Rapid technological advancements have gifted people with the ability to redefine their work lives. Saying goodbye to the nine-to-five, many professionals around the world are now untethered from their desks, able to work remotely from anywhere and at any time thanks to WIFI, smartphones and a whole host of other tech savvy tools. The benefits of this work method have been lauded for increasing productivity and work-happiness in employees. While it seems work may have left the building, companies and employees are still in need of future-forward spaces to connect, collaborate and share ideas.

As a result, many office developments are responding to this need by providing considered work environments that emphasize openness, transcend the idea of the daily grind and encourage a healthy work life balance in campus-style and community orientated spaces.In a 2017 article for Director, Monica Parker a behaviourist and founder of organizational change consultancy, Hatch, whose clients include Microsoft, Deloitte and the BBC says, “People always need a place to come together, and while coffee shops are great, people still like to have a place they can call a work home. I don’t think work has left the building – there is still that communal driver.”Today, companies are understanding more and more the importance of nurturing productivity through the significant benefits of open and flexible office environments. These benefits include creativity, knowledge sharing, teamwork and coordination. While Google, Apple and various other tech advanced companies have been operating like this for decades already, South Africa is just beginning to ride the crest of the flexible and open work wave.

Cue Park Square, Nedbank’s iconic R1billion mixed-use office and retail development located within uMhlanga’s New Town Centre and thriving commercial hub. Bordering the popular CJ Saunders Park and featuring innovative commercial and retail offerings, Park Square with its considered restaurants, shops and coffee bars will offer a connected work culture incorporating a unique leisure offering seamlessly linked to a vibrant and open urban square.  The Four Star Green Star-rated building, due for completion in October this year, includes 36 000m² of commercial space, 4 000m² of retail and an impressive 3 500m² open public piazza. Furthermore, it’s easily accessible to pedestrians, offers abundant parking and is close to a GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) stop. Ken Reynolds, Nedbank Property Finance Divisional Executive, property expert and Director of Nedport Developments, a subsidiary of Nedbank and Park Square’s developers says, “Projects like Park Square are effectively turning the South African urban planning paradigm around.

This innovative and connected space encourages people to think beyond the boardroom, take time to unplug and to connect with one another. By similarly drawing the surrounding communities for shopping and relaxing, the overall effect is a sociable, communal space that emphasises a convenient and balanced work life experience.” Park Square has already secured a series of high profile tenants including Nedbank, Spar and the IBV International Vaults.

Spar Marketing Manager, Travis Anderson says, “Customers no longer want to shop in large centres. They want the convenience of parking, walking straight into the building, doing their shop and walking straight out. We love Park Square because of its convenient location in a fast-developing area and its proximity to the CJ Saunders park which will allow us extra exposure as we piggy back off activities held there.” Reynolds says, “If you can imagine your day like this; arrive at work with your barista-made coffee in hand, in a reusable mug of course, use the morning for planning and responding to mails followed by a quick jog around the park at lunch, tuck into an artisanal deluxe sandwich bought from the Spar then attend afternoon meetings and drinks in the Square with your new client? Then you have imagined a day at Park Square.” Not forgetting profitability, a positive work environment increases productivity and in turn can have a significant impact on a company’s success. A reduction in staff downtime having amenities within walking distance of employee’s desks also reduces stress, as well as the lunch-hour rush with staff being able to avoid having to leaving the campus for their various requirements – from healthcare to lunch and even a spot of recreational shopping. Reynolds says, “Park Square offers mutual benefit for the employer and the employees with its unique commercial and lifestyle aspects. This world-class destination offers a win-win situation for both, where staff benefit by working in an open, future-forward environment and companies reap the rewards on their bottom line,” he concludes.  

To explore investment opportunities, contact Samantha Stewart (082 903 0828/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or visit: www.parkquare.co.za to find out more.

The August launch of The Docklands, an upmarket apartment block in the highly desired Prestwich Street in De Waterkant, Cape Town comes at just the right time.  

