Artist’s impression of homes at the Knysna Lifestyle Estate.
Construction of infrastructure has begun at the 250-unit Knysna Lifestyle Estate which is designed to meet a growing demand for quality retirement accommodation.
Ling Dobson, Pam Golding Properties’ area principal, says the first sales agreements have been concluded and building of homes will start next month.
“Transfer of all 35 homes in the first phase will take place in September 2010. The 20-bed frail care facility has been approved, and building will start before the end of 2010. There will also be day clinics for non-urgent medical assistance,” she says.
Dobson says the other drawcards are the low density of this 52ha estate where only five homes will be allowed per hectare, and the fact that 25 per cent of any capital appreciation on the resale of houses is allocated to a levy stabilisation fund to keep future levies as low as possible.
“We’re expecting keen interest from upcountry buyers during the festive season. Prices of the two and three bedroom homes, with covered verandas, double garages and all modern conveniences, range from R2.7-R5.2 million. The modern homes will be set among tranquil country lanes with walking paths and green belts. All stands have been carefully surveyed by architects who have chosen 17 different floor plans, to make each home idyllic as well as suited to the contours of the site,” she says.
Knysna Lifestyle Estate offers scenic views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads, surrounding hills, mountains and dams. It’s just 10 minutes from the centre of Knysna, 20 minutes from Plettenberg Bay and 40km from George and its airport.
Facilities on the estate will include a luxury clubhouse with a restaurant, a library, a studio, billiard and card rooms and a bar, and sports facilities include a gym, a heated swimming pool, a sauna, bowling greens and tennis courts.
Dobson says residential property sales in Knysna are improving.
“From March to December this year our sales turnover increased by 42 per cent to R80.9 million compared with R56.8 million during the same period last year. During this time the number of sales also increased.
“Recent buyers include those capitalising on the lower prices to gain a foothold in the Knysna property market. Quite a few sales have been to locals – adding to their investment portfolio, and there has also been an increase in sales to overseas buyers. As the town of Knysna is expected to host players from two international teams (France and Denmark) during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, we are looking forward to the opportunity to showcase our properties to the global market.
“The lifestyle retirement development is expected to attract South African and foreign buyers, and will be an ideal investment for ‘swallows’ – those from overseas who spend some months of the year here, and who have grown to love Knysna,” says Dobson.
Call Ling Dobson on 044 3825574 or email ling.dobson@pamgolding.co.za.
