Advertisement
The development of the fourth and final phase of Kingswood Golf Estate is well under way, and sales are progressing well. The site, south of Kingswood, will ensure that all new homes will have stunning light and views to the north over the Camphersdrift River, the golf course and the beautiful homes on the estate, to the majestic Outeniqua Mountains. The development will also extend opportunities for recreation, with additional walking and cycling paths.
Managed impact
The developers, Kingswood Golf Estate (Pty) Ltd making use of ASLA, have tried to keep disruption to a minimum by carefully managing the site. A temporary road with access from the R102 (the airport road) has ensured that vehicles, heavy machinery, materials and staff can arrive on site without impacting residents. All the while, security has been assured with extra boundary fencing and access control in place.
Progress and update
The developers have progressed to the point that they are beginning to tidy up where infrastructure has been completed.
Advertisement
We asked Stephen Murray of Pam Golding Properties, the company marketing the development, about progress and investment opportunities:
EL: How is Kingswood Ridge’s infrastructure progressing? How much longer do you envisage that the developer will take to complete this final phase?
PGP: The civil and electrical services will be complete and snagged by early February 2021. The entrance gate will be built after approval by the George Municipality, and approval of the construction plans of the link road to the R102.
EL: There is word of completion of transfer from the developer, Kingswood Golf Estate Pty Ltd, towards the end of this year. How is that progressing?
PGP: The transfers of sub-phase A1 should be submitted to the Deeds Office this month. Sub-phase 2 should be submitted to the Deeds Office in early February 2021, and the balance by mid-March 2021.
EL: As of early December 2020, how many vacant erven have been sold and how many are left?
PGP: Of the 155 sites on offer, 105 have been sold, so there are just 50 left.
EL: How has Covid impacted sales? Are you seeing an uptick?
PGP: Naturally, when lockdown took place, there was a break in activity. However, as the year has progressed, enquiries have increased, and we expect that, as the site is now more accessible, further interest will be piqued. The ability to actually visit the site now will enhance potential buyers’ experience of the exceptional northern panoramic vistas over the estate and the Outeniqua Mountains.
EL: Do you have a sense of the ratio of foreign to local investment in Kingswood Ridge?
PGP: The number of foreign investors to date has been negligible, but that is not unexpected given that the infrastructure is only now reaching completion.
EL: Do you sense that purchasers so far are buying for investment, or for occupation and lifestyle?
PGP: It is anticipated that there are some investment purchasers and others who wish to invest to reside. Some people’s situations may have changed, and therefore it would be speculation on my part to estimate the split between the categories. It needs to be said though, if you view Kingswood Ridge property from the perspective of its inherent qualities (the northerly orientation of the properties, the vistas, the fact that it is part of a secure gated estate, its position within George and the greater Garden Route, the different sizes of the various vacant stands), whether it is for investment purposes or to reside, Kingswood Ridge is really an attractive proposition, with vacant stands available from R695,000. Available stand sizes vary from about 650 square metres to 3,000 square metres, so there are various options. Indeed, in our opinion, the addition of Kingswood Ridge not only enhances the offering at Kingswood, but should also have a positive impact on property values from an ownership perspective in the longer term.
EL: When do you expect the first occupations might take place? When will other Kingswood residents see lights from new homes on the Ridge?
PGP: This is difficult to estimate, but we are aware of a number of people who have already started conceptually designing their homes, which is exciting. Therefore my best guess would be towards the end of, or during, the last quarter of 2021.