There is a variety of apartments in a number of Cape Town CBD and Foreshore developments currently under construction or about to be released on to the market. However, there is very little stock available in the trendy and cosmopolitan De Waterkant neighbourhood, according to Jayson Sprawson, who will be marketing the new development as part of Tyson Properties Cape Town.   

He says it’s important for those wishing to buy at The Docklands to get in early as those who invest in properties in that neighbourhood seldom sell. 

The apartment block – which includes a variety of one and two bedroomed apartments as well as two 144m² penthouses – has drawn a great deal of interest since construction began late last year.   

Designed by FWJK Developments’ architectural division, it sports an edgy architectural style and comes with luxury interiors. “In short, The Docklands fills a long-standing gap in the Cape Town real estate market for stylish, contemporary accommodation,” Sprawson points out.  

According to Dave Williams-Jones, CEO of FWJK Developments, The Docklands offers residents the must-haves for modern daily living including high speed, fibre optic internet, secure undercover parking and 24/7 manned security with access control and a white glove concierge.  

The development is one of FWJK’s projects under construction in Cape Town totalling R1,8 billion,” added Williams-Jones. 

“What’s really important is that we are selling a lifestyle that is on par with some of the most fashionable in the world,” says Sprawson.  

The Docklands comes with a magnificent roof top pool deck and entertainment area with stunning views of South Africa’s most beautiful city, the mountains and the sea. The Vida E café on the ground floor not only serves superb coffee but adds to the urban chic vibe.  

Sprawson says De Waterkant, which is the mother city’s IT playground and home to a host of creative and communications companies, has its own unique energy and pulse.  

The city’s top restaurants and eateries are virtually on the doorstep and both the nightlife and sporting events in Cape Town that can help stressed city slickers to kick back and chill are also close by.   A retail experience second to none is just a stroll away with some of the country’s best shopping at the V&A Waterfront, iconic Foundry and historic Cape Quarter which offers an upmarket and sophisticated take on the precinct’s unique history.    

Sprawson says an apartment at The Docklands is an excellent investment for both those wishing to live alongside the city beat and those looking for the ideal lock-up-and-go residence.  

“The area is equally attractive to foreign buyers and local people buying to live the trendy and upmarket lifestyle of De Waterkant. Semigrating South Africans as well as straight forward investors also want in as the demand creates excellent capital growth and a good rental return. The Docklands is also positioned perfectly for Airbnb as so many travellers love the area,” he says.  

Apartments are priced from R2,85 million for a one bedroomed apartment to R9,4 million for a penthouse apartment.  The development is scheduled for completion in August 2018.  

For more information, visit www.tysonprop.co.za or http://www.thedocklands.me/  Ends

Despite various investigative reports on Carte Blanche and general media exposure, private property buyers are still getting caught by non-disclosed defects.  

Although the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides relief to most consumers by ensuring that a seller or estate agent discloses all defects, the CPA does not apply to one-off, private sales. These sellers are still protected by the old voetstoots clause. 

While a quick walkthrough and a second visit to the property for a spot check of the condition of the home can help buyers sift through their options and narrow down the property they would most like to purchase, it is best to have a professional inspector undertake a thorough check and advise accordingly. 

Eric Bell of Inspect-a-Home, (a professional home inspection company) warned consumers against signing a disclosure before getting the property checked by an accredited inspector.  

He said countless buyers nationally were left with extensive repair costs after signing the documents as they gave some consumers a false sense of security.  

“These documents ask buyers to sign off on a number of key areas, including roofing, geyser condition, and damp problems. Unless you are a structural engineer or qualified building inspector, it is highly unlikely that you or the seller will be able to identify any latent defects.  

Every day throughout the country we see houses that are painted to make them look good and unsuspecting buyers are then taken to the cleaners with extensive and unexpected repair bills once they have moved in – their dream house becomes a nightmare.”  

He said sellers were liable for latent defects that existed at the time of the sale but, by signing a disclosure document, buyers were signing away their rights to that claim, effectively making the defects the buyer’s problem.  

He gave an example of a consumer who bought his home through an estate agent who tried to get him to sign a disclosure document which stated that the house, its foundations and fixtures were in good working order. He was told that the document was required for the sale to proceed.  

