Category: News

Buying Off-Plan

Why Buying Off-Plan at CentralBlue in 2025 Is a Smart Move for First-Time Buyers

For many hardworking South Africans—owning a home is a lifelong dream. But that dream must also be affordable, safe, and worthwhile in the long run.

That’s exactly why more people are choosing to buy off-plan, especially in areas like Blue Downs, where new developments like CentralBlue are providing modern, budget-friendly homes built for families and individuals who seek community.

What Does Buying Off-Plan Mean?

Buying off-plan means purchasing a property before it’s been built. Instead of walking through a completed home, you’ll review detailed floor plans, renders, and sample finishes that showcase what your future home will look like. Once construction is complete, you’ll receive the keys to a brand-new home built to the approved plans and specifications.

This forward-thinking approach offers a number of benefits—especially for first-time buyers.

Why Choose CentralBlue?

CentralBlue isn’t just another development. It’s a growing, well-planned community neighbourhood designed for people who want a safe and connected place to call home.

Here are five key reasons why CentralBlue is a smart choice for off-plan buyers:

1. No Transfer or Bond Costs

Buyers pay zero TRANSFER and BOND costs, making the entire process easier and more affordable, especially for first-time homeowners.

2. Affordable Monthly Repayments

CentralBlue homes are priced to stay within reach. And once your bond is approved and your offer accepted, your price is locked—giving you peace of mind that your budget is secure —so when the market value rises while your home is being built, you benefit from the increase in value without paying more.

3. A Brand-New Home Built for Your Needs

You won’t be getting someone else’s second-hand home with wear and tear. No hidden repair costs, no old finishes—just a brand-new home. CentralBlue’s off-plan homes include modern layouts, quality finishes and trendy fittings all over.

4. Room for Growth

Buying early at the development stage means you get in at the best price. As the area improves and more facilities are added—schools, shops, public transport—the value of your home is likely to grow with it.

5. A Safe and Family-Friendly Community

CentralBlue is a safe neighbourhood with parks and green spaces, perfect for families, young couples and individuals who value peace of mind and a strong sense of community.

Who Should Buy Off-Plan?

Off-plan buying is perfect for:

First-time buyers looking for an affordable way to enter the property market.
Young families who value safety, community, and room to grow.
Smart investors who want to invest in their future without overextending their budget.

Let CentralBlue Be the Start of Your Homeownership Journey

Buying off-plan gives you the chance to step onto the property ladder in a safe, secure, and financially smart way. At CentralBlue, you’re not just buying a house—you’re building your future in a neighbourhood made for people who want to be part of a strong community.

Want to learn more? We’re here to help you take the next step—whether it’s understanding the application process, exploring home loan options, or finding out if you qualify for a subsidy.

Contact our team today or visit www.centralblue.co.za to get started.

Disclaimer: Pricing and availability subject to change. All homes are sold according to the latest approved plans. Terms and conditions apply.

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Homeowners Roadmap

Homeowner’s Roadmap: Your Guide to Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is a thrilling experience, but it can also be daunting. With so many steps to consider, it’s important to have a clear roadmap to guide you through the process. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to sign on the dotted line, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate your journey to homeownership with confidence.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget.

Before you start browsing for properties, it’s crucial to understand what you can afford. The best way to do this is by getting a bond prequalification. This will give you insight into your financial standing and the loan amount you’re eligible for. A good credit score also plays a key role in securing the best interest rates. Contact us to get a free bond prequalification today.

Step 2: Explore Your Property Options.

Now that you know your budget, it’s time to start house hunting! Browse available properties online, attend open days, or schedule a private viewing with an agent. Keep your priorities in mind—location, amenities, and future investment growth potential are all important factors. Request a viewing of the estate and start your search.

Step 3: Make an Offer to Purchase.

Once you’ve found the perfect home, you’ll need to submit an Offer to Purchase (OTP). This is a legal document stating the amount you’re offering and any conditions of the sale. It’s the first official step towards securing your dream home. We will also help estimate your monthly repayment amount. Your agent will negotiate with the seller, who can accept, reject, or counter your offer.

Step 4: Apply for a Home Loan (Bond).

With your offer accepted, the next step is securing financing. We apply to multiple banks on your behalf—at no extra cost—to ensure you get the best deal possible. Some banks may require a deposit (downpayment) as part of the purchase price.

Step 5: Property Registration in Your Name.

