New upmarket residential development in Illovo

Illovo’s growing reputation as one of the most desirable corporate addresses in Johannesburg is spurring the demand for luxury residential accommodation in the area, with the newest development being 70 Melville Road, situated in the hub of the suburb’s commercial node.

The ultra-modern 70 Melville Road comprises 76 luxury one, two and three bedroom units, duplexes and opulent double volume three bedroom penthouse apartments.

This is according to Di Kuhlenthal, New Developments Specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, who says 70 Melville Road offers investors the definitive upmarket urban lifestyle.

The prestigious, ultra-modern sectional title complex comprises 76 luxury one, two and three bedroom units, duplexes and opulent double volume three bedroom penthouse apartments, says Kuhlenthal.

Offering double volume Manhattan-style loft living with floor to ceiling windows, she says the apartments are designed to be light and airy.

“70 Melville Road offers investors a secure luxury lifestyle with all the amenities they would expect, including 24-hour security, ample secure parking, a well-equipped gym, swimming pool, concierge services and conference facilities.”

Units are priced form R3 million to R30 million, and are due to be launched for sale off-plan in August. Buyers will have the opportunity to choose from a preselected range of top-class finishes.

According to Lew Geffen, Chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, because of its strategic position, Illovo has in recent years become a sought-after mixed-use node in the northern development corridor of Johannesburg, attracting blue chip corporate tenants to the popular area.

“Illovo was traditionally regarded as a young, trendy area inhabited by the arty set, but the demographic has begun to change dramatically, and the area is now attracting young corporate professionals seeking an upmarket and secure lock-up and go lifestyle, as well as older couples looking to scale down,” says Geffen.

Due to be launched for sale off-plan in August, buyers will have the opportunity to choose from a preselected range of top-class finishes, as well as the option of nabbing one of the limited butler suites available.

The development will take two years to complete from when it breaks ground.

“With young professionals under the age of 35 now accounting for half the buyers in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, 70 Melville is perfectly placed in the market,” says Kuhlenthal.

“The upper floors of 70 Melville Road will also offer residents spectacular views, and on a clear day they will be able to see as far as the Magaliesberg Mountains,” says Kuhlenthal.

While placed at the upper end of the market, she says there is a wide choice available to buyers, with prices ranging between R3 million and R30 million.

“With young professionals under the age of 35 now accounting for half the buyers in the northern suburbs, 70 Melville is perfectly placed in the market,” says Kuhlenthal.

“The one bedroom apartments are ideal for the young executives with a busy lock-up and go lifestyle, while the two bedroom apartments are ideal for young families and retired couples.”

According to Kuhlenthal, Illovo’s central location is the suburb’s main drawcard, driving the thriving development and growth of the past decade.

“The one bedroom apartments are ideal for the young executives with a busy lock-up and go lifestyle, while the two bedroom apartments are ideal for young families and retired couples,” says Kuhlenthal.

“Illovo is right in the heart of the northern suburbs, bordered by Hyde Park, Sandhurst, Rosebank and Melrose and just a short drive from Sandton, the country’s financial district, which is easily accessed by hopping on the Gautrain Bus, which stops at 70 Melville Road.”

She says 70 Melville Road is also a stone’s throw from Illovo’s Fricker Road, a well-managed, prominent business precinct with its own infrastructure boasting a high-quality tenant profile.

“In addition it’s only a block away from St David’s College, and within walking distance of Summer Place, the exclusive event and function venue.”

Other esteemed neighbours include the Wanderer’s Stadium, the home of cricketing in South Africa, and Wanderers Golf Club, which offers a pristine 18-hole course in the heart of the city.