With over 20 years' experience in real estate, Janine marries her love of property, design, and architecture with an extensive background in marketing and sales in both retail and manufacturing. The merging of these varying tastes and experiences affords her a cutting-edge approach to holistic client service.

"By understanding the fundamentals and nuances of planning and strategy, I provide the personal touch. As advocate to your unique needs while keeping your best interests at heart, I aim to deliver optimized transaction for both buyers and sellers in the shortest amount of time."

With the gorgeous gardens at Alphen Boutique Hotel as a backdrop, Janine shares insights into her unique approach as an agent and why Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs in particular, remain a most needful place to sink roots in the Mother City:

• When it comes to servicing your clients, what satisfies you most? "Finding that one perfect match for buyers and sellers alike is my daily driving force."

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• What is your "one why" when it comes to your career as an agent? "It's about making life-long connections. Knowing that I'm able to facilitate something as important as selling or investing in a home is true reward."

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• How has the market in the Southern Suburbs changed in the past ten years? "Cape Town metro has certainly earned its prize reputation as a desired global location, having tirelessly worked to improve infrastructure, services, and tourism. Since the revival of semigration in 2021, the surge in market activity in the Southern Suburbs has continued unabated with a steady rise in demand - including international investors. Other notable changes include the changes to the COCT's 2017 Municipal Planning Amendment By-law in 2017. Sectionalisation and subdivision of land by developers to meet the growing demand for housing is evident in the growing emergence gated estates and sectional title offerings. The amendment also created an opportunity for homeowners to unlock value in their property by building and selling the second dwelling on the erf or a right to extend, either via subdivision or sectional title scheme."

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• What, in your opinion, really challenges buyers and sellers in the luxury sector? "Market volatility challenges buyers the most. Factors like political instability, poor service delivery, municipal ineffectiveness, economic recessions, and global crises all contribute to this volatility. Investors and buyers need to manage these uncertainties with in-depth market analysis and risk management strategies. Buyers should also never over-commit financially."​

• How does your love of design and architecture complement your day-to-day effectiveness as a realtor? "Having a passion for architecture enables me to help others visualize the potential of a property and satisfy their vision through design."

• In what powerful way does relationship building motivate you? "Building a solid relationship with my clients by earning their trust and respect, empowers my professional growth."​

• What are the top three lifestyle attractions in the Southern Suburbs? "I'll give you five! Its village feel, sense of community, outdoor lifestyle, excellent schools, and central location."

• ​Is Cape Town still an attractive investment for foreign property investors? How so? "Despite economic fluctuations, the demand for property in Cape Town remains strong and is an attractive option for property investors. With its natural beauty, diverse cultural attractions, and temperate climate, Cape Town is an ideal location for luxury real estate investment. The PwC report notes that South Africa in general has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources, and a transparent legal system."​

• What is your best advice for young agents at the start of their careers? "Develop a robust professional image - maintaining a professional presence is vital to your success from day one. Whether it's through traditional marketing and advertising material, face -to-face, telephonic, or through social media. You are your brand."​

• Why should buyers and sellers choose DG? "We are not a typical agency. We take a thoughtful and considered consultative approach and build solid partnerships by gaining the trust of our clients. Our purpose is to deliver high standards of quality and an exceptional experience at every step of our clients' journey."

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Tenacious, creative, and invested - and with her eye drawn to all things beautiful - Janine takes you through an overview of the three prestigious Southern Suburb areas in which she spends her days:

NEWLANDS
On metropolitan Cape Town's doorstep, leafy Newlands rests beneath Table Mountain's sky-reaching eastern slopes. The perfect blend of city and pastoral, you're invited to experience a laidback lifestyle with all the future-forward benefits and amenities. Riverside walks, solitary hikes, and fireside family moments define the enduring elements of sanctuary, a quiet life in the trees.

Clustered with chestnuts, oaks, and Cape Beech, the streets reveal a blend of renovated classic homes alongside sleek contemporary newbuilds. Apportioned into four smaller areas, Newlands comprises:

• The Village, city slick and chic
• Family-centric Hiddingh
• Suburban Fernwood with spacious even
• Prestigious Upper Fernwood offering jaw-dropping views

Major drawcards include:

• Low crime, high security
• Speedy commute times, Cape Town's CBD within 15 minutes' & Cape Town International within 20 minutes' drive
• Newlands leads the way with exceptional schooling, including SACS, the oldest school in the country, as well as Groote Schuur and Sans Souci Girls' High. Westerford High's Imhoff Sports Complex is also located within Newlands proper on Alcis Road
• The Peter Clarke Art Centre, an arts and crafts heaven

Major amenities:

• Newlands Spring - crystal clean water every day, open from 9am to 5pm
• Newlands Forest - picnics, dog walking, and fitness
• Montebello Design Centre - craft shops and art classes
• The Sport Science Centre - the go-to for optimising sports performance and physical health
• Vineyard Hotel - historical gardens, outdoor dining, and the Angsana Spa

Voted as one of the city's most investible areas, Newlands enjoys rapid property turnover thanks to its high demand, quality offerings, and centrality, promising investors solid returns. High rental returns and high rental demand also strengthen the long-term investment desirability of the area.

