PROJECTS
Interior of one of the residential units at Westlake Eco-Estate . Image : Balwin
" Our developments will change the way people live , shop , work and play ," says Stephen Brookes , CEO and founder of Balwin Properties .
The entire set up of the development is to create a place that caters for the entire family and aims to accommodate everyone ’ s needs and preferences . Balwin Properties has a few of these properties all over South Africa . One of the onsite engineers says that they are working on making the concept mandatory for residential developments .
“ We have a secured pipeline of over 16 000 homes , excluding the recently announced Waterfall transaction and have increased developments under construction ,” says CEO and founder of Balwin Properties , Stephen Brookes . The secured pipeline is to be developed across Johannesburg , Pretoria and the Western Cape over approximately seven years . In addition to our existing pipeline , an agreement providing them the right to develop about 15 000 more units in the Waterfall node , was recently concluded . This development will consist of three different land parcels in close proximity to the newly opened Mall of Africa . I believe our developments will change the way people live , shop , work and play in the node . “ We offer a premium product at market related prices , with tenants finding the lifestyle element including recreation and gym facilities , free Wi-Fi , a restaurant and spa on the estate very appealing ,” he says .
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL
Driving down some of the affluent areas in Gauteng and the Western Cape reveals the construction of townhouses comprising one , two or three bedroom clusters . As more and people opt to move into complexes for various reasons , these developments have become highly popular among middle class citizens seeking security and swift access into schools , shopping malls and entertainment centres . These townhouses , provide exactly that , without the hassle of travelling long distances from one location to another .
The Calgro M3 and Balwin housing developments are a few of the projects that also provide a sense of security and ownership to people who have always hoped to have a home of their own but with no resources to afford one . As more and more of these developments are constructed , convenient living is becoming the norm for the low income earner seeking affordable housing .
Providing affordable housing for low income earners is something that the democratic government has struggled to manage , with backlogs of about nine years . “ The backlog is growing faster and a joint effort is required to find solutions that are integrated to benefit the private and public sector ,” says Nkuhlu . The partnering with private investors has eased the load and allowed for government to speed up the process of providing dignified homes to citizens who have been waiting for years on end .
AFFORDABLE
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