It’s widely held that there is little scope for small town values amid today’s fast-paced metropoles. Yet, Pretoria’s sprawling far north flies in the face of this theory. So says Brian Snooke, CEO of Pronamic Real Estate who explains that, despite its size and modern character, the area is imbued with a “platteland” feel.
Notes Snooke: “Having serviced the area for some time now, it’s clear that Pretoria’s northern residents are refreshingly close-knit. People greet each other in the streets, are friendly and make an effort to get to know their neighbours.”
Although regarded as a relatively new area, Pretoria north dates back to the late 20th Century, which may account for its old world charm. According to Snooke, the Sinovich Group, after which Sinoville is named, had a hand in many of the shopping centres and real estate developments in the area with some dating back as far back as 1894.
Much of the area is now modernised and development is continuing apace. Indeed, the area’s 32 suburbs have become a veritable hive of activity and have become very business-friendly, says Snooke.
Infrastructure, investment and development
“Over the past few years Pretoria’s northern reaches have really taken off. Business investment, particularly in the industrial, financial and car retail fields, has been facilitated in part by the establishment of good infrastructure, new shopping malls and business parks. The fact that OR Tambo International Airport and the Gautrain lie within fairly close reach also boosts the area’s appeal.”
Residential development in the area has geared up to the extent that these suburbs enjoy some of the best real estate capital growth in Pretoria, says Snooke. And properties in the area are moving fast with between 300 and 400 transactions taking place every month.
Snooke explains that demand for lock-up-and-go security complexes and lifestyle estates has outstripped demand for stand-alone freehold homes. That said, there is something for everyone with prices ranging from R350 000 to R12-million. On average, townhouses are selling for R850 000, and freehold homes are selling for around R1.3-million. The rental market is also buoyant, with the average rent now at around R5 500 monthly.
Amenities and compliments
And residents want for nothing. Schools are plentiful, hospitals lies within close reach and six large shopping malls cater for all retail needs. The area also plays host to a variety of historical attractions and regular organic and craft markets and community driven events.
Overall Pretoria’s far north appears to provide the best of both worlds – small town charm interlaced with all the mod cons of contemporary living. Visitors to the area seem to agree as evidenced by remarks left on Safarinow, Africa’s largest booking site.
Elizabeth Page-Loubser remarked: “Rietondale is tops! Who can boast that their park is absolutely safe to jog, boot camp and walk their dogs in at 7pm? Many sports events are held in Rietondale and one constantly sees fitness fanatics doing their thing.”
Similarly complimentary remarks were made about Annlin, Sinoville, Eersterust, Lyndopark, Weavind Park, Silverton and Queenswood.