally sustainable design principles and expressing such preferences to their architects, designers and builders. A house built according to Century Property Developments’ sustainable-housing guidelines can have a 40% lower carbon footprint than the average residential house in Gauteng.

SALES INFORMATIONNorman Mohr 082 903 7502, norman@century.co.zaJessica van der Walt 082 937 4760, jessica@century.co.za398m2-414m² four- and five-bedroom houses in Waterfall EstateLimited stock — only 24 houses released in phase oneFrom R5.9m-R8m

“Nedbank’s primary objective is to promote home ownership, although the importance of rental accommodation is not understated. Home ownership is important because it creates family stability, security and wealth. The significant majority of Nedbank’s home loans in the affordable market are to customers who live in the home” Jeff Lawrence, head, Nedbank Retail Affordable Housing Home Loans

INVESTIGATION Friday June 5 2015

Between 2005 and 2008 just about every real estate agency made

a killing in the affordable market — those homes priced between R350,000 and R600,000 — and at the time it was considered a lucrative investment. So lucrative, in fact, that between 2004 and 2007 price growth in this segment topped 40% to 50%, and in some cases even more, according to Cobus Odendaal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty’s Randburg principal.

“The market flattened out somewhat after this and is now at a steady average growth of about 7% year on year,” says Odendaal, noting that SA’s residential property market has since boomed. “For instance, a two-bedroom flat sold in Jonkershoek, Cresta, Johannesburg, in 2012 for R425,000. In 2014, this same unit was sold for R478,000.”

Odendaal’s example represents a 12% growth on the initial purchase price, but this is nowhere close to the pre-2008 growth and is about double the average for areas we surveyed.

Affordable property may have been a sound investment prior to the global credit crunch, with rental income and capital growth both performing well, but is it still such a wise move to dabble in this price bracket?

“Demand for rentals at this level is high,” says Odendaal. “Two-bedroom units top the pops here, but one- and three-bedroom units are as

much in demand. We have hundreds of thousands of people moving up into the middle classes in SA each year, and while many may not yet be able to afford to buy their own homes, they want to raise their families in areas with good schools. There is far more demand for accommodation in the rental range than there is supply.”

Demand is one thing; capital appreciation is quite another.

Joao de Gouveia, MD of Seeff Boksburg, Germiston and Benoni, says that between 2005 and 2008 his office sold 15 properties in the affordable segment at a capital growth of about 30%, but between 2012 and 2014 the 34 sold only grew by 8% in value.

Residential property investment has two strings to its bow, according to Andrew Golding, CEO of Pam Golding Properties: “First is rental yield and second is capital growth,” he says. “Rental yields tend to be higher in percentage terms at the lower end of the market and as a consequence this may be a compelling proposition for would-be investors. Furthermore, the initial upfront costs at the lower end of the market tend to be attractive as they are more affordable.

“As far as capital growth is concerned, it is to some extent determined by overall market conditions but also very specifically the individual suburb where the property is located and especially the individual property itself —

in other words properties do compete with each other.”

It is true that in many metropolitan suburbs the surge saw an oversupply of properties in this price band being developed. Their market value has since either flattened or, at the very best, increased in line with inflation.

But can investors afford to be picky about capital growth in a market where

Affordable market still a good investment?

It may still be the best performer in terms of sales and capital appreciation, but has the affordable-home investment ship sailed?WORDS: DAVID A STEYNBERG :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

“Nedbank’s primary objective is to promote home ownership, although the importance of rental accommodation is not understated. Home ownership is important because it creates family stability, security and wealth. The significant majority of Nedbank’s home loans in the affordable market are to customers who live in the home” Jeff Lawrence, head, Nedbank Retail Affordable Housing Home Loans

INVESTIGATION Friday June 5 2015

economic growth hovers around the 2% mark?

Samuel Seef, chairman of Seeff, is more optimistic about this price band, which is where “the activity is, both in terms of sales and especially in terms of the demand for affordable rental accommodation”.

