It’s an exciting time for the local property industry as dynamic shifts continue to take place. In the latest trend, residential living and hospitality meet to bring potential buyers a new luxury lifestyle option. 

Grant Smee, property entrepreneur and CEO of Frankie Bells real estate agency says that while many landlords are still looking to reinvent vacant properties, some hoteliers are looking to get in on the action. One such example is that of Riverwoods office park. 

Recently announced by industry giant, GrowthPoint Properties, office park developers, Setso Property Fund and BlackBrick Hotels, this collaboration will see R200 million invested in the conversion of an office block in St Andrews, Bedfordview. 

“A partnership with a hospitality brand such as BlackBrick Hotels caught the attention of industry professionals,” he comments. “BlackBrick Hotels’ will offer the expertise needed to transform an old office block into a luxury lifestyle experience.” 

As a self-acclaimed ‘network for villages for free-minded global citizens’, BlackBrick has a network of hotels and recently collaborated with Setso Property Fund to successfully convert two office blocks into residential properties in Sandton. 

Why Bedfordview?

Bedfordview has seen an uptick in demand in recent years. The latest Property24.com data indicates that properties most in-demand in this area are within the luxury property category (R3.5 million) and that most buyers are between the ages of 36 to 49 years old. “Interestingly, however, there has been a notable increase in younger buyers (25.9%) in the area (18 to 35 years old) and this is where Riverwoods will be positioned.”

Speaking to the development of the property, Smee believes that it will be supplemented by lifestyle options, co-working and the creation of community. “The office park comprises of six two-story buildings that will soon become home to 250 studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The property will include a central courtyard for socializing, maintained lawns, a clubhouse, pool and collaborative workspace.” 

A Time for Unique Collaborations and Imagination 

A partnership such as this one is designed to fulfil the needs of all parties involved, as Smee explains: “The tourism sector is still not up to speed and accommodation for travel remains seasonal,” 

He asks the burning questions of: “Will other hospitality brands with capital and a keen interest in redevelopments also seek new investment opportunities? Could a similar concept be applied in vacant hotel blocks?”

In other developments on this front, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened its second ‘aparthotel’ in Johannesburg. This forms part of the company’s greater expansion project which has seen more than 120 aparthotels opened over the past decade.  

“Another example of this trend on local shores is that of The Capital. The Capital offers both residential and short-stay options and over the years, the brand has carved out a name for itself in the luxury property sector with properties in Sandton, Melrose and Umhlanga to name but a few,” he explains.

To convert, or not to convert? 

Commercial property conversions have been in the spotlight since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smee believes that while many landlords want to meet residential demand, certain factors should be considered before proceeding. 

“While one might have a structure (or physical building) in place, it’s still important to weigh up whether the property lends itself to conversion.”

Smee suggests that one considers the following factors prior to investing: 

• Location: “Majority of the properties converted from office spaces to residential properties are located in areas where there is residential demand and easy access to amenities,” says Smee.
• It needs to feel like home: “While most potential homebuyers will be attracted to the prospect of living in a business district, the property would still to feel like home. It needs to be comfortable, quiet, spacious and inviting with easy access to the shops, restaurants, walking routes etc.”
• If the structure is right: One needs to weigh up the costs of building off-plan vs. renovating an existing property. “One also needs to consider parking space, the property’s sizes and what’s available in the area within the same price bracket.” While renovating an existing property may sound feasible, one may inherit challenges based in previous flaws in the build and a long list of alterations” he concludes.