For R2 million and even a little less you can buy a lovely home in a sought after area in Gauteng no matter where you choose to live.
While some areas offer spacious homes and include extras like a pools for instance, others offer smaller homes but within more prestigious suburbs for the same price. Other accommodation do not offer any gardens, but boast spectacular views of the city - so in the end it really only comes down to a buyer’s individual preferences.
Across the board branches agree that R2 million buys a lot of lifestyle and regardless of where you settle down, this amount will afford you with a property that does not only suit your personality, but you won’t need to compromise on important factors like proximity to major routes, good medical facilities, schools and shopping centres either.
Sandton:
Charles Vining, Seeff’s MD in Sandton, says even though certain suburbs here are home to some of the most expensive property in the country priced up to R70 million, this branch also has ample stock priced at R2 million and below and - like in many other areas in Gauteng - the price band between R800 000 and R2 million experiences the highest demand.
In Sandton central (which includes areas like Morningside, Sandown, Strathavon, Illovo and Atholl) R1.2 million seems to be the starting point for property and this would mostly be for a two bedroom apartment.
Neighbouring Bryanston (which is part of Sandton, but further out from the Sandton CBD) also offers great value where one bedroom apartments could be picked up for around R800 000 and older more spacious two bedroom apartments from around R1 million.
A typical R2 million property in Sandton: A lovely two bedroom and two bathroom apartment in a sought after complex in Morningside or Bryanston.
Why invest in Sandton? It doesn’t matter where in Sandton you buy you are almost certain to see a return on your investment because of the extremely high demand that exists to live in or close to this area.
Randburg:
Chris Hajec, Seeff’s MD in Randburg, says Randburg is favoured by middle income families intent on taking advantage of the residential atmosphere and tree lined streets coupled with excellent proximity to shopping, restaurants, sought after schools and top class medical facilities.
Randburg offers something for everyone, ranging from extremely affordable apartments for first time home buyers priced at under the half million mark to luxury homes upwards of R20 million in upmarket areas like Northcliff and Honeydew.
A typical R2 million property in Randburg: Big, full title properties, with all the amenities like a pool, large stand, domestic accommodation, granny flat, work-from-home office and possibly even a tennis court can still be found for just under or over the R2 million price point.
In Ferndale, Melville, Blairgowrie, Weltevreden Park, Randpark Ridge, Sundowner, Jukskei Park, JHB North, Sharonlea, Olivedale and North Riding to name a few, opportunities for R2 million are not hard to find as the median price tag for homes here range between R1.5 and R1.8 million. Here in other words you can expect to find something which is of superior quality and offers many extras for R2 million.
Why invest in Randburg? Randburg caters for every category of lifestyle and price range, while also ticking all the boxes in terms of convenience and accessibility. It also offers many fix me upper opportunities, as most Randburg suburbs inside the N1 ring road are characterised by predominantly older housing stock.
Johannesburg South:
Duane Butler, Regional Manager for the Northern Division, says JHB South like Randburg consists of many diverse and popular suburbs that appeal to people from all walks of life.
The JHB South area is best known for its central location and easy access to major highways and good municipal routes to the Johannesburg CBD. The price bands for property here range from around R350 000 for apartments in less sought after suburbs to around R20 million for homes in upmarket estates like Eye of Africa and the Eco Nature Estate in Meyersdal.
Entry level one bedroom apartments are available from under R500 000 and large family homes in areas like Mondeor, Alberton and Glenvisa start at around R1.2 million.
A typical R2 million property in Johannesburg South: A spacious family home with three or four bedrooms in a sought after suburb that is often boomed off.
Why invest in Johannesburg South? Rental demand outweighs supply ensuring above average rental prices. In turn property values in Johannesburg South are continuously rising, although some areas have better return on investment than others. JHB South has also built up a reputation for its well established family communities.
Braamfontein (JHB CBD):
Byron Cornish, a Seeff area specialist in the Johannesburg CBD, says Braamfontein has not only seen massive commercial developments in the past years, but many tech companies and innovation hubs are now also moving here. This does not only reinstate confidence in the area, but it also attracts many young professionals who would like to live where they work.
Although Braamfontein is still mainly geared towards students because of the limited accommodation available, there is a demand for more developments suited for young professionals.
Price ranges differ per unit, but start at around R550 000 for a bachelor or one bed apartment in Braamfontein to a R1 million rand apartment in the CBD. There are also a few penthouses which range from R1 million to R4 million.
