Well priced ‘lifestyle’ smallholdings have recently been in great demand, says Tanya Jovanovski, co-franchisee for Rawson Auctions in the Western Cape. This, she says, has been proved by the speed in which Rawson Auctions were able to find a buyer for the 27 ha Bodega farm in Joostenbergvlakte (near Kraaifontein) which was sold pre-auction. Rawson Auctions is now actively searching for properties in the Joostenbergvlakte area because some 30 people showed interest in the farm before the auction took place.
Although the buyer in this case was a neighbouring farmer who was seeking to expand his operation in the area, the farm, says Jovanovski, is exactly the type that is popular with successful business and professional people looking for a new, more rural way of life today.
The farm has a main house with three bedrooms, a spacious living room, a large family room with a bar, a fireplace and a dining room. Many of the outdoor facilities are there for entertainment purposes. The list includes a lapa, a braai area and a swimming pool. The farm also has stables and paddocks for horses and the outrides in the area are said to be very attractive.
A wine cellar and extra accommodation are provided by a two bedroom cottage (currently let) and three labourers’ accommodation units.
The terms on which Rawson Auctions operate are:
· A 5% deposit to be paid on the fall of the hammer
· A 10% commission plus VAT to be paid over and above the agreed price to Rawson Auctions, also payable on the fall of the hammer.
Jovanovski has pointed out that the Consumer Protection Act regulations stipulate that all bidders must be registered and that they must bring certificated copies of their identity documents and proof of residence. However, she said, Rawson Auctions do not charge any registration fee to bidders.
