H&S PROPERTY NEWS JULY ISSUE 2021

P R O P E R T YJULY 2021

N E W SB U Y I N G G U I D E | L O C A T I O N | L E G A L | F I N A N C E

ASPIRE HEIGHTS
UNVEILED

WHAT IS BRIDGE
FINANCING?

PRODUCED BY

FOCUS ON
ZIMRE PARK



WELCOME PROPERTY
TO OUR NEWS
JULY ISSUE
TABLE OF
Month number seven of 2021 is finally here, and we’re CONTENTS

proud to present you with this month’s edition of Property The Concept of Neighborhood • . P5
News Magazine. This blue-themed issue puts the limelight
on property financing and neighborhoods, as well as What is Bridge Financing • .P8
sustainable design tactics.
Aspire Heights Unveiled • .P10
In property news, one major point of emphasis in this issue is
the unveil of Aspire heights by Aspindale and the innovation Focus on Zimre Park• P. 12
around the development.
Zimbabwe Construction Industry
We also look into the concept of building better communities Tours Lafarge • P. 14
through better neighborhoods; Allan Chibaya seeks to
highlight some of his experiences around building The Making of a Home Part 5
neighborhoods that are habitable. • P. 18
.
We also share some highlights of the Zimbabwe PUBLISHER
Construction Industry Association tour of Lafarge( ZCIA). Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
ZCIA is the umbrella body of all the build industry UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
associations and institutes. Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk
UK office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
Along with Tri Pointe, we’re also featuring powerhouse email:[email protected]
homebuilders Lennar and City Ventures to fill out this
month’s lineup of green builders. MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Takunda Rusere
In our suburban feature we focus on Zimre Park and explore
this area and how it has developed over the years. It’s SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
certainly a place that is screaming with home construction H&S SALES
activities. Additionally, we also have contributions from IDG's
Ben Kunaka, where he breaks down the points to consider DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
when building a home architecturally. CONTRIBUTORS

While we head toward July we continue to encourage IDG | Takunda Rusere | Allan Chibaya
everyone to stay safe and observe all the covid-19 PHOTOGRAPHERS
regulations as the third wave is now upon us. H&S Media
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Happy Reading H&S Design

Takunda Rusere EXCLUSIVE MEDIA CONTACTS
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without
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advertisement or listings and relieves Exclusive Media



H&S PROPERTY NEWS

THE CONCEPT OF “A community is
NEIGHBOURHOOD: like a ship;
STARTING THE
DEBATE everyone ought to
be prepared to
By Allan Chabisa take the helm.”
Henrik Ibsen
“A community is like a ship; everyone This is not something to argue about.
ought to be prepared to take the helm.” But immediately, when we do so, we We must think of the
Henrik Ibsen find ourselves staring at many aspects. perception buyers into
These aspects draw from many fields. the neighbourhood
A friend and I, in our deepest will get and draw
conversations, agree that any good We must consider aesthetics and learn from architecture,
programme of study ought to employ art. marketing, sociology.
certain tenets of others. Increasingly
now, content from different subjects We must think of the perception
converge into a formation that will buyers into the neighbourhood will get
continuously attract other content. and draw from architecture,
Infinitely. marketing, sociology.

It is a complex world. In the Zimbabwean context, with the
collapse of infrastructure and
I had feel strongly that we must deal deteriorating access to public services,
with property and simultaneously deal we must consider roads, water supply
with how we can create sound or and wastewater drainage.
attractive neighbourhoods.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 5

H&S PROPERTY NEWS In my day job, I work with people and listen to them share
their stories about their areas. When you dry your maize in
Land or real estate have always been political certain locations, you must keep watch, or you will lose it. You
topics. This is not only a Zimbabwean can leave your car unlocked overnight in some areas and still
phenomenon. You buy into an area after drive it away the next morning. Residents are up in arms with
considering legal issues and political ones too. a shop owner about to commision a fun spot behind their
premises.
Then there are the physical aspects. This is an
opener to a debate on how we can fashion our I am working to almost concluding that neighbourhoods are
neighbourhoods into ones that other people not renowned by their people. People carve the reputation of
can desire to visit, to buy into and spend their their neighbourhoods. The conscious ones know that they are,
fortune in. The greater the attraction, the in those action meant to create better homes, as they tend
more valuable the properties. Is this not what their yards and paint their houses, they are communicating to
investment into real estate is about? neighbours who are not doing it to follow suit. They are
changing the image of their homes one at a time. In the grand
At a point, I was embarrassed to reveal the scheme, or, more importantly, they are raising value of their
fact that, in my early working life, I lived in properties. The more the houses that look like theirs, the
about (see I am not even certain!) eight higher that value gets.
locations in seven years! Footloose. But I did
my best to observe each neighbourhood and What is Rome? What is the Vatican? What is Chisipite or
walked in them a fair bit. Mbare? What is Rhodene or Mucheke? What is Nketa or
Burnside? What is (perhaps the most common suburb name)
I shared a flat in the CBD in Bulawayo. Still Hillside?
there, I lived in three high-density suburb, a Suburbs and neighbourhoods are people.
couple of low-density suburbs, and finally in a
flat again.

