Top Berea estate agency joins Aida

A long-established agency operating on Durban's Berea has joined the Aida National Franchises property group and just re-launched under its new banner.

Principal Renu Sewpersad said she was confident her office would further entrench its already-strong market position as part of the Aida group, as there were many synergies that would benefit both the agency and its clients.

"Apart from sharing our vision, Aida is bringing formidable business partners and a stable, reliable brand name to the table."

Aida CEO Young Carr said the Berea agency, established in 2003, had proved its mettle in the local market and would further enhance his group's countrywide representation, bringing the total number of Aida offices in KZN to seven.

Sewpersad says the Berea residential market is currently underpinned by a healthy interest among younger buyers with good credit records.

"Berea currently attracts young buyers between the ages of 25 and 35. Buyers

in this age group are moving out from Durban Central but are not quite ready

to embrace a fully-fledged suburban lifestyle. Situated between the city

centre and suburbia, Berea is the ideal transition destination since many

new residents who prefer a quieter neighbourhood still work in the city.

"The suburb also offers good schools - an important consideration for buyers

with young families - and ample shopping facilities. And the nearest beach

is a mere 3km away."

Affordability also contributes heavily to Berea's popularity among young

buyers, Sewpersad adds. "Units priced between R500 000 and R1m are in

greatest demand and sell relatively fast but buyers' resistance kicks in at

prices above this level.

"However, sellers are now more amenable to negotiation and are willing to

drop asking prices by up to 10% to accommodate buyers who qualify for

smaller bonds."

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Mr.Young W. Carr

Aida Berea: 031 309 4007

Contact: Renu Sewpersad (Principal)

South Africans pack for Hermanus instead of Perth

Hermanus in the Western Cape is replacing Australia in the affections of many South Africans who want a slower and more secure lifestyle.

With the exchange rate currently at about R8 to an Australian dollar it is not only cheaper to move to Hermanus instead of “Down Under”, says Ludwig Schulenburg of the local Aida franchise, but Hermanus also meets all the criteria of the most popular Australian destinations.

"The town is relatively crime free, offers a wonderful lifestyle on the coast, a pleasant climate, and business opportunities aplenty," he says. "And, of course, buyers who opt for Hermanus instead of Perth still have their local support network of family and friends."

Hermanus, traditionally a holiday and retirement destination, now regularly draws economically active buyers from large metropoles in Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Cape, he says, and the new 'settlers' have swelled the number of permanent residents to 55 000.

"Buyers are typically in their forties and relocate to Hermanus to escape the rat race, but the booming local economy allows them to set up own businesses, earn a living at their own pace and have time to spend with their families.

"The local state school, with a 100% matric pass rate for the past 17 years, is an added attraction and a Curro private school, which opened its doors earlier this year, now offers parents the choice of giving their children a private school education."

Holiday homes are, however, still in demand and buyers are taking advantage of market-related prices, Schulenburg says. Sellers, who up until very recently held out for their asking prices, are now much more inclined to negotiate with prospective buyers in order to clinch a deal.

Prices of two-bedroom apartments currently start at around R600 000, townhouses are selling at prices from R800 000, while prices of family homes start at the R1m mark, he says.

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Hermanus: 082 444 0592

Contact: Ludwig Schulenburg

Sleepy Muldersdrift wakes up

Muldersdrift, traditionally a quiet agricultural area characterised by smallholders keeping a few horses, sheep and chickens, has become the new housing hotspot on the West Rand.

"It's the new hip place to be", says Sienie van der Merwe of the local Aida office. "Muldersdrift is now the focus of new residential development on the urban edge and buyers are spoilt for choice between sectional title units and units in housing estates.

"It is conveniently located within easy reach of Lanseria airport and many professionals who have to travel often prefer to fly from  - and live near - Lanseria rather than battle through traffic from the West Rand to reach Oliver Tambo International," she says.

"It is also near the main routes leading to Pretoria and Midrand, where many residents work. And once the upgrade of the R28 crossing to Muldersdrift is completed, access to and from the main routes will be much improved."

New office blocks are also drawing businesses to the area and Van der Merwe expects that this will stimulate the local residential market as employees come to realise the benefits of living close to their work places in an area that also offers a sought-after lifestyle.

"Another draw card is the nearby Ruimsig Golf Course - especially among retirees and businessmen. And the Silver Star Casino on the R28 is a popular entertainment hub on the West Rand. It has become a favourite venue for a night's entertainment at the many excellent restaurants or at one of the regular shows," she adds.

Prices of townhouses in the area start at around R700 000 for a two-bedroom unit, while units in security estates such as Featherbrook start at around R2m.

The demand for development land has seen prices escalate, she says. Undeveloped agricultural holdings of 1ha that can be rezoned for development now reach prices of about R2m.

Developed holdings are selling at prices ranging from R1,5m to R7m, depending on location. "But," says Van der Merwe, "at these price levels buyers are making lifestyle choices - the days of buying a holding in Muldersdrift with an eye to growing a few crops or running a few sheep are numbered."

Issued by Aida National Franchises

Aida head office: 012 682 9600

Contact: Young Carr

Aida Randfontein: 082 854 7196

Contact: Sienie van der Merwe