Top 5 popular suburbs in SA
Category News: Economy
When looking at the South African property market, certain provinces tend to be more popular among buyers than others.
This eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom home in Fourways offers a lapa overlooking pool and good security. It is selling for R4.35 million
The latest National Housing Report reveals that for the fourth quarter of 2022, the Western Cape and Gauteng ranked in the top positions among browsers.
According to the report, Parklands in the Western Cape was the most searched-for suburb. This was followed by Faerie Glen and then Fourways in Gauteng. Bloubergstrand and Table View in the Western Cape placed fourth and fifth respectively.
These statistics mirror national trends. In a recent newsletter, Lightstone Property reported that the Top Ten suburbs by transaction volume for 2021 were all situated in either Gauteng or the Western Cape. In the Lightstone report, Faerie Glen placed fifth, while Table View and Parklands placed seventh and eighth respectively.
This newly-renovated home in Faerie Glen has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. It is on the market for R4.32 million
The three suburbs in the Western Cape that featured in our Top Five searched suburbs are popular areas as they tend to offer more affordable housing options compared to the other beachfront suburbs that are so appealing to those who are semigrating from landlocked provinces such as Gauteng.
Fourways and Faerie Glen remain popular options for Gauteng buyers and these suburbs regularly feature in the Top Five Suburbs in the National Housing Reports. These suburbs are well-established, desirable markets within in Johannesburg and Pretoria respectively. Both are situated near to the city centres and cater to a wide range of buyers.
Fourways
Popular price band in the area fall around the R1.2 million price point for sectional title, two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes; and around R2.5 million for cluster or free standing homes.
This home in Fourways offers six bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms and is close to schools. It is on the market for R3.2 million.
Some of the main drawcards to Fourways are its many security estates, dog parks, parks for running/walking, as well as Lonehill dam and picnic spots. Some of the best schools, from pre-primary to High School, are in the area, including Crawford and Fourways High. The area is also a shopping mecca, with trendy restaurants and Monte Casino is only a hop and a skip away," Goodford.
Well priced 3-bedroom, pet friendly homes with a garden are in high demand currently. But there is a wide variety of stock available in the area. We currently have 125 units for sale starting from R650 000 for a one-bed to R17 325 000 for luxury homes. Commercial properties at very good investment prices are also available in this area.
There are currently 181* new property listings in Fourways, according to Property24 Trends Data with the average asking price for the area being R2.335 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R2.65 million while Section Scheme Units for the same period is about R1.975 million.
The latest residential listings on Property24 show that two-bedroom homes are most widely available, at an average list price of R1.09 million. Sellers in the area fall within the 50-64-years or older (30%), while 54% of buyers fall within 36-49-years age group.
Parklands
It is difficult to determine which price bands are most popular as the Parklands suburbs covers all price bands - that's why it's so popular. I would say that the main demand is from around R2 million and above.
This home in Parklands has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a pool. It is selling for R2.55 million.
Some of the main benefits of Parklands and surrounds are the many nearly new homes in the area, with modern finishes, excellent value, and smaller gardens/erf size so ideal for families who don't want the upkeep of large gardens. It is also a quick drive to the beach and awesome shopping malls. The schools in the area also have a great reputation. Transport is easy with access to the MyCiti bus route
The trends in these areas include a demand for homes with a home office, space for dual family living, or properties with an extra flatlet to rent out for rental income. In the cheaper price range, there are some great starter homes and great value for investors.
Parklands has currently 173* new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data with the average asking price for the area being R1.3 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R1.75 million while Section Scheme Units for the same period is about R950 000.
Faerie Glen
Faerie Glen in Pretoria East is one of those suburbs with a lot to offer, even while still flying slightly under the radar. In January 2022, Faerie Glen received over 308 000 views on Property24 and an overall 760 266 pageviews for the 3-month period between November 2021 to January 2022.
This four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home in Faerie Glen is selling for R5.6 million.
Faerie Glen has currently 112* new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data with the average asking price for the area being R1.99 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R2.26 million while Section Scheme Units for the same period is about R1.35 million.
Bloubergstrand
In January 2022, Bloubergstrand received over 139 542 views on Property24 and an overall 338 925 page views for the 3-month period between November 2021 to January 2022.
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Bloubergstrand has a spacious balcony with coastline and mountain views and private garden. It is on the market for R10.9 million
Bloubergstrand has currently 18* new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data with the average asking price for the area being R3.541 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R6.137 million while Section Scheme Units for the same period is about R2.333 million.
Table View
In January 2022, Table View received over 390 000 views on Property24 and an overall 977 970 pageviews for the 3-month period between November 2021 to January 2022.
Nestled on the Table View side of Flamingo Vlei, this home offers three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, an undercover patio and large pool. It is selling for R4.795 million
Bloubergstrand has currently 117* new property listings according to Property24 Trends Data with the average asking price for the area being R2.1 million. The average sale price per erf for 2021 was about R2 million while Section Scheme Units for the same period is about R1.36 million.
Surprisingly, KwaZulu-Natal did not feature in the fourth quarter's Top Five last year. In previous Housing Reports, Musgrave in KZN featured in the Top Five Suburbs on more than one occasion and Essenwood in KZN also made an appearance.
KwaZulu-Natal is rising in popularity among buyers, especially as more and more developments occur within the province. I would not be surprised if, in time, this province will feature more regularly among the top searched suburbs within South Africa.
For investors who are not afraid to purchase outside of their own regions, knowing which suburbs are most popular in the country helps to clarify which offer the best opportunity for solid returns. Those who are looking for popular suburbs within their own province should consult a local real estate professional who can advise on the latest trends within specific areas.
Author: Gilles De Montille
