Smaller commercial and industrial units in demand

ANYONE with an ear to the ground now will have detected an upsurge throughout the Western Cape in light manufacturing, assembly, import and export, marketing and distribution activity, according to Liz Grimbeek, manager of Rawson Property Group’s Western Cape commercial property franchise, which is owned by Mark Vladislavich.

“This is especially true for smaller firms that tend to employ only 10 to 15 people and which mostly cater for niche markets in South Africa and overseas. The demand for conveniently sized commercial and industrial units is already strong, and will increase.”

Grimbeek believes certain precincts will continue to be leaders in providing this type of popular small unit, and that Montague Gardens, Marconi Beam and Milnerton are the frontrunners at present.

She says the Rawson Commercial Century City team has just sold a 200m2 commercial/industrial unit in Prime Park, Montague Gardens, for R1.36 million. This is over R7 000/m2, which is the going rate for attractive, easy-access and secure units.

“Units in the more popular parks can be anything from 1 0 0 m2 t o 6 0 0 m2, b u t t h e strongest demand is always in the 250m2 to 400m2 brackets. Rents for such units range from R38/m2 to R80/m2.”

GOING RATE: The 200m2 commercial and industrial unit in Prime Park, Montague Gardens, which the Rawson Commercial Century City team recently sold for R1.36 million.