Have you ever wondered what goes into creating an estate? Whether it be for the security or the facilities, each one has its own mandate to follow, resulting in the small, closed-off area catering for a select few.

Well, South Africa’s estate options have been rated by New World Wealth and what they have to offer varies greatly according to location.

Compiled into a top 10 list of properties most sought after in the country, here’s their rating criteria:

• Security – access gate, private security personnel
• Activities – gym, swimming pool, golf, horse riding, polo, tennis.
• Facilities – shops, offices, parks, gathering places, children playgrounds, schools, hospitals.
• Quality and design of houses.
• Space – average stand size and placing / spacing of houses.
• Views, scenery and wildlife.
• Resale and price growth potential.

Whoop, and here are the top five:

1. Val die Vie

Recently merging with 2015’s top-rated estate Pearl Valley, this year’s top estate’s highlights include: vineyards, polo fields, an equestrian centre, a highly-rated golf course, natural fynbos scenery, parks, lakes and mountain backdrops.

Yup. With houses ranging from R5 million to R40 million, the Val die Vie estate contains the the exclusive Gentleman’s Estate. This offers residents their own private stables, garden, and vineyard, ranging from three to six hectares each.

Makes sense, right?

2. Zimbali

Just 45kms north of Durban, Zimbali is located next to Ballito and is arguably the most picturesque estate in the country, with its own natural lagoon and forest. Then, there’s the bird life (home to the rare Crowned Eagle).

House prices range from R5 million to R50 million – but there are no vineyards here.

3. Fancourt

This is a win with golfers. Located in George along the Garden Route, Fancourt has three highly rated courses on one estate. BusinessTech elaborates:

The two original courses (the Montagu and the Outeniqua) were built in the early 90s, whilst the world famous Fancourt Links was added in 2000. There are several different residential areas on the estate including: Links Ridge, Links Avenue, Cape Dutch Village, Oakland’s Village and Montagu Ridge.

House prices on the estate range from R3 million to R50 million.

4. Steyn City

The newest of the bunch, Steyn City is located between Fourways and Lanseria in Johannesburg. One of the largest in the country in terms of size, the estate offers houses and apartments and currently includes an equestrian centre, a golf course, and over 250 hectares of landscaped parkland.

The estate still plans to add two private schools, offices, a convenience shopping centre, a retirement village, and a private hospital. So basically, create a village.

House/apartment prices on the estate range from R2 million to R30 million. Get in there. Or not.

5. Pezula

You can find this estate in Knysna on the Garden Route. One of the most environmentally-friendly estates in the world, it’s one of the lowest-density property estates in South Africa with 85% of the property remaining pristine indigenous forest and rehabilitated coastal fynbos.

House prices on the estate range from R5 million to R40 million.

Out of your price range? Not to worry, BusinessTech has the rest over HERE and maybe you can find something slightly more affordable.

[source:businesstech]