A shift in property trends gives rise to inspiring cottage industries

While lockdown began to ease and more people found their lives returning to a semblance of normality, the aftermath of stay-at-home working has left a resounding impact on the lives of many homeowners.

That being said, more property practitioners are discovering that their clients are seeking homes that offer them opportunities to live and work within the same environment. Whether or not this trend was spurred on by Covid, the fact is, we're fast discovering the benefits of maintaining both professional and personal affairs within a single space.

Finding the right property for a home-based business

However, before cottage industries can simply spring out of residential and not commercial areas, homeowners need to become more aware of zoning laws dependent on their local municipality. If your need for a new property falls under this category, it's essential to be upfront with your property practitioner or real estate agent so that they may offer the right advice.

It also depends on the industry you're looking to start up. For example, if your business is primarily based on consultancy and runs digitally from home, finding the right property is usually straightforward. However, things become a little more complicated when your home sees more clients coming to you or if your business is retail or manufacturing. Understanding whether noise, parking, and traffic may cause complications helps find the right property.

Rules and laws to consider

Your property practitioner will generally point to local municipal planning and land guidelines stipulated before helping you choose a property. You can either request your property practitioner find this out or contact the local council.

Residential property laws ordinarily stipulate that one must use the residential property primarily for residential purposes. A business operator must live on the property, and no more than three or four employees should be allowed to engage with the business. 

Prospects from AirBnB

Since the arrival of Airbnb over a decade ago, homeowners have been introduced to a new avenue for making an additional income. As such, the City of Cape Town, for example, has set up specific zoning laws allowing homeowners to work from home, run a small place of worship, a creche and Airbnb prospects.

While Cape Town may be less restricted than other cities or provinces, a general rule of approaching your council or speaking to a property practitioner to ensure no by-laws are broken is still an option. One will need to take heed of strict regulations involving signage on the property and that the business does not disturb your neighbours. Generally speaking, if the neighbourhood is not bothered and all by-laws are met, one can run a small home business without worry. 

Our doors are always open! Visit our website https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/ or pop by our offices for a chat. Our friendly property practitioners are always available to assist in any regard.

Homes of Distinction CC holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority