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Security measures can increase value of property

2008-06-30

When you put your home up for sale, what factors, above all others, are likely to add value to it?

This topic is regularly discussed in the real estate media, but in South Africa today, says Tony Clarke, MD of Rawson Properties, if you really want a higher price than your competition, focus on providing a state-of-the-art security system.

"Absolutely nothing else," said Clarke, "will add so much to the value of your home."

Buyers today, said Clarke, will pay premium prices for homes which are equipped with:

electronically operated entrance gates, particularly those that allow a quick in and out.
a good alarm system, especially if it is equipped with panic buttons in all rooms and also allows all occupants of the home to carry panic buttons.
electrified and alarmed perimeter fencing, if possible complemented by a perimeter beam system.
a full alarm system on all doors and windows.
a camera on the entrance gate and/or along the boundaries with an intercom to the home.
adequate permanent external lighting, if possible supplemented by lights that operate off infrared beams.
convenient concertina or other types of security doors at all entrances - and
a full time link to nearby patrol and guarding services.

“Whatever sums of money you spend on systems of this kind,” said Clarke, “you will be able to recoup in increased sales value. With large numbers of stock available on the market, a good security system will give a property "an edge" over others in the area – and it is still possible to install all these systems without making your home look like Fort Knox.”

Clarke said that he realised that in giving this advice he may be creating the impression that South African homeowners are under permanent threat - “which is not the case” - but, he said, “having seen many thousands of homes exchange hands it is quite clear that taking precautions of these kinds should be a priority”.

“Our experience is that any home can be made a great deal safer and buyers are increasingly aware of this and will look for homes that offer them the full time security we all need.”