As remote working becomes more mainstream due to a Pandemic-hit world, South Africa has not only ranked as one of the most affordable places to own property – but Cape Town has just been voted one of the 50 best places for remote working.
SEE: Global cost of the property market | SA ranks as one of the most affordable
In choosing its top 50 locations, Big 7 Travel looked at affordability and internet access, amongst other variables such as the coolest co-working spaces and expat friendly communities to determine its list - check it out here.
As 2021 gets underway, more and more buyers are looking for homes that offer an improved quality of life – as working and learning from home to limit the spread of the coronavirus continues. And the trend of moving outside of busy urban metros, where properties tend to be cheaper is expected to continue. Properties to rent and to buy that have features like additional workspace and fast, reliable Wi-Fi will be in demand and fetch higher prices.
READ: KZN Property Hot Spots | 'Zimbali now Joburg by the sea' as semigration drives demand
Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property adds that with remote working opportunities, areas that were previously viewed as holiday or weekend destinations, are now being considered as locations for permanent residences.
“Those who had second homes have realised that they can permanently relocate to these homes along with their families, enjoy a better lifestyle and eliminate the cost of running two homes.”
He points to New York, where the city centre is not the vibrant hub it once was as so many people have chosen to settle in more cost-effective outlying suburbs. “In South Africa, we are going to find city residents moving to towns on the periphery, like Ballito in KZN and Hermanus and Langebaan in the Cape”.
SEE: Demand for Cape coastal homes under R3m grows in Pringle Bay, Bettys Bay and Kleinmond
"People’s priorities are changing as many are looking to upscale to a bigger property for more space and rooms," adds Marcel du Toit, CEO of Leadhome. "With parents and kids at home, a larger garden or a playroom means parents can get some privacy."
With that said, a workspace that is beautiful and inviting is much easier to work from. However, home décor and design updates can get expensive, but there are many ways to renovate a space, to make the most of home.
Multipurpose Magic
Properties that demonstrate a multitude of functions are generally valued higher than those that don’t, says Bruce Swain, CEO of Leapfrog Property Group.
“Space and budget constraints across the various sectors of the market mean we need to be smarter and more efficient in our appropriation of space in residential properties.”
Often a home office can be made to work in a neglected area of a large property or cleverly designed to fit within an existing space like a bedroom or living room. Modern format design allows for even the smallest space to be adapted. With efficient space planning, clever storage solutions and the agreement of all who share the property, a home office can be made to work nearly anywhere in a home (except maybe the bathroom).
SEE: 8 budget-friendly home office ideas that will inspire you
“We’ve seen people convert everything from entrance halls to landings to a part of the master bedroom into a stylish, ergonomic home office. Of course, the nature of the work determines the kind of space that is needed, but if it is mostly computer-based work, there is almost no limit to the kind of spaces in the home that can be made to work."
Adapting outside of your comfort zone
The Curated Home Office adds that clever use of space, as well as positive, relaxing colours are ideal in designing the perfect WFH office. They're equally a big fan of shifting the WFH office outside, if possible.
"As we all witness the shifting culture towards working from home, we believe there will a significant move by those who own some green space to convert that space into a place where one can work from, outside the house but within near touching distance of the house, and crucially within the context of more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living.
"A nice garden shed set up is always an interesting idea for conversion into a work from home space."
Have you recently redesigned your home office space - why not tag us on Instagram or share it with us by emailing editor@Property24.com.
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