Quality properties and locality are attracting aspirant ‘Black Diamonds’ to the suburb of Hazeldene in Germiston. So says Simon Smith, Principal of Harcourts Full Circle which services the area.
According to Smith, demand is being driven largely by those working at the area’s large government establishments, specifically, the local municipality, Eskom and the new Germiston Hospital which are providing property subsidies. These are being put to good use in suburbs such as Hazeldene which offer great value for money explains Smith.
Hazeldene is one of Germiston’s most established suburbs characterised in the main by large freehold properties, many of which have been tastefully renovated and now boast upgraded bathrooms and kitchens and additional features such as pools and entertainment areas.
According to the latest Lightstone report on the area, 14 such homes sold in 2010 at an average price of R781 000 which Smith says was in line with the property price drop which occurred throughout the country at the time. To date, Lighstone statistics reflect that five freehold properties have sold at an improved average price of just over R1 million in 2012.
Smith adds that buyers can currently snag themselves truly “super” homes in Hazeldene right now and that the suburb arguably offers better value for money than nearby Bedfordview and Sunwood Park. What little Sectional Title property is available in Hazeldene last registered as selling at an average of R670 000 in 2010.
Locality aside, Hazeldene has other ‘pros’ working in its favour. A number of upmarket shopping centres such as Lambton Mall lie within close reach as do good schools including Colin Mann Primary, Delville Primary and Saint Catherine’s Dominican Convent. Pre-schools apparently aren’t in short supply either which no doubt appeals greatly to those with young families. According to Smith, the M2 and N17 highways can also be easily accessed from Hazeldene.
The nearby Germiston Lake which features a yacht club and City Lodge, the Germiston Country Club and Rand Airport also work in Hazeldene’s favour says Smith. The airport features a flying school, a popular restaurant and museum complete with a Boeing 747. According to Smith, pilots also tend to gravitate towards Hazeldene so as to be within close reach of their aircraft at the airport which is currently being upgraded.
Notes Smith: “Germiston’s new Black Diamonds have definitely tipped the scales in Hazeldene’s favour and we are pleased to say we are fielding queries for property in the area on an almost daily basis now. What is more is that we are also experiencing strong demand for rental properties in the area. Those who can’t secure finance still want to live in Hazeldene so that they can be close to work which they achieve through renting one of the suburb’s fine houses at between R6,500 and R10 000 pm.”