Live, work and play lifestyle in Joburg South

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The southern suburbs of Johannesburg have undergone significant growth over the past two decades with retail and residential development, and older suburbs experiencing a resurgence.

 

Johannesburg South is rich in history and culture and is surrounded by the natural beauty of hills and wildlife reserves. The scenic landscape is part of what makes the area so attractive, together with its proximity to Sandton and Soweto. “The South” as it is commonly known, is divided into two main parts – the older part on the north side of the N12, and the newer part on the south of the highway. Johannesburg’s southern suburbs offer a variety of property from freehold houses to sectional title apartments and townhouses. The area boasts the recently developed Meyersdal Eco Estate and Eye of Africa Golf Estate as well as residential developments aimed at the R1.5 million and below price range.

 

The neighbourhood has an array of malls, schools and social amenities. Furthermore, a variety of recreational activities such as cycling, golf, bird-watching and hiking are within easy reach. So too is Gold Reef City and the Johannesburg CBD, which has become a hotspot for dining out and entertainment. “Recent years have brought extensive property development to Johannesburg’s southern suburbs due to property buyers ‘rediscovering’ the neighbourhood. The area offers affordability and value for money and continues to attract young executives and families,” says Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

 

Focus on Oakdene

Lying in the South of Johannesburg, Oakdene is nestled amongst the neighbouring suburbs of Linmeyer, Rosettenville, Glenanda and Bassonia. The area is picturesque with hills and nature reserves making up part of the unique landscape. Oakdene is close to the Johannesburg CBD, an area which has been reinvigorated and is now a popular dining and entertainment hotspot, with hip restaurants, cinemas, rooftop markets and more on offer.

 

The leafy, well-established suburb is a mere five kilometers from Gold Reef City and a 20 minutes’ commute to OR Tambo International Airport. Part of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Oakdene is a reasonably valued, family oriented, middle-class suburb ideal for new or growing families and those in corporate positions. The market in Oakdene has definitely seen a shift in the past few years. Entry level apartments start from around R720 000 and can go upto R1,5 for more luxurious options. Whilst your freestanding properties average around R1,6 to R2 million with the top end standing at over R5 million.

 

Ideal for Young Couples and Singles

Selling and buying trends show that the 18 to 35-year-old age group as well as the 36 to 49 age group are the predominant buyers and owners of residential property in Oakdene, giving the area a very particular, youth-orientated and vibrant culture. Craig explains that residents of the area have been drawn to it because of various factors that include the practical proximity to important amenities and activities, as well as affordability and developmental opportunities in the area. “People are also attracted by more abstract, but no less tangible, factors such as vibe, scenery and ambience. These elements are equally important to a sound investment, as they offer a lifestyle opportunity to mix and mingle with like-minded individuals,” Hutchison adds.

 

Stanley Park Estate

Engel & Völkers is selling Stanley Park Estate, which is situated in Oakdene. The estate is positioned in a prime location with easy access to major highways and roads, namely the N12 and consequently the M1 as well as Sandton and Rivonia via the N1 Southern Bypass. Stanley Park attracts young couples as well single people entering the middle-class sectional title market and the rental market, as the estate offers excellent long-term investment prospects. The Estate includes 24-hour security, gas hobs which are extremely cost-effective and energy-saving, a clubhouse, swimming pool, braai facilities, and communal gym for the fitness fanatics and easy access to public transport. With regard to architecture, Stanley Park offers ultra-modern, stylish and first class living with breath-taking views. One, two and three bedroom apartments are on offer and each unit is equipped with a gas hobs and electrical oven, the kitchen has been especially designed to allow space for three appliances and prepaid electricity and water units have been installed. Each unit also includes DStv points, is internet fiber ready and has covered parking and ample visitor’s parking for guests.

 

Affordability and lock up and go Lifestyle

With affordability considerations making sectional title properties the preferred entry point for first-time buyers and investors, demand for such properties is set to remain brisk for the imminent future. Sectional title properties offer sound capital growth and in line with this, price growth in this housing segment is still outstripping growth in freehold prices. “The demand for convenient, hassle-free sectional title units accessible to the workplace and all amenities continues and Stanley Park Estate in Oakdene fits squarely within this rising trend. It offers modern design, convenience and access to a plethora of entertainment options all ideally suited to a hip, contemporary, lock up and go lifestyle,” Hutchison concludes.

Budget for a new home

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Many people grow up having conflicting values around money and wealth and misunderstanding how they work together. Often a person may say they want to be wealthy, but what they really want is financial freedom. It is of crucial importance to manage your money effectively, master it, and instruct it to do what you want it to do for you. You’ll start seeing how your money can work for you when your future needs become more important than your current wants.

Money is what makes the world go round. Just like you have a job, your money has a job too, and it should work just as hard for you, as you have worked to earn it. Whether you’re a stay at home parent taking care of your home and family or a professional working crazy hours, having money in the bank is essential.

All is possible through either investing or saving part of your hard earned cash every month. There is a clear difference between investing and saving. Saving is storing your money, while investing is growing your money. One of the significant differences between the wealthy and not so wealthy is that wealthy individuals earn interest while everyone else pays interest.

“The way that the prosperous continue to build their wealth isn’t really a secret; they spend less than they earn, save the difference, and let the potential of compound interest make their riches grow. Financial wellbeing is a long-term commitment, but with the right guidance, discipline and savvy decision-making, you may achieve your goal sooner than you think. It is never too late to start investing in your financial well-being.” states Craig Hutchison, CEO Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

Here are some pointers on getting your money to start working for you:

 

Get Out of Debt

Your money doesn’t really belong to you until you’ve paid off your debt. This includes all debt, even if it is good debt. Your extra cash is better spent towards growing your net worth before anything else.

It may seem like a problem that is too big to tackle. The trick is to start by just clearing up your smaller debts and then work towards tackling the larger debt with the extra money that you have available.

Take a moment and just do a quick calculation on the interest you pay monthly just on interest – imagine having those additional funds each month. As you pay off more debt, and then apply that money to the next debt, you begin to build momentum and you will be surprised how quickly you be debt-free.

 

Have a budget

Your budget is the best tool you have to give you control over your finances, this will allow you to make financial decisions at the beginning of the each month by telling your money where to go instead of later wondering where it went. Always pay yourself first – make sure putting a little away for the future is your number one objective.

Once you have mastered budgeting, you will be able to reach your financial goals more quickly and avoid debt. Now that you have a flowing stream of savings coming your way, you are ready to put it to work. The next step would be to choose a vehicle for growth that suits your lifestyle and your long- and short-term goals. Consulting a financial planner can help you find the right fit.

 

Grow your wealth

You don’t have to be extremely wealthy to take advantage of investing over time, you might not be able to stop working and just live off your dividends any time soon, but the rewards will pay off in the future. It is important to remember to diversify your portfolio; you should never want to have all of your money invested in a single spot, venture or business.

“Be careful who you trust with your money, make sure you invest your money with a reliable and established company with a solid history and reputation, do your research and do not be afraid to ask questions” Craig advised.