Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe
Despite ongoing economic volatility and political uncertainty, property developers are of the opinion that no market ever is without opportunity.
The latest development trends in the residential property market in Pretoria’s sought-after far eastern suburbs, is a good example of creative ways to still encourage and attract first-time buyers, economically cautious buyers, the elderly, as well as investors (buy-to-let) to the real-estate market.
The focus of these developments is on offering as much luxury, convenience and add-ons as possible within a reasonably affordable middle-income price range. Often this is achieved by reducing floor size, stacking or clustering units and adding luxury communal trimmings. All of this, in a secure estate environment in a sought-after area can be very attractive to buyers in this market.
Lock up and go!
It’s fashionable to erect these apartment blocks in already existing luxury estates. The current talk-of-the-town is a condominium development called The Blyde which is situated inside Riverwalk Estate in Willow Park Manor between the old Bronkhorstspruit Road and the N4.
The Blyde is first in the city offering a beach-like Crystal Lagoons’ lagoon for an array of water sports and for the exclusive use of residents only. An on-site lifestyle centre includes a car wash (eco-friendly),a concierge service, cinema and games room, laundromat, restaurant and various sport facilities. The apartments come standard with free appliances and prepaid electricity. Apartment sizes range from one to three bedrooms and price accordingly from about R630,000 to R1,5m.
The Oval is a precinct of luxury apartment blocks situated in the exclusive The Hills Game Reserve Estate on Garsfontein Road extension (M30). There are one-, two- and three-bedroom, open-plan apartments ranging in design and priced from R860,000 to R1,566m. Residents have access to the 200ha private game reserve stocked with zebra and some species of antelope, as well as walking, mountain biking and game trails, all communal amenities and even a private school, namely Reddford House.
Lombardy Meander Lifestyle Estate is a trendy condominium development situated next to the upmarket Lombardy Estate. The estate is situated on Graham Road (Lynnwood Road extension) in the Shere area. The aim here was also to offer outstanding amenities and a luxury lifestyle at an acceptable middle-income price. The units include one-, two, or three bedrooms and sell from roughly R700,000 to R1,7m. The estate boasts its own communal amenities and is centrally located to the area’s retail, medical and educational facilities.
Settle
Glenway Estate is a new affordable full-title development on the far-flung north eastern corner of Pretoria, next to Mamelodi. Its location at the corner of Zambezi Drive and the Moloto Road (R573) offers easy access to various public transport systems. This development caters to households with a minimum combined income of around R19,000+ per month. The Tuscan style homes varies in size and price from about R520,000 to R730,000.
Bishop Rock and Fair Acres are new simplex-developments in Mooikloof Ridge overlooking a beautiful reserve. These developments offer several communal sport facilities and are of the few pet-friendly addresses. On average a 130m2 unit in Bishop Rock start at a price of about R1,17m and the same floor size at Fair Acres is priced from R1,26m upwards. Several of Pretoria East’s schools, hospitals, shopping centres are located conveniently close to these two developments.
Slowing down
Pretoria East boasts several established retirement facilities. Most of these are sold out. There are, however, several new developments on the market or in the making in this area with its well-established infrastructure and medical facilities close by. The new retirement villages offer stylish modern units and houses where seniors can live an untroubled life without compromising on their lifestyles.
Vergelegen Retirement Village in Equestria caters to over 50s to residents in need of frail care. The upmarket sectional title properties set against a beautiful garden backdrop and within immediate reach of health-care facilities, a community centre and am effective support system start selling at approximately R935,000.
The Retreat Retirement Estate located in sprawling Hazeldean Node offers beautifully designed homes and apartments with modern facilities like a lounge area, ladies bar, library room with internet facilities and much more. Frail care facilities and medical assistance is available on the premises. A wide range of housing options are available: a pretty bachelor apartment sells for just over R700,000, and two- and three-bedroom townhouses start at a selling price of just over R1,6m.
Condominium trends
- Make use of pre-paid utilities systems
- Offers internet connectivity
- Some includes household appliances like a dishwasher
- Includes shared lifestyle amenities
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
Benefits of estate living
- Creates a sense of community
- Security systems in place
- Offers lock-up-and-go lifestyle
- Sport and recreational facilities on site
- Walkability
Helpful links
bit.ly/22HnlE7
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bit.ly/2DI54Vo
bit.ly/2Qjrgfb
bit.ly/2KBebbW
bit.ly/2Bz5kod
