Thousands of buyers in Soshanguwe, Mabopane and Hammanskraal in the Pretoria area will shortly be living in units currently under construction.

That's according to Dries Dreyer, principal of the Pretoria North franchise of Realty 1 International Property Group, who says this type of development is gaining momentum to the northwest of Rosslyn where demand for homes priced at under R550k is at an all-time high.

"Developers are building affordable homes within the traditional townships with phenomenal success," he says, adding that this initiative ties in with the aims of a special development strategy by the Tshwane Municipality.

The strategy focuses on spatial development up to and beyond 2010.

In her third quarter report, which deals with the period July 2006 to March 2007, executive mayor of Tshwane Dr Gwen Ramokgopa said the city had a five-year scorecard, which was being used to monitor the provision of quality basic services and infrastructural development. To this end, 5,812 housing structures had been provided to date, an amount that exceeded the planned target of 4 500.

She also pointed out that 12 settlements had been formalised while another seven applications were being processed. Furthermore, 190 family units in hostels were on track despite having been delayed because of late approval of plans.

According to Dreyer the Tshwane municipality has a four-pronged approach to the provision of affordable housing for residents. The approach includes the provision of as much affordable housing, social housing and rental accommodation as possible. It is also focused on integrating existing formal settlements into combined neighbourhoods while at the same time upgrading settlements close to mass public transport and job opportunities.

Dreyer says part of this land has been identified as suitable for high density development. This translates to between 60 and 80 units per hectare.

He says the municipality's spatial strategy has motivated a number of developers to focus on the area that extends from Pretoria North and Akasia up into the northern section of the traditional township. Demand for homes here is high, with new units being snapped up quickly in Heatherdale and surrounding areas, he notes.

Despite its affordable and entry-level housing offerings, the area is not restricted to lower range pricing.

Dreyer says there is a wide range of existing stock on offer, priced from R220k to over R6m. Most sought-after in the pre-owned property market are homes priced from R290k to around R900k and which offer accommodation of up to four bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garages.

Key reasons for strong take-up in this area is its close proximity to arterial routes, major shopping centres and bilingual senior and secondary schools, he says. – Ingrid Smit

For more information contact 082 332 9386 or click here to visit the website.

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