I grew up in a high-density location in Harare. In decoding strategies on how to create better
On my return from Bulawayo, I briefly neighbourhoods or localities, the elephant in the room is
returned to our family home for a year or two culture. We must understand community.
before living in low-density locations. I have
slept over in several towns in Zimbabwe and Let us address this subject together and explore the aspects
even lived in a good number. involved in this debate. I intend to cover specific locations and
engage in conversations people in places I plan to feature.
My current interests are centred around the
mobilisation of neighbourhoods towards Having discovered the similarity between neighbourhoods and
common goals. organisations (set up for profit and non-profit). Vison. But this
must be unpacked, and analyses made into why some succeed,
So I have dipped my head into the nitty- and others fail. It is true that a neighbourhood can fail. There
gritties of homeowner’s associations in are failed neighbourhoods in Zimbabwe just like there are
general terms then on, especially, their failed companies.
security functions.
It is about value. But it is mostly about vision and leadership. A
story who moved in or left like it is about who got recruited or
left.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 6

Our neighbourhoods share certain aspects. There must have roads so they can be accessed, trees inside and
outside properties, security, public spaces, retail shops, hair salons, good schools, beautiful views.

We often overlook the soft issues: the “spirit”, history, street names, ethics, rules, unity, penalties, consequences,
attractors, reputation, leadership, vision, leadership… The soft issues are value-adding to, I think, a greater extent
than the physical ones. They explain the phenomenon of community.

A neighbourhood is what you see but it is made by a community. And we cannot separate a discussion on
community and neighbourhoods in our consideration of property and properties.
Let us explore this here.

H&S PROPERTY NEWS

WHAT IS
BRIDGING
FINANCE?

By Staff Writer
Bridging Finance allows purchasers or sellers to
have access to cash before the registration and
transfer process has been completed.
The seller is able to use the funds to pay
outstanding rates and taxes, for example. The
purchaser can use the funds to pay the transfer
fees so that the transfer process is not delayed.
Bridging finance can be a useful tool to help you
out of a ‘catch-22’ situation, like having to wait for
the profit of the sale of your house to pay for the
registration and transfer costs of your new home.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand all
the costs involved when using this type of short
term lending. Find out if there are administration
costs, what interest will be levied, and so on
because this type of financing can be expensive.
Most institutions that provide bridging finance will
only finance up to 80% of the surplus money
which you will receive from the sale of your
property.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 8



H&S NEWS

LUXURY ASPIRE

HEIGHTS

APARTMENTS

UP FOR

PRE-SALE
By Takunda Rusere

Zimbabwe property developer Aspindale Park,
earlier this month showcased their stunning
new residential development, Aspire Heights.

The development is set in one of the most
sought-after suburbs in the southwest of
Harare, Aspindale, the four-storey, 16-
apartment development aims to provide an
opportunity for homeowners and investors to
own quality apartments at affordable market
value.

Aspire Heights show house

The developers chose a modern open plan living layout. Each apartment has its own ZESA, Gas and
It’s a compact but well-utilised space that flows well. Each Water meter. All connected to an app which
unit will come with a gas and electric stove, extractor and makes it very simple to monitor and make
2 in 1 washer dryer machine. One of their talented team payments towards. All the provisions and
members Gloria did the interior design for the show unit. wiring have been made to install a backup
They try to support local with every element possible. battery and inverter system so you can
always have lights and plugs points on.
All the apartments have their own gas for hot water and
cooking. Piped gas to each household is a common IT’S AN ENERGY SOURCE THAT
occurrence in first world countries. It’s safe, convenient WE WILL MAKE SURE EVERY
and affordable. It’s an energy source that we will make RESIDENT HAVE A CONSTANT
sure every resident have a constant supply of energy, SUPPLY OF ENERGY,
always able to have a hot shower and cook a meal.