Fortunately, before signing the document he insisted on hiring a qualified building inspector. The inspector found that the house had badly corroded galvanised steel corrugated roof sheeting throughout, rotten door frames, structural cracks and a leaking geyser, amounting to repairs in excess of R150 000. None of this had been disclosed in the documents by the seller or agent.

Bell said investing in the services of an accredited home inspector should be standard practice when buying property, as it was in other countries such as the US, UK and Australia.  

“It is important that all home inspections take place before any sales agreement is signed and it is stipulated in the agreement – subject to a favourable inspection report.  Remember you are not required to sign any disclosure documents. Not an expert? Then don’t sign! Ask the seller and estate agent to make full disclosure of any known defects up front and in writing.”  

He said an expert inspector should deliver a comprehensive report on the interior and exterior of the property, highlighting structural concerns and hazards and recommending potential repair solutions. In addition, on request, the inspector would return once the work had been completed to ensure that it was carried out properly.  

Bell added that using the services of a home inspector did not mean that the sale would not go through but rather that the seller and buyer would have an objective assessment of the value of a property and any possible concerns.  

Tyson Properties is spreading its wings to Richards Bay – one of South Africa’s fastest growing cities.  

Regis Usaiwevhu and Linah Marijeni, who opened the new branch in the Richards Bay CBD this month, confirmed that the city that has built up around Africa’s deepest port and one of just two national Special Economic Zones in KwaZulu-Natal was attracting a stream of young professionals.    The end result is a strong and growing property market.  

“Richards Bay is home to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (the world’s largest coal exporter) fertilizer manufacturer Foskor, Richards Bay Minerals which mines iron ore, titanium oxide and zircon, SAPPI, Mondi, Hillside which is the biggest aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere and Bell Equipment, amongst others. The support industries that supply these big corporates are numerous and a hub for employment creation. The service industry is also buoyant with serious growth potential,” explains Usaiwevhu who is the managing partner.  

As a finance executive with over 15 years’ experience working at senior and strategic levels in industry and commerce across KwaZulu-Natal, he has done the due diligence and meticulously explored the prospects.   “I have a special interest in real estate and property development and it has always been my aspiration to take up entrepreneurial opportunities in these fields,” he explains.  

He quotes Statistics SA’s census figures which show that the population within the entire Umhlatuze Municipality (under which Richards Bay falls) has grown by 11% between the 2011 Census (334 000 people) and the 2016 Community Survey (371 000).  

“Richards Bay has immense growth potential and is constantly innovating. There are a number of turnkey projects that are being considered or are being implemented as we speak,” he continues.   These include the establishment of an aluminium hub which is expected to attract downstream industries that will beneficiate aluminium and also iron, steel, and titanium. With 30% of the world’s titanium and 30% of its high-quality pig iron produced in the region, this also offers significant downstream opportunities for the automotive sector.   Other developments that have been mooted include the setting up of a liquefied natural gas power plant, a R2 billion biomass electricity generation plant, the installation of a dry dock at the port, the setting up of a paint manufacturing plant and the establishment of a water desalination plant.   With an uptick in commodity prices and signs of an economic recovery, the prospects of the port through which by far the majority of South Africa’s commodity exports depart are also extremely positive.  

“For all these reasons, the Richards Bay region is a strategic blip on our radar. We have partnered with people who have a strong knowledge of the area and we are looking forward to strong growth,” says CEO of Tyson Properties, Chris Tyson.  

Tyson Properties, which is now a national company with strong referral networks, is already on a strong growth curve. According to Tyson, the company grew by 70 percent over the past 12 months and is adding over 100 agents per year.   It was also recently acknowledged for its achievements internationally with Westville and Hillcrest agent, Debra Maddocks, accepting the prestigious International Property Awards 2016 Best Real Estate Agent South Africa and Best Real Estate Agent, Africa at a gala even in London last year.  

In Richards Bay, Marijeni is also making her mark. She has the hands on experience and passion to drive another key fundamental in the property market – good relationships.  