“Given the strong demand at the affordable end of the housing market, we therefore see that this sector continuously sees the strongest average price growth,” Seeff says, noting that the latest FNB Property Barometer shows growth of just more than 11% for the first quarter of 2015. “This is significantly above the average inflation rate, which is sitting below 4%. Even if it moves back to last year’s average of 6%, it is still well above the average inflation rate. From an investment

point of view, the demand and house price growth certainly should serve as an incentive to invest, but this is also a challenging sector.”

He says tenant management is vital, especially in a challenging economic climate where tenants have tight household budgets. “While there can be no doubt that the demand, both from a buyer and tenant perspective, points towards this sector as posing good investment potential, those looking to invest in the buy-to-let sector should do their homework thoroughly,” says Seeff. “Unless you are in the rental business, you would be best advised to work with a credible rental agent before leaping into investing.”

Rental demand and yields, therefore, need to be weighed against capital growth, while location remains key.

“In terms of the investment market, there is massive rental demand. It’s possible that you might have to supplement your bond repayments slightly if levies are on the high side, but ultimately the demand for rental accommodation is there and property values are climbing” Cobus Odendaal, principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Randburg

A slowing market

Where: Johannesburg South, Alberton and Soweto

Who: Shawn Mackrell, MD

Agency: Seeff

What: Between 2012 and end-2014 more than 400 properties in this price range were sold and saw growth of between 4% and 7%

Where: Springs/Brakpan

Who: Michael van Heerden, manager

Agency: Seeff

What: Growth from 2005 to 2008 was around the 20% mark. Between 2012 and end-2014 increases in value have been fairly stagnant. Certain areas did, however, show an increase in value of about 5%

“It is still a good investment, but the rental market in Secunda is not performing as well as it was previously. The strain on Sasol, with the low oil price, project Phoenix, many people changing jobs, restructuring and far fewer opportunities, are all contributing to fewer and fewer people looking for accommodation here” Billy Fick, MD, Seeff Secunda

INTERNATIONAL Friday June 5 2015

One of Dubai’s most popular property portals, Dubizzle

(dubizzle.com), lists the number of flats for rent in the most populous United Arab Emirates city at more than 50,000. According to a recent open editorial by the multidisciplinary engineering consultancy Aurecon’s Simon Hough, who heads the Middle East buildings unit, the city has an oversupply of residential space, with more developments either launching or in the pipeline. This, says Hough, is contributing to pushing down sales and rental prices.

The cooling of the residential market has less to do with surplus stock than it does with sentiment, the doubling of property registration fees and the doubling of the amount of upfront equity required to buy, according to Faisal Durrani, international research and business development manager at Cluttons, a global firm of chartered surveyors and property consultants.

“Affordability is central to the residential market,” he says via telephone from Dubai. “The doubling of property registration fees from 2% to 4% was done to remove the practice of speculative

The popular high-end villa market continues to decelerate, providing opportunities for international investors. But the doubling of the property registration fee and upfront purchase costs makes owning Dubai real estate just a little harder

development that was prevalent in the market.”

While Durrani believes this was a positive move for the housing sector, it has made owning property in the city that much harder. The amount of upfront equity required to buy increased from 20% to 42% because of federal mortgage caps imposed last year. This has caused the 5.5-million Emirati dirham, or AED, (about R18.2m) villa market — the most expensive property class and one that has proved most popular with expats — to stagnate.

“In order to move stock, prices on villas have declined,”

says Durrani, noting that prices have declined by 4.3% year on year. “A new sweet spot appears to be emerging around the AED3m to AED3.25m (R9.9m to R10.7m) mark, where transactions are still taking place.”

Across the board, residential capital values are down on their record 2013 growth of 51%, but are now steady at 5%.

What are the opportunities for those trading in rand?

“Dubai is seeing a house price correction and we have seen declines of about 10% to 20% from the highs of 2013-14,” says Mario Volpi, MD of Ocean View Real Estate. “This decline is unlikely to continue, however, with the dirham being pegged to the dollar and the greenback being stronger than the euro and British pound. It may still seem that prices are a little high, but this is because of the exchange rate. Now would be an excellent time

to buy, as we are expecting prices to rise again towards the end of 2015 or latest by the spring of 2016.”

