Homelux Properties is a wholly Zimbabwean group of companies founded in 1998 by local businessman Justin Machibaya. Over the last 22 years, the group has grown to include Homelux Real Estate, Homelux Property Development, Semble-IT Kitchens (now trading as Design Café) and Just Tiles and Bathrooms – leaders in all areas devoted to property and real estate. The Homelux Real Estate division specialises in buying and selling properties, rentals, valuations of land, buildings and assets, and property management for both residential and commercial buildings. At any time they have a wide range of properties on their books from modest high density houses to top of the range, luxurious family homes, flats and apartments, land and commercial buildings.
They conduct valuations for buyers and sellers, as well as for property owners looking to apply for mortgages from investment companies like Old Mutual and CABS. Their independent valuations also allow property owners to negotiate reasonable rental values. Their Property Development division are leaders in the field with a number of very popular and prestigious projects having been successfully completed. The company focuses on creating investible real estate developments for both local and diaspora investors. Just a few recent projects include 20 cluster houses at The Oxford Place, 11 cluster houses at Windsor Manors and 16 garden flats at Victoria Mews – all in Newlands. They have also completed cluster house complexes in Borrowdale, Greendale North, Highlands and Groombridge so they have a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of property development and construction.
The Homelux Property Development section includes in-house architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and various experts in all fields of construction like plumbers, electricians and painters. They even have an interior design team under the banner of the Design Café. (Occasionally, as needed, Homelux has a group of approved, independent contractors which they can call on.) This means they can have complete control of the construction process ensuring that all their projects are of the highest standards.
Homelux can ensure that all materials used are of the best quality and purchased at the most reasonable prices. Just one of the current projects which is still in development is the upmarket Kinsley Estate just past Borrowdale Brooke. There are over 200 serviced residential stands available within a secure gated community with scenic views towards Shawasha Hills. There are a range of 21 architect designed plans on offer and Homelux are currently marketing and selling.
It promises to be one of the most prestigious addresses in Harare. Homelux are about to launch one of their newest projects at 58 Marlborough Drive, just off Harare Drive and close to Lomagundi Road. The development consists of 30 2 and 3 bedroomed apartments within a secure gated complex which is fully walled with an electric fence and gate. The complex is on two storeys with the ground floor apartments having a small garden at the back while the first floor apartments have balconies.
The layout includes ample and secure parking space for residents and visitors. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all open plan, so although the apartments are compact and fairly modest there’s a good sense of generous space and natural light. The kitchens and bathrooms have been luxuriously and elegantly fitted out with top quality finishes. Although Homelux usually use their own in-house or local architects for this particular projects they have selected to use a South African company, 4D Architects, to create these modern Lifestyle Apartments for relaxed family living. The architects’ design is practical and stylish and although the main living space is open plan they have still managed to incorporate a cosy family atmosphere with aluminium window frames and wooden finishes.
The design is also sensitive to the surrounding environment and doesn’t impose on or overwhelm the neighbourhood. The Marlborough Lifestyle Apartments are conveniently situated with easy access to the city centre as well as to Groombridge and Westgate shopping centres. There are several good schools close by as well as churches, service stations and medical facilities. The complex has a borehole and a dedicated ZESA sub-station and all the apartments have pre-paid ZESA metres, so residents don’t ever need to worry about water and electricity supply. The apartments are an ideal investment opportunity as a hedge against inflation and are also a very attractive rental option ensuring a good return on capital outlay. The apartments are a great chance for a young family to secure their own home, but they’re also the perfect solution for a ‘lock up and go’ lifestyle – once normal travel resumes. To find out more about Marlborough Lifestyle Apartments (and other developments) contact Homelux at: 108 McChlery Avenue, Eastlea, Harare Tel: 0242 788107-11 Email: sales@@homelux.org
text by Michael Nott
photos supplied by Homelux and Structure and Design
