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Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe Images: Supplied & Shutterstock

Most property specialists are optimistic that property prices and sales in South Africa will recover after the general elections in May this year. The current suggestion is that real-estate buyers who take the plunge now and buy while prices are still suppressed, will be rewarded with growth in value in the second half of the year.

That gives a possible answer to the question of when to buy. To answer the question of where to buy in Pretoria, several property experts share their views and experience with readers.

Pretoria East

In the popular eastern suburbs of the Jacaranda City, the leafy suburb of Faerie Glen where – according to Pam Golding Properties’ Pretoria regional executive Retha Schutte – 66% of sales are sectional title, is seen as being affordable and offering value for money. “Average prices start from R1,23m to R2m.”

Seeff’s MD in Pretoria East Gerhard van der Linde concurs and points out that “even though Faerie Glen is close to the focus development Menlyn Maine, it’s still a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood. The suburb offers affordable property options that are not easily attainable in adjacent suburbs”.

Both Schutte and Van der Linde list Moreleta Park as a popular affordable option as well. Says Van der Linde, “The suburb offers a lot to first-time buyers and is considered a great stepping stone for newcomers who wish to establish themselves as real-estate owners.”

According to Schutte, 64% of sales in this neighbourhood, seen as one of Pretoria’s largest, are sectional title. “Average prices start from R1,2m to R2,18m with affordability being the driver for demand. The oversupply of property stock on the market is driving prices down.”

Aspirational

Retha Schutte from Pam Golding Properties describes the suburbs below as not only tops, but as more favourable and aspirational than other Pretoria East suburbs.

First on her list is Waterkloof Ridge in Pretoria’s Old East (90% full title sales) with an average price starting from R3,925mn to R20m. “This is a well-located area with huge demand that exceeds available supply.”

Silver Lakes on the far eastern outskirts of the city (98% full title sales) currently reaches an average price of between R2,95m and R12m. “It offers a secure lifestyle with golf facilities, a private school and great value for money.”

Back to Waterkloof (97% full title sales), one of the oldest and most prestigious suburbs in Pretoria, Schutte says with average prices starting from R3,925m to R45m, this is an aspirational area and well situated. Demand exceeds supply in this suburb.”

Centurion

According to Steve van Wyk, Seeff’s MD in Centurion, the following are the suburbs to consider when buying property in the greater Centurion area.

Midstream Estate is favourably located on a stretch of beautiful countryside between Centurion and Midrand and is made up of several stylish upmarket residential estates suiting the needs of a variety of property owners, from first-time buyers to well-established high-income residents and retirees. “The estate has everything (schools, churches, shops and a hospital, among others) and offers property in a wide price range. The security factor is a major drawcard.”

He also mentions the affluent Centurion Golf Estate in the heart of Centurion. “This is a well-established estate – ranked as one of the top-five most secure estates in the country – and is close to all amenities.”

Residents still preferring a traditional, spacious property could consider a freehold property or plot in Wierda Park in the west of Centurion, says Van Wyk. “It’s an established suburb close to many good schools and it offers good returns.” Equally so does Lyttelton in central Centurion, while Rooihuiskraal to the southwest is a popular established middle-income suburb central to all amenities.

Highveld in the busy core of Centurion is a newer development, located centrally and offering good returns. “This neighbourhood boasts low crime rates, access to highways, good schools and amenities, and is predicted to become even more sought-after in future,” says Van Wyk.

Pretoria North East

This area northeast of the Magaliesberg mountain range alongside the well-known Sefako Magkato (previously Zambesi Drive), still offers well-priced, established properties with lush gardens and a lovely climate. According to Adrian Goslett, regional rirector and CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa, “Sinoville has experienced steady growth over the last year, climbing from a median price of R1,45m for a freehold property in 2017 to R1,599m for a freehold property in 2018. Interestingly, Lightstone’s figures reflect a drop in the total number of registrations in this area from 169 recorded transactions in 2017 to 126 recorded transactions in 2018.”

According to our own statistics for the year, the highest number of registered sales completed in 2018 were recorded in and around the suburbs of Constantia Park in Pretoria East, Sinoville, Faerie Glen, Mooikloof, and Arcadia
Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO, RE/MAX of Southern Africa

Trending

Mooikloof Equestrian Estate, The Hills (an eco-estate with wildlife), and other suburbs in Pretoria East that offer farm-style living within reach of the town centre, are proving to be popular options in this region.

New hub

Both Menlo Park and Brooklyn in the Old East are highly sought-after because of their location and proximity to the new Menlyn Hub and the University of Pretoria.

Starting up in the East

The relatively new suburb of Equestria appeals to start-up families and mostly comprises lock-up-and-go security estates and a location offering easy access to highways, main roads and comprehensive amenities.

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