Highlands North has solidly-built homes that provide a good starting foundation for investment, says a specialist realtor in the area, Jodi Dayan of Firzt Realty Company.
“Highlands North is a well-established area with many homes attracting renovators and investors. Price ranges a lot and the highest price achieved over the past few months is R2.4 million.”
Affordability is one of the suburb’s pluses, and this partly explains the area’s increasing popularity with younger families, attracted by the many schools in the vicinity.
“Apart from the easily accessible schools, people like the proximity to business centres for work,” says Dayan, adding Highlands North makes for a wise investment in every sense of the word.
“There are excellent schools in the area, plus many shopping options such as Norwood Mall just down the road, Balfour Park Shopping Centre, and vibey Norwood strip on Grant Avenue.”
Many younger families are entering the area because of the good schools within easy access, as well as proximity to business centres for word. - Jodi Dayan, property professional, Firzt Realty Company
Picture: Supplied
Highlands North is also probably one of the most central locations in Joburg with easy access to business centres in Sandton and Rosebank to the north as well as Eastgate and Bedfordview to the east and towards OR Tambo International Airport. It is not hard to see why many choose to live here, says Dayan.
The ongoing demand partly accounts for the area not being badly affected by the downturn witnessed in the realty sector in the past few months. Dayan reports Highlands North has mostly held its own in a tough market. However, there are concerns regarding the bus rapid transit system.
The Rea Vaya development along Louis Botha Avenue is said to have panicked many homeowners, but Dayan feels this is likely to be a temporary sentiment.
“With its proximity to public transport, Highlands North is set to become a more popular area in.” For most homeowners this means location is likely to be important.
Buyers generally want to live near schools, and in the lower parts of Highlands North closer to Norwood Mall, bordering Norwood/Orchards and heading towards Rosebank, says Dayan. She has priceless tips for prospective homeowners in Highlands North. “The most important tip is inspect the home closely for hidden defects and, if in any doubt, get a property report made or an inspection by a builder.”
She also advises buyers to ask for a disclosure document in which the seller will have remised any historical or potential problems. “Also drive around the area at different times to get a feel for it.”
She says using reputable realty companies who are sure to facilitate an easy transfer process also helps. Property values here match those for Rouxville, with Hawkins Estate slightly more expensive.
Candice Morgan’s favourite places and things to do
We chose to live here because the properties are great in terms of value for money. They’re also nicer generally, and the area itself is established. Highlands North is centrally situated to main roads and to Sandton. There are lots of schools nearby – my son goes to King Edward VII, which is about 3km from home. Other schools close to us include St Mary’s, Waverley, and Waverley Girls High. -
Candice Morgan, resident Picture: Supplied
1 Norwood Mall
This is great for easy shopping and is conveniently situated. 3 Sarie Marais Road, Norwood. 0117286640
2 Tashas
I like ordering a salad, schnitzel and any of their good home-made food. I visit the restaurant at least once a week. 14 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose North. 0116841781
Tashas in Melrose North offers home-made food. Picture: African News Agency (ANA)
3 Rosebank Art & Craft Market
This is good for African curios and tourist-type items. Cradock Avenue, Rosebank. 0115680850
4 Melrose Arch Gourmet Market
This is great for fresh food including artisan breads, cured meat, butters, you name it. It is on on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Corner Corlett Drive and M1 Highway, Melrose. 0825570629
5 Delhi Delicious
Great Indian cuisine. Shop 155, Balfour Mall, Highlands North. 0114404355
6 The Factory on Grant
Top cocktails, cosy, casual.115 Grant Avenue and Nellie Road, Norwood. 0114831398