Mount Royal Golf & Country Estate
Outlined below please find a summary of the most commonly asked questions
This page is intended as a broad overview of the main features of Mount Royal Golf & Country Estate and not to replace any of the formal documentation which forms the basis for investment in the estate.
Are Golf Estates still being Approved?
Very few! Concerns about the scarcity of prime development land, agricultural land being rezoned, water, and irreplaceable bio-habitats with special emphasis on highly endangered vegetation such as the Granite Renosterveld indigenous to the region, as well as socio-economic discrepancies in the access to these resources, have led the Government recently to revise their criteria for approving Golf Estates. Mount Royal is privileged to have been party to innovative solutions to environmental challenges and social opportunities in the diverse society that makes up South Africa. These solutions promise to form the basis for long term viability and the platform for broad based enhancement of life.
Is this the right time to be buying Property?
Yes, especially if the property is to be your primary dwelling. There will always be enclaves where property values will remain entrenched, such as those formed around the rich and famous. For the less ostentatious a proven formula is natural beauty and lifestyle elements within a secured environment, and what better way to meet this requirement than a golf estate near Cape Town? Especially when an associated Regional Shopping Mall, Private Clinic and Office Park complete the investment picture.
How secure will the Estate be?
Security is recognised as being one of the foremost motivations for living in gated estates and is therefore a high priority item at Mount Royal. In addition to the fully electrified perimeter fencing surround, professional security officers under a dedicated Security Manager have been operational around the clock from September 2007, overseeing the most advanced biometric access control technology available. This together with regular patrols aims at a substantial reduction in the risk that has regrettably become a feature of modern life.
Where will the nearest Shopping Mall be?
A regional shopping mall of 35 000m2 lettable floor area is planned for the strategic position opposite to the Estate on the side of the N7 interchange. The proposed location is easily accessible from Mount Royal but on the opposite side of the land crest and therefore out of sight from Mount Royal. A 150 bed private clinic, office park and commercial node form part of the application, which is expected to receive approval imminently. The opening of the Mall is scheduled for March 2014.
What about the Golf Course?
Members have the immediate benefit of a picturesque and friendly established golf club, recognised for its popular 9 hole course that is ideally suited to winter golf conditions. The construction of the full 18 hole golf course is designed around uninterrupted play. The bulk earth works for the additional holes have been completed and the irrigation materials have been stockpiled in readiness for completion of the new 9 holes in the spring of 2011 after the winter rains are over. Play will then be swung around to the new 9 holes to allow the original 9 holes to be re-built. The upgraded Club House is planned to be commissioned together with the completed 18 hole course.
Who is designing the golf course?
Mark Muller, whose previous career achievements include working with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, as well as being responsible for the Atlantic Beach Golf Course. Mark is considered one of the country's leading golf course designers and we are proud to have him as part of our project team.
What is the relationship between the golf club and the estate?
Mount Royal Golf and Country Estate is home to the Malmesbury Golf Club, but the two are intended to remain autonomous entities within the same Estate and neither to subsidise the other financially.
What does the levy fee include?
The monthly levy includes security personnel, maintenance of communal property and facilities, administration of the Estate and a basic telephone and broadband internet package of 1GB usage per Member with a user upgrade option. Because the cost of the upkeep of the golf course is not the responsibility of the Home Owners, our levies can always be expected to be lower than comparable estates. During the Special General Meeting of the Home Owners Association held in August 2011, it was decided to leave the levies unchanged at R615 plus VAT. (changes: "1 GB" and "August 2011, it was decided to leave the levies unchanged at R615 plus VAT.")
Exclusively for the duration of house construction an additional building levy of R500 per month (or pro rata any part of a month) will apply to the Member. Although adjustment of levies can be expected from time to time to reflect the cost of benefits enjoyed by Members, a reasonable levy is one of the priorities at Mount Royal and our planning has been structured around this philosophy.
What safeguards ensure the future quality standards at Mount Royal?
The Architectural Guide (see Documentation) will be implemented by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) under the guidance of the controlling Architect to ensure that all building work contributes to the architectural integrity of the Estate. In addition we are pleased to have Frans Wuim join our team as Building Manager, bringing with him 5 years of experience in the same capacity at De Zalze Golf Estate.
The Homeowners' Association take responsibility for maintaining standards in perpetuity, subject to the Developer's authority to control standards until all phases have been completed.
When do I need to build?
In order to safeguard Members from the inconvenience of an unduly protracted building environment, the building of homes is required to be commenced within 2 years of the date of transfer of the erf from the developer (18 months in the case of a re-sale erf) and completed within 12 months.
Can I use my own architect and builder?
Although Mount Royal offers a turnkey architectural and building service, homeowners can use their own architect, provided the architect accepts responsibility for implementing the Mount Royal Architectural Guide. In addition plans will have to be submitted to the scrutiny of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
Contractors will have to be approved by the Estate Management, which reserves the right at any time to suspend any Contractor's clearance to operate within the Estate. A building deposit and compliance with regulations must be in place before the Contractor will be allowed to commence construction. Discipline on the part of Contractors will go a long way to eliminating security problems during the construction period and to ensuring proper quality of design and construction.
Can I resell my plot?
Yes, provided all obligations are met. Resale prices are tied to the prices of the developer’s plots to protect the investment value of the estate. The greatest benefit from your investment will undoubtedly be derived from building a home and living in this stunning estate.
What financial contributions will I have to make on the resale of my property?
Various funds have been created to facilitate proactive participation by Mount Royal in regional opportunities, of which the first two are financed solely by the Developer:
- 1. A Public Benefit Fund, according to which R5 million is being contributed by the developer over 5 years towards social development in Malmesbury.
- 2. An Environmental Fund, according to which R1,5 million is being contributed by the developer towards conservation of Granite Renosterveld in the region.
- 3. The Mount Royal Treasury Trust, according to which Members will contribute 2% of the selling price of their properties on resale towards a program of meaningful engagement with the spectrum of communities that make up the social fabric of Malmesbury. This creates the opportunity for Mount Royal to have meaningful social interaction beyond the electrified perimeter of the Estate and as such is seen as a lifestyle enhancement.
These funds will enable Mount Royal to remain relevant within the broader social and environmental context. Only the third fund will be applicable to an owner and then only on the sale of a home.
What is the reason for all the Documentation?
Documents have been put in place to regulate the various spheres of interest that make up life at Mount Royal and are thus an important safeguard of the integrity of the Estate and of your investment. All documentation relevant to membership at Mount Royal is updated periodically and readily available on the Documentation page on the website.
Which are the closest schools?
Swartland High School, Double medium www.swartlandhs.co.za
Swartland Primary School, Double medium www.laerskoolswartland.co.za
Christian Private School Malmesbury, Double medium www.cpmschool.co.za