Aida flag now flying in Fishhoek

Aida National Franchises has acquired a new office in Fish Hoek with the conversion of an existing estate agency to the tried and trusted South African brand.

Co-owner Maggi-Mae Vidas says the office, established in 2008, has built up a sound market presence and she looks forward to introducing Aida's expertise and solid reputation to the existing client base. Aida Cape Lifestyle Homes will serve the whole Cape Peninsula market.

Maggi-Mae says investors are still buying holiday properties in the area although sales are slower as investment buyers take their time to source good value. "Our core market remains local buyers who are attracted by the comfortable lifestyle offered in Fish Hoek and surrounds.

"The area is still very popular among retirees who prefer a comfortable seaside lifestyle within reach of a host of amenities. And then, of course, the more temperate climate here clinches the deal for many retirees as well as family buyers. Superb views are an added bonus for many."

The area has a wide variety of properties on offer, including entry-level flats at prices from R500 000, comfortable family homes starting at about R1m and luxury homes with price tags of up to R10m.

Maggi-Mae adds that the peninsula offers price advantages to buyers. "Properties here offer better value than similar areas closer to Cape Town's city centre while office workers can comfortably commute to workplaces by train.

"Another factor favouring Fish Hoek is that the area is very family-friendly. Good schools, a hospital, several banks offering forex, and a host of excellent restaurants are some of the conveniences that residents enjoy.

"And then there is the family-sized beach with lawns for comfortable weekend outings, while the local sailing club launching off the beach adds a touch of glamour. A resident Great White Shark has become something of a local mascot and attraction - but lifeguards make sure that swimmers remain safe when the predator puts in an appearance," she says.

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Cape Lifestyle Homes: 021 782 9263 

Contact: Maggi-Mae Vidas

First homes sold in new retirement village in Onrus near Hermanus

With its combination of seaside tranquillity and modern convenience, Onrus is a perfect retirement location, and soon now it will also have a purpose-built retirement village where residents can fulfil their dreams of a “cottage by the sea”.

So says Deon Esterhuyse of marketing agency Aida Onrus, who notes that groundworks for the development, named Twee Fonteine, have already been completed and that the community centre at the heart of the village is due for completion by the end of next year.

“Meanwhile, although building has just started on the first free-standing home in the village, which will serve as a showhouse, six of the homes have already been sold, and enquiries are being received daily.”

There will ultimately be 75 full title homes in the development, as well as 42 sectional title units, he explains. “The full title units, ranging in size from 128sqm to 183sqm, will all have two bathrooms and two or three bedrooms plus a single or double garage, as well as a spacious veranda. There will also be the option of an added braai room at a cost of below R4 000/sqm.

“Sited on stands ranging in size from 252sqm to 498sqm, these homes are being sold on a plot-and-plan basis at prices from R1,325m to R1,8m, and buyers will have 12 months from the date they purchase the stand to start building.”

The sectional title units, ranging in size from 28sqm right up to 83sqm, will be incorporated in the central building housing the community centre, which will also contain a kitchen, dining room, ladies’ bar and lounge, assisted living and frail-care facilities. Prices for these units currently range from R560 000 to R1,66m. All prices include VAT.

Esterhuyse says this is an ideal investment opportunity for those who would like to rent their units out prior to their own retirement in future.

He notes that the whole development will enjoy a high level of security, with a single guarded access point and a perimeter wall topped with electric fencing.

“Each home will also be equipped with a panic button connecting it to the nursing station in the community centre, and Elcare, which operates in many retirement villages around the country, will provide professional medical care.”

Finance is available for qualified purchasers.

*For more information about Twee Fonteine, contact Aida Onrus on 028-316-3393 or aidaon@mweb.co.za, or Deon Esterhuyse on 083 284 0027.