One- and two-bedroom flats continue to prove popular, says Volpi. “Depending on area, the most popular price brackets are AED80,000 to AED100,000 (about R264,000 to R330,000) for the one-bedroom units and AED120,000 to AED130,000 (about R397,000 to R430,000) for the two-bedroom units.”

Durrani agrees, saying there are pockets of opportunity available in the higher-end sector too, where beachfront flats can cost about AED730,000 (about R2.4m).

“In the Jumeirah Beach Residence development, for example, investors are achieving 6% to 7% rental yields and capital growth of 3.5%,” he says. “Across the board this is down on the 31% the year before. But in the short to medium term, capital growth is expected to hit 5% or more a year.”

Dubai property remains a sure betWORDS: DAVID A STEYNBERG || PHOTOS: CLUTTONS, OCEAN VIEW REAL ESTATE

NUCLEAR DEAL GOOD FOR DUBAIA successful Iran nuclear deal is a good thing not only for global safety and security, but also for Dubai’s property market.

Faisal Durrani, international research and business development manager at Cluttons, a global firm of chartered surveyors and property consultants, says 10 years ago Iranian nationals made up the top three nationalities staying in, and doing business from, Dubai.

“It’s good for the office market as more global occupiers will be searching for space in Dubai to use as a launchpad for doing business in Iran,” he says. “Residential demand will follow too. It’s good for everyone.”

INTERNATIONAL Friday June 5 2015

The US housing market has seemingly bounced back after a devastating

recession pulled the rug out from under it seven years ago. It has been estimated that about 7-million Americans lost their homes after the 2008 economic crash. Some areas were harder hit than others: for example, New York weathered the storm fairly well, but Las Vegas was close to being turned into a ghost town.

The good news is that the home-ownership rate has been rising steadily and

is now back to where it was before the crash – about 69%. Lawmakers have put in place measures to ensure that the subprime mortgage debacle that brought the world’s economy to its knees will never be repeated.

Las Vegas, Nevada, may not be in the hurricane belt of the Great Plains, but the city took the full brunt of the financial hurricane that swept the US. The city that rose out of the desert on the sands of speculation and chance gambled on property and lost. Unemployment soared and house sales came to a halt. Caught off-guard,

developers who had been betting on the property market came unstuck and were lumbered with dead stock. But that wasn’t the only problem: in 2010 it was estimated that 65% of home owners in Nevada who held a bond owed more than their homes were worth. Doomsayers were quick to predict that the end had come and that Las Vegas would never recover, and no one thinking in the short term could blame them for that. But, as always, you can’t write off property in the long term.

House prices have recovered strongly since the crash. The average cost of a detached property in Las Vegas is $204,000 (about R2,5m), a vast improvement on the average price of $118,000 recorded in 2010, though it could be argued that it is a far cry from the $315,000 paid in 2006.

Interestingly, high-end homes priced at $1.5m and above, in upmarket suburbs, appear to be driving the market and prices in these areas increased by between 13.8% and 24.5% last year.

Of course, it must be remembered that while the increases look impressive on paper, the dramatic rise can be attributed to the fact that they started from such a low base. That said, there have been many instances of buyers selling their homes in other states, using the proceeds of the sale to invest in a Nevada property and living off the rental income.

New York, as was the case with other major metros

around the world, barely felt the effects of the recession, owing to the sheer demand for property in the city.

Trulia, an online residential real estate site, reports that the average listing price for a property in New York City is about $4.6m (about R56m); however, the average selling price is $1.2m (about R14.6m). This figure is based on the 585 sales that took place between February and May this year. The average price per square foot is $1,454 (R17,654). The report notes that, while the median sales price has increased by 5.5%, which is slightly more than the 5.3% recorded over the same period last year, the number of sales has decreased. At the time of writing, there were 6,128 new and existing properties on the market as well as 193 properties in the pre-foreclosure, auction or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process.

