Benmore Gardens benefits from its proximity to Sandton CBD and this partly explains the relatively quicker recovery of its sales and rental market amid signs the property market may be emerging from a drawn-out slough.
“Benmore Gardens is an excellent choice for residential purposes as it is close to the business hub, yet there is a feel of living away from town in high-end homes,” says Frankie Bells area representative Pam Hemmens.
She draws attention to the suburb’s appeal to corporate letting, citing easy access to the Sandton CBD, highways, major hubs in Gauteng as well as OR Tambo International and Lanseria airports.
Benmore Gardens is definitely an area worth buying in now, while properties are still reasonably priced, as prices will increase when the economy shows signs of improvement. - Pam Hemmens, area representative Frankie Bells
Picture: Supplied
The suburb is also a popular residential address owing to the large number of quality schools found in the surrounds. These include Crawford College Sandton, Jules Verne French School, Redhill School, Montrose, Grayston Preparatory School and St Stithians.
“Sales are happening faster compared to some of the other northern suburbs. “Benmore Gardens is definitely an area worth buying in now, while properties are still reasonably priced, as prices will increase when the economy shows signs of improvement.”
Hemmens says in the past two to three years sellers have had to lower their asking price due to the difficulty some prospective buyers have had obtaining bonds, in the wake of a lack of confidence in the local economy and political uncertainty.
Further large buildings which will contain offices and luxury apartments are being constructed in Benmore Gardens, says Hemmens, pointing at yet another sign of confidence investors have in the area.
The local Benmore Centre also has been renovated. Indeed, it is only a select few neighbourhoods that can boast homes priced north of R10 million. One property in Waterstone Residential Estate was on sale for R17m.
“Benmore Gardens consists of an assortment of property types, apartments, townhouses and free-standing houses, with a few cluster complexes as well, so there is something for everyone,” she says.
The market stock goes from furnished and unfurnished one- and two-bedroom apartments which appeal to corporate letting, three-bedroom complex townhouses with small gardens and three and four-bedroom cluster homes with staff quarters, double garages and pools to stand-alone houses with gardens of about 0.1ha.
“Some townhouse complexes and stand-alone houses are older and may have been built in the 1980s or 1990s,” notes Hemmens.
“New upmarket apartment buildings have appeared in the past 10 to 15 years to cater for people who want convenient and secure living and who are downsizing from large homes in surrounding areas.”
She advises prospective homebuyers to visit show days and compare what’s available. They should ensure that a property will still suit their needs five to 10 years down the line, in addition to having a good resale value. Morningside is more affordable.
Val Stewart’s favourite places and things to do
I’m 93 years old and have lived in Benmore Gardens since 1975. We have two blocks of flats built in the early 1970s on 12ha of ground. The rooms are quite big. There’s also a beautiful swimming pool, a clubhouse and good security. We’re right next to Benmore Centre. They’ve
got everything there. - Val Stewart with fellow Lions Club Jose Castro
Picture: Supplied
1 Pick n Pay
Every Saturday between 9am and 1pm I’m involved in a charity drive to collect food for the animals right at the front of the shop. It’s something I really enjoy doing. Corner Benmore Road and West Street, Benmore Centre, Benmore Gardens.
2 Caffe Fresco
Extensive breakfast menu, great coffee. Shop 22, 1st Floor, Benmore Centre, Grayston Drive, Benmore Gardens. 011 883 6998
3 Johannesburg The Wilds Lions Club
I have been a member of the club since 2014. It’s a nice community I enjoy being part of. Ben Eden Clubhouse, Elizabeth Road, Benmore. 082 053 2856
The Wilds Lions Club is community-centred with many members. Picture: Supplied
4 Rosebank Union Church
I do go there now and again but it’s no longer easy to do so after picking up an injury last year. 38 St Andrews Road, Hurlingham, Sandton. 011 784 6214
5 Sandton SPCA
I have been collecting food for them for some time. A friend helps me get the food to the centre. 11 9th Street, Marlboro Gardens, Marlboro, Sandton. 011 444 7730
6 Banchan Korean Restaurant
Great food, consistently good service and pleasant ambience. Corner 10th and Elizabeth streets, Parkmore, Sandton. 072 913 3269