“I am a sales and marketing practitioner with experience in the automotive and real estate industries. My real estate experience spans over seven years in Richards Bay and the surrounding areas. I have always been immensely passionate about marketing as well as real estate. Destiny knocked on my door in 2010 when I embarked on my real estate journey,” she explains.  

Marijeni and Usaiwevhu approached Chris Tyson in November 2016 with a view to opening a Richards Bay branch.  

“The brand has a solid and consistent track record. It met our selection criteria which included a solid reputation, a strong brand identity, top-notch quality, huge growth potential, strong systems, effective support services and a customer centric orientation.

Furthermore, the brand places a strong emphasis on upholding the highest levels of professionalism and ethical standards,” says Usaiwevhu.  

Marijeni believes that the opening of the new Tyson Properties branch comes at an important time. With greater demand for properties, there will be more competition and demand for better service delivery.  

Tyson Properties’ Richards Bay branch, which will also service nearby Empangeni and Mtunzini and has a catchment area that could extend as far Hluhluwe, will start with six agents.   Within the next six months, the partners plan to open a dedicated Empangeni office.   Once they have established themselves in the residential domain, they will turn their attention to commercial property.   

Drawing on the Lightstone Report, Usaiwevhu notes that they will be growing their agency off a strong base. Over the past couple of years, sales have consistently been above 700 property registrations and these are expected to grow in line with the expected increase in economic activity.    Prices averaged R1.2 million for freehold properties and R600 000 for sectional title properties which are the most popular with buyers.  

“Over the past 12 months (Feb 2016 to Mar 2017), 79% of buyers were aged between 18 and 49. When it comes to sellers, 56% were between 18 and 49. If you take a closer look, you will see that 36% of the recent sellers had owned their properties for less than five years. The 50 years and above bracket is also very busy, particularly on property sales. This strong sales activity tends to organically have a trickle effect on rentals,” Usaiwevhu points out.  

With a steady influx of young professionals into the area, he says that there is also growth in investors buying to let.  

For more information, visit www.tysonprop.co.za 

The announcement of a residential property development through a billboard in Florida has already resulted in a waiting list of over 2,000 interested home buyers, declared Greg Singleton – Metro Development Group’s President– in front of thousands of developers in attendance at a Conference in Dallas, Texas, in October 2016.

Multinational Water Innovation company Crystal Lagoons, has established an office in Cape Town and looks forward to announcing a project in South Africa soon. Look out for a billboard advertising a Crystal Lagoon, which will undoubtedly have a similar effect on demand for units in local developments.

Singleton spoke about the four residential projects in Tampa, Florida his company is developing, each featuring a 7 to 10 acre Crystal Lagoon. “We put the signs up on I-75, and that’s all the advertisement we’ve done, and we already have 2,000 names on a waitlist, without really trying, “ said Greg Singleton. “It’s been incredible the response.”

Photos of Crystal Lagoons’ actual projects and key messages such as “Epic Splash” and “Water This Way” were just enough to raise the interest of Tampa’s population.

Alastair Sinclair, the Regional Director for Crystal Lagoons in Africa, says: “The option to include a beach lifestyle even at inland locations, is a major drawcard for residential developers and those in the hospitality industry. So much so that only a billboard is needed to secure buyers.”

With attractive yields and reliable tenancies, the appeal is obvious. Student tenancies are often arranged early, well before the start of the academic year and while chasing rent from a group of young people with no income can be off-putting, invariably, collection is easily arranged and students come with guarantors in the shape of their better-off, more-reliable parents.   "Landlords of good student houses have a guaranteed market that remains predictable whatever is happening in the economy and the wider property market," says Charlotte Vermaak Chas Everitt Nelson Mandela Bay principal. "In Summerstrand for instance, gross yields can be in the region of 10-11 per cent and many people are using a student portfolio to create income in retirement rather than rely on pensions."   Even if the student market is the best option it takes a lot of work to get the property and the location right. Start investigating sold house prices and speaking to local rental and estate agents to get a clear idea of rental yields and tenant profiles. “You need to understand local economy drivers and tenant demand before finding out if there are any upcoming changes that could impact future demand for student accommodation from private landlords,” adds Vermaak.  