After your bond is approved, a legal attorney will handle the transfer process. The property is officially registered in your name, and your home loan is activated. Once this is complete, you are now the proud owner of your new home – Congratulations! You are officially a homeowner.

Step 6: Set Up Your Municipal Rates Account.

Before moving in, you’ll need to set up your municipal rates account. This ensures your utilities—such as water and electricity—are ready to go when you move in. Your attorney can assist with this process if needed. Make sure your utility deposit is paid in advance to avoid any delays.

Step 7: Move In and Make It Yours!

It’s time to start the next chapter of your life! Confirm your move-in date with your agent or a smooth transition into your new home. If you are moving into an estate, there will likely be estate guidelines and processes you need to be aware of. And if you move in before the property registration is complete, you may need to pay occupational rent.

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. By following this roadmap, you can ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish. If you need expert guidance, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Start your journey to homeownership today.

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From the Developer’s Desk: 2024 Q2

Greetings, CentralBlue residents and future homeowners!

Can you believe the speed this year is zooming by?

Time is flying, and so are we! Our community is flourishing and growing, and we’re thrilled to keep you in the loop with all the latest happenings in CentralBlue. Get ready for a brand-new eco-conscious rental project kicking off in July 2024, with our new freestanding homes eFree that have just launched!

New freestanding homes at CentralBlue: eFree

We were excited to officially launch our eFree homes at the beginning of June. Construction is set to begin in mid-August 2024, pending Council Approval. People have been raving about our freestanding homes and the innovative design of our eHomes with their sustainable features. We’re confident that these units will be a huge success, offering a perfect blend of freestanding homes with Citra’s unique designs and quality. The first unit is expected to be completed in Q2 2025, and we can’t wait to see the response from our customers.

Indigo Heights Apartments

Now available for rent!

The long-awaited finishing touches on Indigo Heights are nearly done, with Block G & H now open for move-in. Indigo Heights is a top choice for people seeking a temporary rental option as they work towards their forever home, and is now welcoming new tenants.

Emerald Village: Welcoming New Homeowners

Exciting news from Emerald Village as we completed our first handover in April!

The remainder of the units are to be inspected by CoCT. The expected occupational sign-off is mid-July 2024. The last touch-ups are in full swing with paving, grassing, and boundary wall installation currently underway. We are experiencing a slight delay with the Eskom meter installation due to internal changes at the SOE, but rest assured we are working diligently to resolve this issue.

We are thrilled to announce that all first-phase clients will be able to move in by the end of June 2024, and we can’t wait to welcome them to our popular community. Second-phase clients can expect to move in by the end of Quarter 3 2024. Exciting times are ahead at Emerald Village!

Emerald Place 3 eHome

Phase 14 of our eHomes project is off to a great start, with some early birds already securing their units. We’re happy to announce that the first 10 buyers will receive free appliances as a special thank you from us. Construction kicked off in May and we’re making solid progress, with council approval at an impressive 90%. The first unit is on track to be finished by December 2024. Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue to move forward with this exciting development!

Step into Summer with the Family Festival 2024

Mark your calendars for the Family Festival which is taking place at CentralBlue Park inaugurated on March 11th. Our dedicated Development Team has been working tirelessly to ensure everything is in top-notch condition for the big day, 26 October 2024. The festival will feature live music, food vendors, games, and activities for all ages to enjoy. Expect performances from big national headliners local artists, community groups, and more. We can’t wait to step into the summer season with all of you and create lasting memories together. Stay tuned to our website and social media for more updates and information on the Family Festival.

Exciting Park Renovations To Begin June/July 2024

With preparations for the Family Festival underway, Centralblue Park needs to be ready. The Festival Park Area, set to undergo major renovations in June/July 2024, will see significant upgrades in its first phase. This phase will focus on enhancing the park’s infrastructure, landscaping, and amenities to improve the overall visitor experience, especially for the festival. The project aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming space for residents and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities, cultural events, and community gatherings.

Have Your Say: CentralBlue Skate Park

We are considering adding a skate park for residents and their guests. This new inclusion will be a great way to engage the children and provide them with a fun and fulfilling activity while benefiting the community as a whole. Please take a moment to fill out the form below and share your thoughts. Your feedback is crucial to us and will help shape the future of this project.

From the Developer’s Desk: 2024 Q1

Greetings, CentralBlue residents and future homeowners!

