Properties of various price ranges can be found in multiple cities across South Africa, ensuring a wide selection for buyers.
Orange Grove in Johannesburg, is a good option for investors on a tight budget looking to get a foot in the market as you can still buy a small original starter home with one bathroom in need of renovation from R750 000. These homes are in great demand as they are usually conveniently situated on main roads near the bus and taxi routes, according to Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg.
For between R1 million and R1.5m, you can buy a two or three-bedroom house or even a four bedroomed property which will need modernization.
Classic family home in Orange Grove for R1.5 million
Odendaal says, the once-sedentary residential market of Highlands North where buyers were known to put down roots and stay for years, has seen a lot more activity of late due to its excellent value, the availability of fixer-uppers, its central location, proximity to good schools and the introduction of the Rea Vaya rapid bus transit system.
Highlands North has retained its distinctly suburban atmosphere and is still a quiet suburb with minimal traffic and commercial activity, populated by family homes with established gardens.
"It’s still possible to buy a three-bedroomed house for just under R1m although these are now very scarce. R1.1m to R1.7m buys you a very nice three bedroomed family home and you’ll pay around R850 000 for a three bedroomed townhouse.
"Convenience and value are key watchwords these days, and there’s an increasingly popular node just outside the city which fulfils both in abundance," he says.
Charming family home in Highlands North for R3.8 million
Cyrildene, Observatory, De Wetshof and Bruma offer a wide variety of affordable properties to suit most buyers’ needs, but especially those looking for accessibly priced entry into the market as well as more bang for their buck.
"They are conveniently-positioned with excellent transport links to the popular commercial hubs, including Rosebank, Hyde Park, Sandton and Dunkeld and the airport is a mere 15-minute drive," says Odendaal.
Although becoming scarce, you can buy a lovely three-bedroomed house with a sizeable garden and pool for R1.6m to R1.8m in Cyrildene, Observatory, De Wetshof and in Bruma there are great lock-up-and-go options for under R1m.
Immaculate low-maintenance face-brick home Cyrildene for R1.599 million
According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, there are not too many options in the Western Cape for those looking to purchase below R700,000.
“Buyers would need to consider areas such as Grassy Park or Parow or could consider buying a plot of land further afield in coastal areas such as Pearly Beach. Buyers would have more choices finding homes under R700 000 in the other provinces.
A golden oldie in the quiet and peaceful Glenlily, Parow for R599 000
"In an area like Pretoria, buyers could find a two-bedroom apartment in suburbs like Sinoville. In Johannesburg, buyers could find a modern apartment in areas like Houghton Estate. In Durban, buyers can find entry-level apartments in suburbs like Durban Central or South Beach.
“My advice to those searching in this price point is to speak to a real estate professional to help you find what you’re looking for. It can be hard to come by good homes priced below R700,000 as there is high demand within this price segment and the homes often get snapped up fast. Working with a real estate agent can help buyers stay informed of new properties as soon as they hit the market, which could help them to secure a great entry-level home,” says Goslett.
Claude McKirby, co-principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay.
"Wynberg’s allure is two-fold as it offers excellent value for money in a high value zone where average sale prices in most neighbouring suburbs are considerably higher as well as a wide variety of property options; from very accessible entry level homes to luxurious modern properties. And because of its desirable location in close proximity to myriad top-class amenities, including some of South Africa’s best schools, Wynberg continues to offer a solid return on investment as homes in this area will always be in demand.
"You can buy an older one-bedroom flat from around R450 000, a more modern two-bedroom apartment from R700 000 and a three-bedroom starter family home from around R1.3m," says McKirby.
Lock-up And Go Investment Apartment In Wynberg Upper for R1.05 million
For those who love the great outdoors and enjoy water sports, Marina de Gama and Zeekoevlei near Muizenberg are great options. They also have inland waterways which are ideal for more sedate water sports like canoeing and stand-up paddling.
Breathtaking views in Muizenberg for R3.25 million
Those seeking a seaside village lifestyle will find good value in Fish Hoek which is renowned for its quirky shops and vibrant cafes. The area also has a number of very good primary schools and Fish Hoek High has an excellent reputation, so the area is very popular with families with children of all ages.
There is a choice of apartments for between R800 000 and R1.4m, and it’s still possible to find a two-bedroom house for around R1m.
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