Douglasdale has a large number of homes offering good rental returns on one’s investment as the suburb is popular and centrally situated in a locality with growing potential.
These are some of the reasons advanced by Jonathan Davies, Gauteng regional director for Tyson Properties, why Douglasdale is worth inspection and investment.
“Douglasdale has good access to schools and retail centres. It is also close to the new Fourways precinct, and as interest in this project grows so will values, making the capital growth component of an investment more attractive.”
Douglasdale has always been an active suburb and continues to exhibit sales across all markets despite a somewhat depressed property environment. - Jonathan Davies, regional director, Tyson Properties
Picture: Supplied
Davies says tenants find it convenient to base themselves here as Douglasdale is close to Sandton and Bryanston. “With Sandton becoming more congested, there has been a northward move towards Fourways, which has increased the awareness of Fourways and surrounds, including Douglasdale,” says Davies.
A former resident who previously worked in Douglasdale, Davies has witnessed what was once perceived to be a suburb somewhere on the outskirts grow into a centrally located neighbourhood, close to all essential amenities.
This change in fortunes positively impacted property values, says Davies, who cites a steady appreciation in property values in the past 10 years.
“Although not recession-proof, values have fared better than in other areas. Douglasdale has always been an active suburb and continues to exhibit sales across all markets despite a somewhat depressed property environment,” says Davies.
“Over the past 12 months, Douglasdale has recorded sales of 369 units with a value of R606 million,” he says, giving a breakdown of 127 cluster freehold units sold for a total of R283m, 197 sectional title units for a total of R197m and 39 freehold sales totalling R118m.
Davies says Douglasdale offers a well-diversified market stock to suit different types of ownership, be it investment or buy-to-live. Well-maintained properties and those in security and manned complexes are more popular.
Sale patterns vary for reasons including lifestyle changes, with buyers upgrading to cluster homes with larger gardens and more space, while freeholds had longer ownership periods. Conversely, Douglasdale is considered an excellent feeder area for Bryanston and secure estates in the surrounds while homeowners in Jukskei Park and Olivedale often sell to move to Douglasdale.
“This is probably one of the reasons we have not seen a drop-off in values over recessionary times,” says Davies. He advises prospective buyers to find a good location that facilitates quicker travel times and an idea of comparative value. Property values here compare very well with those for Fourways.
Allen Scott’s favourite places and things to do
I’ve been living here for 26 years. When we first came, it was bush all around but that has since changed. I liked that it was a break from the Joburg CBD, where I used to work. I know the area and the people well. You get virtually anything you want, including convenience shops and shopping centres. - Allen Scott, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Norscot Koppies and King Fisher Nature Reserve
It’s one of the nicest parks in the Fourways area and is great for taking walks and having a picnic lunch. You also find bird havens. It’s close to where we live. Alexander Avenue, Fourways
Norscot Koppies and Kingfisher Nature Reserve. Picture: Supplied
2 Ocean Basket
The food seems to be fresher, the service is great. It’s quiet, given all the building going on around. There’s also lots of parking. Shop L20, Fourways Mall, Corner William Nicol Drive and Fourways Boulevard, Fourways. 0114650463
3 Delta Park
We like taking our dogs for walks there. There’s a museum and they also give presentations, including films. 77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg. 0118884831
4 Mimmos
It’s a great restaurant for Italian cuisine. We like pizza and visit regularly. Douglas Drive, Douglasdale, 0114622403
5 Kakao
Casual, groups, beer. Shop No. 24, Douglasdale Shopping Centre, Corner Leslie and Douglas drives, Douglasdale. 0110222018
6 Throbbing Strawberry
The food here is exceptional. 1 Douglasdale Village Shopping Centre, Douglasdale. 0117046982