%name% / %refnum% Issue 45: December 2009  
       
Foreword With Mark Taylor

There is no doubt that 2009 has been a tough year all round but here at eLan we've managed to weather the storm. 2009 for the eLan Group marked the end of a gruelling and lengthy land claim at Blythedale Coastal Resort. It was only through the foresight and sacrifice of the Dube Community, the iLembe District Municipality, the Department of Human Settlements and the eLan Group that this landmark resolution was met - evidence of a great maturity of our people and our nation!

As transfer of Blythedale Coastal Resort went through in August this year, we hope to break ground on site by January 2010.

Another milestone which had a ripple effect on us was Emirates Airlines first direct flight into Durban this October. People have still not realised the impact the new King Shaka International Airport will have on KZN. The construction of such significant infrastructure right on our doorstep brings with it large scale tourism opportunities and unlocks the entire province's potential as a global player.

In line with this, the eLan Group has associated itself with Signature Life, one of South Africa's largest leading Hotel and Resort Operators, to combine our efforts in tourism related property developments. We are currently looking at a number of opportunities incorporating the cities of Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town and extending into Mauritius. The association will be hugely beneficial to both companies.

While 2009 required that we streamline our business, the change has seen an adjustment in our operations and a refocus in terms of the changing economic landscape we find ourselves in. With the slow and steady property market recovery on the horizon, we are ready for 2010!

I have just returned from a John Smit function in London following the launch of his autobiography which was attended by over 600 corporates. At the same time we are assisting with putting together a concept that will see eLan sponsoring the South African Rugby Legends against the British and Irish Legends at the Emirates Stadium in Dubai in April next year.

Woza 2010!

Warmest Regards
 
     
Vacant Land Prices Turning The Corner
John Loos, FNB Homeloans Strategist

FNB's third quarter property barometer saw estimated demand activity levels starting to accelerate at a more rapid pace compared with the mild recovery of the preceding three quarters. Freehold Residential Land rose by 8.3% year-on-year for the third quarter of 2009. The rise in the Vacant Land Price Index could point towards greater interest in building new properties in the future.However, it is also possible that greater interest in vacant land is in many instances with a longer term view in mind to building.

With regards to interest rates, to date South African Reserve Bank has reduced rates by five percentage points since December 2008, and by the third quarter of this year the positive impact on residential property and mortgage loan demand had become noticeable. The possible end to rate cuts may point to the current property market recovery and 2010 may well represent a "mini-peak" in the property cycle.

Download printable version
 
Blythedale Coastal Resort Land Values Still On The Rise...

Land values at Blythedale Coastal Resort have increased by an average of 58% over the past three years and the most growth is being seen on coastal sites. There are only 12 sites out of 23 left on the Resort's exclusive celebrity mile - these sites have unbelievable ocean views and have grown by 117%.

Despite this growth, Blythedale Coastal Resort still offers affordable land prices with entry level sites starting at R720 000. Increased values and renewed interest in the resort is due to its accessible location only 20 minutes from the new King Shaka International Airport, the global lack of coastal stock, improving market conditions and increased infrastructural development in the area.
  Property Education Module - Chapter 3
Developed specifically for you, our Investor Club Members, this month we release the 3rd chapter of the eLan Property Education Module and cover the following topics:
Why invest in property? 10 reasons why this asset class beats any other
The concept of OPM other people's money
How to read the market key signs to look out for
Download printable version | Download past modules
Simbithi Club House Draws To Completion...

The R35 million clubhouse being built on the golf course state of Simbithi is drawing to completion, due to open its doors 12 December.

The world-class facility has been designed around a magnificent giant fig tree, with wooden decks offering al fresco dinners and sweeping views across the well kept fairways. In addition to a 12m swimming pool, bar and restaurant, the clubhouse will also cater for conferences and will provide a large pro-shop stocking major brands. Resident wine connoisseur, John Platter, will facilitate a signature wine gallery that will allow owners to stock their own quality wine collections within climate controlled environments (temperature and humidity).

As one of the first child-friendly clubhouses in South Africa, children will enjoy a children's lounge and cinema, emphasizing quality family living on the Estate.

A multi-functional outdoor amphitheatre will provide the ultimate venue for outdoor shows and picnic events planned in the future!
Simbithi Development Tracker
As an ongoing service to buyers, you can track the flurry of activity happening on Simbithi by clicking on the "Development Tracker" tab on the website. Photographs are taken on site and uploaded every few weeks.
Herewith some taken within the last 2 months showing the exciting progress each month!
Click here to see full development tracker
Third Quarter Sales - Simbithi
Simbithi Eco-Estate exceeded expectations by doubling sales in this year's third quarter. The 50 sales between July and September are double the sales achieved in the second quarter.
The Estate's success in the third quarter is a positive sign that the residential property market is no longer dipping and has stabilised. Simbithi's sales trend is consistent with the FNB Residential Property Barometer which documented an increase in the levels of demand for residential property year on year. Simbithi has established itself as one of the region's most popular residential estates!
  Mike Simpson, managing director of WBHO Property Developments
  SIMBITHI ECO-ESTATE | R775 000  
  1 244m²  
  Flat site, Corner Plot  
  South Facing, grassland & wetland views  
  Close to main gate  
  Direct from Developer = No Transfer Duty!  
  Sales Contact:
Richard Anderson
richard@elan.co.za
083 358 5902
 
 
  BLYTHEDALE COASTAL RESORT | R860 000  
  1 000m²  
  Magnificent views of Ernie Els Championship Golf Course  
  Part of Greater Blythedale Coastal Resort  
  Sales Contact:
Brenda Johnston
brenda@elan.co.za
083 630 9006
 
