Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February/ March 2020 | Page 33

W
hen you purchase an investment property in an
estate, you don’t only get a house, but all the other
benefits that come with it. Residential estates are
appealing to growing families because of the amenities
offered. Which is beyond what usual homes entail. Many of
them include a school close to the property, making it very
convenient for families with children.
The amount and type of recreational facilities offered will
vary from one estate to another. Some estates are located
close to a water source, such as oceans or lakes and will likely
have private access for its residents to water sports and other
community activities. Estates built closer to the city are likely to
have large pools and exercise facilities.
In South Africa alone, the number of estates continues to grow.
Established estates include Sitari Country Estate near Somerset
West, Clara Anna Fontein Lifestyle Estate in Cape Town’s Northern
Suburbs, Burgundy Estate, and Silvertree Estate in the Southern
Suburbs of Cape Town to name a few. All these estates are
attractive to families due to their proximity to reputable schools, a
major drawcard for families considering this lifestyle.
Another major development in Johannesburg is called Steyn
City. It’s essentially a ‘city within a city’ because it incorporates
an early learning centre, preparatory school and a college, all
within the estate.
Midrand is home to a number of estates throughout the city.
In Pretoria east, an eco-conscious estate by Century Property
Developments called The Hills Game Reserve Estate boasts a
500 Acre private game reserve home to both antelope and
zebra as well as a clubhouse, a gym and a restaurant.
Cornwall Hill Country Estate in Centurion covering 318
hectares of and offers homes starting at three million rand, the
perfect place for avid horse-riders and horse-owners thanks to
their one-hectare housing option. It’s also the ideal place for
families raising children as it hosts one of the finest and highly
reputable schools in Gauteng, catering for learners from grade
000 to 12.
“When you purchase an
investment property in an
estate, you not only get a house,
but all the other benefits that
come with it as well.”
Situated in the town of Polokwane is a beautiful estate
named The Aloes, a development by Decacel (Pty) Ltd. All the
necessary resources are close-by; from Polokwane’s private
schools and medical centres to well-known retail outlets.
The estate expands the area of 90 hectares and consists of
three separate villages namely, Macademia, the Ridge and
Panorama. The estate caters for young families and those in
their retirement years with 2- and 3- bedroom homes. The
estate brings modern convenience into country-style living,
surrounded by the bushveld Savannah and home to a variety
of indigenous flora and fauna.
In a study from New World Wealth (NWW) show that 40%
of the country’s wealthiest live in lifestyle estates and South
Africa has upwards of 8000 estate developments throughout
the country. While estate living doesn’t come cheap, it certainly
has investment benefits.
As the estate-living trend continues to grow, estate
prices continue to grow in line with the increasing demand.
For an investor it’s probably best to hop on the estate train
sooner rather than later, provided sufficient homework is
done in preparation.
“As the estate-living trend
continues to grow, estate
prices continue to grow in line
with the increasing demand.”
The benefits of investing in estates
Security
Safety and security are very attractive to growing families, to
know that their kids can roam the area and discover the joys of
nature all while being protected by a secure perimeter.
Most estates also have a speed limit to protect children out
riding their bicycles outside of their houses. Estates also have
24-hour security patrolling the estate and well as surveillance
cameras and electrical fencing.
Location, location, location
With offices, schools and retailers all within estates, location is
the prime draw for many investors. Less travel time to work and
school means less time wasted in traffic and commuting, this
alone will ensure long-term rentals within any estate.
A safer investment
Previous statistics show that the risk of properties sharply
dropping in value in estates is more unlikely than those outside
of it. For investors buying properties in estates, it’s important
to know the estate is financially-secure and backed by reliable
investors.
Recreational facilities
The recreational facilities provided by an estate will vary from
one to another. For example, the estates located close to water
sources will often have facilities allowing for water sports and
communal activities and more residential and central estates
will more than likely offer swimming pools, clubhouses and
gym facilities.
SOURCES Irent2buy, Rentmaster & My Bond Fitness
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
31