Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 5 May 2015 | Page 67
Residential Estates
creating and sustaining great places to live,
to work and to play and a sound security
structure allows for exactly this.
Sustainability of property value
It has been proven that manicured common
areas, beautiful parks, dams and clean roads
and curbs have a direct impact on the value of
property as do strict architectural guidelines
and aesthetic standards also. Put simply,
Yet despite all the fancy trimmings and living in the suburbs comes with exactly the
incessantbudgets,manyofthesecommunities same rules as an exclusive residential estate,
still face a number of concerns. The stringent but instead of coming directly from the HOA,
rules and regulations, particularly in regards they come from the municipality. The only
to building enhancements, can for example difference here is that a HOA works and runs
like a business in that it has to comply with
create disputes and security breaches.
the Companies Act and the owners elect
A breach of security within a secure directors to lead the business and managers
residential community usually attracts the to manage the community.
unwarranted glare of the media far more
than when a security breach occurs outside The Association of Residential Communities
of the community, which incidentally are (ARC) is a residential estate governing body
generally up to fifty times more prevalent that offers best practice and guidelines and
than within an organised residential ensure that sustainable business practices
community. Similarly, it is also staggering continue to be enforced in this growing
to see such a huge media frenzy generated sector. If your community is not yet a member
over a rule relating to the number of dogs please contact [email protected]
home owners are permitted to keep in one
The third Annual ARC/CAISA Conference
particular residential community.
takes place on 23 & 24 June 2015 at Simbithi
There is an opinion in the media that these Eco Estate & Country Club outside Durban.
communities are unsustainable and not a The conference will once again attract wellviable option for the future. Yet this is so far known speakers, international guests and
removed from reality – they in fact offer one experts in the residential community industry.
of the best sustainable choices one can make The annual ARC journal which outlines the
best practises and policies for the residential
for a number of reasons.
estate industry, and is a go-to reference guide
for procurement offices, estate managers
Financial sustainability
All homeowners pay a monthly levy and developers to the community, will be
calculated by the annual budget and most distributed at the conference.
communities also have a financial reserve
fund to support unexpected repairs or We look forward to welcoming new
replacements that need to take place in the and existing estate management at the
community. Directors and managers are conference as we continue to grow and
held accountable in respect of their fiduciary professionalise our industry. For further
responsibility and some also have additional information on the conference, please call
responsibility to ensure that money is spent 0861 462 463 or email info@hoasupport.
to serve the best interests of the community co.za.
at large.
To showcase your services to decision
markers in the estate market, please contact
Sustainability of lifestyle
Security is always a top priority especially [email protected] or call
as residents living within residential 021 422 4445.
communities demand other forms of
opportunities and events that can enhance
their lifestyle. Community living is about Jeff Gilmourr
providing sustainable living
The residential community industry offers
local homeowners and foreign investors’
exclusive living in some of the most
breathtaking landscapes in the country. With
a wealth of amenities, it is unsurprising that
the Home Owners Association (HOA) or body
corporate of these communities, administer
a combined annual budget to the tune of
R11 billion plus.