Affordable housing, a beautiful natural environment and no shortage of choice when it comes to shopping - West Rand residents seem to have it all, as well as easy freeway access to Johannesburg and Soweto, Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria.
So it’s no surprise that prospective homebuyers are increasingly heading to this part of Gauteng, or that housing stock here is “flying off the shelves”, says Liana van Loggerenberg, Rawson Property Group’s franchisee in Roodepoort.
“Many people are avoiding Johannesburg’s more expensive suburbs now and seeking more modest homes to lower their transfer costs and their ongoing home ownership costs such as rates and municipal charges,” she says. “At the same time, they are not prepared to compromise on lifestyle and amenities, which the West has in spades – as well as value for money.
“There are really not many other areas where you can buy a home with four bedrooms, two lounges, a TV and entertainment room, kitchen, laundry, pool and lapa, plus a granny flat and huge carport on 1000sqm for R1,2 million.”
Van Loggerenberg buyers are snapping up family homes like this in West Rand hotspots as intermediate or “stepping stone” properties, enabling their current owners to upgrade to more upmarket homes in estates such as Featherbrooke. Prices in this luxury enclave bordering the botanical garden start at around R3 million and the top end are fast approaching R9 million.
“But it is the affordable homes that are attracting the most buyers at the moment. And with seven schools in the vicinity, good transport infrastructure and shopping centres such as Westgate and the new Cradle Stone Mall, nothing beats the Witpoortjie area for overall value.”
However, according to Ané Prinsloo, the Rawson franchisee for Krugersdorp, buyers are also uncovering good value in established suburbs such as Monument Park and Noordheuwel. “The real gems here are small houses on large stands that give first-time buyers the opportunity to enjoy home ownership now and room to build on and create a larger family home as time goes by.”
“These houses generally have spacious rooms and heritage features such as wooden floors and pressed ceilings. In Monument Park, stands can be as large as 2000sqm and prices range from R1 million to about R1,7 million at the top end. In Noordheuwel there is more variety, but R1,5 million will buy you a three bedroom home with a swimming pool and flatlet on a 1200sqm stand.”
She says it’s also a well-kept secret that areas such as Rant-en-Dal offer full title homes in estates where levies are affordable. “In addition you have the peace of mind of living in a security estate. Sunacres and C’est La Vie, for example, offer three bedroom units larger than the average house at prices upwards of R2,9 million including excellent finishes and gas appliances.”
“There is also a lot of choice in this area for entry-level buyers, with two bedroom townhouses with a garden on the market for R530 000 and three bedroom, two bathroom townhouses selling for around R875 000.”
Estelle Schutte, the Rawson franchisee for Helderkruin and Ruimsig, also reports excellent uptake of properties recently in the Ruimsig and Poortview areas. “The only challenge here at the moment is finding well-priced properties to sell. When we do, there is no resistance to purchase because this area has so much to offer.”
“The sweet spot for prices is between R1,5 million and R2,4 million, and the highest demand is for three bedroom, two bathroom security complex units with a small garden and double garage, of which there is a limited number in this area.”
She says the trend in her area is thus for buyers to start off in freehold homes and move into security complexes when affordability allows them to purchase a more expensive property. “The younger generation and first-time homebuyers are finding a lot of value in Helderkruin.”
“Other hotspots are Little Falls and Poortview, which offers beautiful country living close to the city with magnificent mountain views and a valley ambience to rival that of the Cape. The price range is wide here and homes are available at prices all the way up to R50 million. Excellent schools, an extensive public transport infrastructure and Monash University are added draw cards, as well as the Gateway School for learners with special needs.”
For more information visit www.rawson.co.za
