Buying Versus Renting Student Accommodation
Category Press - News
Cape Town, South Africa, September 2019; Many South Africans are of the mindset that it is better to purchase their own home - if they can - rather than rent, and effectively pay off someone else's bond. Often the rental being asked on a property is not much less than what ones bond instalment would be if you purchased that house yourself.
Interesting to note is that the same applies when it comes to student accommodation for varsity going children. Most of our public universities have student residences, however the demand for accommodation far exceeds the supply, resulting in thousands of students having to find alternative accommodation close by.
DG Properties gives some advice on the cost of renting student accommodation versus purchasing an apartment.
"Consider the cost of accommodation at a private residence in Cape Town: A quick search will show that approximately R4500 per month will get you a small shared student room with a communal bathroom and kitchen - this is an entry level price. R7500 will get you a small student/bachelor pad with a kitchenette. Some of the more upmarket private and secure residences in safe locations ask for upwards of R7500 for a shared room - going up to R10 750 per month for a private room."
"If enrolled for a three year degree parents would be in the hole for R387 000 for accommodation. If they opt for further post-graduate studies you could be looking at as much as six years, with a total cost of R774 000 - that is not budgetting in a yearly increase in the cost of this accommodation. This is money spent without the possibility of return," says DG. "And also only factors in one child - what if you have two, three or more children that all need to go through university? Add up what this does to your total accommodation costs through the years."
"Now consider the cost of purchasing an apartment. There are many desirable and affordable developments going up in Cape Town's CBD. For example 1 Albert Road is a new micro-living apartment development currently under construction in Woodstock that is situated on public transport routes. Entry level 21 square metre studios are selling for R985 200 including VAT and transfer - this would equate to a bond instalment of approximately R8 556 per month if you were to put down a 10% deposit."
1 On Albert features communal recreational spaces, shops, a food court, laundromat, heated swimming pool and more. All the apartments will feature top-end finishes such as SMEG appliances, flat screen smart TV's and uncapped fibre internet.
"Another such development in Cape Town is Castle Rock in Zonnebloem. Prices start at R1,495,000 for a 41 square metre apartment and include VAT, with no transfer duties. Again, with a 10% deposit you are looking at monthly bond instalments of approximately R12 900."
All of the apartments at Castle Rock feature balconies with spectacular views. All units boast state-of-the-art finishes such as fibre connectivity and Smeg kitchen appliances, as well as natural stone surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. Added to this Castle Rock has ample parking, a concierge desk and 24 hour security.
Foreshore place is another example of inner city developments that offer affordable units perfectly suited for student accommodation. "Prices start from R1 164 million for the studio apartments, which range in size from 23.9 sqm to 33.1 sqm. With a deposit of 10% buyers are looking at a monthly bond cost in the region of R10 100," says DG.
Previously known as the ABSA building, once completed Foreshore Place will offer banking facilities, coffee shops, food and other shops on the ground floor. The fourth floor will feature a resident's lounge and entertainment terrace. The residential component will feature its own impressive lobby with 24hr concierge security with access control and CCTV, a laundry area, fully installed VOIP, high-speed fibre connectivity, satellite television ports, air-conditioning, parking bays and more.
For your money these developments offer close proximity to the tertiary institutions, access to public transport, security, luxurious finishes, state-of-the-art perks such as fibre connectivity, communal living spaces, laundromats, restaurants and more. Making them highly desirable in the property market.
"Once your child has graduated, should you not have need of the apartment (perhaps for siblings following suite) then you have a sell-able asset that will not only return your capital investment but promises a tidy profit as well," says DG Properties. "Another option is to keep the apartment and rent it out to other students who will in effect then pay your bond, or go a large way towards paying your bond installment. If you are able to afford it, buying a two-bedroom unit is also a good option because the second bedroom can be rented out to someone else, giving the parent an extra income."
"Many investors choose student housing for the yields it produces. Accommodation close to higher learning institutions can pack more income per square meter and also guarantees year-on-year tenants," concludes DG. "Parents who are in a position to consider purchasing property to house their children during their student years will not go wrong by looking at these inner city developments."
For more information visit http://www.dogongroup.com.
Author: Manley Communications - Moneyweb -SAfm 10 September 2019