Demand for popular Pretoria residential estates remains high

“Higher income earners within the Pretoria region are tending to seek properties which offer a secure lifestyle in leafy surroundings combined with maximum possible convenience,” says Schutte. “They want to live closer to nature, but at the same time be able to enjoy the conveniences of modern life.”

It is these kinds of needs and desires that continue to drive ongoing demand for homes in residential estates in areas such as Blue Valley, Midstream, Country Lane and Cornwall, where property investments remain remarkably ‘recession proof’. Situated further south is Irene Farm Villages, which was rated third top performer in the Pretoria region in the 2015 Financial Mail national property survey. Irene Farm Villages has shown a five-year house price appreciation figure (2010-2015) of 158%.

Capital appreciation

“This is a most impressive mid-term capital appreciation, and there are a number of good reasons for it. These include the fact that the estate offers a secure lifestyle, is well situated and run, and residents greatly appreciate its village-type atmosphere of old," notes Schutte.

“The net result is that house-proud residents tend to hang on to their properties, and there is ongoing demand for homes in the estate. According to property research company Lightstone, only 22% of the properties in the estate have been owned for five years and less, which indicates a high level of stability.”

Pam Golding Properties sales and rental agent, Peter Varrie, points out that Irene Farm Villages - which contains a total of 651 properties - is conveniently situated between Pretoria, Midrand, Johannesburg and the OR Tambo International Airport. It also offers residents easy access to a number of major roads and motorways, including the R21 highway.

Conservation areas

“While it is situated within the heart of Gauteng, it is decidedly tranquil. Due to a number of carefully managed parklands and conservation areas, the estate still has an abundant bird and animal life. Scrub hares, duiker, mongoose and a variety of birds are regularly seen.

“There is an active indigenous tree planting programme that is ensuring the rapid development of woodlands. In addition, the estate has magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and residents are treated to beautiful sunsets,” says Varrie.

Homes in the area fetch between R2.6m and R6m; the latter a record price that was achieved by Pam Golding Properties last year. Lightstone places the average valuation of homes in the estate at R3.1m as at April 2016. Residents are mostly younger to middle-aged professionals, executives and entrepreneurs.