Cluster homes are set to be the most popular type of home in Benoni and Boksburg during 2016.
This three bedroom townhouse in Rynfield, Benoni, offers three living rooms, Jacuzzi and patio with built-in braai. It is selling for R1.45 million - click here to view.This is according to Marika Grove, Broker/Manager of RE/MAX Randgro, whose office operates in Benoni, Boksburg and the surrounding areas.
Grove says there is a high demand for these kinds of properties among small families just getting into the market, as well as empty nesters who are downsizing from much larger homes. The low maintenance and smaller yards of these kinds of homes are far more convenient for owners who want good value-for-money homes that offer security and community.
鈥淪ecurity is a major element when it comes to property buying decisions, which is a definite selling point for cluster homes as many offer 24-hour security - 7 days a week,鈥� she says.
Grove says aside from the fact that cluster homes are generally more affordable to buy than standalone larger properties, another benefit is that there are other aspects that bring down the cost to the homeowner once they have bought into a development.
鈥淏ecause costs are shared among the residents of the development, the monthly maintenance charges paid for the upkeep of a cluster home are normally less than a freehold home,鈥� she says.
鈥淭here is also the added advantage of having access to shared development facilities such as a swimming pool, gym and braai areas. Many developments also have a fair amount of open communal space for residents to walk or for children to play in, within a safe environment.鈥�
This property in Bartletts, Boksburg, has three bedrooms and an open-plan lounge. It is priced at R1.85 million - click here to view.Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says cluster homes will continue to be popular among security-conscious buyers, both now and in the future. For this reason they will provide a good return on investment over the long term - if the principles of buying property are adhered to.
Grove says the most popular price band this year will be homes ranging from around R1.1 million up to R1.85 million.
鈥淭his price bracket is mid-level where you are likely to find the majority of buyers in our area,鈥� she says.
鈥淭he areas that we will probably see the most movement in Benoni are Rynfield, Farrarmere and Northmead ext 4, and in Boksburg it will be Atlasville, Dayanglen, Bartlette, Bardene and Beyerspark - these areas are highly sought after among buyers at the moment because they have easy access to the freeway.鈥�
Homes that are selling particularly quickly are those that are well-maintained, with modern open-plan kitchens and an entertainment area, as South Africans love to socialise, says Grove.
She says a vital part of the research required when buying a cluster home within a development is to obtain a copy of the homeowners' association rules and regulations and go through them.
This two bedroom townhouse in Brentwood Ext 3, Benoni, has an open-plan kitchen, study and covered patio with built-in braai. It is on sale for R1.25 million - click here to view.鈥淏uyers should go through the document before signing a sales agreement. These rules govern the owners within the confines of the development and deem what the homeowner is allowed to do within its perimeters once they buy the property,鈥� she says.
鈥淭he rules will deal with general conduct in and around the complex, as well as specific issues such as pet ownership. The regulations are an intricate part of the decision making process, as buyers will need to agree with the rules and abide by them in order to avoid complications,鈥� says Grove.
One of the cluster homes currently on the market for R1.25 million is situated in the Brentwood Park area. Although the area is predominately known for its agricultural holdings, over the years, more and more development has taken place and townhouses and cluster developments have become a more common sight.
Grove says the area is sought after due to its proximity to major transport routes, shopping centres, schools and the airport.
The property is a multilevel, two bedroom, two bathroom home with a modern open-plan kitchen, combined lounge or dining room leading onto covered patio with built-in braai.
Other features include an upstairs study or possible third bedroom, easy to maintain garden, CCTV and alarm, air-con, large tiled open patio, double garage with laundry and direct entry, double carport. The complex offer residents a park for children and a picnic area.
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