Local trends
The popularity of gated estates
There has been a global move towards gated estates, not only because of the security they offer but also because of their many conveniences and advantages. There is the sense of community, making a gated estate an ideal 'intermediary' stage between living alone and moving into a senior's development. Many offer facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, walks, communal gardens and community centres - all 'nice-to-have' and even nicer when you don't have to pay for their upkeep! Mixed use commercial developments are also increasingly popular, with shops, restaurants and hairdressing salons etc available for employees 'on site'.
We have several gated estates in the area, from small, select estates with just a few houses, to larger, often multiple-zoned developments such as St John's Village. Contact us for details or if you'd like to discuss a possible move...
Local property market is solid
Experts believe that changes to the repo rate have little impact on the upper end of the local property market, with a constant demand for homes, especially in sought-after areas. Properties in the +R1.3 million price bracket are currently the most sought-after sector in the country. In terms of the sellers' market, the most activity is focused on properties with convenient access to schools and retail centres.
Welcome to the House of Paws
Howick is a wonderful place to explore with a dog by your side (on a lead, of course), with walks and pristine wild spaces such as the Karkloof forest. So there must be many local pet-lovers who were delighted when The House of Paws opened in Dicks Street at the end of last year, in a small retail complex next to the municipality. The shop is the brain-child of animal-loving friends, Trish von Niebel and Cherylann Gainsford, and is a pet-friendly spot - with several of the ladies' own dogs often in attendance - to get quality pet food and accessories, beds and toys, plus advice about the nutritional needs of your pets. We welcome this unique new addition to our retail options!
Parties at the Falls
It seems as if there has been a long tradition of people 'having a good time' at the Howick Falls. Way back in 1845, a gentleman farmer named Charles Barter complained that Howick had become "the favourite resort of pleasure seekers from Pietermaritzburg, who disturb the solitude with noisy picnic parties."