EDITED BY THE EDITORIAL TEAM :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Load-shedding is here to stay, and many South Africans are seeking long-term solutions to alleviate the inconvenience of enduring hours without electricity.
One potential remedy to the Eskom inconvenience is to invest in a property that is equipped to provide power even during blackouts, thanks to solar installations, generators, and inverter and battery systems.
The good news for prospective homebuyers is the growing availability of new developments and houses that offer off-the-grid electricity. Alexa Horne, MD of Dogon Group Properties, says there is a substantial demand from buyers for homes with alternative energy solutions. These properties are attracting significantly more interest and demand than similar homes on the market.
Odette Maartens, head of rentals at Dogon, says the same trend holds true for rental properties, as tenants are eager for homes that provide off-the-grid solutions. “Alternative energy options in homes have long been popular as people embrace sustainable and environmentally friendly living. However, in South Africa, the additional pressure of load-shedding intensifies this demand,” says Horne.
Some light in the dark hours
For those eager to escape the burden of load-shedding, Paul Upton, head of developments for Dogon Group Properties, presents a selection of load-shedding-proof properties currently available in Cape Town.
The Fynbos, an impressive 24-storey mixed-use building, is set to grace Upper Bree Street in the bustling heart of Cape Town’s CBD. Undergoing Green Star accreditation, this building will feature integrated PV solar panels that will generate sufficient electricity to power all common areas and operate the lifts. While not entirely immune to load-shedding, you’ll never have to rely on the stairs.
One-bedroom apartments begin at R1,728m, while two-bedroom apartments start at R4,920m.
The Fynbos in the Cape Town CBD
No more load-shedding woes
Villa Flora, a newly developed residential estate in Newlands, showcases 32 contemporary townhouses. These homes, priced from R2,8m, are equipped with energy-efficient geysers and a backup inverter and battery system. During blackouts, these systems will illuminate the entire home, ensuring that residents never experience another dark night.
The Kenilworth, a new development in Kenilworth Upper, offers 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from R2,3m to R4,95m. Residents of this establishment can relish a life free from power outages, as the on-site generator has the capacity to provide 100% protection against load-shedding.
Station House, a 12-storey mixed-use development situated at 19 Kloof Road in the heart of Sea Point, brings forth 230 luxurious apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units.
With prices starting from R2,195m and reaching up to R5,495m, residents here can indulge in an array of amenities. Alongside an on-site Pick n Pay supermarket, a street-front deli bar and restaurant, a private residents’ lounge with braai areas, a private rooftop pool, a pet park, a kinetic gym, a yoga studio, and a business centre, there is also a sky bar, swimming pool, and restaurant accessible to the public. Moreover, residents of Station House benefit from a comprehensive generator system that ensures uninterrupted power supply, eliminating any concerns of load-shedding.
Station House in Sea Point
Keeping the lights on in luxury
For those seeking opulence, there is a four-bedroom house available in Domaine Bordeaux for R19,995m. This property represents the last opportunity to own a home in this secure estate located in Constantia. Situated on one acre of landscaped gardens, Domaine Bordeaux comprises only three residences. In addition to providing all modern conveniences, this house boasts a private gym, home office, staff accommodation, and more. Residents here enjoy advanced solutions to combat load-shedding, including a solar pump geyser and a backup inverter that powers all lights, TV, WiFi, alarms, garage doors, and intercoms during power outages. The common area security systems are also fully supported by this backup system.
For those who might be keen on the Atlantic Seaboard, Medburn Villas, a brand-new ultra-luxury boutique development in Camps Bay, has prices starting from R22,315m. There is only one unit left for sale – a three-storey, four-bedroom architectural masterpiece home with private elevator access, filtered borehole water, and a solar PV inverter for seamless electricity supply during load-shedding.
Medburn Villas in Camps Bay
Another option in the nearby area is The Estate in Sea Point, an ultra-luxury development on the slopes of Signal Hill where four lift-accessed apartments are available from R22,995m. Alongside deluxe design elements, these residences provide complete backup power and water supply, ensuring peace of mind and uninterrupted power supply.
Powerful design
“Load-shedding is a long-lasting reality in South Africa, and in line with our resilient spirit, we are adapting in every aspect, including the design, construction, and retrofitting of homes,” says Horne. “It is becoming standard practice for new homes to incorporate features that enable them to stay powered during load-shedding. We observe a strong demand from buyers, and developers are responding with innovative solutions. It is a trend that we eagerly anticipate as it continues to evolve.”
