NOVEMBER IN THE GARDEN

Hi Harfield,

With full dams and some cool days as we head towards the end of Spring, it's been a gentle transition towards Summer. This is one of the best times of the year to get new seeds and seedlings in the soil, whether in your own garden, in a complex garden or in a pot on a balcony.

Here's the plant list for November for those eager to get growing:

Amaranth, Basil, Bush and Climbing beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Butternut, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Chard, Cape Gooseberry, Carrot, Celery, Chives, Chilli, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Ginger, Globe Artichoke, Leek, Leaf Mustard, Lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, Parsley, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Sweetcorn, Sweet pepper, Sweet potato, Turnip, Tomato, Watercress, Watermelon, Zucchini.

Happy growing!

Patchwork Group
Gabriella Garnett
076 2199 849 | gabriella.garnett@gmail.com


HOW TO NOT FALL VICTIM TO ARMED ROBBERS AT HOME

 

The best way not to fall victim to armed robbers at home is to keep them out.

One of the most common crimes in South Africa today is armed home robbery. No matter how prepared you think you will be in the event of this happening to your family, many home invasions end tragically when people panic or try to escape the situation.

Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, says nobody can be fully prepared for being confronted by armed criminals in their own home. Keeping a cool head is, however, imperative.

She reiterates that armed robberies can happen at any time of the day.

“You could as easily be a victim on a lazy Sunday morning while drinking coffee in the garden as while watching TV at 11pm. The best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to secure your home properly so that criminals cannot gain access and surprise you.”

6 things to do if you are a victim of armed robbery at home:

1. Keep calm. Make no sudden movements and keep your hands where the perpetrators can see them. The robbers are also on edge and functioning on adrenalin, which can cause them to shoot if something unexpected happens. 

2. Obey instructions but all the while take in detail, like how many robbers there are, what clothing they are wearing, the weapons they have, language they use and any distinctive markings.

3. Do not have a discussion with them or try to change their minds. Speak only if spoken to and answer in a clear voice.

4. Give them what they want. Be honest about what is in the house and how much cash you have on you or where the safe is. 

5. Do not give chase when they leave but try to note a description of the vehicle/s they get away in. 

6. Press your panic button/call the police and/or your security company. 

Hattingh says there are a number of steps homeowners can take to not only better ensure the security of their possessions but their loved ones too.

6 ways to keep robbers out:

1. Install garden beams as an early warning device and deterrent. These should be activated when you are inside.

2. Have proper lighting, preferably sensor lights, around the house.

3. Make sure your electric fence is working properly and install CCTV, which has been proven to be a good deterrent for criminals. 

4. Windows and doors should be secured with burglar proofing and security gates. 

5. Do proper reference checks on domestic staff before employing them. Many home robberies are the result of inside information and help. 

6. Never give keys and remotes to general service providers or strangers and if it is a new home change all the locks before you move in. 

“It is everyone’s worst nightmare to be held at gunpoint in your home. As home robberies are very common, it is increasingly important for homeowners to protect their families and homes better with preventative security measures,” Hattingh concludes.


A HOME FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR LIFE

Homeownership is about more than having a roof over your head. It’s about relationships, emotional milestones and the stage of life you’re in. With this in mind, Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond, offers some advice for buying a home at different times of your life.

The carefree 20s

Most people start their property journey as tenants, renting a room or a flat when they move out of their parents’ home. “In your 20s, you are just kickstarting your career and enjoying your independence. But it is never too early to start thinking about your long-term investment prospects,” says Coetzee. He advises aspirant young buyers to limit their debt so that they maintain a healthy credit score. “While renting a property is convenient and cost-effective in the short-term, it makes more financial sense to pay off your own bond. Also, with the prime lending rate at a record-low 7%, there has never been a better time to apply for a bond.” Coetzee recommends focusing on property as soon as you become financially independent, and other debts such as student loans are under control.

First-home buyers in their 20s can make the R1 million threshold for transfer duty work strongly in their favour when looking at properties. “Almost 40% of all BetterBond’s applications for the 12 months ending September 2021 were between R500 000 and R1 million.” Coetzee says sectional title units are usually popular with first-home buyers as they offer security and require little maintenance. It may also be more affordable to buy off-plan in a residential development, as there are no transfer costs.

The thriving 30s

In your 30s, you are more financially stable, and probably planning ahead as you think about getting married and starting a family. This is often the decade when you first seriously consider homeownership. BetterBond’s applications for 2021 show that the average age of first-home homebuyers is 36.

“More than a year of record-low interest rates has seen a significant increase in first-home buyers applying for bonds,” says Coetzee. The average first-home purchase price is just over R1.1 million, according to BetterBond data for the 12 months ending September 2021. About 60% of BetterBond’s applications in this period were from first-home buyers. Sectional title properties remain popular as entry-level homes, particularly with women buyers and single moms. They are also excellent investment properties as there is a strong rental demand for sectional title units.