Suburbs that are proving popular include the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, where the average listing prices are $6,201,810 and $3,892,188 (about R75m and R47m) respectively. The average listing price of property in “Little Italy”, so named because of the large number of Italian immigrants who made this area their home in the early 20th century, is about $6.1m. Conversely, the average listing price of property in Harlem is just more than $1m (about R12m), which goes to show it’s really all about location.

Keeping an eye on US real estate: a long-term view

Catching it on the reboundWORDS: LEA JACOBS :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

The numbers

$204,000 (about R2.5m) — average house price in Las Vegas, up from

$118,000 in

2010

$4.6m (about R56m) — average property listing price in New York City

New Yorkers pay on average

$1,454 (about R18,000) a square foot

It has been estimated that about 7-million Americans lost their homes after the 2008 economic crash

There have been many instances of buyers selling their homes in other states, using the proceeds of the sale to invest in a Nevada property and living off the rental income

the value of R7.253bn, or 20% higher than in 2013.

A breakdown by location reveals that R2.6bn worth of sectional title property was sold on the Atlantic Seaboard, R1.1bn in the City Bowl, R750m in the Southern Suburbs and R670m in the Blouberg and Parklands areas.

“The average price of sectional title property of R1.65m for the metro as a whole is not only 18% higher than the R1.4m of 2013, but now also closely rivals the freehold price of R1.67m,” says Seeff. “Meanwhile,

NEWS Friday June 5 2015

Home prices in Pretoria’s New East averaging more than R1m

In the past few years Pretoria’s New East, including the suburbs

of Equestria and Faerie Glen and Silver Lakes Golf Estate, has grown.

Says Anne Rich, Rawson Property Group franchisee in Equestria: “People used to move here to enjoy a country lifestyle, but as the city expanded and the whole area around Silver Lakes Golf Estate became increasingly fashionable, developers saw the opportunity to open it up to younger buyers by building more affordable homes on the smallholdings here.”

The area also includes The Grove Mall, Life Wilgers Hospital, St Alban’s College, Die Wilgers High School and Deutsche Schule Pretoria.

Rising demand for beachfront homes

Sectional title beats freehold in Cape Town

These factors have contributed to the node’s being one of the city’s most densely populated. Property data company Lightstone reports that more than 530 sectional title sales were registered in Equestria in the past 12 months at an average sales price of R1m. About 250 sales of freehold stands and cluster homes in secure estates, with homes selling for an average of R1.85m, were recorded.

Says Rich: “The highest demand here is for homes in the R1m-to-R1.3m price range, but most properties for sale in the area are priced at R1.6m or higher.”

In Lynnwood Ridge, which borders Equestria and is closer to Menlyn, 47% of

In terms of rand per square metre, sectional title homes in Cape Town

are edging higher in price than freehold homes on the Atlantic Seaboard. Reasons include high demand and a shortage of stock. Seeff chairman Samuel Seeff says that while sectional title property makes up just less than 23% (about 51,933 units) of the total number of title deeds registered for the Cape metro as a whole, it makes up 40% of all sales yearly.

Lightstone data shows that 4,398 units sold across the Cape metro in 2014 to

residential housing stock is in sectional title flats and townhouses, at an average price of R995,000. Lightstone data reveals that the average price of freehold homes sold

The North Coast town of Umdloti is seeing a high demand for its

beachfront homes. Property prices there have doubled in

the past seven to eight years, says Pam Golding Properties area principal Carol Reynolds.

“We have buyers looking for homes priced from R1m

the average sectional title price for the Johannesburg metro is about R800,000 — half that of Cape Town.”

According to PropStats, the average selling price of sectional title properties on the Atlantic Seaboard is higher than the average price of properties in most other suburbs across the city.

