The definition of “family” can be stretched to the limit when prospective buyers look for a family home that suits the lifestyle that they are after.
Alan Moore, an estate agent at Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate in Gqeberha, said in this regard pets most definitely formed part of the family unit.
“It is both an important and emotive consideration for developers,” he confirmed.
“At Sards, we sell an outdoor lifestyle and attract families at various stages of their lives. Their pets are part of the family and not negotiable.”
A development’s stance on allowing pets or not could be “a dealmaker or dealbreaker”, according to Moore.
“I have sold many homes in estates where there are restrictions on pets and then buyers are obviously reluctant to commit. For example, many places will not allow cats and that is often a dealbreaker.”
That is why being pet-friendly has always been part of the thinking of the Homeowners’ Association at Sards – albeit with certain conditions. Moore went as far as to say that it was “a major selling point”.
According to the conduct rules, the development allows two dogs, two cats and two birds per household. But the HOA draws the line at wild animals, pigeons, poultry, peacocks, livestock, snakes and reptiles.
“Most families moving to the estate have pets as a part of the family and it is important that we satisfy the question of accommodating this essential part of people’s lives,” said Moore.
“Pets have always been part of the planning for the estate. Although, naturally, there are conditions that owners must subscribe to so that things do not get out of control.”
He said the layout of the estate was well suited to having pets without impeding on the resident wildlife.
“Although we are on an estate, houses and plot sizes are similar to those in most suburbs, so your immediate environment is as suitable. Then we have the estate as a whole where the walking of dogs, specifically, is safe.
“The estate is 100 hectares, so there are plenty of places to walk and run. Although dogs must be leashed at all times, the environment is very suitable.”
Moore said it was a top priority that the presence of pets did not affect the wildlife.
“They have full right of way. The wildlife are able to move freely and graze up to and around the houses so, obviously, dogs must be fenced off.”
However, he said, they were used to one another by now and the wildlife knew that they were safe.
The dog park, which is an extension to the original recreation centre, allows dogs to roam more freely.
“A portion of open, grassed area has been fenced off to provide a space where dogs can be ‘let off the hook’,” explained Moore.
“It’s perfect to train young dogs or just to throw a ball and allow for a good sniff while you sit on a bench and relax. Many owners include this stop on their daily walking route.”
The pet-friendly beach at Sardinia Bay, a three-minute drive from the estate’s main gate, also offers an opportunity for pets to roam.
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“For sure, that is an incredible lifestyle advantage, allowing the family to have fun in the sun with their pets,” said Moore.
People who are considering making Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate their home can request a copy of the conduct rules from Moore by clicking here.