For buyers who are recently married, or planning a family, it’s important to consider buying a home that you can grow into. While a one-bedroom home will work initially, it may be necessary to upscale to a larger home with more bedrooms as your family grows. “This may also be a good time to rethink the location of your home. While it is possible to work remotely, and there is less need for proximity to the office, a growing family will need to be close to preschools and schools. Other amenities within walking distance should include parks and green spaces where you could spend time as a family,” Coetzee advises.

He adds that certain features help make a home child-friendly, especially if the buyer is planning a family or has young children. “Look for homes that have plenty of storage space. Parents with babies and young children will also want to have a bath – not just a shower.” He adds that safety is non-negotiable with young children, so make sure the garden is enclosed and that the swimming pool is covered. A property with a steep staircase is not ideal if there are children just starting to walk. An open plan design that lets you keep an eye on younger children at all times is a good option at this life stage. Meanwhile, young professionals who are most likely working from home will want a property that can accommodate at least one home office, and that offers excellent internet connectivity.

The family-focused 40s

This is the decade when the family’s demands on a property are likely to peak. Growing children need space and they want to be close to friends and school. According to the FNB Estate Agents Survey (July 2021), upgrading to a larger or more desirable home accounted for 16% of all transactions in the second quarter of 2021, up from the long-term average of 13%. The pandemic has shifted homeownership patterns, with families realising that quality of life is paramount.

This increased demand for houses with gardens or access to parks, rooms that can be used as home offices, and ample space for pets, means that house price growth in the freehold market has surpassed that of sectional title properties, according to Lightstone data for July 2021. As children get older, their needs change too. Teenagers will want their own bedrooms, as well as a chill-out room or TV room where they can relax with friends. Properties that include swimming pools and entertainment areas are popular with families at this life stage.

Coetzee advises this age group to use the current lending environment to their advantage “Homeowners who are able to pay extra into their bond, despite the low interest rates, will not only reduce the amount of interest they have to pay. They will also be able to shave years off the loan repayment period, freeing up cash flow at a stage of their life when they may want to travel or invest in a property for their older children.”

The less-is-more 50s

A large portion of house sales that took place in the second quarter of 2021 were by homeowners downscaling due to a change in life stage according to the FNB Estate Agents’ Survey (July 2021). Many of these transactions were from empty-nesters who decided that owning a large home when the children had moved out was no longer necessary. “Downsizing a property need not mean that the value of the next home will always be less. In many cases, these buyers have more financial leeway to spend on a home that meets their needs,” explains Coetzee. According to BetterBond’s application data for September, the average purchase price for buyers in this age group over the past 12 months was R1.62 million, compared with their counterparts in their 30s who are spending on average R1.36 million on a home.

For empty-nesters, a change in homes could mean moving to a lifestyle estate that offers a host of amenities and activities. Alternatively, if their children have moved overseas, a lock-up-and-go property will be more desirable than a larger family home that demands attention and maintenance. “We often see buyers in this age category buying inner-city luxury apartments that could be close to work, or to amenities that they enjoy,” observes Coetzee.

Alternatively, this age group can afford to move away from urban centres to areas usually associated with holiday accommodation. “In September, Lightstone highlighted ‘towns with churn’ across the country where buyers are relocating to new developments. Hartenbos near Mossel Bay is an example of a town bustling with buyer activity, with over-50s showing a keen interest in newly launched estates in the area.

The serene 60s

The notion of retirement has certainly evolved, says Coetzee. “People are living longer, and enjoying more active lives. So the focus has shifted from retirement to wellness, with a growing need for accommodation that offers a range of benefits.” Retirement lifestyle villages with various property options to meet a retiree’s evolving needs have become popular. While a freestanding home is ideal for a couple, a widow may prefer a smaller home or an apartment.

These villages offer wellness amenities such as gyms and swimming pools, as well as opportunities for social engagement. “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to safely interact within a community. Lifestyle retirement villages allow for this, and also ensure that all safety precautions, such as controlled access to the properties, are in place,” says Coetzee. There is also on-site medical and frail care.

Whether buying or building a new home, there are features that will make it attractive to buyers in this age cohort, says Coetzee. Smart technology, that includes Wi-Fi to allow for easy communication with family, is a must. Many have also shifted to online medical consultations since the pandemic. Single-level homes with wider passages and no stairs will make it easier to accommodate assisted living arrangements when needed, adds Coetzee. Look for a bathroom with a walk-in shower. Security is also top-of-mind for retirees and their families who may not live nearby.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the ideal home. As your needs change, depending on your life stage or your family’s requirements, so too will expectations for your home,” concludes Coetzee. “Fortunately, with the current favourable lending environment, there is ample opportunity to make the best choice to suit your current lifestyle.”

