Estate Living Magazine Alfresco Living - Issue 36 December 2018 | Page 13

well positioned for short-stay business travellers. A little further between Salt Rock and Ballito, this multifaceted development is set
north is the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, which is probably the most among rolling hills, with sea views and conservation areas as well as
conveniently situated: super-close to the airport, and not far at beaches on its doorstep. Included in its residential development
all from the city. The spectacular coastal landscape and beautiful are freehold homes as well as apartment living, which may be
beaches are a bonus, which means supplementing your income a little pricey at R1.9 million and up, but it could be a good long-
from leisure tourism is a real possibility. Conceptualised as a ‘living, term investment, as it is still in early development stage. It’s a little
vibrant community’, it will include commercial, retail and residential further from the airport – about 25 kilometres – but the traffic from
areas, and is certainly an area worth keeping an eye on as it is in the north is not as heavy as that from the south. Of course, part of
the early stages of development, so investment opportunities are the construction process is the laying of super-fast fibre, so business
bound to pop up – it’s the early bird that catches the worm, after all. communication will be a breeze. Bottom line – when it comes to
looking for an investment apartment, location, corporate facilities
The Ballito region requires little to no introduction. It is an area that and transport and communications infrastructure need to be top of
has grown from a sleepy coastal resort to a thriving retail, residential mind, especially if you want to capitalise on the growing business
and commercial hub – from lifestyle estates and luxury resorts to rental market. And – for the days your business is not utilising it –
eco developments and aesthetically pleasing apartments – so it’s it’s the comfort of that additional rent that will lessen the risk of the
well placed for business travellers. It’s a bit further from central investment. And it’s not just leisure guests who prefer apartments
Durban, but closer to the airport, so you would need to balance that over hotels. More and more business travellers are shunning
out. If you’re looking for lush, natural surroundings, then you can’t corporate hotels in favour of the independence and homely feel of
go wrong with Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate on Sheffield Beach. a rental apartment.
The Lush Condos are due for completion in mid 2020, and sales
are already going strong. Studios start at R1.4 million, one-bedroom Remember that the whole point of growing your business investment
units at R1.8 million and two-bed apartments at R2.4 million. Most portfolio is to alleviate the burden of costly hotel accommodation
of the studios and one-beds have been sold, but you may be lucky while creating a nest egg for the future, so attention to detail is
to pick up a resell. What’s great about this development is that they important. Most apartments don’t come decorated, but inquire
will have a rental management pool, so the chances are good that whether the developer offers this service, or find a professional
you will be able to cover your investment with ad hoc rentals. An decorator who understands the rental market.
additional benefit is Elaleni’s commitment to sustainability, with
solar energy, grey water treatment, harvested water and waste Before signing on the dotted line though, be sure to check the rules
recycling the norm. and regulations regarding rentals. Some developments specify a
minimum rental period of three or six months, while – at the other
If you’re looking for something a little further north, especially if your extreme of the convenience spectrum – some manage a rental pool
business takes you to the industrial and business hub of Richards Bay, for owners. Other alternatives include a dedicated short-term rental
then New Salt Rock City could be what you are looking for. Located agency, or good old Airbnb, which has shown good returns for well-
located listings.
Tessa Buhrmann
New Salt Rock City
estate-living.co.za
| 11