     
 
  TAMBOTI LOFT APARTMENTS, SIMBITHI | R1 895 000  
  208m², 3 Bed and 2 bath  
  Double Volume Apartments  
  Own garden  
  Body Corporate Levies R900, Rates & Taxes Approx.  
  R600, Estate Levies R1075 = R2527p/month  
  Sales Contact:
Nic Buytendag
nic@elan.co.za
082 891 6069
 
 
  DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY, SIMBITHI | R5.5 MILLION  
  14 300m²  
  15 Development Opportunities  
  Dam, sea and eco-estate views  
  Sales Contact:
Brenda Johnston
brenda@elan.co.za
083 630 9006
 
     
eLan Opens Office At The Ballito Lifestyle Centre
In a very exciting move, eLan has opened a permanent shop within Ballito Lifestyle Centre. The shop is perfectly situated between Woolworths and Standard Bank and is testimony to the increased level of interest in both Blythedale Coastal Resort and Simbithi Eco Estate amidst a resurgent property market. The shop will provide a relaxed and comfortable environment for visitors to interact with the eLan team who will service all sales, re-sales and rental requirements. With a sales presence in Lifestyle Centre and Gateway as well as the on site offices at Simbithi Eco Estate and Blythedale Coast Resort, eLan is perfectly equipped to tackle the busy December season.
Come visit us for a convenient cup of coffee and a chat and see what the eLan way of life has to offer. Office activities will include visits from our Brand Ambassadors and a kids friendly atmosphere.
7 December   Opening of eLan Property Group's office at Lifestyle Centre Ballito
12 December   East Coast Radio / Blythedale Coastal Resort Live Broadcast at Gateway (9am - 1pm) with Ravi R
16 December   Exhibition at Ushaka Marine World
19 December   Blythedale Coastal Resort Vakansiewaaib at Sun Coast Casino
19 December   eLan Rugby Legends Clinic at Gateway
19 December   Exhibition at Sun Coast Casino
9 January   Land Giveaway Elimination Draw from 2-4pm with 2 live crossings with East Coast Radio DJ, Peter G
State Of 2010 Readiness In Kwa-Zulu Natal
 
The number of days ahead of schedule the Moses Mabhida Stadium opened in Durban
The number of matches to be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium for the 2010 world cup
The number of jobs created at Moses Mabhida Stadium
The number of jobs created at other stadia within KZN
The amount spent (in rands) in skilling our people ahead of 2010
(language, travel, hospitality)
Clivias At Blythedale Coastal Resort
The natural coastal forest within Blythedale Coastal Resort is home to thousands of clivia's. When flowering en masse during September and October, these plants give an incredible spread of colour beneath the forest canopy - a sight to be seen!

Val Thurston, KZN Clivia Club Secretary was invited to visit the Estate and prepare a report. An extract of her comments: "I was amazed and thrilled to see how much work and effort has been put into establishing this collection of both Clivia Miniata and Gardenii, which must have taken many years to achieve, considering that it takes four years from pollination to flowering size plants! There is excellent variation in both colour and quality of the blooms - from spidery dark specimens to broad petalled pastels and light to dark oranges. In fact, The 'Ruby Stewart' was found on this farm and named after the late wife of Ted Stewart - a deep yellow form with pink flecking and spotting on the underside of the petals."
Life Airport Hotel - December/January Special For
Investor Club Members
Life Hotel Airport, Johannesburg International is the newest Airport hotel in Johannesburg. Overlooking the cargo terminal, a mere 3 minutes from the arrival and departure halls, this hotel has one of the best locations to service corporate and leisure guests needing accommodation at the airport. With 90 well appointed bedrooms with lounge, kitchenette, and modern working space for business people, the Hotel exceeds all expectation of our guests.
The hotel is situated a mere 3km from the OR Thambo International Airport and the Gautrian. A minibus shuttle moves between the hotel and airport every hour. Aiming to bring affordable "fun luxury" to modern travelers, this new hotel brand is targeting guests who view design as a given, need rooms that are comfortable and efficient, but can't or don't want to spend hundreds of rands, euros or pounds for a night sleep.
To make a reservation contact (state your eLan membership)
011 975 1684 | rooms@jhbair.lifehotels.co.za | www.lifehotels.co.za
Apology
The distributors of the eLan Investor Club Newsletter, Prop Data, have extended their sincere apology to all Investor Club members who received several copies of Newsletter Issue 44 in their inbox last month. Prop Data experienced a technical problem with their mail server, which resulted in duplicate mails being sent. They have assured us that all technical issues have been resolved and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
  eLan sales team  
  KWAZULU-NATAL  
Brenda Johnston 083 630 9006 brenda@elan.co.za
Dylan Jackson 078 264 3917 dylan@elan.co.za
John Kruger 082 891 2436 john@elan.co.za
Nic Buytendag 082 891 6069 nic@elan.co.za
Nicolette Buytendag 082 491 9289 nicolette@elan.co.za
Richard Anderson 083 358 5902 richard@elan.co.za
Wayne Cryer 083 297 4220 wayne@elan.co.za
     
  GAUTENG  
Lynn Allnutt 073 665 7754 lynn@elan.co.za
Stuart Ferguson 076 426 2333 stuart@elan.co.za
     
  LONDON  
Jeff Watts +44 7767 862608 jeff@elan.co.za
     
  DUBAI  
Julek Szczawinski +971 50 4544065 julek@elan.co.za
     
 
Anti Spam Message : This newsletter is not spam and is not unsolicited mail. Your details have not been sold or given to any third party. By entering your details on our website, you agreed to receive e-mail messages in which
eLan believe you might be interested in. Unsubscribe