Anne-Marie Bamber is Norgarb Properties dedicated Home Loans Consultant. She has over 15 years’ experience in assisting clients with their Home Loan needs and has placed many happy families in their dream homes.

Contact her today for no cost stress-free home-buying.
Anne-Marie Bamber
Home Loans consultant
Tel: +27 (0)21 851 3568 | Fax: +27 (0)21 441 1494 | Cell: +27 (0)82 071 1665
E-mail: anne-marie.bamber@betterlife.co.za









SUPPORT ARO & WIN A R2000 MOUNT NELSON VOUCHER!

All you need to do to win this fabulous prize is sign up for a MySchool Card and add Animal Rescue Organisation as a beneficiary. 

If you already have a card but we are not one of your beneficiaries then you can add us now for a chance to win.

The competition starts on 2 November and will run until 31 December 2021. The winner will be announced on 10 January 2022. 

Click here to sign up for your card today!  

Click here to update your beneficiaries on an existing card.  

Did you know every time you swipe your MySchool card a donation is made to your chosen beneficiary? This means you are contributing to a cause you love without costing you a cent! 

Mount Nelson is must visit destination in Cape Town. The competition is open nationally but the winner will need to be in Cape Town (or visiting) to enjoy this voucher. 


WHOSE WALL IS IT ANYWAY?

Boundary and common walls in light of South African law – a brief overview.

There are two schools of thought in South Africa on the subject of boundary or common walls.

The first follows the notion of co-ownership; this ideology runs on the basis of two neighbouring owners being co-owners of the common wall and jointly liable for the maintenance of the wall. Decisions regarding the common wall are to be made jointly and with each neighbouring owner’s consent.  Acts that affect the common wall or fence can be carried out only with the consent of both neighbours. According to this school of thought, a common wall may not be demolished without the consent of the other owner, except where one neighbour replaces an inferior partition with one of a more durable quality at his own expense or in an emergency.

The second school of thought holds the belief that one half of the common wall, up to the median line, belongs to each of the neighbouring owners and each owner thus has an implied servitude of lateral support against the neighbouring owner. This notion is based on the premise that the common wall does not stand on jointly owned land but rather on two separately owned individual pieces of land.

The majority of South African academics are of the opinion that a common wall located on the boundary of two properties is deemed to form part of both properties and the notion of co-ownership therefore applies. This notion can, however, be disregarded on submission of evidence to the contrary in which case the courts are likely to follow the reasoning provided by the second school of thought and apportion the rights to the common wall between the neighbouring owners. 

You may be considering alterations to your boundary wall which will affect your neighbour and whether the alterations are a necessity or for aesthetic purposes, your first step would be to speak to your neighbour. For guidance in this regard, please contact your STBB conveyancer or email us at info@stbb.co.za

STBB Claremont



www.harfield-village.co.za
www.facebook.com/harfield.village.community

TAKE ACTION THIS WORLD ANIMAL DAY - HELP ARO REPAIR THEIR X-RAY UNIT

World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on the 4th October. 

This year Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO) needs your help in order for us to continue our fight to relieve sick and suffering animals that need us the most.

Our hospital offers lifesaving surgeries that many pet owners can’t afford with private vets. To perform these surgeries we need an x-ray machine. Our hospital x-rays of an average of 30 patients a month. 

Our current machine is in desperate need of repair. This medical equipment does not come cheap and we need to raise R150,000 fast. 

With this machine being so important for diagnostics, the lack of a functioning x-ray unit could bring our hospital to a standstill. Meaning hundreds of animals won’t be getting the care they need.

This World Animal Day you can make a real difference! Make a donation here to help us help the animals. 

FOHP NEWSLETTER

2021 Committee

We are sad to announce that Francine Bekker has stepped down from her role as Chairperson of the Friends of Harfield Parks. We will sorely miss Francine's hard work and passion as well as her coordination of our gardener Peter.

Until our next AGM, the following members will be serving in Acting roles: 

1. Tina Gough will be serving as Acting Chairperson

2. Ruth McNerney will be serving as Acting Secretary

3. Thomas King will be serving as Acting Treasurer

Hampstead Grass Restoration 

Members of the community doing some grass restoration in Hampstead Park! We'd love any contributions of composting or watering from anyone keen to get Hampstead looking good again. Please feel free to spread compost or lawn dressing within the marked-off area or water any patches of grass you see. 

POPI Compliance

In accordance with the new Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, we'd like to review our information policy. Specifically: 

• We collect personal information only for sharing what we do in Harfield's four parks (Surrey, Hampstead, Princes and Purley)

• We do not share your personal information with any other party

• If you would like us to remove you from the mailing list or change the contact details we have for you, please contact us at harfield.parks@gmail.com.

Warm regards,
The FOHP Committee

For more information and directions you can email us at harfield.parks@gmail,com. You can donate using the following details: Friends of Harfield Parks; Standard Bank, Claremont; Account number: 076293874

Or use the Snapscan below.