GENERAL
Q: Where is Grootverlangen Country Estate (GV) situated?
Located on the SE flank of Standerton alongside the Vaal River and incorporating the existing Standerton Country Club.
Q: How did GV get its name?
The original farm of Standerton called Grootverlangen upon which the estate is located.
Q: What is the total size of the development?
The development will ultimately comprise of 327 properties, of which 177 are located on the North Bank of the Vaal and 150 on the South Bank of the Vaal. The North Bank is approximately 94Ha in extent and the South Bank forms part of an approximate 400Ha cattle farm. The South Bank component of the estate will only likely begin its sales phase in 2013.
Q: What will the Home Owners Association (HOA) manage?
The HOA will be a fully constituted body representing the home / property Owners on the estate and will manage the running and operations of the estate.
Q: What local authority does GV fall under?
Lekwe Local Municipality
Q: Has GV obtained its ‘Record of Decision’ (ROD) from the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism?
Yes
Q: Why was the site chosen?
Its scenic beauty, the existing excellent facilities which will be further upgraded, the local demand for quality estate living, the proximity of the location to the Gauteng second lifestyle demand market, the extensive range of activities on the estate and in the vicinity such as the Grootdraai Dam.
Q: Who will manage the Estate?
The HOA will employ an estate manager who will manage the operations of the estate and related service providers.
Q: Will there be any retail shopping facilities within the boundaries of the Estate?
No. The Club House will provide food and beverage facilities. Within 2kms of the estate there is a host of retail and dining amenities.
Q: Will motorised recreational activities be allowed within the Estate?
The estate will obviously be golf cart friendly. No motorized recreational activities will be allowed on the North Bank. The South Bank may permit controlled activities such as quad bikes, but this is subject to HOA approval. There is no motorized vessel permitted on the Vaal River where the estate is located. However, the Grootdraai Dam offers accessibility to all motorized and non-motorised watersport activities.
Q: What will GV offerings include?
Upgraded 9 hole golf course with practice facilities. Club House with food & beverage, function rooms, snooker room and the likes. Tennis courts. Fishing with access to guides. Although not on the estate, residents have direct access to the neighbouring sporting facilities (football, equestrian, additional tennis courts etc.).
Q: Will GV have a hotel?
A boutique hotel of approximately 30 suites including a wellness / spa facility is planned on the estate positioned adjascent to the Club House. Residents of the estate will have access to the hotel facilities once up and running.
Q: Will GV Home Owners have access to the golf course & Club House facilities?
Every property is obliged to take a house membership with the Standerton Country Club (estimated at R200-250 per month but subject to inflationary adjustment) which will afford all residents access to the facilities of the Club, including golf which will be charged at a 'homeowner's rate' (discounted compared to a full visitor rate). However, this monthly household fee is not a full golf membership fee and should a resident wish to become a full golfing member with associated benefits (handicap card, golf member playing fees etc.) the application for such would need to be done through the Standerton Country Club.
Q: When will the Golf Course & Club House upgrades be undertaken?
The Developer's capitalization priority is with servicing (bulk services infrastructure) the Lifestyle and Country Village segments of the estate and securitising the entire estate (including golf course & Club House areas). It is estimated that between 80-100 presales are required to fulfill this objective. The very next capitlisation priority is the complete upgrade of the Golf Course and Club House so as to ensure such upgrades are complete by the time the first house on the estate is built. It is anticipated that the upgrades will start during 2012 and will take approximately one year to complete.
Q: Who is responsible for the cost of operating and maintaining the Golf Course and Club House?
The existing Club facilities, including the Golf Course, will be owned and run by the existing non-profit Standerton Country Club. As such the Club will be responsible for the operations and finances of its facilities and not the residents of GV. However, that said, the quality of the Club's facilities will over time impact on the property values on the estate given the inseparable relationship between the Club and the estate. Hence why the household monthly membership is to be applied, thereby affording the Club a new and additional revenue stream in lieu of affording residents access to the Club's facilities. In addition, the estate will certainly bring to the Club a number of new 'golfing memberships' and the upgraded facilities of the Club (paid for by the Developer) will strongly boost the number of paying visitors (both tourists & from surrounding towns) to the Club and its golf course. Hence a stronger, more diversified and more sustainable revenue stream for the Club to maintain its operations.
