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, record numbers of buyers in Gauteng have been striking while the iron is hot. These are a few of the hotspots they can’t seem to get enough of.

Kyalami Estate

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 really 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 R900k all the way to R55million. Demand is highest for one- and two-bedroomed investment properties and 3-bedroomed family homes in security estates.

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 Sales Partner 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 R2.5million to R3.5million, with larger properties selling between R6million and R8million. 

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 R1.2million and R2.5million, and properties in security estates between R2.5million and R3.5million,” 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 R1.5million.

“We are experiencing stock shortages, but expect that to change when the interest rates start to rise again, creating more balance between buyers and sellers,” says Lombard.