Residential estate living is becoming an increasingly popular option in Johannesburg for various reasons, including the fact that properties within these communities tend to offer residents a secure, care-free lifestyle.
This is according to Rupert Finnemore, who heads up Pam Golding Properties in Gauteng.“Home seekers are, as far as possible, seeking to live and bring up their children in environments that are free of concerns, rich in facilities, and offering maximum convenience. Estate living has consequently become an increasingly popular option in the region in recent years.”
According to recent research undertaken by Lightstone, the total Rand value of the estate market in SA is now close to the total value of that of all residential properties within the City of Johannesburg.
Finnemore points out that the 40-hectare Eagle Canyon Golf Estate in Honeydew on the West Rand was the top performing estate according to a 2015 survey conducted by Financial Mail, and he says, it continues to maintain this leading position.
“There are a number of good reasons for the popularity of homes in an estate such as this,”he adds. “Aside from sound security and all the amenities you could wish for, Eagle Canyon boasts magnificent views, a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful grounds. Residents are consequently able to take full advantage of the wonderful climate we enjoy in Johannesburg”.
“In addition, it is centrally situated, the N1 freeway being within a short driving distance of the estate providing residents with easy access to all of the main city centres.”
“Eagle Canyon has a property for everyone, with prices ranging from approximately R1.5 million to R20 million. There is a varied mix of sectional title and full title properties in the 1 390 residences on the estate,” adds Finnemore.
“Eagle Canyon provides access to homes that meet just about every kind of need. This is one of the aspects that makes it so sought after among single parents, families and professionals alike. Investors also find that there is good capital growth on properties in the estate and that they provide solid rental returns.”
The newest addition to Eagle Canyon is the sectional title townhouse development, Whistling Straits, which has 37 three-bedroom, two-bathroom units. “With residences priced from R1.84 million to R2.6 million, Whistling Straits is ideal for young families who seek the exclusive lifestyle that Eagle Canyon offers, but have a limited budget.”
Given the rapid growth of this popular area, PGP have decided to expand its presence there. Debby Woodward and Pat Wallace have been highly successful at selling sectional properties in the estate since 2006. Linda Nunes has recently joined PGP’s Eagle Canyon team and will be responsible for the marketing of freehold homes in the area. Nunes says that although the estate has a country feel to it, it is central to many large shopping malls and places of entertainment. Clearwater Mall is, for example, just around the corner while the recently developed Cradlestone Mall is in close proximity.
For the family-focused, Eagle Canyon has many excellent private and government schools in the vicinity, including Aurora College, Trinity House, Charter House, Boskop Primary School, Randpark Primary School, Randpark High School, Weltevreden Primary School and Allen’s Nek High School.
For the sport enthusiasts, there is an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a gym, while those who enjoy the outdoors will appreciate the kilometres of tranquil walking trails, beautiful parks, abundant bird life and fishing dams. There is even a wellness centre and spa for those who prefer to be pampered close to home, and restaurants and conference facilities if you’d like to entertain on a large scale.
Eagle Canyon originally comprised 16 smallholdings, however in the 1960s mining companies began quarrying the land. It was mined for about 40 years and then rehabilitated in 2003, following plans for the development of a golf course, dams and leisure area, as well as more than 700 residential homes.