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 10

H&S PROPERTY NEWS SWEN

Aspire Heights is part of Aspindale’s gated community with 24hour security. Each unit will have a connection
to high-speed fibre internet and DSTV all set up so you can plug n play when you move in. 30% deposit and
balance payable over two years.

Aspire Heights Point also have a wide range of sought-after amenities, schools, a small upmarket shopping
mall (Aspindale Mall), and a variety of restaurants, a playing area for kids and coffee shops in the area.
There is going to be a body corporate responsible for the maintenance of common areas, car park, private
waste collection. The body corporate will agree on the rules for residents. Aspindale Park shall be a part of this
group. It is in their intentions to keep Aspire Heights as neat and smart as possible as they wish to continue
constructing flats around Harare and Zimbabwe and this will be their shining example that future project
buyers can come and see as a real reference.

The uptake for Aspindale Park was overwhelming. All 1200 stands were sold out within 18 months of opening
them up to the market. To date 90% of the stands have structures. They have found that their residents are
very house proud, and once everyone has completed their construction it’s going to be a beautiful suburb. In
addition Aspindale Park has received great support for its development from the City Council as it is in line
with the Harare Smart City drive.

For more info visit www.aspireheights.co.zw or call toll free 08080488

3D Housing Illustration

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 11

SURBURB REVIEW Zimre Park Primary School, and
SPONSORED BY LAFARGE Ralph Junior School. The suburb is
located between two major
Focus On industrial areal one in Ruwa and the
Zimre Park othe in Msasa.

Undergoing a lot of change at the moment, the Zimre AFFORDABILITY:
Park area is becoming one of the most sought-after
by professionals and families Over the past decade, Zimre Park
has seen a slight increase in
property value due to demand of
housing space. This makes it one of
the best performing suburbs in the
east of .

DEVELOPMENTS

With new land releases in the area
rare, most new developments in the
area take the form of higher density
residential and commercial projects.
Currently under development in the
area is Zimre extension, which offers
a rare opportunity to purchase a
large and spacious stands with
access to several community
facilities. Ideal for families, this new
project is situated in a great
location.

THINGS WE LOVE…
·Zimre Park is close to quite literally
everything residents need, which is
convenient for residents: farmers
markets, the CBD, workplaces – it’s all
close by.

Zimre Park is an older, established runs through along Zimre Park is A property under construction
accessed via the A1 (Mutare Road) in Zimre Park.
suburb located 17 kilometres south- the major roads. There is a bus
east of Harare’s CBD. It borders the system set up throughout the
suburbs of Rockview Park, Mabvuku, suburb, and both have easy
Damofalls and Chapukutu Park. Over access to the train network.
the past 5 years Zimre has been Zimre Park also has a few medical
rediscovered as a new development centers and shopping centre
hotspot with a number of housing dotted around. As noted
projects now redefining what it is previously, Zimre Park has an
like to live here. extensive range of existing
amenities and services as well as
LOCATION & TRANSPORT public transport connectivity
The Zimre Park area is great for
commuters – it is a 30-minute drive Education and Employment:
to the city centre and less than 20 There are six major schools in
minutes to the city. Zimre way Zimre itself: Green Olive Primary
School,

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 12

Be part of the Best Practices Advocacy through the evolution of Aluminium in the Construction Industry of Zimbabwe.
Join the Architectural Community in this virtual conversation on standards, specifications, quality and related issues.

This is a free-to-attend webinar addressing the BEST PRACTISES, STANDARDS AND QUALITY IN ARCHITECTURAL ALUMIINIUM.

The event will demonstrate how the aluminium industry is making continuous improvements in the field of sustainability, as well as its
sustainability benefits in end-use applications. The event will also bring industry front runners Tregers through their regional brand iBuild

Aluminium to share their knowledge and expertise in the said field.

Event Highlights:
IAZ events are also perfect for those individuals who are always in search of the most up-to-date knowledge in various fields of construction and

value addition.

• IAZ as the custodian or gatekeeper for Standards, Quality and Aesthetics 13
• Importance of benchmarking on Best Practices
• Trends in the Architectural Aluminium Industry

• Short Comings in the fragmented Aluminium Industry in Zimbabwe).
• Treger Group’s Commitment to Standards & Quality Products to the Construction Industry

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS|

ZCIA TOURS LAFARGE'S
DRY MORTAR PLANT

Zimbabwe Construction Industry Association recently toured the Lafarge new dry mortar plant.
The Association is the umbrella body of the construction Industry in ZImbabwe. See tour in pics...

