Thinking of moving to Brooklyn, Pretoria? Estate agents from the area give you the lowdown here.
What attracts buyers to Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is one of Pretoria’s most established and prestigious areas with its classically built houses and jacaranda trees painting the streets purple from September when we welcome spring. After Washington, Pretoria boasts the most embassies in the world, most of which can be found in Brooklyn making it a safe suburb with all the security required for embassies. Brooklyn is constantly evolving as older generations move out, making way for young professionals and families to be closer to Pretoria’s business hub, night life and excellent education. Experience world-class shopping in Brooklyn Mall and fine dining in some of Pretoria’s best restaurants.
Helen McLachlan: Estate agent, Aida
What types of property are typically available in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn has a wonderfully eclectic mix of homes. From the original character-filled houses featuring Oregon floors, sash windows and pressed steel ceilings, to carefully renovated and specially designed modern masterpieces. The majority of properties are full title with a few small estates and sectional title complexes spread throughout the suburb. Most homes are on full or half stands and cater for the family lifestyle. However, there are still opportunities for buyers to acquire a smaller home or lock-up-and-go in this area. While some newer developments are aimed at slightly higher densities, the larger stands and homes contribute greatly towards a true suburban lifestyle.
Rob & Wendy Hoffman: Agents, Seeff, Brooklyn
How has Brooklyn changed over the past five years?
Over the past five years, prices have risen substantially and it is no longer possible to buy a family home for under R2m. An emerging trend has been for homeowners to renovate and stay on in their homes, further driving the increase in property values. Some homes closer to the university have been converted to student accommodation changing the resident demographic west of Duncan Street. The Bus Rapid Transport system, Line 2B, is under construction in Lynnwood Road and will join the new East to the City Centre, which has affected densities in Brooklyn as the areas surrounding BRT stations are being rezoned to accommodate 200 units/ha.
Karin Petzer: Area specialist, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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