Eikenhof was always largely known for its smallholdings and the associated attraction of contented countryside living. The area is now attracting high levels of attention from residential and commercial property investors in a still developing area.
Beverley Nel of Remax All Stars has been working in Eikenhof for a while and keenly observing the market. She lists the upmarket golf estate Eye of Africa and investments by the Lusito Portuguese Association as among the main trending developments.
“Eikenhof is a fast-changing, up-and-coming area. Higher priced properties have been developed in Eye of Africa, where an 800m² stand will cost in the region of R1 million and a 1 500m² piece of land around R1.350m. The average price of a home in the estate is around R5m.”
There’s growing demand for vacant land in Eikenhof, largely because it is only 20 minutes from Joburg and fairly level. - Beverley Nel, estate agent, ReMax All Stars
Picture: Supplied
The Lusito Portuguese Association, which is the patron of the Lusito schools, is exploring the possibility of establishing a third campus in the Alewynspoort area, a short distance from and adjacent to Eye of Africa. The Cayman Road area and portions along the R554 in the Alewynspoort section, next to Eye of Africa, constitute the most sought-after sites, according to Nel.
“There is a 46ha farm next to the Lusito premises for sale at R12.5m which runs from the top of the koppie, over Cayman Road through to the R554. “There are also a variety of smallholdings for sale with prices ranging from R4m to R8m,” says Nel.
Although Eikenhof may be seen as being “a little bit outside of suburban bliss”, there are signs aplenty that more and more people will find it a favourable residential destination in the short term.
“Eikenhof has a lot of vacant land available, with many upmarket schools and residential developments being planned and construction set to commence in the near future, all pointing to a keen and growing interest, and sales are climbing.”
Nel cites the interested players as including residential developers, retail developers, livestock and crop farmers as well as private hospital groups and church organisations.
She says: “There’s a growing demand for vacant land in Eikenhof, largely because it is only 20 minutes from Joburg and the land is fairly level. “There’s still a long way to go before the area is fully developed, but the land is being bought at a growing rate.” Nel believes interest will likely be rekindled in other parts of Eikenhof as the area becomes more developed commercially. Areas poised to benefit from this include Tedderfield, an established neighbourhood known for its stately homes.
“You get averagely priced properties in Tedderfield as well,” says Nel. But should you be thinking of developing your own home, Nel says time might be running out if you’re eyeing Eikenhof: “Buy land now. They’re not making any more of it.
Jeanette Athanassiou’s favourite places and things to do
I’ve been living in Eikenhof for almost 30 years and it’s changed so much. At present we’re working to protect the wetland in Eikenhof for the benefit of bird life which is vanishing due to
reed-burning. It’s beautiful where we live as the Klip River runs through our property. We’re only five minutes from Golf Reef City and 10mins from Joburg – and then, you’re in the countryside. - Jeanette Athanassiou, resident
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1 Mall of the South
My two favourite restaurants there are Life Grand Café and Mythos. Life is popular, has a nice ambience and serves great seafood. Mythos is great on Greek fare. Mall of the South, corner Swartkoppies Road and Kliprivier Drive, Aspen Hills. Life: 010 595 3880. Mythos: 011 682 1746
Mall of the South offers numerous popular and good restaurants. Picture: Supplied
2 Thornbirds Conference and Wedding Centre
It’s the country lifestyle, the peace and tranquillity and the beautiful gardens that I like the most when visiting this venue. 152 Kliprivier Drive, Eikenhof. 011 948 6001
3 Eye of Africa Golf Estate
We have lots of friends there and it is beautiful to just visit. 33 Cayman Road, Alewynspoort, Eikenhof. 010 500 0400
4 Edu Park
It’s part of Red Farms. They are in the process of establishing a bird park for the benefit of children. Abmarie AH, Johannesburg South. 011 444 9226
5 Doppio Zero
Cosy, casual, great cocktails. South Street, Liefde En Vrede, Johannesburg South. 011 682 1871
6 Simply Asia
Delicious food. F001 Mall of the South, corner Kliprivier Drive and Swartkoppies Road, Aspen Hills. 011 682 2410