Located near Boksburg, Witfield is a well-established suburb which has pros and cons working in its favour. Arguably the primary drawback which puts some potential buyers off is the fact that an informal settlement named ‘Angelo’ has taken root in nearby Lilianton.
But Lester, a realtor in the area, says that much of the negativity associated with the settlement is imagined as opposed to having any real basis. “The majority of the people who live at Angelo have moved there simply because it is close to the local railway station and their places of work in the East Rand. Very few crime related issues have arisen from the settlement. Indeed, crime seems to be more of an issue in other East Rand suburbs.”
Be that as it may, Witfield’s popularity has taken a bit of a knock in recent times. However, while some buyers have vetoed the area, others are flocking to it says Lester. And there are numerous reasons for doing so.
Witfield is conveniently situated. It lies within close proximity of East Rand Mall, ‘The Square’ shopping centre and the K90 shopping centre as well as a number of major business nodes. The suburb also serves as a feeding zone for Marylands Pre Primary School, Witfield Laerskool, Wit Deep Primary School and Goudrif High School.
“And buyers typically get more house for their money in Witfield than they would elsewhere,” says Lester. The majority of Witfield’s properties are of the typical freehold persuasion which, according to the latest Lightstone report on the area and Lester, are selling at between R500 000 and R600 000.
Interestingly, properties in a pocket of Witfield referred to as ‘The Musical’ (so named for the streets in the area which are named after great composers) are selling for far more than the average says Lester. Here, properties are selling from R950 000 to R1, 2m. Lester attributes The Musical’s popularity to the fact that it features more upmarket homes and the fact that the area has been boomed off.
In point of fact, many aspire to live in Witfield explains Lester. Residents from Delmore Park and Reiger Park regularly upgrade to Witfield and many established Witfield residents make a point of staying in the area and simply buy and sell property in Witfield as their needs dictate.
In terms of the property market on a broader scale, Witfield’s Sectional Title properties are currently selling for around R763 000 on average and there is plenty of activity occurring says Lester. Lightstone statistics lend credence to this statement. In 2011, 30 freehold properties were sold in Witfield alongside 48 Sectional Title properties.
Other plus points working in Witfield’s favour are the Witfield Dam which Lester says is incredibly appealing and acts as a social hub. The suburb also plays host to a large Spar, chemists, tennis courts and Witfield stalwart Dr Diab who owns medical rooms in the area.