Woodmead in Johannesburg is reaping the benefits of having superior infrastructure and being located close to a number of highways.
That’s the news from Pat Dempster of Pam Golding properties which services the area.
Woodmead is located at Sandton’s periphery next to Sunninghill and Gallo Manor and although characterised in the main by commercial entities, it also plays host to a wide range of residential properties. The suburb’s position at the meeting point of the N1, N3 and M3 interchange is a primary driver behind its popularity as this enables easy and fast access to many of Johannesburg’s business hubs explains Dempster.
Dempster says it is also for this reason that residents tend to live in the area for many years as the area’s infrastructure and close proximity to major nodes greatly facilitates daily work commutes. The fact that Woodmead is somewhat commercially orientated has done little to detract from its residential appeal remarks Dempster. If anything, Woodmead is noted for its prettiness thanks in large part to the Johannesburg Country Club which features two championship 18 hole golf courses.
Also located within the club’s surrounds are a formal restaurant, coffee shop, a driving range, pro shop, squash courts, sauna and walking trails. The Woodmead golf course is famous for its dogleg right 389 metre par four 7th hole known as ‘the Gobbler’ after the thicket that claims so many golf balls.
One of Woodmead’s most exclusive residential developments, Khyber Rock, borders the country club. Freehold properties at this gated development can sell in excess of R15m says Dempster. These properties are exceptional though she notes with the average freehold Woodmead home currently selling for around R2, 7m.
Entry level Woodmead properties can be bought for just under R1m with many typically taking the form of Sectional Title properties. Indeed, according to the latest Lightstone report on the area, Woodmead’s Sectional Title properties account for roughly 34 percent of the market. The same report states that the average Sectional Title home is currently selling for R975 000. Interestingly, Dempster says that a significant instance of refurbishment is currently taking place at many of Woodmead’s Sectional Title complexes.
“Those with families tend to find Woodmead highly appealing,” adds Dempster. “It’s well established and lies within close proximity of a number of good schools including Rivonia Primary, Crawford Village, Red Hill and King David Primary. Petervale Clinic, Sandton Clinic and the Wendywood Clinic are also easily accessible as is the airport.”
Retail wise, residents are spoilt for choice says Dempster. Sandton City, Rivonia, Vodaworld and the sizeable Woodmead retail park all lie but a stone’s throw away.
“Overall Woodmead plays host to a nice spread of properties and people and is performing to expectations given current economic conditions. Notably, although already popular, Woodmead’s popularity will no doubt only increase in the near future as Waterfall Estate, a mixed used ‘super’ estate which borders Woodmead is taking shape and is causing a lot of buzz.”