BISHOPSCOURT VILLAGE
What Knightsbridge is to London and Tribeca is to New York City, Cape Town's Bishopscourt houses some of the Western Cape's most expensive residences. Little sister, Bishopscourt Village, lacks no less appeal albeit smaller erven positioned on flatter terrain.

No matter where you find yourself, be it on Upper Hillwood Drive or Colenso, Table Mountain engulfs you, a dramatic wraparound of clinging pines, craggy peaks, and rocky buttresses. Life in this verdant sanctuary also offers all the advanced pleasures of modern living.

Bishopscourt Village itself has a desirable blend of historical cottages, revamped traditional homes, and security-conscious townhouses. A strong community feels adds an extra layer to the concept of "this is home".

Venerated for its central location to the Southern Peninsula and the CBD, you'll always feel one step away from the best of everything in the Mother City.

Major drawcards include:

• The vivid country feel alongside the Liesbeek River
• Four-bedroom homes with an average pricing just over R10 million
• An all-encompassing age profile with equal weighting of residents aged 36-49, 50-64 and 65 & older
• Wynberg Village & the Contantia Valley Wine Route

Major amenities:

• Upper Liesbeek River garden, prized for lazy picnics, leisurely walks, and languid play
• Kirstenbosch Gardens
• Cavendish Mall

KENILWORTH UPPER
With its well-established appeal dating back as far as the early 1800s, Kenilworth was once part of Stellenberg, the paradiscal estate established by legendary Cape Governor, Simon van der Stel.

Nowadays, juxtaposed with local shops, sought-after eateries, and diverse industries, Kenilworth Upper also enjoys the convenience of being close to Claremont's retail, medical, and leisure hubs.

Being an affluent area in the Southern Suburbs, popular because of its centrality and leafiness, it boasts exceptional properties, ranging from grandiose residences with meticulously-kept gardens, laidback family homes, to more spacious lock-up-and-go apartments. Kenilworth Upper stands out as an excellent choice if you're searching for the finest options within a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
 

Major drawcards include:

• Reach Cape Town's CBD within 20 minutes (14.0 km) via the M5 and N2, the V&A Waterfront within 25 minutes (14.1 km) via M3
• A pleasant temperate climate from January to April and November to December, with temperatures between 20°C and 26°C. The dry season extends through January, February, March, and December. The average maximum temperature is 24°C, the lowest is 13°C. June has the highest rainfall at 114mm

Major amenities:

• South Africa's oldest racecourse, Kenilworth Racecourse, is home to the renowned Sun Met (formerly known as the J&B Met) a popular annual horse racing event dating back to 1883
• Kenilworth Upper has premier schools like Cedar House Preparatory School, Auburn House School, Selborne House Metanoia School, and Michael Oak Waldorf School. Wynberg Boys' High School and Herschel Girls' School are in close proximity
• Claremont's Arderne Gardens, dreamy and pet-friendly, Royal Cape Golf Club for leisurely golfing and Wynberg Park, a tranquil space perfect for picnics and Sunday walks

Janine also has vast experience servicing neighbouring heavy-hitter areas Constantia, Bishopscourt, and Claremont Upper. Living in the area has earned her a flawless reputation as an agent with a finger on the pulse of the Constantia Valley, her network around the city forged relationship by relationship and week by week, over the span of twenty years.

For all of us, purchasing and selling property goes beyond the sourcing of a dream home - ultimately, it's about the financial investment our assets represent. Since 2010, property prices in the country have increased by 98%, with the City of Cape Town showing the most significant surge at 141%. As earlier noted, semigrants and foreign buyers continue to flock to prime areas, many opting for family life in the Southern Suburbs. For many, life in the Western Cape represents the dream of owning Cape Town's best of the best - this high demand for trophy homes has created a powerful real estate market where return on investment is equally high.

In terms of rentals, freehold homes in suburbs like Constantia, Kenilworth, and Bishopscourt Village, are highly sought-after with the most active price band being R25 000 to R45 000 per month, whilst sectional title properties priced between R10 000 and R16 000 are snapped up.

Centralised living makes a lot of sense in today's fast-paced world, especially with the rise of mixed-use development luxury living. The benefits of centralized living, like in Kenilworth Upper, are many, from cost savings on transportation costs, to uninterrupted services and seamless technology, to a sense of community among like-minded professionals and peers.

The ever-increasing building costs, coupled with the demand for rental properties, has driven this trend. Moreover, the build-to-let model provides property developers with a stable source of income over a longer period, compared to the once-off revenue from build-to-sell. This has made build-to-let an attractive option for property developers in today's market, most gravitating towards centralized living hubs to construct their developments.

If home is where the heart is, and the heart is in relationships that last, it's impossible not to fall in love with the Southern Suburbs enduring appeal. Ideal for singles, couples, and any family seeking a lifestyle of enriching culture, living between blue skies and lustrous mountains is at hand.

With unrivalled reach and experience, Janine Stevenson will help you find the right home at the right price in a suburb just right for you. Selling your property? Consistent sales through the decades and adoring seller reviews are testimony to Janine's commitment to success - your success.

For more information on DG Properties, call Janine Stevenson on 073 168 4749 or visit dgproperties.co.za