We are excited to share updates with you straight from our developer’s desk. Your presence and support are what make our community so special and we are constantly striving to make CentralBlue the beating heart of Blue Downs. April is bringing us our new rental project and Indigo Heights’ stylish units will be ready to be rented out. In February, we are honoured to have our first launch of the year which was a success and we can’t wait to share all the details with you. Finally, our friendly sales team is ready to make an introduction and is excited to be a part of our beautiful, growing community.

CentralBlue eHome 2.0 Launch

The CentralBlue eHome 2.0 Launch on February, 17 was a great success! Our theme for the event was all about falling in love with your dream home, fitting for the month of love. We were thrilled to see so many people attend at CentraHub and we are grateful for every one of them. The event included eHome tours, exciting prize giveaways, drinks, and delicious snacks. It was heartwarming to see new homeowners finding their perfect match among our properties. Stay tuned for upcoming launches as we continue to evolve.

eFree Homes

Our eHomes are the talk of Blue Downs. With a successful launch in our books, we’re riding the eHome wave with our new eFree units. Our eFree is a free-standing version of our popular eHome, which will be launching in May. We’re all about making dreams come true, and for those dreaming of a free-standing eHome, your moment is here.

Indigo Heights

Now also available for rentals

Indigo Heights is almost finished with construction and will soon offer new rental options. We know that not everyone is ready to buy a home. We’re here to help you find the perfect rental while you work towards your dream home. The progress at Indigo Heights is impressive, with Block F set to be completed by mid-March 2024. If you’ve already purchased a unit, our agents will be reaching out to schedule your move-in. And for those looking to rent, more units will be available soon.

Emerald Village

Very soon you will be stepping into Emerald Village where the finishing touches are being added to give you your dream home. The first 10 units are currently being inspected by CoCT, and we’re on track to have them approved by mid-March 2024. Construction of the paving, grassing, and boundary walls is well underway. We’re looking forward to having our first-phase clients move in by the end of June, with the second-phase clients following in Quarter 3. We’re so excited to see our residents settle into their new homes soon!

A Word from Sales

We’re thrilled to share exciting news with you! Starting February 1, 2024, Citra has launched its very own sales and rental office at CentraHub. Whether you require advice on your property matters or know someone looking to experience life differently, we’re here to assist and guide you through the various options available at CentralBlue.

Our opening hours are:

Monday-Friday 09h30-16h30

Saturday 09h00-16h00

Sunday 12h00-16h00

We are open every day! So come down and meet one of our friendly agents who would be more than happy to help you find your dream home.

Thank you for being an integral part of CentralBlue’s growth and success. We’re dedicated to creating a thriving and diverse community, and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the coming months. Don’t miss out on anything – Remember to keep an eye on our social media and website for more updates.

A Reflection of 2023

Family Festival Group photo of attendees

What an extraordinary year it has been! It’s time to reflect on the amazing moments that have unfolded in 2023.

We’ll shine a spotlight on our accomplishments and the tight-knit community spirit nurtured at our much-anticipated CentralBlue Family Festival. Furthermore, we’ll provide you with the latest updates on all things construction. Highlight our joint venture with Ubuntu-Circle of Courage for our upcoming food garden, the launch of CentralBlue Park, and the brand-new soccer field.

General Update

Family Festival

The Family Festival was an absolute hit, drawing in a whopping 1000+ attendees! This epic annual event was all about bringing the community together, and it delivered! Not only did it create a sense of unity, but it also managed to grab the attention of new buyers.

The Festival stage had live performances by the talented Blue Down artists and other popular acts to a variety of family-friendly activities that kept everyone busy. Let’s not forget about the delicious food by local vendors and the delightful handmade crafts on display. We thank the community for their amazing support, making this year’s Festival one for the books!

Food Garden

On the 27th of July, our Food Garden’s future site was launched in a fantastic collaboration with The Ubuntu Circle of Courage. They are an organisation dedicated to running positive programs for underprivileged communities, aiming to reduce the number of individuals experiencing hunger and disadvantage on the streets. Through their alternative initiatives, they strive to prevent at-risk individuals from ending up homeless.

This collaboration couldn’t be more perfect, as the main objective of this project is to establish a community-led garden that goes beyond physical nourishment. It aims to uplift the spirits of the residents, providing them with a sense of ownership, empowerment, and social interaction.