Q: Will all property owners have to become members of the Golf Club even if they don't play golf?
Yes - the household membership is mandatory, but other specific memberships such as golf and snooker are not.
Q: What if I rent out my home? Does the tenant get access to the Club facilities?
Yes - the tenant (whether short term or long term) has access to the Club facilities through the household membership structure.
Q: Can I fish in the Vaal River & Dams of the Estate?
Yes - the Vaal River on the estate is an excellent venue for yellowfish, as well as carp, barbel and bass. The weirs & dams on the estate can also be fished, but caution must be taken when fishing in the golf course area. The Developer and / or HOA will take no responsibility for any injury or harm incurred by non-golfers when walking, fishing etc. in the golf course area.
Q: Can I use my motorised boat in the Vaal River at the Estate?
No - local legislation prevents the use of motorized boats on the Vaal River. However, the Grootdraai Dam is just a few km upstream where one can enjoy all motorised boating activities.
THE HOMES
Q: Will there be regulations in terms of the houses on the estate?
Yes - there will be specific architectural specification guidelines which all homes will have to comply with. The focus of such specifications will be mostly with the 'look and feel' of the buildings in terms of finishes, paint colours, cladding, roof types and the likes. These specifications will optimize the image and appearance of the buildings and ensure the homes built compliment the aesthetics of the estate as a whole. Which in turn will have a positive impact on property values in the estate. The specifications will compliment a 'farm-style' appearance typically of the Platteland, yet one that allows a contemporary or slightly more modern touch. The architectural specifications are in the process of being finalized.
Q: Will there be appointed architects to the project?
Yes - the estate will have appointed architect(s) which owners can use at what will be competitive rates. There will also be a set of architectural house designs that owners could use, again at a competitive rate. However, should owners wish to use their own architects they are welcome to do so. However, in this instance a fee of 1.5 to 2% of the home building cost will be charged to the owner. This fee will be used to contract the project architect to oversee the construction of the home and ensure all quality controls and specifications are being adhered to.
Q: Will architectural plans of owners need to be approved prior to the construction of their home?
Yes - each and every home plan will need to be approved by the 'Building Committee' appointed by the Developer. Such approval will be granted or not granted within 3 weeks of plan submission. If the 'Building Committee' has not provided formal feedback to the owner within 3 weeks of submission, the application is deemed automatically approved.
Q: Will double storey houses be permitted?
Yes - but only on certain stands. Typically front row stands will not be permitted to have double storey homes so as not to 'block' the view for the stands behind. Again, the 'Building Committee' will be accountable for such decisions.
Q: Can I select my own builder and landscaper?
There will be a panel of pre-approved contractors who will be permitted to build homes on the estate. These builders will be vetted and approved by the 'Building Committee'. Owners will then have the choice within this pre-approved panel of builders as to who to use. The same principal will apply to landscapers. The Developer / Building Committee will prioritise appointment of local contractors.
Q: How long do I have to complete my home on my stand?
The Owner (or subsequent Owner should the stand be resold) must start to build their home within 3 (three) years of transfer of the stand ownership from Developer to the initial buyer and must complete the home within 5 years of such transfer of initial ownership. Owners that fail to comply with this condition will be subject to financial penalties in the form of escalated levies. During the first year of default, the Owner will be subject to a monthly levy of 3 (three) times that applicable at the time. For the second year of default and onwards, the Owner will be subject to a levy 4 (four) times the monthly HOA levy applicable to the property.
Q: When I take ownership of my stand will it be serviced?
Yes - there will be a bulk services (water, electricity, sewage) connection point to your stand, as well as a road access point. Extensions of such services within the stand are for the ownerÕs cost and would form part of the home / dwelling building cost.
