For so many people, Covid-19 has been very emotionally and financially challenging but, at the same time, global wealth also grew during the past two years, resulting in a 10% increase in High-Net-Worth (HNW) individuals worth over $30 million and, along with it, a spike in the demand for luxury real estate.
“Initially, the pandemic stalled investment spending by these individuals, but since the easing of restrictions and the reopening of the property market, the uber-rich have been very keen on investing in the property market,”says Grahame Diedericks, International Liaison for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty and Manager Principal of the Midrand office.
SEE: 5 of the most expensive homes now on sale in South Africa
“During times of economic uncertainty, many investors are drawn to the historic stability of residential property and this is especially true of the more resilient luxury market which tends to operate independently of general market trends, offering solid returns well above the current interest rate.”
The 2022 Douglas Elliman and Knight Frank Wealth Report reveals that a large share of private capital is being put into property, with private investors increasing real estate investments by 52% in 2021.
And according to Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100), the average value of the luxury residential property increased by 8.4% last year, which represents the highest annual increase since this index started tracking in 2008.
Diedericks says although there is nothing new about property being the go-to investment in tough economic times, this time around there are a number of notable shifts in buying trends amongst luxury investors which can largely be attributed to the pandemic:
1. More space, new locations
With work-from-home and home-based learning having become the default for at least a year in most countries, the appeal of properties like city penthouses has diminished whilst the demand for larger houses with outdoor living space has increased exponentially.
But what is equally significant is that many of these investors are not merely moving out of the city and into the countryside or to nearby coastal areas, they are moving states, counties and often, even countries.
READ: These countryside towns are luring home buyers away from the city
2. Co-primary living
Second – or even third or fourth – homes are common investments among the uber-wealthy who have traditionally used these properties as vacation homes.
“However, what we’ve increasingly been seeing since 2020, is the use of secondary homes for longer periods. Since flexible and remote working became the new norm, wealthy homeowners have been looked to decamp for several weeks or even months at a time to claw back lost family time or to work remotely in a more agreeable setting,” says Diedericks.
People are not only wanting to get out of big cities but also back to nature to live in comfort and enjoy a more wholesome and tranquil lifestyle so are acquiring properties that fulfil this need.
3. Sustainability and eco-awareness
One of the few silver linings of the pandemic has been an increased awareness of the importance of sustainable living and this has been evidenced in recent buyer preferences, especially at the top end of the market where money is no object.
Additionally, with energy costs rising and supply even threatened in some areas, it makes sense to have energy-saving and generating systems and features like smart cooling technology in the home, says Diedericks.
'Automation and greening your home'
Enjoying the benefits of a smart home starts with ensuring that you can access near real-time usage data, says Michael Franze from Citiq Prepaid GM.
Smart prepaid meters play a significant role in automating and greening your home. This is because they have the ability to respond to energy usage and allow for remote control, says Franze.
"The near real-time data from smart prepaid meters mean users can see exactly how their behaviour is affecting consumption. Just this heightened awareness has been shown to result in incremental changes that make a difference. Studies done in the UK show that bills are reduced by between five and nine percent which is already a significant improvement when utility costs are rising."
"Other benefits of smart prepaid meters include displays in rands and cents as well as kWh which helps sensitise users to how they are using power. The automated, accurate billing and detailed reports mean less admin, better management and fewer disputes between landlords and tenants."
SEE: Smart Homes, Smart Assistants | Learning and saving as you do life
Developers worldwide are now rising to the challenge to provide sustainable luxury homes in beautiful locations for the uber-wealthy, whether it be a primary or co-primary residence.
“We are also witnessing an increase in demand for homes that are not merely away from the hustle and bustle, but act as authentic retreats; remote properties where one can truly get away from it all and we are currently marketing a unique development that ticks all the right boxes,” notes Diedericks.
“Situated in one of Tanzania’s most breath-taking natural landscapes on a 10 000-acre private reserve, the Osero Safari Club offers discerning investors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build their own ultra-luxurious hideaway in a pristine location. complete with luxury amenities and services.
“Complete with an array of luxury amenities, including a 24/7 concierge service to ensure that residents enjoy their time without sacrifice, this is a home-from-home like no other,
“There are only 20, ten-acre lots available in this sustainable luxury residential development which makes this opportunity extremely exclusive and rare.
“Buyers are welcome to appoint their own architects or, if they prefer, they also have full access to the developer’s trusted partners who will work closely with them to bring their vision to fruition,” says Diedericks.
He adds that design guidelines have been developed to ensure the integrity of the community and surrounding wilderness of the reserve and all properties will be run on sustainable energy sources, offering and necessitating a conservation approach in both design and operation.
“Although the luxury sector does march to its own drum,” says Diedericks, “the truth of the matter is that when the luxury market is booming, it inevitably trickles down to the other sectors and aids the overall real estate recovery cycle.”
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