Pretoria is arguably still the best-priced metro in the country for property buyers, and you can find exceptional value in the market right now, according to Seeff’s Pretoria branches.
Pretoria is a vibrant city and as the seat of government and home to many government workers as well as local politicians and foreign embassies and consulates. It is also still a growing city in terms of urbanisation. According to World Population Review, Pretoria grew by 78,332 people in the last year.
A recent study by NetCredit also pointed to Pretoria as the capital city with the most affordable property. Lightstone data for example shows that the bulk of sales transactions across the metro fall within the R800,000 to R2 million price range.
For example, while only about 8% of existing homeowners in Pretoria are below the age of 35-years, some 30% of recent buyers fall into the age group between 18-35 years. There is clearly great demand among young people within the Pretoria area.
While the central, west and northern areas in Pretoria are the most affordable, there are many affordable areas in the Centurion area as well.
Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion, says the largest movement is usually in the price bands below R2 million. The area is home to a number of areas popular with first time buyers. You can for example find a two-bedroomed apartment with a small garden for R800,000 in suburbs such as Doringkloof, The Reeds and Highveld.
You can also find a full title home from R1,65 million in Doringkloof and The Reeds and from R1,7 million in Highveld.
Pretoria East also offers affordability in suburbs such as Equestria and Moreleta Park according to Gerhard van der Linde, the managing director for Seeff Pretoria East. These suburbs are particularly favourable for young families, as they offer schools, churches, and various family-friendly amenities.
Options for first-time buyers include small two-bedroom townhouses from around R900,000 and up to three-bedroom homes with a double garage and a small garden for upwards of R1,5 million.
Faerie Glen is another ideal suburb for first-time buyers where you can find a small townhouse for upwards of R1,35 million.
As a large metro, Pretoria offers excellent amenities with good transport networks, schools and tertiary education including the University of Pretoria as well as UNISA both based here.
While it is becoming tougher for first-time buyers to get into the market, those who are able to purchase right now can find good value in Pretoria. The banks are also still granting 100% home loans to first-time buyers.
Importantly though, says Pretorius, buyers must ensure that they obtain pre-approval before they start shopping for their first home. Sellers are more likely to consider an offer seriously if the buyer has been preapproved. It also allows for a faster transaction time due to less time being wasted on the bond application process.
Top global trends in upmarket estates
Lifestyle residential estates have long been synonymous with luxury living, exclusivity and exceptional amenities and, as the world evolves, so do the trends shaping these prestigious communities.
“In recent years, lifestyle residential estates have emerged as sought-after havens for homebuyers worldwide as these exclusive developments offer a unique blend of luxury living, community engagement and, very often, a wide array of onsite amenities,” say David Burger and Stephan Thomas, Secure Estate Specialist Team for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.
“These developments are also generally renowned for their meticulous attention to detail in terms of infrastructure and design and, from well-maintained roads and landscaping to aesthetically pleasing architecture, they also offer a visually appealing and cohesive environment.
“The infrastructure is carefully designed to enhance the overall living experience, with thought given to traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and sustainable practices.
Like all aspects of real estate, trends in this sector have evolved over time but, with many of these properties being in the luxury category, emergent trends at this end of the market differ somewhat from the general estate market.
According to the Thomas and Burger, the following are the trends expected to make the biggest splash and stay the course:
- On-Demand Services and Concierge:
The demand for convenience and personalised services has driven the emergence of on-demand services within lifestyle estates. From concierge services and private chefs to dog walking and housekeeping, residents can access a range of services to simplify their lives.
Future trends may see the integration of advanced AI-powered concierge services, virtual assistants, and personalised lifestyle management platforms that cater to residents' individual preferences and needs.
- Leisure and Entertainment Experiences:
Lifestyle estates are increasingly focusing on providing unique leisure and entertainment experiences for residents. This includes private movie theatres, gaming rooms, sports facilities, art galleries and event spaces.
In the future, we can expect the integration of immersive technologies, virtual reality experiences, and curated cultural events that offer unparalleled entertainment within the estate.
- Smart Homes and Integrated Technologies:
The integration of smart home technologies has already become a prominent trend in lifestyle estates and home automation systems that control lighting, security, temperature, and entertainment are increasingly sought after.
The fast-approaching digital future will witness more advanced technologies, such as voice-controlled interfaces, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, offering residents a seamless and personalized living experience.
- Sustainability and Green Living:
As environmental awareness grows, so does the emphasis on sustainability within lifestyle residential estates and buyers are increasingly drawn to developments that prioritise eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient homes, renewable energy sources, water conservation measures and green spaces that promote biodiversity.
There is no turning back and we will see an even greater emphasis on sustainability, with eco-conscious designs, carbon-neutral initiatives and a focus on harmonizing with nature.
- Wellness and Health-Oriented Amenities:
The pursuit of holistic well-being has become a significant trend in lifestyle estates and a growing number of residents now seek amenities that promote physical fitness, mental health and overall wellness. In-demand facilities include fully equipped fitness centres, yoga studios, meditation spaces, spa and wellness centres and outdoor recreation areas.
Future trends will likely see the integration of advanced health technologies, personalised wellness programs, and access to specialised healthcare services within the estate.
- Co-Living Spaces and Community Collaboration:
A growing trend in lifestyle estates is the incorporation of co-living spaces and collaborative communities. These developments offer shared living spaces, communal gardens, co-working areas, and interactive platforms for residents to connect, collaborate, and share resources.
The future will witness the evolution of these communities, with increased emphasis on shared experiences, co-creation of amenities, and platforms that foster collaboration and social engagement.
- Integrated Work-From-Home Facilities:
The shift towards remote work has prompted lifestyle estates to adapt and cater to the needs of professionals who work from home. Over and above high-speed connectivity, there are often onsite meeting areas and restaurants/cafes where residents can meet clients.
We’re already seeing the integration of dedicated co-working spaces, high-speed internet connectivity, video conferencing facilities, and flexible office solutions within the estate which help to create an ideal work-life balance for residents, combining productivity and convenience.
“Several South African estates like Stonehurst Mountain Estate in Tokai are already on the path to the future,” say Burger and Thomas, adding that they are finding that such estates are being prioritised by foreign buyers.
“What it takes is dynamic estate management and Trustees who buy in to all the technology that is becoming available.
“And, with a growing focus on technology, sustainability, wellness, convenience, and personalised experiences, these developments are poised to redefine luxury living.
“As we look to the future, we can anticipate further integration of advanced technologies, heightened emphasis on sustainability, and a greater emphasis on fostering community collaboration.
“These trends will shape the next generation of lifestyle residential estates, offering residents an unparalleled standard of living,” says Thomas and burger.
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