Wealthy South Africans flooding to estates in these two areas

Wealthy homebuyers are increasingly flocking to estates in Pretoria East and Centurion, drawn by the promise of security, luxury, and access to top-tier amenities.

According to property experts from Seeff Properties, these two areas have become hotspots for affluent buyers seeking exclusive lifestyle estates.

In Pretoria East, estate living has seen a surge in demand, with properties commanding prices between R5 million and R18 million this year, notes Gerhard van der Linde, Managing Director of Seeff Pretoria East.

Despite South Africa’s challenging economic environment, the property market in this region has remained resilient.

Seeff’s agents have been remarkably active, concluding 61 transactions worth over R156 million in just two months.

Broader market data from Lightstone reveals that 20,626 property transactions valued at over R25.3 billion were recorded across the Tshwane Metro, with an average price of R1.228 million.

Estates accounted for 16% of these transactions, highlighting their growing appeal.

While homes priced between R3 million and R5 million dominate the market, high-value estate properties exceeding R5 million have also recorded notable sales.

Buyers are drawn to estates for their robust security, sense of community, and access to recreational facilities, open spaces, and top-performing schools.

This combination of features makes estate living highly desirable, especially in Pretoria East’s premium estates. The most sought-after estates include:

• Woodhill Golf Estate, where properties fetched up to R10.5 million.

• Silver Lakes Golf Estate, with several homes sold for over R10 million, reaching a peak of R18 million.

• Mooikloof Residential Estate, with sales up to R16 million.

• Other high-demand estates include The Hills Game Reserve (R8.4 million), Silverwoods Country Estate (R7 million), The Wilds Estate (R9 million), Lombardy Estate (R10.5 million), and Mooikloof Heights Estate (R7.75 million).

Pretoria East’s appeal is further bolstered by its status as a diplomatic and business hub, housing many foreign embassies and consulates.

The area also ranks among Africa’s wealthiest cities, with 2,100 high-net-worth individuals residing here.

Affluent suburbs such as Waterkloof and Waterkloof Ridge, along with luxury estates like Silver Lakes and Woodhill, have cemented Pretoria East’s reputation as a premier residential area.

Additionally, high-end estates have seen robust rental demand, with monthly rates reaching up to R80,000.

Centurion, meanwhile, has emerged as another favourite destination for wealthy homebuyers. Known for its security, lifestyle, and golf estates, Centurion caters to buyers in the R3 million to R4.5 million range, with top-end properties exceeding R10 million.

Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion, highlights several in-demand estates:

• Southdowns Estate, Copper Leaf, Centurion Golf Estate, and Cornwall Hill have witnessed the highest volume of sales.

• Blue Valley Golf Estate, featuring a Gary Player-designed golf course, offers homes priced between R3.3 million and R7 million and was one of the top-performing estates last year.

• Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, also with a Gary Player course, boasts properties ranging from R6.5 million to an astonishing R67 million, earning its place among South Africa’s premier estates, according to New World Wealth.

Centurion’s Midstream Estates stands out for its family-friendly environment, encompassing schools, shopping centres, medical facilities, and more.

Often likened to a self-sufficient suburb, it attracts younger buyers under 50, with homes starting at R3 million.

Similarly, Thatchfield Residential Estate caters to middle-class buyers with three-bedroom homes priced from R1.5 million.

With amenities such as a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and jogging trails, it appeals to families and first-time buyers alike.

This growing preference for estate living underscores a significant trend among South Africa’s affluent homebuyers.

Whether it’s the prestige of Pretoria East’s luxurious estates or the diverse offerings of Centurion’s lifestyle enclaves, these areas continue to attract those seeking a blend of exclusivity, comfort, and security.

Read: New reality for homebuyers and sellers in South Africa