Entry-level property from R800k in prestigious Bryanston

Often regarded as a reliable barometer of the general property market in Northern Johannesburg, Bryanston has shown in recent years that not only can it hold its value during times of economic downturn, it can also lead the way in changing trends.

This six bedroom, three bathroom home for sale in Bryanston has open-plan living areas, and is set on a 3 635sqm erf. The property includes a double storey flatlet, and has a swimming pool and borehole. The house is selling for R3.85 million - click here to view.

This is according to Lew Geffen, Chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, who says Bryanston is traditionally regarded as the domain of the wealthy, with a property landscape dominated by expansive family homes on generous erven.

However, he says over the past decade the residential component has changed exponentially, and Bryanston now offers accessible entry-level prices which start at around R800 000.

“Well-priced sectional title and cluster homes now allow first-time buyers and young families to invest in the area, while those seeking more luxurious country-style living still have their pick of gracious homesteads.”

Manuela Coelho, Area Specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says depending on the property’s location and finishes, a freestanding house or cluster home in Bryanston can be bought for anywhere between R3.5 million and R50 million.

“Prices are most reasonable in the extensions, and areas such as Bryanston Extensions 5 and 8, Beverley Gardens, Vandia Grove, Klevehill and Petervale offer all the advantages of Bryanston proper, but they’re more affordable and many of them are buffered from the highway, which means less noise.”

Set on a 5 745sqm erf, this Bryanston home has five double bedroom suites and four reception rooms. The property includes staff quarters, four garages and a swimming pool. It is on sale for R28 million - click here to view.

Coelho says the lower- to mid-segments of the market are most active, but there is often a shortage of available properties as they tend to be snapped up as soon as they hit the market.

According to Lightstone, in the year to November 2014, there were 263 new registrations of sectional title homes to a total value of R374 million, while only 36 estate homes and seven freehold residences were registered during this period.

Coelho says she believes that the changing face of Bryanston has not only benefited the market, but has also resulted in a vibrant and dynamic suburb which has not only retained its exclusivity, but remains one of the most lucrative areas in the country, offering excellent investment returns.

“One of the most noticeable effects of this transformation has been the change in demographics, and Bryanston is now home to an eclectic range of residents across all age groups and races, with more than 40% of investors now being young professionals.”

However, Coelho says Bryanston’s main appeal factors include its sense of tradition and strong sense of community, so you will find that many of the younger buyers grew up in the area and are returning to raise their own families, with their children most likely attending the same schools as their parents.

This two bedroom, one bathroom apartment selling in Bryanston is situated in a 24-hour security complex, and has open-plan living areas and one covered parking. The flat is on the market for R850 000 - click here to view.

Other distinct drawcards include excellent amenities and sporting facilities, numerous exceptional schools and close proximity to South Africa’s financial powerhouse, the Sandton CBD, as well as several office parks and business centres, including The Campus in the heart of Bryanston, which houses corporations like Shell and Dimension Data.

Coelho says that the suburb’s accent on security is especially appealing to families and, as one of the first Johannesburg areas to establish a coordinated community block watch and policing forums, Bryanston has succeeded in creating an environment which fosters a close-knit community where neighbours who grew up together now watch their grandchildren play together.

Boasting more than half a dozen upmarket shopping centres, an array of outstanding restaurants and a country club with an 18-hole golf course, squash and tennis courts and a bowling green, everything residents could need is right on their doorstep.

Originally more farmland than suburb, most of Bryanston’s signature three to six acre plots have now been significantly reduced to acre plots or even smaller, with many rambling homes making way for modern developments.