[gallery ids="43802,43803,43804,43805"]
Estate agents are, on the whole, unanimous in their assessment of Hurlingham as a haven where investors can expect to sell their homes at prices higher than the initial purchase price even under the most adverse of economic conditions.
Doug McMeeking of Seeff Sandton, who has been selling in Hurlingham for 20 years, says although sales haven’t been as buoyant as they have been historically, homes in Hurlingham have held their value regardless of the current economic slowdown.
“It’s a good time to buy as prices can only rise, as they have done over the last two decades. “It’s a period of slower growth at the moment, although this will likely change after the general election when political and economic instability subsides and the property market resettles.”
Hurlingham is a lovely area due to the lifestyle it offers and convenient access to the Sandton CBD. It remains a popular choice for professionals with families. - Doug McMeeking, estate agent, Seeff Sandton
Picture: Supplied
Most properties in this neighbourhood are selling between R4 million and R7m. This is the most enquired-after price bracket at the moment, says McMeeking. “The highest priced property is listed at R25m, but this is an outlier for the suburb,” he says.
The usual top-end range for Hurlingham is between R11m and R15m. On occasion, a truly unique home becomes available in Hurlingham with a price tag reaching the R20m range. The few sectional titles which are available should not be confused with those of Riepen Park, a neighbouring suburb, cautions Charles Vining, managing director Seeff Sandton.
He says buyers should stick with seasoned agents like McMeeking when looking to buy in Hurlingham, which is distinct from Hurlingham Manor, situated nearer to Bryanston and St Stithian’s College.
It is the lesser-known Hurlingham Gardens that’s generally considered to be part of Hurlingham proper, argues Vining. There’s also vacant land available priced from R3.5m but there are only a handful of these stands left, according to McMeeking.
“Hurlingham is a lovely area due to the lifestyle it offers and the convenient access to the Sandton CBD. It remains a popular choice for professionals with families,” McMeeking says. He says it is to be expected that almost 90% of buyers have been younger than 50 as the large homes offer easy access to schools and workplaces.
Families can start out in Hurlingham and remain there for the duration of their children’s school-going days. They can benefit from the community security initiatives in a place close to many private schools.
The Sandton City shopping hub is close to the neighbourhood and offers exclusive stores and top restaurants. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA)
The area has a “parks” feel, which is distinct from that of Parkhurst as Hurlingham is more similar to Bryanston, Morningside and Hyde Park when it comes to exclusivity. Glen Eagles Avenue, Cawdor Avenue, Fife Avenue, Carlisle Avenue, Arbroath Avenue and Bute Avenue are exceptionally sought-after, says McMeeking.
“There are not many ‘fix-me-upper’ homes found in Hurlingham these days,” says McMeeking. Resident Kim Jensen agrees: “Hurlingham has seen numerous homes built and renovations completed over the past few years, which is always a positive sign for prospective buyers.”
Kim Jensen’s favourite places and things to do
Hurlingham is a tranquil, leafy suburb with a pro-active residents’ association which builds a strong sense of community, ranging across security, addressing municipal service issues and spruit clean-ups. Portions of the suburb are gated and along with patrols and CCTV cameras, this has deterred crime considerably. Low traffic, safety and access to the spruit promote early morning runs, family walks and children riding bikes. The suburb is centrally located and is close to shopping centres, schools, business districts and major roads. - Kim Jansen, resident.
Picture: Supplied
1 Spruit
Whether feeding the ducks or having a run along the spruit with children in tow this always comes to a happy end at the Delta Café. 76 Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park, Randburg. 010 900 3850
2 Chaplin’s Grill
Outdoor seating and great cocktails. 61 Woodlands Avenue, Hurlingham, Sandton. 011 886 8866
3 Milk Bar – Sandton Sports Club
It’s the perfect place for a casual dinner or drinks with a vibe. 11 Holt Street West, Parkmore, Sandton. 087 701 2002
4 Camelot Spa
This leading spa group has a local branch on our doorstep. Hamilton Avenue, Hurlingham, Sandton. 011 783 9952
Hyde Park Corner is a popular choice for shopping and dining, and movie experiences. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/African News Agency (ANA)
5 Sandton City and Hyde Park Corner
Both shopping centres are close to home. Sandton City: 83 Rivonia Road, Sandhurst, Sandton. Hyde Park Corner: Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park.
6 Higher Ground Restaurant
For panoramic views across Sandton. St Stithian’s College, 40 Peter Place, Randburg. 011 024 3433.