Investing in property requires foresight and thought. You’ll consider your personal goals, financial objectives, preferences and lifestyle. Of course, it’s worth applying neutral criteria to ensure you make the right decision. Here are three of the most important ones, the first of which won’t surprise you!
1. Location
It’s the oldest one in the book, but location remains a massively important consideration. There’s the property’s location in relation to main roads and thoroughfares; the impact of peak traffic on getting to and from the place; and where shops and essential services are, such as hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, pre-schools, schools and after-care facilities.
2. Infrastructure
You will look at the property itself and important attributes like build quality and security. But you should also note the condition of public infrastructure that surrounds it, including roads and pavements, parks and open spaces, streetlighting, etc. Remember that these all require maintenance and that’s often where property owners come unstuck. It’s possible, though, to buy something where the property and its surroundings are maintained without you having to lift a finger. This is true of properties in places like lifestyle estates and mixed-use precincts, where operational teams of professionals take care of everything.
The Amdec Group’s Melrose Arch (pictured above) is South Africa’s most established mixed-use precinct. Here, the buildings that house residential apartments, commercial offices and hospitality areas – hotels, bars, restaurants and coffee shops – are all immaculate, and the security is top notch. Melrose Arch is one of the safest public places in Joburg. Operations are run from a hi-tech centralised security and control centre, where data feeds come together to give a bird’s eye-view of the precinct, in real time. Everything from a window that doesn’t shut properly, to aircon that isn’t working, is fixed in the shortest possible space of time. It’s reassuring to know your property is looked after like this. The Amdec Group maintains ownership and management of its developments post-construction so purchasers and investors can be assured that their assets will be looked after.
3. Transport access
With increased environmental awareness and younger generations come a greater preference for non-motorised transport, public transport and ride-hailing services. Many opt not to own a vehicle at all. However, if public transport and ride-hailing services aren’t easy to access it’s simpler to revert to driving.
In the case of Melrose Arch, it’s not only the location that’s easy to get to, but there are convenient pick-up and drop-off points for public transport and ride-hailing services, plus a regular Gautrain shuttle. These are factors that attract prospective tenants, enhancing the rental prospects and improving the investment potential of your property.
If you’d like to invest in property at Melrose Arch (pictured above), or another Amdec Group development, please call Tersia Taljaard on 087 897 0222 or email tersiat@amdec.co.za
