Developers take a fresh look at energy efficiency
Electricity shortages are increasingly convincing property developers to take a fresh look at energy-efficient homes.
And nowhere is this more evident than in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, where hundreds of rezoning applications are pending because of power shortages.
Brenda Smith, Chas Everitt International's area agent for Bryanston, says developers are hoping the power grid will be upgraded within the next 18 months, but in the interim they are increasingly considering homes that use alternative energy sources such as gas and solar power utilising single phase power as opposed to three phase power.
The general feeling is that developments offering energy-efficient homes may enjoy priority when council has to decide which subdivisions to approve.
The energy crunch is partly due to the proliferation of high-density cluster developments in the upmarket suburb, wedged between Rivonia and Douglasdale. Smith says clusters now line prestigious roads such as Mount Road and Eccleston Crescent intermingled with larger, older homes.
Clusters are popular among younger buyers and older Bryanston residents who are scaling down. Prices range from R2,9m. An example of top of the range cluster estate living is Suikerbossie, an exclusive development in Mount Street that offers units with spectacular views on 4000sqm stands. Prices hover between R15m and just under the R20m mark.
Another lively sector of the local property market is made up of the so-called renovators' dreams, on 4000sqm stands and priced from just under R3m and under. Younger people, Smith says, are buying these properties for the location and the space. Some then upgrade the existing homes but many demolish them and rebuild to their own specifications. Depending on finishes, building costs in the area range between R6000/sqm and R9000/sqm.
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For further information contact
Henriette Basson at Chas Everitt Paarl
on 021 872 5236 or visit www.chaseveritt.com