Buying property: Gauteng’s 6 hottest suburbs

Buying property: Gauteng’s 6 hottest suburbs

Whether you are looking to buy a home before the end of this year or whether property hunting is on your “to do list” for the new year, there are some significant areas in Gauteng that you should consider before deciding in which area to invest.

These suburbs can be distinguished from other areas based on a number of factors, including the vibe and ambience of the region, proximity to important amenities and activities, affordability, important developments or developmental opportunities in the area, and so forth, according to Seeff Property Group. 

1. Melville

Not only is this bohemian artist's enclave a testament to urban regeneration and particularly popular with professionals who appreciate the patina of wooden floors and pressed ceilings, but it is also close to the Joburg CBD, University of Johannesburg, Wits, many shopping centres and hospitals, to name a few.

Chris Hajec, Seeff’s MD in Randburg, says homes in Melville generally range from R1.4 million to R3 million, but even more affordable property can also be found in the directly adjacent Westdene.

“Melville is rebounding from the slow decline from its halcyon days of the late 80s and early-90s back into a new and different but undeniable resurgence. Like all areas in the early throes of revival, it is enjoying a disproportionately high rate of appreciation in property values and offers many renovation opportunities,” says Hajec. 

“The suburb holds a sentimental pull for many of its inhabitants, and is characterised by people who could afford to live in more expensive communities, but choose to live in Melville. Many investors who have been drawn to Melville find that when they buy right, it is easy to make a profit after a quality renovation or development.”

2. The areas surrounding Menlyn Mall

 

A tremendous amount of development is taking place in the areas surrounding Menlyn, in addition to the Menlyn Main development which includes a casino. 

All suburbs in the proximity of Menlyn are in high demand as a result of the job opportunities created here, and include Garsfontein, Menlo Park, Alphen Park, Newlands, Constantia Park and Ashlea Gardens, says Gerhard van der Linde, Seeff’s MD in Pretoria East.

Van der Linde says Menlyn Main is Africa’s first green city, and this mega development includes commercial space, retail space, shopping space, a gym, residential apartments, hotel, entertainment complex and scenic parklands, and is widely regarded as the "Sandton City" of Pretoria.

“Homeowners in these areas are asking more for their properties than what they are worth, but are getting away with it because it seems potential buyers have jumped on the same train and are realising the value of investing in these areas,” says  Van der Linde.

3. Paulshof

“What makes this suburb truly appealing is that properties can be found here for under R1.5 million, and the average price for sectional title properties in Paulshof has been R1.1 million for sales concluded over the last 12 months,” says Charles Vining, Seeff’s MD in Sandton.

“Besides the fact that freestanding property carrying this price tag is quite scarce in Sandton, Paulshof is conveniently nestled between Sandon, Fourways and Midrand, and buyers definitely don’t have to skimp on great location. Properties priced under R2 million in Sandton and surrounds are most sought after, and tend to move the quickest.”

Vining says while properties in the sub-R2 million price range in Sandton usually fall into sectional title and are popular amongst investors or first-time buyers, freestanding homes at this price can be obtained in a suburb like Paulshof.

Clusters and houses in Paulshof usually sell at prices between R1.8 million and R2.6 million. 

“Property in Paulshof is a hot commodity and sells fast,” says Vining.

4. Bedfordview

“In this upmarket suburb where prices range from R500 000 for a bachelor pad to upwards of R30 million for palatial residences, large houses on 4 000sqm stands are selling at bargain basement prices,” says David Ingle, Seeff’s MD in this area.

“Patient investors can apply for rezoning and will be able to fit up to eight cluster units on one of these sites, with individual units selling at the same price as the original land purchase, making it an unrivalled investment opportunity.”

While there has been a stage where sales were slow in Bedfordview, Ingle says the trend is lifting, and there is now renewed interest in the area. The location, excellent private schools, good facilities, great restaurants and top shopping malls add to the appeal of the area, and to the extremely active rental market for which there is a shortage of stock in all segments.

He says above average rentals are being achieved in Bedfordview in relation to the surrounding areas, and there is a perception that Bedfordview is the place to live in the East Rand.

5. Eco Park in Centurion

In Centurion, properties in estates sell the quickest and have to date had excellent returns.

Steve van Wyk, Seeff’s Managing Director in the area, says a property of R1.1 million recently sold in the Eco Park estate only one day after listing. 

“Property in Eco Park Estate is affordable, centrally situated to all schools, malls and highways, and is achieving excellent returns of between 9% and 10% on resales and rentals,” says Van Wyk.

“In addition to this, demand for estate living in Centurion has increased dramatically and buyers are happy to pay a premium price for the security aspect.”

6. Meyersdal in Johannesburg South

People are often under the impression that prestigious suburbs are only to be found in the northern parts of Johannesburg, but Meyersdal, also known as the ‘’Mecca of the South,” proves quite the contrary.  

Nicholas Falck, Real Estate Agent for Seeff Johannesburg South, says Meyersdal, bordering Glenvista, Bassonia, Oakdene and Alberton, is the most upmarket and popular area to live in in the South, and demand for property here is sky high.

“Prices in Meyersdal for sectional title units start at around R600 000, R1.05 million for cluster units, close to R3 million for freestanding homes, and homes in estates can be priced anything from R6.5 million to R39 million, thus offering a variety of living options in different price ranges in an upmarket area,” says Falck.