Estate Living Magazine Precinct Living - Issue 33 | Page 18

Every generation of owner has reaped a good return on their investment, with prices increasing quite impressively." Construction started in 2000, and the first homes were completed in 2003, so the interior styles of some of the apartments on the estate are 15 years old. Consequently, when units change hands, the new owners almost invariably want to do an update. Many gut the entire unit and redecorate from scratch, often combining two rooms into one, so it is important that the ExCo carefully controls any structural changes. ‘The last thing we want,’ says Bold, ‘is someone knocking down a structural wall.’ Day-to-day management is largely outsourced, with Servest doing the gardens and landscaping, RealClean doing the cleaning, and iMvula handling the security, with an on-site control room, regular patrols and – of course – access control. The Marina Residential Estate it not just a residential estate; it’s also a popular upmarket international holiday destination for dignitaries and celebrities from all over the world. So security needs to be not only faultless but also discreet. As iMvula’s CEO Brenda Reddy explains, ‘professionalism, quality service and utmost discretion are just three of the important focus points in providing security service excellence and peace of mind to the residents and their guests.’ This requires regular risk assessments both on the estate and in the surrounds, co-operation with the SAPS, regular refresher training for all security staff, and a hands- on daily working relationship with the Marina management. Over and above this, iMvula’s senior management regularly liaise with Marina management through weekly security committee meetings. 16 | www.estate-living.co.za Make it happen All the units have been sold, some more than once, so the only way to get in here is by repurchasing – and every generation of owner has reaped a good return on their investment, with prices increasing quite impressively. Of course, the asking price for any units that do come on the market depends on size, location, view and a whole lot of other features, but they are among the highest in Cape Town, which reflects the convenience living in this estate affords its residents. As well as offering a stress-free commute to the CBD, it boasts access to a fitness centre, several pools and 200 yacht moorings, and is within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront with its upmarket retail outlets, fine restaurants, live music, museums and food markets. It’s a good investment, too, with monthly rentals for a two- bedroom, two-bathroom luxury apartment starting at R35,000 per month, and short-term rentals starting at about R20,000 a day – and resale values continue to climb. Zeenat Moosa- Hassin