A rising number of families are choosing to settle in the historic Johannesburg suburb of Observatory due to its proximity to some of the city’s top schools, major arterials and value for money.
Adrienne Hersch Properties area experts, Pearl Schaverien and Jovan Andjelopolj, say the suburb has become very popular among growing families seeking space.
“Observatory offers buyers a great selection of excellent value properties on wide, tree-lined streets. Many of the homes in this iconic area are situated on stands measuring between half an acre and a full acre, making them ideal for families seeking space. Buyers are also attracted to the short commute times to work and proximity to leading schools including Sacred Heart, King Edward Vll School, St John’s College, Roedean and Jeppe High School for Boys and Girls.”
Andjelopolj says a big drawcard to the area is its convenient location.
“With the N3 on one side and the M2 on the other side, Observatory is very central. It is also situated within close proximity to the airport and town. Observatory also offers the best of both worlds in that it is a quiet and leafy suburb offering a feeling of being remote from the hum drum of city living, despite its central location.”
Schaverien says demand is particularly strong for competitively priced ‘fixer uppers’.
“Many of these buyers are seeking a blank canvas where they can add their own personal touch whilst still retaining many of the original features in these homes such as parquet floors, pressed ceilings and fireplaces.”
The pair say a trend they have noticed is that the area has become popular among large extended families seeking to live on the same property.
“We’re finding a growing number of multigenerational families wanting to combine their incomes and one bond. This is due to various reasons and circumstances including affordability or a desire to look after elderly relatives or young grandchildren.
“Many of the homes in Observatory are big enough to offer those seeking a multigenerational scenario sufficient space with many of these properties coming with cottages or work-from-home areas which can easily be converted into an extra room/s.”
Schaverien says she is also experiencing demand from individuals seeking space for a work-from-home.
“As people seek to cut down on their commute times as well as expenses, a growing number of people are choosing to work from home, and that is having a big effect on their real estate needs.”
Buyers can expect to pay between R1.5 million and R3 million for a three bedroom home in the suburb depending on size, location, views, features and finishes. A four bedroom home can cost anywhere between R2.5 million and R10 million. Homes offering five or more bedrooms are selling for between R3 million and R12 million.
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