Over the past three months (to end January 2018) the Vaal Dam has seen a notable positive shift in interest in vacant waterfront land, mainly driven by property developers offering stands at affordable pricing, says Phil Medlock, Pam Golding Properties area principal in the Vaal Dam and surrounds.
“Selling within just four weeks, we’ve recently concluded five sales of 2ha stands, each with 100m of water frontage and priced at R400 000, well situated just outside the popular Ambermere Estate. “Increased buyer confidence in the market and value for money is fuelling property sales in the area, coupled with the high desirability of having water sport activities right on your doorstep, without having to travel all the way to the coast.”
Medlock says the demand for homes is predominantly among buyers in the mid-30 to 50 age bracket – families looking for a safe and peaceful weekend country getaway within a two-hour drive.
“We are seeing a great deal of activity for vacant stands in the R400 000 to R600 00 price band, which makes a new offering of 22, two-hectare plots, starting at R350 000 very attractive, resulting in a number of stands immediately being reserved for purchase. Located in Shearwater Lifestyle Estate on the Vaal Dam and with a minimum of 100m dam frontage and spectacular views over the water, there are no building style restrictions.”
The estate is situated on a quiet part of the dam away from the main boating areas, affording an appealing, peaceful lifestyle ideal for numerous leisure activities such as walking, biking and fishing. Also within Shearwater Lifestyle Estate is the original old farmhouse with outbuildings, and while the residence is in need of total renovation, it offers exceptional value for money priced at just R695 000.
Says Medlock: “Set on 2ha with 100m of water frontage, the farm house is ideal to renovate and modernise the interior while retaining the original look. The outbuildings can easily be converted into additional accommodation for family and friends or possibly Airbnb potential.” Also situated on 2ha and available on the same estate is the original stone barn which lends itself to conversion into a weekend home. With expansive views across the water it is priced at R650 000. Adds Medlock: “The barn is ideal as a conversion similar to projects carried out in the UK, where they are extremely popular and considered very trendy.”
Commenting on the residential property market in general Medlock says the majority of buyers and interest is from the greater Gauteng area. “Already well under way, once the rebuilding of the R716 between Deneysville and Oranjeville is completed it will boost demand and property prices in the area as the drive time will reduce to an easy 90 minutes.
“The trend towards vacant stands is also evident in Parys, only 60-70 minutes from Johannesburg, and here we have concluded a number of sales on Val de Grace Golf Estate and Parys Golf and Country Estate. With 600sqm stands here priced from R185 000, we will definitely see this trend continuing as more people yearn for a lifestyle out of the city but still within easy reach.”
