Serviced plots of land are aimed at residents who earn between R9 000 and R22 000 per month, do not qualify for Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing opportunities, and who are willing and able to build their own houses. The City of Cape Town met with the qualifying first-time plot purchasers to discuss the progress of the official handover of their plots, which is expected to happen soon. The purchasers are now one step closer to building their homes in Fairdale, Blue Downs. Importantly, all means of human settlements opportunities must continue to be looked at to meet the housing demand. The days of primarily relying on Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing are numbered. There is a place for this model of delivery, but not at the scale and pace and budget that is required.

The City will officially hand over 69 residential plots to the successful applicants in Bardale, Blue Downs, as part of its Fairdale Gap housing programme. These plots are purchased through the City Gap housing project at a discounted price. The plots are 190 m² in size on average, and are situated on well-located land, close to public transport, employment opportunities and economic nodes.

‘The City’s Fairdale Gap housing programme is one which aims to assist residents who fall within the Gap market range and empowers them by becoming first time property owners. These residents’ monthly income exceeds the threshold for State-subsidised BNG opportunities but not necessarily enough to participate in the private property market. The prices for these plots of land differ according to the erf sizes. Once residents apply, they are able to access the individual prices of the plots.

We remain dedicated to housing provision and we will continue to make every effort to deliver more opportunities that will empower many more residents across the city. Residents living in Cape Town may be eligible for various housing opportunities around the city. We encourage residents to visit their nearest housing office to find out more about the available opportunities, and how to apply. Residents must always keep their details updated on the Housing Needs Register. It is vital. Too often residents miss opportunities because the City cannot reach them as their contact numbers or address have changed and they have not updated their details.

‘The City is well aware of the acute need for housing opportunities across the metro. We know that just one type of housing will not address this need. This is the reason the City continues to explore other types of opportunities, such as the Gap serviced sites, in addition to our usual provision of State-subsidised BNG houses. We thank the City’s project teams for the hard work and dedication in assisting the qualifying residents in becoming first time property owners,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

Source: City Of Cape Town