5 Security upgrade tips for your estate before the holiday season

The holiday season is fast approaching, which brings with it a rise in residential burglary and property damage. Re-evaluating your property’s security needs is always a good idea, technology evolves and so does the need of homeowners. Investing in better security for your sectional title scheme or estate has numerous advantages, including:

• It gives tenants and homeowners a sense of security and peace of mind.
• It helps reduce the damage to property left behind by break-ins.
• It’s an attractive feature for potential investors and buyers who consider security a high priority.

Properties that are well-secured are sought after by buyers and it also contributes to higher resale values. When purchasing property purely for investment opportunities, properties that are fitted with a good security system means that higher rentals can be charged. “Security is one of the major factors that influence home-buying decisions in South Africa. Potential homebuyers, especially those who have young children or who are elderly, seek homes and estates that have high-security systems.” says Propell MD, Andre van Schaik.

Making upgrades to your community scheme can always be a costly exercise. Whilst the benefits outweigh the expenses, we understand that the decision is not taken lightly. Many community schemes contact Propell for project loans when upgrading their security and these are often the common upgrades made:

1. CCTV monitoring
Installing CCTV monitoring around the perimeter and where your access controlled points are is crucial to the security of your property. WiFi-enabled CCTV systems enable homeowners and tenants to access the footage from anywhere, at any time, which is convenient if they travel often and are on vacation.

2. Surveillance equipment
There are so many options available when it comes to surveillance equipment. Unfortunately the more advanced security systems do not come cheap, but they do offer you better peace of mind and more coverage. For maximum security, install high-end motion sensor cameras, biometric access control systems, infra-red beams, and video surveillance that stores the footage in the cloud. Motion sensor beams around the perimeter are key in preventing a breach. They can be connected to an external security company as a silent alarm, or they can set off an audible alert.

3. Video intercom systems
Criminals that canvas an area might use doorbells or intercom systems to investigate whether homeowners are on the property. Video intercom systems that are connected to WiFi allows the homeowner to answer the intercom from anywhere and see who they are talking to. They can also use the system to “answer” the doorbell and respond to the person. Homeowners can use this opportunity to report any suspicious activity to their local security company discreetly. Video surveillance and intercoms have been known to deter criminals when they realise their faces are being recorded on camera.

4. Backup power
South Africa still goes through extended periods of load shedding, which often leads to homes being temporary without full security. Upgrading your current system to one with an alternate energy source or power backup ensures that your security remains seamless, whether powered by Eskom or not.

5. Trained security personnel
If you have security personnel in your community scheme, you will need to ensure that they receive training on how to use and best optimise your upgraded security system. This will ensure that your system is being used properly and that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Technology is constantly evolving and every year see’s new home security systems being launched. Implementing this can be expensive, especially if it was not budgeted for. Project Loans are a great way for community schemes and property owners to get the funding they need for upgrade projects like these that are necessary for the maintenance and improvement of their investment.

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