Q: What Security protection will be installed?
The estate will have an electrified walled / fenced security perimeter, as well as up to 2 (two) manned gate houses. Provision has been made in the HOA levy budget for guard patrols as well. Owners will be accountable for their own home / internal security / alarm / armed response services should such services be sought.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Q: How do I purchase my stand?
How does the payment process work? The 'Reservation Agreement' and 'Deed of Sale' Agreement are pertained in the 'Purchase Agreement' Section of the Grootverlangen website (www.grootverlangen.co.za). However, a summary of the purchase process is as provided below;
1) Once a stand has been selected by the Purchaser, the Purchaser as 1 (one) month to enter into the Reservation Agreement with the Developer and pay a 5% deposit (five percent of the stand price including Vat) into the conveyancing attorneyÕs trust account. Upon doing so the stand is secured in favour of the Purchaser. This 5% deposit is only refundable to the Purchaser in the event that the Developer does not perform against the terms and conditions of the Reservation Agreement.
2) Once the township has been proclaimed and there is a critical mass of sales in place (or close thereto) the Developer will at its discretion call for an additional 25% deposit from the Purchaser (hence the total deposit will be 30% of the stand purchase price including Vat).
3) Against this deposit the Developer will service the stand with bulk services (estimated 1 year time frame) and upon completion of such bulk services will the stand be transferred to the Purchaser and the full Purchase price paid to the Developer via the conveyancing attorneys. Prior to transfer taking place, the Purchaser would have been required to provide the necessary payment guarantees to the conveyancing attorney.
Q: Is Vat and / or Transfer Duty included in my Purchase Price?
Yes - stands purchased directly from the Developer include Vat which is payable by the Developer on transfer to and payment of the property by the Purchaser. Please note the stand listed prices may exclude Vat, but such exclusion will be detailed and highlighted. However, when completing the Reservation Agreement the exact stand price breakdown is provided. If and when Owners resell their stands / homes, Vat or transfer duty will be applicable to the transaction (Vat will be applicable if the Seller/Owner of the property is a registered Vat vendor).
Q: What will my monthly levy be?
The monthly levy on an ongoing basis will be managed and controlled by the Homeowners Association (HOA). However, it is essential to ensure such levy structures are from the very onset realistic yet affordable so as to ensure investment levels and ongoing homeowner participation. As such the estate has been designed and structured in such as way as to minimize levy obligations yet still to retain the security and quality of the estate lifestyle. A levy estimate is provided below.
Q: When will my monthly levy be payable?
The monthly levy is required for upkeep and maintenance of common property as well as security on the Estate. Therefore the levy is applicable from date of transfer of the property from the Developer to the Owner. In terms of utilities (water, electricity, sewage) and rates & taxes, each and every Owner will have an account directly with the Lekwe Local Municipality.
Q: Can I use my own bank for a mortgage bond?
Yes - you can use any bank for a mortgage bond. However, the Developer is in negotiation with a limited number of banks in an effort to secure preferential financing options for Purchasers and will report on such negotiation outcomes as soon as such are finalised.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & IMPACT THEREOF ON OWNERS
Q: Does Grootverlangen Country Estate have a Social Responsibility Program?
Yes - Goortverlangen is committed to the use of local service providers and in compliance with DTI's BEE procurement policies. Furthermore Grootverlangen Country Estate is committed to the ongoing financial support of social development and community upliftment programs in the greater Standerton area. In doing, a percentage of each and every future property resale (up to a maximum of 2% of the resale price of the property) will be levied on all resale transactions. This contribution will be paid by the Seller's conveyancing attorney (through means of a mandate automatically afforded to the conveyancing attorney by the Seller) directly into the 'Grootverlangen Social Responsibility Trust'. The Grootverlangen HOA will appoint the Trustees to such Trust and hence the HOA, through its appointed Trustees, will decide as to which programs and / or charities and / or non-profit organisations will benefit from the Trust funds. It is intended for the HOA to engage with local Council in making such funding decisions.
