There has seldom been a better time to get into the property market, with rock-bottom interest rates, motivated lenders and excellent value for money creating a “perfect storm” of opportunity.
According to David Jacobs, Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group, a record numbers of buyers in Gauteng have been striking while the iron is hot.
These are a few of the hotspots buyers can’t seem to get enough of:
Midrand has grown in leaps and bounds in the past 10 years with Waterfall City forming the new focal point of the lifestyle offerings. Midrand still remains an affordable option to purchase in comparison to surrounding areas and, with the continual growth of the area, sellers can expect high yields from their investments, says Grahame Diedericks, Manager Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Midrand.
Kyalami Estate is very established, exceptionally well run, secure and is in close proximity to all Midrand’s major amenities.
With a prime location on the south western border of Johannesburg’s Midrand, Kyalami has a lot going for it from a convenience perspective, alone. However, local Rawson Property Group franchisee, Nirvan Bhudai, says it’s the suburbs' trendy lifestyle estates that are drawing buyers in.
“Developments like the Whisken offer everything from gyms to laundromats, restaurants, concierges, spas, cinemas, pools, car washes, childcare and sports grounds,” he says. “This complete and secure lifestyle package, with lock-up-and-go convenience, is hugely appealing to today’s busy families and professionals.”
Prices in the suburb range from R900 000 to R55 million. Demand is highest for one- and two- bedroom investment properties and three bedroom family homes in security estates.
There are currently *16 new property listings in Kyalami Estate, according to Property24 Trends Data, with the average asking price for the area being R 4.9 million. Erven properties are most widely available in this estate, with the average sale price per erf for 2020 set at about R3.785 million.
Click here to see the latest data for Kyalami Estate.
READ: What's driving the appeal of mixed-used developments right now?
At the upper end of the market, Waterfall Country Village and Waterfall Country Estate attract keen investor interest.
Properties in Waterfall Village range between R5 million and R9 million and in Waterfall Country Estate, they are priced from R9 million upwards.
Both estates fall within the Waterfall City development with access to its myriad world-class amenities which include restaurants, shops, schools, a commercial sector, clubhouse and much more.
Waterfall Country Estate, the largest in the precinct boasts an exceptional lifestyle and features like a vast indigenous parkland, fishing dams, hiking and biking trails, picnic spots and play parks for kids attract families who love to spend their leisure time outdoors.
Waterfall Country Village is a smaller estate in the north of the precinct which offers a laidback outdoor lifestyle.
Click here for the latest available trends data for Waterfall area
In the mid-market sector, Blue Valley Golf Estate is especially popular with a variety of property options ranging between R3 million and R6 million says Diedericks.
Blue Valley’s key drawcards are its Gary Player-designed Golf course, affordable yet upmarket living, well-maintained parks and easy access to major arterial routes (Central between Johannesburg/Pretoria).
Click here to see the latest data for Blue Valley Golf Estate.
Pretoria East
Pretoria East houses a collection of both new and established suburbs, offering everything from traditional, leafy streetscapes to modern security estates and a selection of excellent public and private schools.
According to Bertie Lombard, Rawson Property Group franchisee for the area, Pretoria East’s wide-ranging appeal has seen a flood of recent buyers across a number of demographics, including families, young professionals and first-time buyers.
“Our highest demand is for duets and freestanding houses between R1.2 million and R2.5 million, and properties in security estates between R2.5 million and R3.5 million,” he says. “Larger properties with granny flats also sell almost immediately -there are a lot of grandparents moving in with their children to assist with the grandkids.”
Younger buyers and investors are tending towards more compact properties, snapping up sectional title units under R1.5 million.
Lombard also suggests that when the interest rates start to rise again, it will create more balance within the market between buyers and sellers.
READ: When is SA's interest rate likely to increase?
There are currently *2 380 new property listings in Pretoria East market, according to Property24 Trends Data, with the average asking price for the area being R1.8 million. The average sale price per erf for 2020 was about R2.1 million, while Section Scheme Units average sale price for the same period is R995 000.
The latest residential listings on Property24 show that three-bedroom homes are most widely available, at an average list price of R1.97 million, while five-plus bedroom home currently in demand are being sold at an average of R4.95 million. Sellers in the area fall within the 36-49 years (32%), while 39% of buyers within 18-35 years - followed by 36% within 30-49 year age group.
Click here to see the latest trend data for Pretoria East
Silver Lakes Golf Estate remains the estate with the highest turnover in sales volumes which qualifies this as one of the highest demand estates in Pretoria in which to live and invest. It also achieves higher capital growth values than its competitors and it’s currently still the highest capital growth estate in Pretoria, according to Juanita Du Plessis, Manager of Estate Living, Pretoria East - Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
Entry-level prices begin at an accessible R2.45 million for a three bedroom home on a full-title stand which is an excellent investment for first-time buyers. “However, they rarely come onto the market and we are very fortunate to be marketing just one such a listing at the moment.”