By actively involving the community in the development and management of the garden, we are fostering a resilient and self-sufficient CentralBlue community that prioritises the well-being of its members. This launch marks a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Construction Update

We’re excited to share that our construction is making great strides! It’s constantly evolving and growing, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress we’re making. Each day brings us closer to the vision imagined that is CentralBlue. The Citra Development team has been working with the construction team, ensuring everything is on track and moving forward smoothly. It’s truly an exciting time for us as we witness the transformation taking place and see our vision slowly come to life.

Building Progression

Ochre Place

The construction of Ochre Place has been completed.

We are delighted to inform you that all the units have been occupied, and our new residents have settled in seamlessly. We extend a warm welcome to our residents, there is no place like home.

Indigo Heights

Blocks A – E of the construction project have been completed.

This is a significant milestone for us, and we are proud of the hard work, dedication and progress the team has made up until now. As for Block F, we are on track to achieve practical completion by the end of the year. We are eagerly looking forward to conducting the occupation inspection for Block F by the end of January 2024.

The handover period for Block F will take place between March and April 2024. Additionally, we are pleased to inform you that Blocks G and H are set to be completed by April 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, we will also begin the installation of the landscaping, adding the finishing touches to this remarkable project.

Emerald Village

Significant progress as the Emerald Village is 75% complete.

Right now, we have 25 units that are in the final inspection phase. We have encountered a few hiccups along the way. Delays caused by water, sanitation, and Eskom have unfortunately impacted the handover of units. However, our dedicated team is putting in extra effort to tackle these challenges head-on and ensure that the project is up as soon as possible.

Indigo Heights 3 (Rental)

We are excited to announce that we are about to start the construction phase of our new rental project.

This development will consist of 132 green rental units, providing a much-needed solution for those seeking comfortable and affordable housing options. As the new year is around the corner, we will soon be releasing the rental rates for these units. Stay tuned for further updates as we progress with this exciting project!

eHomes 2.0

Installation of services is complete, bringing us closer to the start of construction in the first quarter of 2024. Our flagship homes have been redesigned to enhance the functionality of the spaces remaining committed to quality and timely delivery, with an estimated completion date in Q4 2024. Stay tuned for updates on our eHomes 2.0!

CentraHub

CentraHub is an eco-friendly rental office space within the CentralBlue sphere.

We take great pleasure in extending our warmest invitation to ambitious entrepreneurs and individuals in search of an inspiring work environment. Not just one, but two future restaurants on site will ensure you can take a break with a tasty snack or meal right next to your workspace. We have carefully listed pricing that caters to various budgets, so everyone can find their perfect fit in the hub. At CentraHub, we hope to provide a productive experience for professionals who value sustainability and convenience. Join us in 2024 and discover a new way of working that is both inspiring and sustainable.

CentralBlue Park

Set to undergo a series of exciting upgrades.

These plans have been long-awaited and are finally coming to fruition. The aim is to enhance the overall experience for park-goers and make it an even more enjoyable space for families to spend quality time together.

The upgrades are scheduled to be completed just in time for the upcoming CentralBlue Family Festival in 2024.

However, it is important to note that during the construction phase, there will be limited access to the park. This temporary inconvenience is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of all visitors and to expedite the upgrade process. The local authorities are working diligently to minimise disruptions.

Security Update

Residents are encouraged to report safety concerns to the estate manager for ongoing improvements. In response to popular demand, the sign-in process for visitors has been digitised, requiring them to sign in with their driver’s licenses for enhanced security. All information is securely stored on an off-site server with limited access to personal data. Additionally, the installation of cameras at Indigo Heights is currently underway, and the Homeowners Association (HOA) and developer are working together to update the access control for the development.

Phew, we made it to the end of 2023! Our utmost commitment lies in keeping you informed about the latest developments in CentralBlue. We would also like to extend our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season spent with your loved ones. May this time of rest and rejuvenation pave the way for a good start in the upcoming year of 2024 — a year where we aspire to grow alongside you. Rest assured, we will continue to strive for excellence in providing you with the most relevant updates.

From the desk of the developer 2023-Q2

As we reach the halfway point of the year, we have made significant progress that we are pleased to share with you.

Indigo Heights - Apartments

We have already started welcoming clients of this phase to CentralBlue and the remaining clients can expect to hear from their agents shortly with regard to their handover dates.

There have been delays experienced at the council in issuing the remainder of the occupation certificates due to the migration of the City of Cape Town’s DAMS system. We expect the remainder of the occupational certificates to be finalised by the end of the month. The developer would like to apologise for the delay.

