Estate agents talk about the type of property available in Garsfontein in Pretoria East, and why buyers are attracted to this area.
What attracts buyers to Garsfontein?
Garsfontein is an eclectic mix of old and new. It is well situated, close to popular shopping centres and well serviced by public transport, with easy access to the N1 and N4 highways, as well as the CBD. It has several good schools such as Hoërskool Garsfontein, renowned for sports and academic achievements. The suburb has many retirement villages and is close to Netcare Pretoria East and Life Faerie Glen hospitals. Garsfontein has a great sense of community and security with the neighbourhood watch working closely with the local police. Construction of an entertainment complex on the outskirts of the suburb is expected to have a positive impact on property prices.
Tony Crofford: Area specialist for Garsfontein, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
How has Garsfontein changed over the past five years?
Garsfontein has been a built-up area for many years making it safe and is becoming increasingly popular with younger property buyers who are newly married or have young children. Jacqueline Drive has become business oriented with mainly businesses now occupying the properties, and St Peter’s Garden Estate retirement development there too. Eastdale Pavilion Shopping Centre, Woodhill Park Centre and Marilyn Square have been upgraded. There are now a number of surveillance cameras, security vehicles patrolling the area, and community patrols during the day and night in parts of Garsfontein. Hoërskool Garsfontein and Laerskool Garsfontein have become sought-after schools with many parents wanting their children to attend these schools.
Kim Isherwood: Estate agent at Aida
What types of properties are typically available in Garsfontein?
Garsfontein comprises 5,876 properties of which 5,58% are free standing in estates, 2,94% are sectional title schemes in estates, 50,97% are free standing and 40,50% are sectional title schemes. In 2016 the average selling prices of sectional scheme properties were R865,000, while free standing properties averaged R1,695m. The number of sectional schemes sold this year was 75 units, while 169 units were sold last year. About 66 free standing properties were sold this year and 152 free standing units were sold last year. Property sales in Garsfontein from 2010 have remained stable, but value for sectional schemes has increased with 23%, while free standing properties have increased by 47%.
Luzanne Louw: Sales partner at Rawson Properties Woodlands
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
