Balwin Properties, the renowned South African property developer, recently shared its progress on the residential development within the ambitious Mooikloof Smart City project located in Gauteng. The update came as part of the group’s financial results for the six months ending on August 31, 2023, and reveals substantial advancements in infrastructure, construction, and future prospects for the innovative project.
Mooikloof Smart City: A Game-Changer for South Africa
The Mooikloof Smart City project, initially announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020, is a massive public-private collaboration with a project value exceeding R84 billion. It is also one of the 62 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) gazetted in 2020. Balwin Properties has played a pivotal role in this development, demonstrating its commitment to revolutionizing residential living in the country.
Balwin Properties’ goal for the Mooikloof Smart City project is to construct 16,000 apartments in phases, totaling approximately R9.6 billion in costs. The group’s recent announcement confirms significant progress toward this ambitious goal.
Infrastructure Investment in Tshwane Node
The recent results released by Balwin Properties highlighted a substantial increase in the number of developments within the project. To facilitate this growth, the company invested in infrastructure in the Tshwane node. These investments were necessary to obtain council approval for the registration of the initial phases of apartments at Greenkloof, the first development within Mooikloof Smart City.
The infrastructure costs incurred by Balwin Properties were vital for the successful progression of the project. The group has announced plans to hand over approximately 160 apartments in four phases during the second half of the financial year at the Greenkloof development.
Construction and Sales Progress
Balwin Properties continues to make headway with active construction at Greenkloof, with 2,500 apartments under construction and 124 apartments already sold. Additionally, the group has an impressive 10,234 apartments planned for Mooikloof Smart City, although these are currently inactive.
Upon completion, the Mooikloof Smart City will not only provide residential accommodations but will also incorporate schools, shops, and offices, all designed with green building principles. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the global shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly urban developments.
Challenges in the Macro-Economic Environment
While Balwin Properties has made notable progress on the Mooikloof Smart City project, the group also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current macro-economic environment in South Africa. Growing interest rates, high inflation, and load shedding have impacted consumer demand, loan affordability, and investment in fixed property.
The financial results indicate a reduction in apartment sales revenue. Balwin recognized 834 apartments in revenue for the reported period, marking a 39% reduction compared to the prior corresponding six-month period when 1,360 apartments were recognized in revenue.
However, Balwin’s management team demonstrated resilience by focusing on reducing gross margins in previous reporting periods, leading to a significant increase in the gross profit margin, which grew from 26% to 33%.
Balwin’s Financial Performance
Despite these challenges, Balwin Properties maintained profitability. In terms of financial performance, the group reported the following key figures for the periods ending August 31, 2022, and August 31, 2023:
- Revenue: R1.58 billion (August 2022) -> R1.19 billion (August 2023), marking a 25% decrease.
- Basic Earnings Per Share: 36.88 cents (August 2022) -> 37.93 cents (August 2023), reflecting a 3% increase.
- Headline Earnings Per Share: 36.63 cents (August 2022) -> 37.93 cents (August 2023), showing a 4% increase.
- Dividend: 9 cents (August 2022) -> 0 cents (August 2023), indicating that no dividend was declared due to the challenging economic environment.
Balwin Properties’ decision not to declare a dividend for the period reflects the ongoing economic challenges characterized by extended periods of higher interest rates and a suppressed market.
Balwin’s Resilience and Commitment
Balwin Properties’ progress on the Mooikloof Smart City project and its ability to navigate challenging economic conditions demonstrate its resilience and commitment to advancing innovative residential developments in South Africa. The company’s dedication to creating sustainable and eco-friendly communities aligns with the evolving needs and preferences of modern consumers. As the project continues to unfold, it promises to be a game-changer for both the property market and the broader South African society, setting new standards for smart urban living. Balwin’s ongoing commitment to progress and innovation remains a beacon of hope in the face of economic uncertainty.
Please note that all financial figures are based on the data provided by Balwin Properties for the respective periods ending August 31, 2022, and August 31, 2023.
Images of the Mooikloof Smart City development can be found on the official Balwin Properties website for those interested in a visual representation of this groundbreaking project.
