nities to offer refuge . Internationally , there has been some debate regarding the societal impact of such estates on the larger community . While concerns regarding exclusion and separate development are valid , the general consensus has been that these estates have a role to play .
Paul-Roux de Kock of Lightstone Property states “ the total rand value locked up in the estate market is now close to the total value of all residential properties in Johannesburg .” This does well to illustrate the success of lifestyle estates in South Africa , but also poses the question : Where will future growth in this sector come from ?
We ’ ve already seen that eco-conscious developments are gaining traction on local soil . According to the Green Building Council of South Africa ( GBCSA ): “ 3,500 homes have been registered with GBCSA to target EDGE certification after only one year of the tool ’ s operation in South Africa .” According to Andrew Eagles , Chief Executive of New Zealand Green Building Council ( NZGBC ): “ Home buyers want to know that the house they ’ re moving into is going to be healthy for their families , suit their life style and be built to a high standard . It ’ s fantastic to see the number of these warm and efficient homes rise from 670 to 6,700 in just two years .” Considering the fact that the environment isn ' t fixing itself , coupled with soaring population sizes , the need for sustainable building is more prominent now than ever before . It ’ s here that new developments - including lifestyle estates - play an important role .
When a new development is planned , developers have the opportunity to design it according to the community ’ s specific needs . This includes the amenities , as noted before , as well as suitable green spaces . In addition to this , the building style is determined based on the environment and where the estate is meant to fit in . Most new lifestyle estates offer buyers the chance to choose their home ’ s finer details , while keeping the overall design within a specific style . It is at this point that energy and water saving technology can be implemented .
With the lasting popularity of estates with , among other things , golf courses and vineyards , the need to think of new ways to conserve indigenous plants and is at the forefront of
many developers ’ minds . This has lead to innovation regarding building methods , irrigation , selection of plants , and the density of estates . As more buyers flock to urban areas , the need for lifestyle estates will continue to grow . While this is good news for those looking to enter the market , it is important to keep in mind that not all lifestyle estates are created equal .
Top 10 Residential Estates in South Africa
1 . Val de Vie - Paarl , Western Cape Features vineyards , polo , equestrian centre , golf course and mountain backdrops . Properties priced from R5 million to R40 million
2 . Zimbali - Ballito , Kwazulu-Natal Features natural lagoon and forest , golf course and sports club . Properties priced from R3 million to R30 million
3 . Fancourt - George , Garden Route Features 3 top golf courses and resort lifestyle . Properties priced from R3 million to R50 million
4 . Steyn City - Fourways , Johannesburg Features landscaped parkland , equestrian centre , golf course with major facilities being developed . Properties priced from R2 million to R30 million
5 . Pezula - Knysna , Garden Route Features golf course and private estate living . Properties priced from R5 million to R40 million
6 . Whalerock Ridge - Plettenberg Bay , Garden Route Features estate living . Properties priced from R 3million to R35 million
7 . De Zalze - Stellenbosch , Western Cape Properties priced from R5 million to R20 million
8 . Atlantic Beach - Melbosstrand , Western Cape Features golf course and estate living . Properties priced from R2 million to R15 million
9 . Highland Gate – Dullstroom , Mpumalanga Features trout estate , golf course , fly-fishing . Properties priced from R2 million to R10 million
10 . Arabella – Kleinmond , Overstrand Features golf course country estate living . Properties priced from R3 million to R15 million
WIN A R3 MILLION HOUSE
Remember that this season of Win a Home , you stand a chance of winning a beautiful R3 million apartment on the Eye of Africa Estate . All you have to do is log onto www . privateproperty . co . za and answer an easy question .
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine SEPTEMBER 2017 17