What to look for

Newer or modernised properties are easier to maintain and functional is the key word. So think plain paintwork, hard-wearing flooring and basic, robust furnishings.   Position is less important to students, so while being close to campus and easy access into town is crucial, being on the best road and in the best area isn't. “Students won't reject houses because they're on a busy road, or have a bad view, they will reject them if they're difficult to get to, or cost more than the norm," adds Vermaak.    

What’s available

A five-bedroomed townhouse in Summerstrand is on the market for R1,450,000. NMMU accredited student accommodation, the property currently generates R14,000 in rental income per month. A freehold property with levies, it is well-secured and situated close to the beach and local amenities.   To find out more, speak to Kwame Nicol 078 053 1462 from Chas Everitt Nelson Mandela Bay. 

Our ongoing efforts to grow out footprint in South Africa and selected countries are bearing fruit.

At our interim results announcement on February 18, we updated the market on the progress we are making.

Here’s a rundown of what’s in the development works.

In South Africa:

• We fully opened the 149-room City lodge Hotel Waterfall City Hotel at Midrand in February
• The 148-room City Lodge Hotel Newtown (downtown Johannesburg) is well underway and will open before the end of 2015
• The 90-room Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg will commence in February and is scheduled to open in November

Elsewhere in Africa:

• Earthworks are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2015 for the 169-room City Lodge Hotel Two Rivers in Nairobi, Kenya, and for the 147-room City Lodge Hotel Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
• A financial feasibility study is being conducted into the possible development of a 150-room City Lodge Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
• A memorandum of understanding (subject to conditions) has been entered into for the possible development of a 140 to 150-room Town Lodge in Windhoek, Namibia
• Negotiations are at an advanced stage for the development of 150 to 160-room City Lodge Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique.

The bottom line is that we will soon have more great locations to meet your business and leisure accommodation needs – both in SA and elsewhere on the continent!

​In partnership with Power Construction, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government Habitat for Humanity is calling on all active citizens to come together and join them in their Desmond Tutu International Build Week in Pelican Park from the 2 – 6 March.  Responding and putting into action the request in the words of their patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu “Do your little bit of good where you are - it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world’.  

Teams from as far afield as the USA and Ireland will be joining the build event together with 18 of  ​Habitat's International Board of Directors from across the 70 countries in which Habitat operates as they have chosen Cape Town as their venue for their Board meeting this year.   Funding provided by the event helps provide valuable funding for Habitat’s Social Facilitation Programme as part of Habitat’s community development work in the Pelican Park project.     

Through their Social Facilitation Programme in partnership with the communities and galvanising the support of active citizens and other stakeholder partners, communities are empowered to take ownership of their communities through leadership, skills development and self-belief to become the champions of their own developments and their communities.  

“Our five-year goal through our community development process is to meaningfully transform the lives of at least 100, 000 fellow South Africans living in communities across South Africa.  Help us achieve this by joining our team build event, helping to build homes, communities and hope” said Adrienne Burke, Habitat’s Marketing Manager.  If you or your company are interested in getting involved contact Habitat’s Head Office on 021 657 5640.    

Editors notes

Founded in 1996, Habitat for Humanity South Africa is the national organisation of Habitat for Humanity International and part of Habitat’s Europe, Middle East and African region. Habitat South Africa is entirely self-funded and works in partnership with all stakeholders to serve the poor and marginalised in our country. Based on the firm belief that decent shelter provides the greatest opportunity for families to break the cycle of poverty, Habitat works with all people to give a hand up in building homes, communities and hope.    

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Habitat for Humanity South Africa.  

Limestone Residential Properties situated in the greater Sandton Area, Johannesburg in South Africa is the foremost and major real estate agents servicing properties throughout Johannesburg. The company specialises in the rental and sales of residential properties like houses, vacant land, apartments, flats, town houses etc.  

The company Limestone Residential Properties specialises in apartment and cluster rentals either in furnished or unfurnished forms. The company offers rentals from 3 months to 3 years. Limestone Residential Properties boasts of an experienced team of estate agents who has vast knowledge about property buying, selling and rental services and thus can solve all queries and requirements of their clients’ with ease,professional expertise and personalised service.  

