One of the most exciting development launches in Cape Towns recent history, a project known as Rondebosch Oaks, is about to take place. The news of the development, which leaked out last year, has already attracted hundreds of pre-launch enquiries to the developers, Rawson Developers and Homebuilders, and more than half the units have already been signed for.
The development will rank as one of the most competitively priced projects ever to come onto the market in Cape Towns Southern Suburbs. Paul Henry, Managing Director of Rawson Developers and Homebuilders, said that an almost total lack of new land for development in Rondebosch had caused prices of both new developments and existing houses here to skyrocket and a project of the kind he is now launching will, therefore, be especially welcome because nothing in this price range has been seen for a very long time.
'The '˜boom in the Rondebosch residential sectional title market,' said Henry, 'began in 2001, when the average price of sectional title units was around R269,000. Since then the average price has escalated to R720,000, showing a year-on-year appreciation of close on 150%.
Rondebosch Oaks, now being launched by Rawson Developers and Homebuilders will, said Henry, represent a prime investment opportunity as it has units priced as low as R440,000.
The project offers glorious views of Table Mountains Devils Peak and will be encircled by green lawns and gardens. Security will be enhanced by electric fencing and a 24-hour guardhouse.
'The aim at Rondebosch Oaks is to offer a lifestyle which combines the advantages of relaxed tranquil suburban living in a well established area with quick access to some of the Southern Suburbs most popular amenities,' said Henry.
The history of the site can be traced back to 1660, when it formed part of the Rouwkoop farm that was granted to some of Van Riebeecks first free burgers. Today the property is well covered by mature trees, including several oaks and a single, giant yellowwood.
Rondebosch Oaks is within easy walking distance of both the Newlands rugby and cricket stadia and within easy cycling distance of the University of Cape Town (UCT), as well as several of Cape Towns better known schools
Funding for the project is being provided by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance (Cape), whose Manager, New Business, Richard Edwards, has described it as 'one of the cleverest transformations of an existing site that we have been involved with for some time'
The position, he added, is incredibly convenient and is central to many of the facilities that have made Cape Towns Southern Suburbs so popular for the last ten decades.
The units on offer at Rondebosch Oaks are all studio, single or two room apartments. In the first phase, one of two existing three-storey blocks on the site will be converted to take 90 apartments. Then, in the follow up phase, the second existing block will be converted to take 36 apartments and a further 24 units will be built in a similar new block.
Henry said that the architect, Graham Hart, had drawn on all his experience to create 'chic, modern, affordable units' in a size range of 26 m2 to 70 m2. The studios, he said, will have open plan combined living and dining areas, but in the large units the kitchens will be separate. (The floor areas quoted include fairly substantial balconies, which add great appeal to the scheme.)
Hart has designed the new fa§ades to emphasise certain protruding sections and to have attractive, almost futuristic mouldings. All existing wiring, plumbing, floor and wall coatings will be replaced and the steel framed windows currently in the building will give way to aluminium frames in a more modern and pleasing configuration.
Summing up about what he believes is the most interesting project on which Rawsons has yet been involved, Henry said that it is highly unlikely that his firm will be able to satisfy all the would-be buyers. However, he said, the allocation of the units is being done on a first come, first served basis once a R10,000 deposit is paid. Substantial price increases, said Henry, should be possible by February 2008, when transfers begin.
For further information, please contact the sales team:
· Kerry Simpson on 083 601 3424 or 021 674 4400 or email her at kerry.nl@rawson.co.za
and
· Trevor Weston-Green on 082 783 4393 or 021 674 4400 or email him at trevor.nl@rawson.co.za