Average prices are sitting at about R1.9m in the CBD, R4m in Green Point and Sea Point and R4.5m in Mouille Point. Prices in Bantry Bay, Fresnaye and Camps Bay average R6.5m or more, and up to R12m in Clifton.

up to R10m and R15m and beyond,” she said. “Many are retired and seeking a quieter beach lifestyle. Others are executives and professionals working in Umhlanga or La Lucia office parks, while many of the flats are sought by upcountry purchasers and investors.”

The low-density southern side is fetching R6m for a modest beach house, says Reynolds. About R15m will secure a beachfront mansion. “The entry level is high, with the market sitting in a niche price band mainly between R6m and R10m, and with R15m to R20m being achieved for top-echelon properties,” she says. “Flats range from two bedrooms at R2m to three bedrooms from R2.5m or more. Exclusive units sell for as much as R10m.”

To the north, houses are priced from R6m and flats from R1.6m to R3.75m for two bedrooms, and from

around R2.3m to R4.5m for three bedrooms.

Despite a noticeable improvement in buying activity in the holiday hometowns across SA last year, which reached a high of 3.3% in the second quarter, demand has been lagging, with the first quarter of 2015 revealing growth of 2.1%. This is according to the FNB Holiday Towns House Price Index, which shows that year-on-year growth also slowed.

“This has just started to translate into slower growth in the still-high year-on-year rate, from 12.1% in the final quarter of 2014 to 11.8% in the first quarter of 2015,” says John Loos, household and property sector strategist at FNB. “From here onwards we expect slowing house price growth in the holiday town markets to be the order of the day. This is because of a slowing economy as well as the expectation that interest rates will rise late in 2015.”

in Lynnwood Ridge over the past 12 months was R2m.

Another popular suburb is Faerie Glen, where homes are priced up to R2.5m. Cluster homes are priced

from R600,000 to R1.5m. According to Lightstone, more than 300 sectional title sales have been registered in Faerie Glen in the past 12 months, at an average price of R1.1m.

AFFORDABILITY A LIKELY STUMBLING BLOCK THIS YEAR

In the last quarter of 2014 there were 6.07-million residential properties in SA with a combined value of R4,27-trillion. A third of these, valued at R2,25-trillion, were bonded, according to the latest Absa Housing Review. The review states that 3.36-million properties valued at R2.02-trillion were not bonded.

Absa’s house price data shows that nominal and real year-on-year house price growth was lower in most segments of the market in the first quarter of 2015 as compared with the same period a year ago. Household debt, food and electricity costs and rising petrol prices are all having an impact on housing prices.

Potential buyers have been warned not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the slowdown in property price growth, as rising interest rates are likely to have a big effect on affordability for first-time buyers.

“The affordability of property is reflected in the ratios of house prices and mortgage repayments to household disposable income,” says Mike van Alphen, national manager at Rawson Finance, the Rawson Property Group’s in-house bond originator. “When house prices and mortgage repayments increase faster than disposable income, purchasing or paying off a property becomes much less affordable.”

Interest rates were left unchanged at the end of May, and this continues to provide some relief.

Samuel Seeff, chairman of Seeff, says market conditions remain favourable for first-time home buyers, who make up a quarter of the market nationally. Says Seeff: “The improved mortgage-lending landscape has greatly aided first-time buying. According to the Oobarometer, the home loan application success rate is more than 75%, and about 50% of these are first-time applicants.”

Mortgage interest rates, however, are expected to rise from an average 9.25% to 9.5%, and this will affect affordability.

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Set in an exclusive village on Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate II, this magnificent home offers both privacy and fairway views. Reception areas flow to a verandah and pool area for endless entertaining. Upstairs are the star-quality MES, two huge bedrooms, family bathroom and pyjama lounge. Downstairs, the fourth bedroom suite with own entrance is ideal for guests. Also featuring a full loft suite and a large private study with own entrance.Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 Garages 3 Living Areas 5

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This unique property exhibits clean lines, modern grandeur and custom-made finishes. Set within Oubaai Golf Estate and enjoying prime position on a double stand, this home boasts floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the ocean. Features include a grand fireplace, steam room, elevator, wine cellar, server room, solar power and a garden with ±R1m worth of plants. Extras: security, study and domestic accommodation.Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Garages 4 Living Areas 1

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Whether you are a first-time buyer or not, we’ll make finding your home sweet home quick and easy with the Nedbank Home Buyer’s Guide. For the full guide and video visit Nedbank.co.za/Homeloans.