The real estate company offers comprehensive offerings for landlords from once off rentals to managed leases. The company also offers full turnkey solutions for its existing clients which include selling their existing properties at a profit.   Limestone Residential Properties have a synergetic relationship with Limestone Properties who are the “off-plan” marketing agency in Gauteng, thus helping their clients from transfer of their investment properties, either by renting those investments out or by reselling them to make a reasonable amount of profit.  

Limestone Residential Properties on behalf of their clients does rental management whereby the company manages day to day aspects of their clients’ rental property which includes collecting the rents on specific dates, dealing with maintenance issues, liaising with corporate and governing bodies according to the demand of the situation, paying levies and other utility charges on behalf of the client and then finally paying the appropriate balance rental amount to theirclient. As soon as rentals are deposited in the company’s account which generally gets deposited on or before the 1st day of every month, payments are simultaneously made to the clients. Tracy Meyburgh oversees all dealings and in case of any problem she personally takes charge of the matter to solve it along with her team.  

For more information, visit http://www.limestoneproperties.co.za  

About Limestone Residential Properties:

Limestone Residential Properties founded in 2007, based inParkmore, in the greater Sandton Area in Johannesburg specialises in providing sales or rental services of residential properties like flats, cottages, apartments, town-houses, as well as corporate accommodations etc.  

Contact:
113, 11th street
Parkmore
Sandton
Johannesburg
South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)11 784 2772
Fax: +27 (0)11 784 2774
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facilities management company, Broll, presents eye-opening results from their Retail Consumer Survey done in 2014.  

Johannesburg, South Africa – Apart from clean and safe shopping centres, South African consumers want an overall experience of visiting the shopping destination. This is according to the Broll Retail Consumer Survey 2014 launched on the 20th of August 2014 at the 18th Annual Congress of the South African Council of Shopping Centres in Cape Town.  

The survey was conducted by a third party, IPSOS and was based on a sample size of 1 000 individuals undertaken throughout South Africa in order to understand the retail consumer market in the country.  

Of those surveyed, 38% strongly agree that an overall shopping experience is important when thinking about where to shop, while some use social media to keep up to date on special offers, events and new shops at shopping centres.  

“Security is a major aspect in shopping centres, because when a robbery takes place for example, shoppers are weary of visiting that centre and may not visit the centre for a while thus impacting on centre foot traffic,” says Elaine Wilson, Divisional Director of Research and Marketing at Broll Property Group, which is part of the CBRE affiliate network.  

Wilson explains that when it comes to shopping, consumers are spoilt for choice, whether they choose to visit a regional or community shopping centre remains a matter of personal preference.  

For example, while consumers want clean, and safe shopping centres, (factors that rank high when considering where to shop), South African consumers also want shopping centres that offer ample parking facilities, a range of product and service offerings, presence of independent shops and entertainment facilities among others, says Wilson.  

Furthermore, the report shows that consumers have seen improvements in most frequented centres over the last three years, with 36% noting that these centres have got a lot better while 3% did not use the same shopping centre over the past three years.

Survey respondents noted five main areas of improvement and these are:        

• Renovation of retail property (47%)       
• Increased sizes of shopping centres with more shops (39%)        
• More and improved catering facilities (29%)      
• Addition of new international brands (28%)         
• More entertainment facilities (18%)

In terms of “shopping research”, South African consumers make use of online methods when browsing for products, looking for something specific and when checking prices or product details. However, notes Wilson, the majority of consumers still prefer to visit the physical bricks and mortar to buy and compare product prices. That said, according to the survey, online shopping is expected to increase in the near future as consumers get used to the idea.

About Broll Property Group

Over the years serving some of South Africa’s largest listed property portfolios, Broll has earned a formidable reputation for delivering quality, effectiveness and value. The ability to cross-reference information from an enormous database compiled from years of experience and exacting market research enables Broll to provide unique, cost-effective solutions. Broll is South Africa’s leading multi-disciplinary property services company specialising in commercial, retail, industrial and investment property.

For more information, visit: http://www.broll.co.za/.