“Property prices generally range between R4 million and R10 million with the highest price being around R22 million. At the top end, the estate attracts diplomats and captains of industry, largely due to the lifestyle and excellent security.
There are also a number of older homes in need of renovation and this creates an opportunity for younger generation buyers to buy into the lifestyle with a secure capital growth investment, knowing they would not easily overcapitalise.
The estates' main attractions include the Peter Matcovich golf course, the clubhouse facilities, the strong sense of community and an exceptional lifestyle all enhanced by excellent security and peace of mind.
Click here to see the latest data for Silver Lakes Golf Estate
The Hills Game Reserve Estate in Pretoria East
The estate is very popular with young professionals and young families as it offers a lifestyle close to nature which is complemented by its resident game reserve, natural walkways, clubhouse and gym. The architectural designs include contemporary farmhouse and contemporary glamour which can accommodate most buyers’ tastes, says Du Plessis.
Entry-level house prices start from around R3.5 million, but most are selling at between R4.5 million and R6 million. For under R3 million, there are apartments, smaller townhouses and plots available.
Click here to see the latest data for The Hills Game Reserve Estate
Jackal Creek Golf Estate - Randburg
A large Golf Estate with open spaces designed to offer an active and rewarding modern golf estate lifestyle. It attracts buyers who are typically looking for an open country feel with great sunsets and comes at a reasonable entry price.
Apartment prices starting at a very accessible R650 000 attract active interest amongst first-time buyers while also offering larger free-standing homes up to the R4 million mark, says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Johannesburg Central & Randburg – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
Offering access to the Private School on the Estate currently enrolling from Grade 000 up to Grade 5 makes this a very popular choice for young families.
Click here to see the latest data for Jackal Creek North
Eagle Canyon - North Riding
According to Odendaal, Eagle Canyon has established itself as one of the premier residential estates in North-West Johannesburg. A Financial Mail survey rated Eagle Canyon Golf Estate as one of the best places to live in Johannesburg and, having just celebrated their ten-year anniversary, the estate continues to exude elegance, style and class.
Residents of the 1 000-home development enjoy uninterrupted sunset views of the 350-million-year-old Magaliesberg Mountains and a lifestyle that ticks all the boxes.
For over a decade, Eagle Canyon has consistently found itself in the list of top 10 South African suburban investment destinations, and it is very easy to see why.
Catering for most budgets, property prices on the estate range from R1.4 million for a two bedroom apartment to R25m for a four bedroom house.
Click here to see the latest data for Eagle Canyon
The Houghton Estate – Houghton
Designed to deliver the ultimate living experience to discerning investors, The Houghton is not so much an address as a lifestyle experience. It’s an aspirational lifestyle destination to those who want to extract only the best Johannesburg as to offer in a prime and secure environment, says Odendaal.
Already Johannesburg’s most talked about development, The Houghton’s appeal will be enhanced by the soon-to-open 5-star hotel and it’s enhanced resort facilities and corporate offerings.
Property prices ranging from R 4.8 million investment apartments, to R 18.5 million apartments to the extraordinary R 70 million penthouse.
There are currently *41 new property listings in Houghton Estate, according to Property24 Trends Data, with the average asking price for the area being R 5 772 500. The average sale price per erf for 2020 was about R5.41 million, while Section Scheme Units average sale price for the same period is R 1.25 million.
The latest residential listings on Property24 show that four bedroom homes are most widely available, at an average list price of R8.74 million. Sellers in the area fall within the 50-64 years (54%), while buyers in the 18- 64 years fall in (28%).
Click here to see the latest trend data for Houghton Estate
Northcliff
Northcliff’s elevated position inside the Johannesburg Ring Road offers enviable views over the CBD and leafy Northern Suburbs. The well-established neighbourhood offers spacious homes and good proximity to a number of highly-regarded schools, making it a very popular spot for families.
“Northcliff is where families buy their forever homes,” says Rawson Property Group franchisee for the area, Petronella Van der Merwe. “Current conditions have made this an ideal time to upgrade, and property sales have been absolutely flying as buyers leap at the chance to get their hands on their dream properties.”
Popular features in Northcliff include work-from-home offices and cottages for extended family. Average homes range from R2.5 million to R3.5 million, with larger properties selling between R6million and R8million.
Click here to see the latest trend date for Northcliff
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*Property24 Listings Data Disclaimer: The trends detailed in this article are based on Property24 listings, current at the time of publishing, and property transfer data supplied by Deeds offices, which typically take 3-4 months to reflect. Suburbs are listed according to Property24's geographical database. In some areas this will include both commercial and residential properties. The age demographic data of buyers, sellers and stable owners is determined over a six-month period. These Property Values should not be used as a substitute for independent professional advice and is subject to Property24.com Terms and Conditions.
