Many improvements in and around Birdhaven have turned the suburb into a more desirable neighbourhood in the past few years, and many observers believe its future prospects to be excellent.
Tyson Properties Sandton’s director, Murray Haywood, says Birdhaven has risen in popularity in the past six years and prices have increased along with improvements which include sub-divisions, new builds and renovations.
“Improvements to the James and Ethel Gray Park, which is extremely popular for walking dogs and where children can play on jungle gyms, and money spent on improving the local restaurants and coffee shops make it quite a trendy place to be seen,” says Haywood.
With the expansion of Rosebank and the development in the area, prices should increase when the economy picks up. - Murray Haywood, director Tyson Properties Sandton
Picture: Supplied
“Historically, Birdhaven has not been a high turnover area,” he says, and ticks off its more notable virtues: big stand sizes with mature trees, lots of upgrading of the older homes and easy access to highways and schools.
“One thing the suburub enjoys is good access to excellent schooling. The nearby schools include Kingsmead College, Pridwin Preparatory School, Bellavista School, St Mary’s School for Girls, St David’s Marist Brothers, St John’s, King Edward VII and Roedean School.”
The suburb is also close to The Wanderers Club and facilities such as Planet Fitness, in addition to being well situated to the M1, Melrose Arch, Rosebank and Sandton.
Haywood also says there are newly-developed clusters of three to eights units that have brought muchneeded modernisation to the area. “Predominantly, the original homes were on stand sizes of about 3 000m². The prices range from R5million to R12m, with the average price for the area at R6.5m,” he notes.
The highest price paid for a property in the suburb was R11.85m. but some of the many new builds and upgraded homes could fetch more in the area, according to Haywood.
Birdhaven is a good investment bet because there’s demand from many young, growing families with children going to school in the surrounding areas, and that young families who buy the bigger properties have equity in the land to sub-divide at a later stage.
“With the expansion of Rosebank and the development in the area, prices should increase when the economy picks up,” he says. Although Birdhaven may have felt the negative effects of a poorly performing economy, Haywood believes property values should certainly increase over time.
“Good homes sell in any market. If the property is correctly priced, there are definitely buyers around. “Primary homes are generally most families’ biggest asset. Take advantage of the current market conditions to enter into this central sought-after suburb.
“Keep bathrooms and kitchens up to date and you will make money on your homes or apartments because of the address,” advises Haywood. Melrose Estate is slightly more expensive, but Houghton Estate is more affordable. Birdhaven was proclaimed a suburb of Joburg in 1949.
Jane Codrington’s favourite places and things to do
Birdhaven is accessible and central. It is equidistant from Hyde Park, Sandton City and the Joburg CBD, and takes 10 minutes to get to these places. I can get everything I need in
the area and do virtually all I need to do. That’s how convenient it is. - Jane Codrington, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 James and Ethel Gray Park
It’s lovely. We take our dog there. It’s also a good play area for children. Edgewood Avenue and Melrose Street, Melrose. 011 435 4727
A view of James and Ethel Gray Park. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)
2 Planet Fitness
I go there three times a week. It’s fully-equipped and ideal for a great workout. 21 North Street, Illovo, Sandton. 011 327 1808
3 Voodoo Lily Café
It’s so cool in lots of ways. The cafe is animal-friendly and I can take my dog with me after a walk. During the day they have good wi-fi. St Andrew Street and Wrenrose Avenue, Birdhaven. 011 442 6965
4 Arbour Café
They serve great coffee and provide wi-fi. It’s a special place to meet for a breakfast or for a get-together. 64 St Andrew Street, Birdhaven. 011 788 4111
5 Yo Sushi Concept
For groups and casual. Shop 6, Birdhaven Centre, 66 St Andrew Street. 011 268 6118
6 Parea Taverna
Popular, casual groups. 3D, Corlett Drive, Sandton. 011 788 8777