Fontainebleau has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past few months to the extent that the entire suburb is now considered prime real estate territory, say estate agents.
This should be a source of comfort for property owners and residents of the Randburg suburb as such good sentiment can only positively impact property values.
“If you had asked me a year ago, I definitely would have said buyers preferred to purchase property in the block between Malibongwe Drive, Republic Road and Rabie Street. I have, however, in the last six months seen a definite upward movement in prices and sales in the whole of Fontainebleau,” says Keller Williams Realty Associate, Wicus Roberts.
Fontainebleau is well-suited for families with children as there are lots of ample-sized freehold
properties with decent space in a great location. - Wicus Roberts, associate, Keller Williams Realty
Picture: Supplied
One of the reasons for this change is that concerted security measures are gradually raising personal safety levels and allaying residents’ fears regarding the safety of their property, says Roberts, who argues that a better-performing realty market has come about in tandem with perceptions of an improvement in general safety.
“In terms of the sales market, correct pricing is essential when putting one’s home on the market, as any one property in the neighbourhood is bound to be a great buy,” he says. “I usually find if a property is for sale in Fontainebleau at the correct price, it will sell within the first month of listing.”
Roberts mentions other reasons why parking your money in Fontainebleau can turn out for the good in the long-term: “It definitely is an area I would recommend for investment opportunities. For one, there are a few fixer-upper homes that have been neglected for a while. One could buy such a home at a good price and renovate it while ensuring the expenditure is within the price bracket. The buyer certainly will be able to sell it for a profit.”
Individual renovation efforts also cumulatively impact an area’s standing when replicated across a neighbourhood, says Roberts. “If you take care of your property, always making sure it is looked after well, and liveable, it will raise the value in any area.”
He says only a handful of townhouse apartments and complexes are to be found in Fontainebleau, which largely comprises free-standing residential properties and is thus a typical family suburb.
“Fontainebleau is well-suited for families with children as there are lots of ample-sized freehold properties with decent space in a great location,” he says.
“It is brilliant when you consider the amenities in the vicinity. You have Afrikaans and English medium schools right around the corner in any direction,” says Roberts, citing schools such as Hoërskool Randburg, Laerskool Fontainebleau and The King’s School Robin Hills.
“You’re also close to shops, medical centres and the N1, with easy access to all nearby centres such as the Joburg CBD, Randburg CBD, Sandton and Rosebank.” Property values here equate those in Bordeaux, while Windsor Glen is slightly pricier and Randpark slightly more affordable.
Tawanda Chichetu’s favourite places and things to do
Fontainbleau is conveniently situated close to the highway and it takes me only 10-12 minutes to get to work in Sandton. It’s also close to Cresta and Clearwater malls. There are many good schools in the vicinity. My children go to King’s College, which provides affordably priced, quality private education. Another attraction is good neighbourhood security. - Tawanda Chichetu, resident
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1 Randpark Golf Club
It has nice greens. The on-site hotel also makes it a total pleasure to visit, as you can order a meal and drinks. The Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. Setperk Road, Randpark. 011 215 8600
Randpark Golf Club with on-site hotel. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)
2 Ferndale Village
There are many good restaurants and there are excellent shops. Corner Main Avenue and Oxford Street, Ferndale, Randburg. 011 781 5410
3 Clearwater Mall
You can have a nice family outing here. There are trampolines for children and a great selection of restaurants. Corner Christiaan de Wet and Hendrik Potgieter roads, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. 010 591 2129
4 City Rock
This is a worldclass and fabulous indoor gym for high wall climbing and with a yoga studio, coffee shop, you name it. 46 Fourth Avenue South, Fontainebleau. 010 007 2732
5 Delta Park
Walking trails, bird watching hides, three tree-lined dams. 77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg. 011 888 4831
6 Fusionista Restaurant
Great cocktails, cosy, casual. 14 Rabie Street, Fontainebleau, Randburg. 011 793 4796