Security will be the number one driving force behind home buying decisions in 2015.
Situated in Bassonia Rock, Alberton, this home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a modern open plan kitchen, sparkling swimming pool and a double garage. It is on the market for R2.8 million – click here to view.This is according to RE/MAX All Stars, Broker and Owner, Martin de Necker, who says they have seen more and more buyers who want to buy property in secure gated estates, due to the security and lifestyle aspects these kinds of developments provide.
He says security is important to buyers in their areas of operation, and home buying decisions are largely based on it being a priority. Access control provides buyers with the peace of mind that their children can ride their bicycles in the street without being nervous that they will fall victim to some sort of criminal offence, he says.
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says this trend is not in any way unique to this part of the country. He notes that all regions throughout South Africa have seen buyers move towards opting for homes within gated and security estates.
“Unfortunately, many South Africans have been directly affected by or know of someone who has been affected by the criminal element that we deal with in this country,” says De Necker.
As a result, he says a greater emphasis has been placed on buying a home that makes those who live under that roof feel safe and protected.
This Meyersdal Nature Estate house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen with built-in appliances, three lounge areas, a swimming pool and garaging for three vehicles. It is priced at R10.5 million – click here to view.He says while safety and security is a priority for buyers, it does come at a price.
According to Nadia Aucamp, sales associate at RE/MAX All Stars, the high demand for property within security estates, along with the exclusive lifestyle offering they provide, has rapidly pushed up the prices of these homes over the last few years.
She says security estate prices are in the upper range of the market with homes ranging from R2.5 million to anywhere up to around R20 million, depending on the property’s features and position within the estate.
While the homes within these estates are expensive, they generally offer buyers an excellent return on investment as there are often long lists of potential buyers who are eager to get into estate living, she says.
She says although security is the main reason that buyers opt for homes within estates, it is certainly not the only reason.
Estate living is also highly attractive to buyers because of the lifestyle offering it provides. In some estates, she says residents are able to go game walking through the estate with wildlife such as bucks or zebra. While other estates offer 18-hole signature golf courses to which residents gain membership.
This five bedroom home in Meyersdal Nature Estate offers five bathrooms, a study, two lounges, an enclosed patio with built-in braai and an indigenous garden. It is currently on the market for R7.5 million – click here to view.“Homes within estates generally have state-of-the-art designs, which offer modern, upmarket finishes throughout.”
According to Aucamp, the features that most buyers are looking for vary from spacious living areas and rooms to entertainment areas with pools and clubhouses. She says estate living offers buyers extra facilities such as tennis courts, pools, clubhouses for functions, parks and lots more.
Talking about which estates will be the most popular during the year ahead, Aucamp names Alberante Estate, Meyersdal Nature Estate, Meyersdal Ridge Estate, Meyersdal Eco Estate, Bassonia Rock, Aspen Estate, Albemarle Estate and Reading Country Estate as the top choices.
She says this is because most of these estates are close to schools with easy access to highways and byways. They are also within walking distance to the shops.
Currently on the market is a four bedroom, three bathroom home on a golf estate called the Reading Country Estate. On the market for R2.3 million, the home features three spacious living areas as well as an indoor braai and entertainment area.
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