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Affordability aside, safety and security apparently hold sway over most other considerations when it comes to property trends in the Kempton Park area, which continues to perform strongly in real estate terms.
Sales in Greater Kempton Park still average around 2 500 properties annually, despite a slowing down in real estate activity in the first half of this year, according to Christelle Rentsch, principal for Fine and Country Kempton Park.
But the average number of days on the market before sale has increased from 40 to 60 days.
“Glen Marais is the leading suburb in terms of sales and remains one of the most sought-after areas. Glen Marais is particularly strong in terms of sectional title and estate properties. The reason for this is the demand for higher security,” says Rentsch.
A highly-diversified property portfolio and a wide price range are among leading factors accounting for the high property sales figures, says Rentsch, who explains the area has properties to suit an array of budgets.
“The average sale price in Kempton Park is just over R1 million, but the price range stretches from below R400 000 for a CBD apartment to the Serengeti and Dunblane upmarket homes hitting R20m.”
The busy CBD is a hive of retail and business activity. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency (ANA)
Rentsch says in the northern suburbs of Terenure, Edleen, Birch Acres, Birchleigh and Norkem Park, one can find a freehold property for under R1m, but in areas such as Glen Marais, Aston Manor and Van Riebeeck Park it would be realistic to look around R1.5m upwards.
Around the CBD area, the common trends are houses in multiple occupation, with some older houses making way for apartment blocks, she says.
Rentsh notes most developments are concentrated in the previously agricultural areas of Glen Erasmia and Pomona, where properties tend to have more modern designs and trendy interiors. This is what largely distinguishes them from the older estates and suburbs of Kempton Park established at the turn of the last century.
I strongly advise buyers always to follow the retail development. Trust business owners. If
they are prepared to invest in an area, I believe it to be a good bet. – Christelle Rentsch, Principal, Fine and Country Kempton Park
Picture: Supplied
Her advice to prospective homebuyers is to follow the money.
“I strongly advise buyers always to follow the retail development. Trust business owners. If they are prepared to invest in an area, I believe it to be a good bet.”
Based on this strategy, Rentsch recommends Glen Marais and Pomona, where many retail and residential developments have taken place.
Residents have a wide choice of places of worship in and around the area. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/African News Agency (ANA)
“Along the R21 and towards Glen Eagles and Serengeti, large business parks have mushroomed, bringing in higher demand for residential accommodation. There are also plans for a large mall close to Glen Erasmia and Serengeti,” she says.
Kempton Park is centrally situated for north- and south-bound traffic to Pretoria and Joburg respectively.
“Add to this the convenience of the Gautrain and OR Tambo International Airport right on the doorstep and there could hardly be another Gauteng neighbourhood that is more attractive,” says Rentsch.
Gerhard Jacobs’ places of interest and things to do
I was born at the old Kempton Park Hospital, attended school here and still live here. Kempton Park is great on convenience, and that includes Glen Marais, where I reside. I run my own business here in Kempton Park. Although peak hour traffic can be a problem, it is fairly easy to travel to and from work, to get to the shops and to get around in general. – Resident Gerhard Jacobs
Picture: Supplied
1 Flame Diner
There are two Flame Diner outlets in Kempton Park. One is near the railway line and another is in Glen Marais. It’s a favourite for many residents and has been part of the neighbourhood for a long time. 92 Green Avenue, Kempton Park. 011 976 4586
2 Kaya Beach
It feels as if you are really at the beach when you visit this themed venue with a lovely restaurant. It is fun. 86 2nd Avenue, Bredell, Kempton Park. 076 811 6454
Kaya Beach offers visitors fun in a place that makes you feel like you really are at the beach. Picture: Supplied
3 RocoMamas
They serve some of the best takeaway food one can order. Shop 33A, Glenacres Shopping Centre, corner Monument and Dann roads, Kempton Park. 011 972 1676
4 Hee Haw Farm
It’s a great venue and is in the neighbourhood for a fun family outing. It’s popular with children. They have donkeys, goats, sheep, bunnies, guinea pigs, ducks and pigs. 388 Harvest Street, Bredell AH, Kempton Park. 076 790 7807
5 Emperor’s Palace
A five-star hotel plus a casino, gaming, a conference and functions venue and loads of entertainment. 64 Jones Road, OR Tambo, Kempton Park. 011 928 1000 6 Festival Mall Convenient shopping and quality merchandise close to OR Tambo International Airport. Corner CR Swart Drive and Kelvin Street, Esther Park, Kempton Park. 011 349 7549