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It was class and status stupid, suggested historian David Cannadine in his argument for the essence of the British Empire.
However debatable Canadinne’s point is, there’s no disputing that status comes to bear heavily on buying sentiment in locations such as Dainfern Golf Estate, the more exclusive address of Dainfern.
“The people who buy here know what Dainfern is all about. It’s the prestige, status and security,” says Jenny Papachristos, an estate agent for Seeff Properties who lives in Dainfern. Properties here sell better than in other locations of the neighbourhood for security and lifestyle reasons,” says Papachristos.
She says properties in Dainfern Golf Estate can go for as much as R17 million. The distinguishing characteristics of these exclusive homes include their architecture and finishes, with en-suite bedrooms standard in most cases while theatre rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis are also to be expected.
When one such home comes on to the market, it’s a matter of waiting for the right well-heeled buyer to come along to claim it. As a well-situated neighbourhood of Sandton, Dainfern is set to reap the dividends of being close to the Fourways precinct, arguably Joburg’s most active commercial zone at the moment.
“There is a lot of activity in the area,” notes Papachristos. She cites proximity to Steyn City as another value-adding factor for residents and homeowners.
The people who buy here know what Dainfern is all about. It’s the prestige, status and security. – Jenny Papachristos, estate agent, Seeff Properties
Picture:Supplied
Upgrades to infrastructure in tandem with commercial developments have resulted in a corresponding rise in property values in this northern part of Joburg as investors move to take advantage of favourable projections for the area.
While entry-level properties are mostly cluster-style homes priced between R2.5m and R2.8m, prospective buyers would need a makeover budget as the homes would need to be completely renovated, says Papachristos.
She says homes in the estate were built more than 20 years ago, so buyers need to budget for modernisation. The property market in Dainfern is well-diversified but real estate activity is subdued due to the economic downturn, says Papachristos.
The Gateside Avenue entrance to the exclusive Dainfern golf and residential estate. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA)
The R1m to R2m market is very slow but properties marked below the R1m mark are performing better. Papachristos says the most active property segment comprises homes marked from R2m to R3m while demand on homes priced at around R4m to R5m has been very low.
“Most of the high-end homes will have the price negotiated when offers are made. “Seldom are offers made at full price on a luxury home,” Papachristos points out while reiterating the importance for homeowners to price their homes correctly. The average sale period for a correctly priced home in Dainfern is about three months while properties which are priced optimistically could remain on the market for two to three years.
“The longer a property stays on the market the more unattractive to buyers it becomes and the more it loses value,” says Papachristos, who describes Dainfern as a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood.
Amy Mason’s favourite places and things to do
It’s convenient to live in the Fourways area as it’s easy to get around and travel to Fourways Mall, which has virtually everything. The overhead pass at the mall is complete and things are getting back to normal so there’s no longer much inconvenience from construction traffic. There’s lots going on in the Fourways area all the way up to Dainfern, with developments going up everywhere. - Resident Amy Mason
Picture: Supplied
1 Papachino's
It’s a nice family restaurant with a childrens’ play area. I have two younger sisters so everything is taken care of while I am eating here. Sevens Decor Centre, The Straight Avenue and Witkoppen Road, Fourways. 011 467 4460
2 Mugg & Bean
I like my toasted sandwich and hot chocolate, and they make both well. G97 Fourways Mall, William Nicol Drive, Fourways. 011 465 5272
3 011 Dainfern
By the Baron Outdoors seating and great cocktails. Shop 50 & 51, Dainfern Square Shopping Centre, 2055 Broadacres Drive, Fourways. 010 493 3660
Papachinos has a childrens’ playground and offers little ones a ‘roll, make and bake"" pizza experience. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)
4 RockoMamas
It is vibey, they play music and it’s well-suited to young people. I like visiting with friends. The menu offers amazing burgers and chips. 11 Pineslopes Shopping Centre, corner Witkoppen Road and The Straight Avenue, Fourways. 011 465 3032
5 God First City
The fellowship is great and it’s also vibey and more of a young people’s church. We’ve since moved to new premises. The Buzz Shopping Centre, 245 Pritchard Street, Fourways. 076 660 8525
6 Melissa’s
Casual It is great for groups. 2040 Broadacres Drive, Dainfern Square, Fourways. 011 469 0343