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NewsDay

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Property sector has potential — SA expert

Property
The country’s property sector has potential to grow and develop some unique designs that could compete with the best in the world, a visiting architect said on Wednesday. South Africa-based François Marais said Beverly Hills Golf Estate would strive to come up with some unique designs that will stand out among the best. Work on […]

The country’s property sector has potential to grow and develop some unique designs that could compete with the best in the world, a visiting architect said on Wednesday.

South Africa-based François Marais said Beverly Hills Golf Estate would strive to come up with some unique designs that will stand out among the best. Work on the $250 million estate has already begun.

“I think there is inherent potential. Zimbabwe as a country has always been dynamic, this city (Harare) is on par with some countries in Africa. There is potential and I believe people have money for such high-quality properties,” said Marais.

Marais, the brains behind a number of billion-rand projects in South Africa, said he was excited to be in the country to showcase his skills to change the face of the local property market.

“We have had a property boom in South Africa that has brought about a wide range of buildings whose designs are both from South Africa and outside,” said François.

RE/MAX Realty Centre chief executive officer Rutendo Rutendo said the engagement of a foreign architect would be beneficial through both bringing world-class property designs to the country and the imparting of skills to local architects.

RE/MAX Realty Centre is the Selling Agency of the estate.

Rutendo said the local market had been starved of exclusive quality designs.

“There is definitely a market for what we are trying to do. Locals are yearning for an estate that stands out. The best at the moment is Borrowdale Brooke and in Beverly Hills we are offering something better than that,” said Rutendo.

“The response has been overwhelming so far. Remember there are only 310 stands for sale.” The estate, privately owned by Carey Farm (Pvt) Limited, is expected to raise the bar in property development and bring world- class standards to the local property market.

Beverly Hills Golf Estate is being bankrolled by Interfin Bank.

Located on Luna Road, off Crowhill after Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club, the project offers stands ranging from 1 500 square metres.

The construction industry is expected to benefit from this project coming at a time when the economy is emerging from a 10-year slumber.