High demand from families has created stable growth in property values in Cyrildene and this demand is partly attributed to the suburb’s central location. Cyrildene is near the Joburg CBD and is a gateway to other suburbs east of the city.
It also gives quick access to OR Tambo International Airport. The suburb is well-situated close to landmarks, such as Eastgate Shopping Centre, Oriental City Bruma and adjacent businesses along Ernest Oppenheimer Avenue. Furthermore, it is surrounded by good schools, a factor many families consider a priority.
The convenience the surrounding main routes bring, along with local business opportunities, are leading factors in Cyrildene’s popularity as a residential address, says Piero Antiga, operating principal for Keller Williams South. He says demand is strong for properties around the R1.7 million mark.
“The upper end of the market is above R2m and reflects a slower market in terms of sales.” Antiga reports a marked preference for boomed-off locations for an extra sense of security these are perceived to provide for residents.
Buying a home that needs a makeover will enable a homeowner to derive maximum value, as the original homes are usually reasonably priced. - Piero Antiga, operating principal, Keller Williams South Picture: Supplied
He says available market stock comprises 80% freehold properties, 16% sectional titles and about 4% freeholds in estates. Antiga says homes one finds in the suburb are old-style properties consisting of durable structures on established and tested infrastructure.
Over the past 12 months, homeowners between 36 and 49 accounted for the majority of home sales in the area, with 40%, says Antiga.
He has a wealth of advice for prospective homeowners in Cyrildene and urges them to be prepared to look at properties that may require renovation for the options these homes afford. Buyers get an opportunity to create their own style and personality, specific to their own requirements.
“Buying a home needing a makeover will enable the homeowner to derive maximum value, as the original homes are usually reasonably priced.
“Due to our comparative low building costs, good value can be realised within a period of two to three years after renovations are completed,” says Antiga.
Cyrildene is home to the new Chinatown in Derrick Avenue, now considered to be the main Chinatown in Joburg. The new Chinatown has virtually supplanted the original in Newtown, now largely abandoned.
Antiga says from around 2000, Cyrildene turned from being largely a Jewish neighbourhood into a mainly Chinese suburb, with a thriving Chinese cultural centre. The suburb was proclaimed in 1938 and is on land that formed Doornfontein Farm. Antiga says property values in Cyrildene compare well with those for nearby Observatory.
Kelvin Ng’s favourite places and things to do
Cyrildene is a unique Chinese culinary destination in the sense that it is the only area in Africa where you can find authentic cuisines from different parts of China. Many Chinese
entrepreneurs, my family included, started their businesses on Derrick Avenue. Cyrildene is
also close to Eastgate and Bedford Centre. - Kelvin Ng, resident Picture: Supplied
1 Yat Kee Chinese Supermarket
Great for fresh Chinese groceries and imported goods. It’s been in the area for more than 20 years. I remember it from when I was a child. 16 Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene. 011 615 3911
Yat Kee Supermarket is popular. Picture: Supplied
2 Fong Mei
Casual, groups. 18D Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene. 011 615 1384
3 Sun Fat Restaurant
It serves very good Hong Kong-style dishes. It is a very small restaurant and has an intimate setting. Derrick Avenue and Hettie Street, Cyrildene.
4 Fo Guang Shan Cyrildene
This is a Buddhist meditation centre and small temple with great views of Bruma and Bedfordview. It’s the Joburg branch of the chapter. 41 Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene. 0116167917
5 Coco
This is a nice tea house. It’s great for your daily boba/ tapioca milk tea fix. Ground Floor, Heng Cheng Palace, 34 Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene. 0116151191
6 Fisherman’s Plate
Is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Chinatown. 18 Derrick Avenue, Bruma. 0116220480