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Long ownership periods and homes which tend to sell quickly when they go on sale are testament to the popularity Glenanda enjoys, and to its credentials as a favourite with families who prioritise convenience.
Tania Rebolo, of Lencar Exclusive Properties, singles out Glenanda Primary School as a strong pull factor for this relatively small suburb.
“Demand for Glenanda is habitually at a premium. Most families want to be close to the schools. Glenanda Primary, in particular, is popular. Parents want to settle here so they can secure places for their children at this school, which is one of the top schools in Gauteng.”
Long ownership periods that are a consequence of such demand entail minimal home ownership turnover.
“Not many homes go on sale at any one time. If a property is well-priced, it sells quickly,” says Rebolo.
Statistics from Lightstone indicate 26 homes only were sold in Glenanda over the past year.
Properties close to the boundary with Glenvista incur higher demand levels owing to their proximity to popular schools, says Rebolo.
There are solid, well-built homes. When you buy a house here, you’ll note the structure is good, so it is basically cosmetic changes you need to effect. - Tania Rebolo, Lencar Exclusive Properties Estate Agent
Picture: Supplied
The area’s popularity with parents of school-going children is evident in a sizeable segment of middle-aged and mature homeowners.
Some of the older residents may have come to the area to put their children through school, only to remain after the children left school.
“Glenanda has mostly single-storey homes and this set-up proves convenient and suitable for older people,” says Rebolo.
A substantial number of homes in the area would do with tender love and care as Glenanda is an established suburb, and one of the earliest neighbourhoods in the south, says Rebolo.
“There are solid, well-built homes. When you buy a house here, you’ll note the structure is very good, so it is basically cosmetic changes you need to effect.”
Glenanda is an established suburb, and one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the south. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA)
Rebolo says most properties in the area are on stands of about 1 000m², and renovations would, in most cases, be restricted to existing structures due to lack of viable space for adding on.
Some properties have been converted into business premises. One area where that change has been more marked is Vorster Avenue, and this has resulted in an increase in values on properties in this street, says Rebolo.
“There’s also great access to the highways. The Glen Shopping Centre is down the road and Mall of the South is also within easy reach, with Kliprivier Drive bypassing the suburb, she says.
Joburg south is home to many recreational facilities, in addition to its close proximity to the CBD.
Glenvista Country Club, Rietvlei Zoo Farm and Kliprivier Nature Reserve are on the list of top attractions that includes Mall of the South, Comaro View Shopping Centre and southern landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City and FNB Stadium.
Homes in Oakdene are a bit pricier while Suideroord is marginally more affordable.
Melissa Fernandes’s favourite places and things to do
I live in nearby Aspen Nature Estate and I run a creche in Glenanda. It takes about five minutes to reach work. There are lots of creches and schools in Glenanda, both private and public and the area links easily to main routes and highways, making it convenient for parents with children. There are lots of shops and the local The Glen Shopping Centre
is popular. Overall, Glenanda is convenient. - Melissa Fernandes, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Belem Café & Restaurant
A lovely Portuguese restaurant with nice food and friendly staff. They have a bakery and one can order fresh confectionery in the mornings. 52 Vorster Avenue, Glenanda, Joburg South. 011 432 3244
2 ll Camino Italian Restaurant
They serve great pizza and service is excellent. Corner Hythe and The Broads streets, Joburg South. 011 682 3002
Il Camino Italian Restaurant is a local eatery known for excellent service and good food. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA)
3 Rietvlei Zoo Farm
I try to take my family there twice a month as my kids really love it. Children can see the animals and they can go on rides. 101 Swartkoppies Road, Mulbarton, Joburg South. 011 024 1512
4 Mall of The South
It’s well-situated off major highways. Lots of restaurants and the children love 21 Jump Street. Corner Swartkoppies Road and Klipriver Drive, Aspen Lakes. 011 682 8780
5 Glenvista Country Club
Beautiful, well-maintained golf course. Vorster Avenue, Glenvista, Joburg South. 011 432 3150
6 Aroma di Caffe
Great breakfasts and lunches. 188 Biggarsberg Street, Glenvista. 011 682 2356