D R AWC A R D Safe outdoor routes key to potential buyers

AS SOUTH Africans increasingly seek to keep fit and active, proximity to safe and scenic walking, cycling and running routes is playing a bigger role in the purchasing decision.

In addition to natural beauty and active offerings nearby, the perceptions that these buyers have about crime in an area or suburb is therefore playing a vital role in whether they put in offers to buy, says Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa.

“Buyers are not wrong in enquiring about the safety of the suburb – especially if they’re planning on being active outside their homes.”

Goslett advises buyers who enjoy outdoor activities to speak to their estate agents and find out how active people are in the suburbs they are seeking to buy in.

“This can give you an indication of how safe residents feel in that area. Beyond this, the more active the suburb, the better the opportunity there will be of local walking/running/cycling groups which homeowners could join to lower the risk of becoming a victim of crime.”

The latest Discovery Vitality fitness statistics, ranks Cape Town as the most physically active city with the highest amount of members participating in outdoor activities – including running, swimming, cycling, canoeing, paddling, surf ski, multi-sport events and obstacle course races.

Following the Mother City are Joburg, Durban, Pretoria,

Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.

“Living in a city renowned for its many iconic natural landmarks, Capetonians are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities and are able to participate in some of the largest outdoor events in the country. This being said, homeowners in certain suburbs are no stranger to being confined to their homes during big marathon events such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon which sees certain residential roads closed to traffic during the event,” Goslett says.

“Although these events happen only once a year, buyers should keep this in mind when purchasing in suburbs along these routes.”

OUTDOOR PULL Active buyers are increasingly drawn to suburbs with safe, scenicrunning, walking and cycling routes.