Value-for-money homes near top schools in Gauteng

With property prices starting from R700 000, the greater Sandton, Pretoria, Alberton, and Germiston offer access to some of Gauteng’s best schools and superb amenities.

There is definitely a trend of families with young children looking to buy in areas close to Gauteng’s top schools, according to Nadia Aucamp, Broker/Manager of RE/MAX All Stars.

"Making a school decision first is really a good way to approach your new home purchase. Research shows that the quality of the schools is a more important factor in buying decisions than proximity to shopping, or even family and friends. So it will make it easier to re-sell your home when it’s time to move on.

"In Gauteng there are a variety of top public and private schools. We had a look at some of them and the areas where they are situated," she says. 

Spacious family home in Alberante, for R6.950 million 

On entering this magnificent home you are welcomed by the light filled living area. One is immediately drawn to the entertainment area which opens up to a lush landscape creating an enormous indoor and outdoor living area. The indoor entertainment area is finished off with a built in bar as well as a custom made gas braai and this overlooks the crystal clear swimming pool and boma area. Click here to view. 

Marais Viljoen High School has always been one of the top schools in the country and is nestled in Alberton. You are able to get a small sectional title, 2 bedroom unit, within walking distance from the school from R700 000. On the high-end there are properties in Alberante and Meyersdal that can reach a whopping R35 000 000.

A perfect starter home in a secure estate in Sky City, Alberton for R709 000

This amazing home offers two well sized bedrooms all with clean tiled flooring, one neat bathroom (bath, toilet and basin), Neat open plan kitchen leading to your cozy lounge area. Outside features: Well manicured garden, neat paving, spacious yard to park two cards and for kids to play around. Click here to view.

Athlone Boys High and St Mary’s School are two of the top private schools situated in Kensington and Waverley. Entry level prices for these areas will be R320 000 for a 1 bedroom unit in Kensington and R590 000 for a 1 bedroom unit in Waverley. Top end prices in Waverley can reach up to R12 000 000 and in Kensington R6 000 000.

Beautiful home beautiful views in Kensington, Johannesburg for R1.6 million

This home has been beautifully maintained with not a cent to be spent. There are three bedrooms plus two bathrooms. The main bedroom is en suite plus it has its own fireplace. There is a lovely patio outside the kitchen overlooking the garden and the home is situated very close to and top-class schools. Click here to view. 

Alberton is a booming area with lots of appeal. Situated on the border of the East Rand and Johannesburg South it is ideal to be out of the hustle and bustle with easy access to Johannesburg, Sandton and the East Rand. Waverley is situated in the heart of Johannesburg and with its prime location you can never go wrong. Kensington is more affordable, based on the East Rand in Gauteng, ideal if you need access to OR Thambo Airport. 

David Jacobs, Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group says, areas such as Midrand, Kyalami, Pretoria East and the Northern suburbs of Gauteng such as Northcliff are where buyers can be close to Gauteng's top schools. 

Luxurious, modern open plan living in Garsfontein, Pretoria for R2.395 million 

This stunning home is located in one of the most sought after streets in Garsfontein, nestled in a very private and well planned manicured garden. This home offers tranquility and a wonderful space to relax. Click here to view. 

On the higher-end of the scale, he says that anything starting from R1.5 million for basic freestanding family homes to between R6million and R8million for the larger family homes is available. 

Luxurious 4 bedroom family home in Kyalami Hills for R3.395 million 

Upon entering the expansive reception area of this home, you are immediately impressed by an air of grandeur. The open plan expands to the dining room, which boasts a double-volume ceiling that offers soaring, open space and striking natural light. The doors open onto a large patio, where you can laze on a Sunday afternoon, or entertain family and friends. Click here to view. 

"Popular features for the family homes in these areas include work-from-home offices and cottages for extended families," he says. 

Nelson Ferreira, Pam Golding Properties regional head in Gauteng, says: "We have seen an increase in the demand for luxury homes from R8.5 million and above near top schools. In fact we are finding it easier to conclude those transactions than homes below R3.5 million. Sales transactions are smoother and financing mechanisms are already in place, with many of the homes being either purchased with cash or private bank financing which is already in place," he says. 

Here is available on the high-end price scale? 

R4.5 million - R15million. Here, Ferreira is referencing property closer to St Benedicts, St Andrews, Saheti and King Davids.  

Entertainers dream home in Albemarle for R1.675 million 

If you enjoy entertaining then look no further. Well maintained family home with well sized bedrooms and living areas. Two modern bathrooms. Beautiful kitchen to enjoy preparing a feast for your guests. Large garden with koi-pond and sparkling pool. The home also has beautiful outside bar bar, jacuzzi and built in braai area to entertain family and friends.  Click here to view. 

Stunning elegant modern home in Bryanston for R7.650 million

This luxurious 4-bedroom, all-ensuite home offers a perfect blend of modern design and timeless elegance. From the moment you step into the double volume entrance hall, you'll be captivated by the sheer beauty and sophistication this property has to offer. Click here to view. 

"The area I’m referring to above is close to Sandton city, Eastgate, major arterials, major shopping centres and hospitals and close to the airport. Luxury property in and around the area goes right up to R30million," he says. 

Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg, says top government schools are still attracting a lot of activity in the feeder areas of these schools. We do find, however, that there is an increasing level of concern and questions being asked about the proposed Basic Education Laws Amendment. Entry level homes also seem to be situated a bit further away from these schools.

Spacious family home in Cresta for R2.599 million

Located in a sought-after gated street with 24-hour security guards, this family home offers a comfortable and secure living environment. Featuring: * Entrance hall leading to a formal lounge with a cozy fireplace and a family lounge for relaxed gatherings. Click here to view. 

Odendaal says areas which offer good value and accessible pricing as well as proximity to good schools are Linden, Robindale, Cresta and Darrenwood with Linden High School being the most popular. Other suburbs include Fontainbleau and Randpark/Randpark Ridge for Randpark High School.

Exquisite luxury living in Robindale for R3.150 million 

Introducing a masterpiece that stands as a testament to luxury, style, and timeless design, nestled within the highly sought-after secure, boomed and guarded street, this remarkable residence presents the epitome of outdoor living. Click here to view. 

A trend that they are seeing is that many of these suburbs are now almost exclusively populated by young families and that often the family will stay in the home for the duration of the children’s school years before moving on to new areas or scaling up or down.

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