Johannesburg’s Eagle Canyon Golf Estate in demand

Perfectly located in the burgeoning north-west quadrant of the Johannesburg metro, the Eagle Canyon Golf Estate must now rank as one of the best-performing gated developments in South Africa.

This is according to Tim Crawford, the local Rawson Property Group franchisee, who says while the annual number of sales over the past few years has fluctuated, home values in this area have climbed steadily since the estate was launched 10 years ago, and the average house price has risen by 49% in the past five years to R5.2 million currently.

“In fact, according to property data company, Lightstone, there have been 103 freehold homes sold in the estate over the past 12 months, and more than half (57) of these transactions have taken place at an average price of R5.7 million.

“What is more, the prices of homes currently on the market range all the way up to R20.5 million, which will buy you a six bedroom, five bathroom mansion offering golf course and mountain views.”

Meanwhile, Crawford says the average price of sectional title properties on the estate has more than doubled since the first apartment and townhouse developments were sold in 2006.

“At the moment, the average price of the two and three bedroom apartments being marketed is R1.6 million, while townhouses are selling at prices between R1.9 million and R4.5 million.”

Developed across 300ha of land that once housed a granite and sand quarry, the Eagle Canyon estate boasts varied topography that makes for some magnificent views, an 18-hole ‘Colorado links’ golf course, an impressive range of onsite services and amenities and a top-of-the-range security system.

However, he says its location in Honeydew Manor is the factor that has boosted property demand in this area and set it apart from so many other gated estates in terms of sustained capital growth.

“This area used to be thought of as a ‘country escape’ as it was comprised mainly of smallholdings and stables, with the occasional nursery, farm stall and Sunday favourite restaurant in the mix,” he says.

“However, the rapid expansion of the metro over the past 20 years means it is now completely built up, and well-situated in terms of access to the Sandton CBD, which is the financial heart of SA, as well as Lanseria International Airport, which is increasingly popular among business travellers."

Crawford says the Roodepoort, Randburg, Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria business nodes are also all easily accessible from Eagle Canyon via the freeway network. There is also a selection of good state and private schools in the area, including Appleton College, Boskop Primary, Curro Aurora, the Charter House schools and the Trinity House schools.

There are several shopping centres within easy reach of the estate, including the Honeydew Shopping Centre on Beyers Naude Drive and Cradlestone Mall. Many restaurants and fast-food outlets are nearby, while the private Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital is on the doorstep, he says.

Leisure facilities in the area include the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, the world-famous Lion Park and the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, as well as the Ramkietjie Country Market that takes place once a month.

“And of course, Eagle Canyon residents also have a wide range of activities to choose from in the estate itself. The top-rated golf course plays along the top of the canyon over and around water features, and is overlooked by a splendid clubhouse housing a restaurant, bar lounge, viewing terrace, gymnasium, day spa and pro-shop,” says Crawford.

“The estate also has a driving range and a golf academy, as well as tennis courts with their own clubhouse. For the convenience of residents there is also a hair salon at the clubhouse, a dry cleaning service and a car valet service.”