This area in Joburg is attracting strong property developer interest
The current resurgence in residential and commercial market activity in Midrand has highlighted the area’s desirability as the place to live, invest and work, with agents reporting a notable spike in first-time buyers and investors, says Grahame Diedericks, manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the area.
He said that Lightstone data clearly reflects the strength of Midrand’s market. “Although the impact of the pandemic somewhat subdued activity, it fared considerably better than many other areas in Gauteng with ongoing development and steady sales during the past year as well as an increase in median prices across the board.
“Lightstone data reveals that median selling prices rose significantly this year with sectional title prices increasing from R740,000 to R899,000 and freehold prices from R826,000 to R1.2 million.
“However, the most telling indicator has been a jump in the median value of vacant land, which has increased steadily from R361,000 in 2017 to R2 million by July 2021.”
Diedericks attributes the market’s stability during challenging times to several key factors, including the diversity of property on offer, its central location equidistant to Pretoria and Johannesburg and ongoing commercial development.
“Buyers have an extensive choice of residential property, from very accessibly priced apartments and modern sectional title developments to upmarket gated communities and luxurious, state-of-the-art homes in secure gated communities like Steyn City Parkland Residence and Waterfall.
“Extensive commercial development in the area has also attracted many new residents who not only want to live near work but are also drawn by the fact that they can get more bang for their buck than in Johannesburg’s more established northern suburbs.”
Diedericks added that the area’s central location has also spurred a growing number of businesses, including corporate headquarters, to move into Midrand’s commercial node from both Sandton and Pretoria and it’s also home to large-scale industries such as textiles and motor vehicles.
“In addition to the accessibility for employees from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand also offers a wide range of commercial property options, especially for companies which are downsizing at the moment, whether it be for financial reasons or because of increased remote working.
“And, with the upgrade of convenience centres such as Kyalami on Main and Crowthorne Shopping Centre, the development of Kyalami Corner and the ever-expanding Mall of Africa and surrounding Waterfall Centres have, Midrand has become one of Johannesburg’s shopping and lifestyle hotspots.”
Diedericks said that with all the world-class amenities now in Midrand as well as a burgeoning commercial sector, it’s no surprise that, according to Lightstone’s buyer demographic, 91% of all recent buyers are aged 49 or younger.
“The most active market right now is the mid-level R1.8 million to R2.8 million price band with a recent spike in luxury property queries, especially in the Waterwall precinct favoured for its location and unrivalled amenities and both Kyalami and Waterfall estates are especially popular in the rental sector,” said Diedericks.
“And, the fact that there were 637 repeat sales during the last three months alone highlights the fact that Midrand, in general, is great value for money as well as a solid investment, but the old adage ‘location, location, location’ still applies.
“Do a little homework and get to know the different areas with regards to convenience, amenities, schools, surrounding developments, both current and future and also find out what the market in your wants if you are looking at investment properties, both residential and commercial.”
In recent years, Midrand has become a key growth point in Gauteng, largely driven by the rampant commercial and residential development, affordable quality homes across all sectors and its central location with the Gautrain offering easy access to Johannesburg and Pretoria, said Diedericks.
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