Joburg and Pretoria offer considerable property value for family buyers

Good-sized family homes and access to good schools and amenities are usually a priority for family buyers, according to estate agents from the Seeff Property Group.

In Gauteng, the large metro areas of Johannesburg and surrounds, as well as the greater Pretoria area, attract the largest volume of residential sales, the majority being family homes. Based on Lightstone data, the average price of a freehold house across the Gauteng metros is around R1.3m and higher, depending on the area. For example, in the Randburg area, it is around R1.8m, depending on the suburbs, and around R3.3m in Sandton. Luxury family houses tend to sell for between R4m to R12m on average.

Randburg is a particularly popular area with mid-market family buyers. Duane Butler, licensee for Seeff Randburg, says the good news is that it is still largely a favourable market for buyers, and there is a good selection of properties on the market. There are many willing sellers, although there is no room for bargain hunting.

The choice of suburbs and family homes and access to good schools, universities and tertiary institutions are big drivers of the demand. Residents also enjoy access to excellent amenities with many people able to live and work in the area. The upside for buyers, is that price growth has been minimal over the last two years which offers an unprecedented opportunity for buyers to find good value in the market, says Butler.

Suburbs such as Weltevredenpark, Wilgeheuwel and Allens Nek are particularly family friendly, and offer good value with prices starting from around R650,000 for a sectional title properties, and from R1.2m to R1.8m on average for houses.

Randpark Ridge, Weltevredenpark and Sundowner offer family homes from around R1.7m to R2.2m on average. For upper income family buyers there are also a choice of luxury homes in suburbs such as Northcliff, Ferndale and Quellerina. These homes usually have entertainment areas, large gardens and swimming pools and sell for around R3m to R8m on average.

Caroline Nixon, an estate agent with Seeff Sandton says estates have become a top choice for families looking for good security, a better quality lifestyle, and access to good schools. Dainfern Golf Estate, Helderfontein Estate and Fourways Gardens are good investments for family buyers.

The most active price range in these estates is around R5.5m to R8m. Amenities such as sport facilities, club houses and open areas for walking and leisure add to the attraction. Additionally, there is the Dainfern College located in Dainfern Estate, and Reddam House in Helderfontein Estate.

Dainfern is a large and established estate, popular with families and golfers. She says houses are often older which is great for buyers to remodel, upgrade and extend. Prices are around R6.5m on average.

Fourways Gardens is another popular estate with families and golfers, and also offers older houses ideal for renovation, priced on average around R5.5m. The nearby suburb of Beverley with an average price of R3.5moffers smaller estates and complexes, again with excellent potential for family buyers and access to schools such as Crawford College.

The Johannesburg South area is particularly sought-after for its good value. Suzanne Ridolfi, licensee for Seeff Southcrest says areas such as South Crest, Alberton North, Elandspark and surrounds offer great value and good access to schools for family buyers. You can find excellent value in the R900,000 to R1.5m range. There’s also a choice of spacious family homes, often with a swimming pool, priced up to around R2.8m in areas such as Glenvista, South Crest, New Redruth and Alberton North.

Dave Ingle, licensee for Seeff Edenvale and Bedfordview says the Edenvale area is a popular choice with families, and there is a large choice of security estates and sectional title complexes, along with freestanding family homes, many with swimming pools. Close proximity to the airport and various business and industrial areas on the East Rand, makes it ideal for many buyers. Amenities abound including plenty of public and private schools as well as leisure and sport facilities.

Bedfordview is more suited to upper income family buyers with a choice of luxury homes in the R3m to R5m price bands. There are also super luxury homes, priced upwards of R10 to around R40m the top end.

Centurion is another popular area for family buyers. Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion says the market is favourable for buyers. Great areas for families include Midstream Estate, Amberfield and Centurion Golf Estate. Midstream Estate is particularly popular and offers a village lifestyle with modern homes and added amenities including schools. Full title homes sell for around R3m to about R18m for a super luxury home.

Amberfield offers more affordability and is ideal for mid-market family buyers with prices from around R800,000 for a small sectional title home and three bedroomed properties from R1.7m for a duet, and R1.9m upwards for a freehold house. The estate is close to main roads and boasts a new private school.

Centurion Golf Estate is particularly attractive to families and golfers, offering luxury homes in the R3.5m to R4.5m range up to R7m on the golf course or close to the clubhouse. There are also more affordable three-bedroomed sectional title homes from around R2.4m. The estate offers excellent proximity to public and private schools such as Southdown College and Cornwall Hill College.

Pretoria East is also offering excellent opportunities for property buyers right now, says Gerhard van der Linde, managing director for Seeff Pretoria East. Conditions are still favouring buyers and the area is particularly popular with family buyers due to excellent schools and proximity to the University of Pretoria.

The eastern side of Pretoria is renowned for its tranquil Jacaranda-lined roads lined with stunning family homes and a large selection of complexes, gated communities and estates and luxury lifestyle estate. Popular family suburbs include Waterkloof, Lynnwood, Woodhill and Mooikloof, says van der Linde. Luxury homes tend to sell in the R3m to R8m range.

Writer: Gina Meintjes