The Rawson Property Group’s Simon's Town franchise, which operates far beyond the borders of this precinct, has, says the franchisees Leon Bosman and Cathy Baker, had a surprisingly good response to their recent announcement that they are now in the holiday rentals market.
Holiday rentals, said Baker, are ideal for those people who own a second home in holiday areas which they use only infrequently and for those who live permanently in their home in a holiday area but who themselves want to take a break from it. Rentals can usually be arranged to coincide exactly with the time that they are away.
The Rawson Simon’s Town franchisees have emphasised that they are fielding enquiries for all categories of homes from ultra-luxurious five, six and seven bedroom properties (some with superb views, indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities and swimming pools) to one or two bedroom apartments in convenient areas.
Overseas enquiries, said Bosman, are coming mainly from the UK and Germany, but other Europeans are also showing an interest and the franchise is also fielding ongoing enquiries from other countries in Africa.
Holiday rentals, said Baker, are usually priced by the day and most landlords insist on at least a seven day occupation in peak season. Rentals of R1,500 to R3,000 per day are the going rate for fairly ordinary three and four bedroom homes but anything up to R10,000 or R15,000 per day can be charged for the top end properties. At the other end of the price scale one and two bedroom apartments can be rented out from R1,000 to R1,500 per day.
Asked to give examples of the type of homes they are signing on for renting, the Rawson Simon’s Town franchisees said that in Dorries Road, Froggy Pond near Simon's Town they have a home with four bedrooms, indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, including a bar and a swimming pool. This home has an attractive garden and panoramic 180 degree views of False Bay. The holiday rental is R3,800 per day and has already attracted a lot of interest. In St George’s apartment complex in the main street of Simon’s Town (diagonally opposite Jubilee Square) Rawson Simon’s Town have a one bedroom apartment renting at R1,500 per day and at Bay View Heights on Redhill Road, a one bedroom home with sleeping couches in the living room, making it ideal for two adults and two or three children, which is renting at R1450 per day in the holiday season.
Bosman said that in some cases the owners plan to sell their houses but are taking advantage of an additional income stream via the holiday market.
One of the big advantages of working through an agency such as the Rawson Property Group, said Baker, is that it minimises the risk of landing irresponsible tenants. Not only does the team insist on a full rental and damages deposit being paid up front but they can also ask for credit and employment references. They then present the new tenant with an inventory list of all the appliances, equipment, furnishings, etc. and this has to be signed immediately after checking out of the house.
“Holiday rentals are obviously such a straightforward and simple way to increase one’s income that it is surprising how few agents have not moved into this market,” said Bosman.
“In view of the response that we have had so far, I think we can say that certainly in the Southern Cape Peninsula we will be one of the frontrunners in this field within the first two years.”
For further information contact Leon Bosman or Cathy Baker on 021 786 4755.
