Group 4 Properties owner Steve Wall says the Tuscan development, Prima Vista Estates, is a first for the southern suburbs. "The drive-in site is one of the last pieces of vacant land in the area. The rocky outcrops, though visually attractive, make building extremely expensive. That's why there have only been sectional title and townhouse developments so far they cost less to build on this type of ground than clusters."

The development will have 24hour guards, closed-circuit television and electric perimeter fencing.

There will eventually be three separate villages, with prices of about R650,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with double garage, to R1m for a luxury villa.

"The properties are all freehold, so there are no levies or bodies corporate, and owners pay their own rates and taxes. Services used are metered by the Home Owners' Association."

So far 21 of the 33 units have been sold. Completion date for the first phase is April next year.

Business Day