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 14



3 WAYS TO SPOT AN

UP AND COMING SUBURB

Staff Writer

When it comes to maximizing returns on real Just as one might consult a financial advisor
estate investments, it’s all about location, before deciding on an investment fund,
location, location. Knowing where (and when) to consulting a real estate advisor can help
purchase can make a significant difference in the buyers make an informed decision when
kinds of returns one can expect to generate. deciding upon a suburb in which to invest.

The guidance of an industry expert plays a crucial Below, in the feature we list our top three
role towards helping buyers and sellers make tips on how to spot an up-and-coming
sound real estate investment decisions. suburb:

Rental Prices Increase Renovations or upgrades to existing schools and
Rental returns are always a good indicator of demand shopping centres could also stand to increase the appeal
to live in a suburb. A good sign is that rental prices in a of the suburb and bolster property values.
suburb start increasing in value. This is a demand
signal that often results from buildings having been Quite opposite to the points discussed above, we also
upgraded and landlords having invested into their warns buyers of the potential red flags that signify that a
properties. Alternatively, an increase in rental demand suburb is about to lower in value. Vacancies and rental
could be as a result of tenants moving into the area decreases are a sure sign that demand is dwindling.
because it is cheaper than an area that is more Investors should also watch for municipal planning
established. Soon, this demand will drive up prices and changes where industrial or commercial zones start
the suburb will become more established over time. invading residential spaces. Similarly, suburb
deterioration can happen very quickly when
Watch for Spill Over Areas municipalities neglect basic services, so keep an eye out
Up-and-coming suburbs are often spill-over areas that for municipal parks and common spaces looking over-
neighbour existing established suburbs. These grown and piling up with litter.
communities are just outside where all the growth is
happening. Property prices are usually more affordable As a final piece of advice, we suggests that there are
in these areas but are still within close proximity to all several ways for investors to keep up to date with the
the action of the established suburb. Over time, latest investment hot spots, including befriending a
homeowners invest and renovate older properties and network of reliable real estate advisors. Nobody knows an
the spill over suburb catches up in value as demand area better than those who work on the ground every
keeps growing. single day. My advice to investors is to build a network of
productive real estate professionals who know the
market nuances better than anyone else and can keep
you abreast of real time property sales per square meter
pricing, rental yields, number of days on market, and % of
selling price to asking price.

New Schools & Shopping Centers HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 16
Watch out for new schools and shopping centres as
these are sure signs of future suburb growth and
ultimately price appreciation.



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HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS| 18

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youFrINhDome

IN SHAMVA

OUR STANDS ARE STANDS
AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING NOW

SELLING

PAYMENT
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE

GOLDEN HEIGHTS

Stand 2312, Golden Heights, Features
Shamva, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 662137464 Low density
Cell: +263 772 885 749 1500sqm – 8000sqm
Residential Stands/
+263 776 165 170 Agro-residential Stands
School & Church Stands
WWW.GOLDENHEIGHTS.CO.ZW Serviced

H&S PROPERTY NEWS
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

UPCOMING SHAMVA
RESIDENTIAL SUBURB

Golden Heights is located 28km from Bindura (The Provincial 21
Capital of Mashonaland Central), and 89km north of Harare. The
housing scheme is just a step away from Shamva Town center, the
sleeping giant of Shamva District. Golden Heights housing scheme
is committed to offering descent, and world-class
accommodation.

Golden Heights is a Low-density residential scheme, withstands
measuring from 1500sqm to 8000sqm, with the exception of
institutional stands that exceed that range. Available stands
include the aforementioned residential stands, agro-residential
plots industrial stands, creche stands, school stands, church
stands, and cemetery stands. Historically, Goldenheights was a
Farm called “Remainder of Samva”, owned by the Gurumombe
family, but because of the proximity to the town center the farm
was subdivided, and the subdivision permit granted in 2013. From
the inception of the Golden Heights Housing Scheme, quality
standards and decency have always been at the heart of all
operations.

The stands have been serviced; road servitude and water
connections have already been implemented to the satisfaction of
compliance standards of local authority bodies namely ZINWA and
CRDC (Chaminuka Rural District Council), but suffice to say that
servicing of the housing scheme is still in progress to reach the
envisioned standard.

The stands are sold with flexible payment terms and have title
deeds. www.goldenheights.co.zw

HOMES & STYLES PROPERTY NEWS|