A typical R2 million property in Braamfontein: There are not many properties in this price range at the moment, but penthouses in Madison Lofts range from R2,5 million upwards to R4 million and there are also a few buildings around the CBD where you can fetch these prices. Properties of R2 million and over boast fabulous inner city living and are mostly taken by creatives. You would get a large 200 to 300 m2 apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, very modern finishes as well as beautiful views of the city for this price.
Why invest in Braamfontein?: The area is vibrant and interesting and the city boasts incredible infrastructure that is seen nowhere else in Johannesburg. There are also many upliftment projects, initiatives to make the area more secure and craft markets to attract people to the area.
Bedfordview:
David Ingle , MD of Seeff Bedfordview, says this area offers anything from R500 000 for a bachelor apartment in Bedford Gardens to upwards of R30 million on the ridge in Upper Bedfordview.
The suburb is conveniently located midway between Oliver Tambo International Airport and the CBD's of both Sandton and Johannesburg and has excellent private schools, good facilities, great restaurants and two top shopping malls.
Areas like Malvern for instance which is adjacent to Bedfordview, houses could be picked up from under a million, as is the case with some properties in Kensington and Bruma. Kensigton is sought after because of the old world charm and fix me uppers it has on offer.
A typical R2 million property in Bedfordview: A three or four bedroom family home in an area like Cyrildene. Homes in this price rage sometimes need renovating, but depending on the area they could also be newly renovated.
Why invest in Bedfordview? While the rental market is extremely buoyant, there is a shortage of stock across all segments. Above average rentals are achieved in Bedfordview in relation to the surrounding areas. The area has a perception of being "the" place to live in the East Rand.
Pta East:
Gerhard van der Linde, Seeff’s MD in Pretoria East, says while it was still possible to pick up one bedroom and two bedroom apartments in some areas surrounding Menlyn a couple of years ago at bargain prices, the situation has changed drastically with the coming of mega development Menlyn Main.
Owners in surrounding areas like Garsfontein, Menlo Park, Alphen Park, Newlands, Constantia Park and Ashlea Gardens are getting premium prices for their property and the buy to let market is performing extremely well. Townhouses and small homes in outlying areas like Silverton can still be picked up for around R750 000, while the luxury sector in areas like Waterkloof, Mooikloof, Woodhill and Silver Lakes boasts homes upwards of R20 million.
A typical R2 million property in Pretoria East: A three bedroom house in a sought after area like Faerie Glen or Monument Park.
Why invest in Pretoria East? The areas surrounding Menlyn are some of the fastest growing areas in Gauteng at the moment and the demand for property here is unprecedented. This area is also referred to as "The Sandton of Pretoria".
Centurion:
Steve van Wyk, Seeff’s MD in Centurion, says that Centurion boasts property starting from around R1 million for a two bedroom townhouse to around R20 million for a luxury home in a sought after estate.
The demand for estate living in Centurion has increased significantly and buyers are happy to pay a premium prices for security. Centurion has a broad range of estates priced from R1.5 million to R20 million. More prestigious estates include Cornwall Hill, Centurion Golf Estate, Irene Farm Villages, Southdowns, Blue Valley, Copperleaf, Heuwelsig and Midstream.
A typical R2 million property in Centurion: A freestanding three bedroom home in a residential area like Rooihuiskraal or a brand new home of around 200m2 in an estate like Candlewoods.
Why invest in Centurion? Properties in estates have excellent returns and the buy-to-let market in Centurion is buoyant. The area is also home to numerous private and government schools, five golf estates, a fantastic road network, large and small shopping malls, excellent sporting and recreational facilities and a number of Parks and Greenbelt areas.
Pta North (Jacaranda):
Peter Mokwana, Manager for Seeff Pta North (Jacaranda) says that their trading area is massive and includes areas like Shoshanguve, Garankuwa, the whole of Pretoria North which includes areas lik Nina Park, Amandasig, Montana, Montana Park, Annlin and Doornpoort amongst others.
Property prices start from as low as R260 000 and can go up to between R6 million and R27 million for a mansion built in a green belt area like on top of the Magaliesberg.
A typical R2 million property in Pretoria North: A modern three bedroom home in a security complex situated at one of the highest points in Theresapark or an older four bedroom family home on a large stand are on offer.
Why invest in Pretoria North? It is a well established area offering easy access to major routes to the centre of town and easy access to the N4 and N1 for people working in Johannesburg.
The area also has ample space for new development especially around Montana where many plots are up for grabs. In addition Pta North boasts a lovely climate and all the amenities of typical city life are available, but the lifestyle is more relaxed.