Congratulations to all the future homeowners of this phase.

Emerald Village - Freestanding Homes

Building plans for most of the units have been approved and received. The contractor has commenced construction and will provide an updated program of the estimated completion dates for the units.

Please note that the estimated dates are provisional and may change due to circumstances beyond the control of the developer and contractor.

Thank you again to the future homeowners of Emerald Village for your patience.

On Tucker

This development was launched to the public in May 2023. We are very excited to present this new townhouse product to the market. Please spread the word to anyone you know who may be looking for a new home in a secure cluster type development.

CentralBlue Family Festival 2023

Last year’s festival was a great success. Thank you for your support. This year we are coming back bigger and better. Presenting your favourite artists and a fantastic atmosphere for you and your family and friends to enjoy.

Please head over to our social media pages and let us know who you would like to see on stage this year. Your suggestions will be considered when we are putting together the festival.

Enjoy 3 months of free WI-FI if you sign up now!

Blue Bunny is offering CentralBlue residents WI-FI at competitive prices and if you sign up now, you get three months free. This promotion is running for a limited amount of time, hurry up and don’t miss out.

We will continue to work hard to ensure that your homes are completed as soon as possible.

For an update on your specific unit, please get in touch with your agent who will be able to advise.

We look forward to welcoming more residents in CentralBlue.

Citra Development Team

From the desk of the developer 2023-Q1

CentralBlue continues to grow and it’s wonderful to see how the development is taking shape. Here is a brief overview of our progress in the last quarter.

Emerald Place - Townhouses Thomas Tucker

We have completed this phase and are in the process of handing over the homes to their new owners. Below is one happy new resident at the townhouses.

Indigo Heights - Apartments

Construction of our apartments is well underway and progressing nicely. Subject to external stakeholders not causing delays (council, Eskom), we anticipate the first units will be ready for inspection by the building inspector in December 2022 and ready for occupation in early 2023.

Installation of the roads and services (sewer, electrical) is underway at Emerald Village. Construction of the units will begin after sign-off of the infrastructure from council (estimated Q4, 2022). The first units should be complete early 2023 and provisional completion dates will be provided once we have a definite program from the contractor.

Emerald Village - Freestanding Homes

Ochre Place - eHomes Phase 2

We’re in the process of building the second phase of our popular eHomes. Despite winter weather conditions, operations have progressed nicely, the brickwork is complete and plastering is underway. The handover dates for this phase will be confirmed at the end of October 2022.

Internet access for residents

We have partnered with Bunny Digital, who will offer a variety of internet packages to our homeowners, with a quick and easy three-step sign-up process.

You can view the packages available for CentralBlue residents at this link: Internet for CentralBlue.

Internet will be available in the following order of rollout:

Ochre Place (Phase 2.1)
Emerald Place 1 (Phase 11& 13)
Emerald Place 2 (Phase 3)
OchrePlace (Phase 2.2)
Indigo Heights 1

Retail Centre

The planning and tenanting of the retail centre is underway. If all goes well we expect to start servicing this site in Q4 2022. The anticipated opening date of the centre will be in early 2024.

CentraHub

The tenanting of the CentraHub small business centre is underway. We are planning a formal launch of the centre to the public in October 2022. Keep an eye on social media for further information.

Borehole water for your garden

CentralBlue has a focus on sustainability and one of our recent environmental initiatives is the provision of borehole water for irrigation of the common landscaped areas.

This is a great initiative as it provides water at no charge and protects from drought conditions which can have a devastating effect on a garden that has been tended and looked after for several years.

Our eHome and townhouse residents may access this resource for watering their front gardens, if needed. Please note borehole water is not safe for drinking.

Focus on security continues

We are happy to announce that new security cameras are operational behind Ochre and Emerald Place, as an additional layer of security for our residents.

Social Initiative: Mandela Day

For our Mandela day initiative this year, we chose the Ubuntu Circle of Courage. This is an NPO that provides shelter for people in need in the Blue Downs area. The CITRA team got “hands-on” handing out blankets and planting vegetable gardens. We also facilitated much needed repairs to their leaking roof.

We continue working with ongoing commitment to ensure that your homes are completed as soon as possible.

For an update on your specific unit, please get in touch with your agent who will be able to advise.

Looking forward to welcoming our residents in CentralBlue.

CITRA Development Team