EDGE Stellenbosch, launched by property developer SPC, is set to offer modern student accommodation which will form part of the innovative Dennesig Precinct, the biggest concentrated development in the history of Stellenbosch.
The Dennesig Precinct will be redesigned to resemble St George’s Mall in Cape Town with traffic orientated development (TOD) and a focus on non-motorised transport (NMT), offering a sophisticated and trendy student hub with artisan shops, open areas for socialising and landscaping.
This multi-billion Rand redevelopment, in conjunction with the University of Stellenbosch, will result in a recalibration of property prices in the area.
Denis Dunn, owner, and principal of Harcourts Dunn says this new high-density precinct in the centre of the university town was earmarked by authorities for the development of student housing.
“There is a shortage of approximately 7 000 beds and a growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation in Stellenbosch. The home demographics of the average student has changed drastically over the past decade. Most scholars from private and top schools in South Africa list Maties as their first choice as a study destination. Interestingly, around 5 000 students in Stellenbosch attend other universities and tertiary institutions in the area”.
He adds that security is the number one requirement for students, their parents, and investors. “The precinct’s advanced crime prevention strategy will create a safe environment for students and the broader public. With regards to EDGE, the latest secure biometric access control and 24-hour CCTV will ensure students safety at all times. The area and walking routes to campus will be monitored with 24-hour security cameras connected to an operational control room, providing a safe environment for students to and from class. Whether you are in your apartment, the precinct, or on your way to campus, security will always be visible”.
On completion, EDGE Stellenbosch will offer 63 ergonomically designed apartments, ranging from studio (32m2) to two-bedrooms (45m2 – 59m2).
“We did in depth research on the needs and wants of students” Dunn explains. “Units must be a certain size with well-defined sleep, play, and a study zone, and a balcony and storage space are non-negotiable. Students are also tremendously brand conscious, therefore SMEG appliances will come standard with each unit. And of course, a chill zone on the rooftop with spectacular views is a must”.
High speed Wi-Fi and a management team to ensure that discipline and ‘gees’ are maintained will form part of the development’s offerings, with a shuttle service from Dennesig via campus into the town centre to begin in 2023.
“EDGE is a high-end, well researched, and sophisticated purpose-built student accommodation product. Considering that it is a fast-growing property asset class, it is the perfect time to invest. The Dennesig Precinct aims to accommodate 3 000 students within the next four years. If one can get into the value recalibration of this zone as early as possible, you will optimise your capital appreciation and rental yield”.
“With a twelve-month rental guarantee, and selling from only R1 395 000, we believe it is a no-brainer. The ten times oversubscription of first year applicants remind us of the Ivy League universities in the States. We believe EDGE will become the place to live, play and study,” Dunn concludes.
Building of EDGE is expected to commence in January 2022 with completion by the end of 2022 / beginning of January 2023.