Go to nedbank.co.za/homeloans for all you need to know, from the loan application to moving in.

nedbank.co.za Nedbank Limited Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

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Unit 12018, The Houghton on the 12th, 53 2nd Avenue, Houghton

Office – 011 034 2201 || Alan Becker – 082 718 8100

Email – alan@thehoughton.com

ON SHOW DAILY – LIFESTYLE OPPORTUNITIES FROM R3,9 MILLION

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AND ITS LUXURIOUS WAY OF LIFE.

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Heleen Nyschens 082 337 7755

R3 895 000Web Ref: 3284782Lonehill

Bedrooms: 5 | Baths: 3 | Garages: 2Italian style villa. Spacious home within a secure estate. 3 Good size open plan receptions, study, large covered patio overlooking the manicured garden and pool, double auto garage and staff quarters.

Lucianna Struthers 082 653 9545

R4 150 000Web Ref: 3284780Bryanston

Bedrooms: 3 | Baths: 3.5 | Garages: 2Beautifully renovated family home with income producing cottage. Fitted study, large modern kitchen, expansive patio with built-in braai, pool and manicured garden. Double garage and staff quarters.

Roz Everitt 083 755 8933 | Zelda Reyneke 082 338 6219

R6 450 000Web Ref: 3210965Eagle Canyon

Bedrooms: 3 | Baths: 3 | Garages: 3Beautifully situated on a ridge, offering panoramic views from upstairs balcony & entertainment area. Formal lounge alongside the family room which opens onto the large patio, & pool. Staff quarters.

Roz Everitt 083 755 8933 | Zelda Reyneke 082 338 6219

R6 495 000Web Ref: 3279491Eagle Canyon

Bedrooms: 3 | Baths: 3.5 | Garages: 2Designed around a central atrium offering plenty of space and light overall. Enormous undercover patio overlooking pool. Guest suite downstairs. Upstairs en-suite bedrooms with a view. Staff quarters.

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SEA POINT – R10.495 MILLIONPrime Vista Location. This home, situated high up on a 682sqm, GR4 zoned erf offers potential to explore the magical views that the Atlantic Seaboard has to offer. A large spacious 2 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed home with family room,an entertainment den that flows onto a secluded garden, pool and patios that offers an entertaining lifestyle. Multiple parking garages. An opportunity not to be missed. Craig Robinson 082 519 9113 | Kerryn Du Rand 076 835 0410 |Web Ref: 91173

WILDERNESS, GARDEN ROUTE – R9 950 000When position and views are your benchmark. Situated in a prestigious, sought-after position on the beach front, this rustic Mediterranean style villa, offers a continental flavour enriched by the warmth of yellow-wood & Oregon pine.Enjoy the panoramic vista of the Indian ocean, long stretches of golden, pristine beaches and the pleasure of watching the dolphins & whales. Madelyn Kohler 082 550 8945 | 044 877 1277 | Web Ref: 72829

CRAIGHALL PARK – R7.25 MILLIONAmazingly well finished, good flow and in mint condition. Understated Elegance and Picture Perfect! Private lounge is comfy, study off the entrance hall, the open plan kitchen and dining room is spacious with stack doors onto a large patio,pool and tree top views. Private TV room opens onto the patio. The Bedroom wing offers three beds, all en-suite with bathrooms opening onto enclosed patios with open showers. The luxury two beds, one bath, self-contained, cottage oroffice, with a lounge, dining, kitchen area. Dbl garage, staff suite with laundry, kitchenette and more. Lockdown secure! Dbl glazing on all doors and windows. Lorraine Hurdus 072 803 0516 | Jak Redelinghuys 082 445 2130 | Web Ref: 90932