Linksfield is a beautiful suburb that is filled with history, views of fairways and greens without the costs of traditional golf estates, says Jo-Anne Martins, a sales associate with Re/Max One Bedfordview.
A number of factors determines property values and sales in the area, says Martins. She cites the redevelopment of Huddle Park as arguably the greatest factor to have positively impacted the property market in the Linksfield area of late. Once seen as Linksfield’s curse and blight and a dangerous spot, Huddle Park has now been rehabilitated thanks to the emergence of a mixed-use development in place of the derelict and overgrown space that previously existed.
“Linksfield was less then desirable because of this,” says Martins, who points out that the Huddle Park development has opened doors to purchasers wanting to get a foot on to the property ladder of the growing Linksfield market.
There’s been an increase in purchases of older homes which are being torn down and replaced with modern ones. - Jo-Anne Martins, sales associate, Re/Max One Bedfordview
Picture: Supplied
Martins reckons the development has not only benefited Linksfield, but neighbouring suburbs as well. By bringing recreational facilities closer to residents, Huddle Park has given the area a competitive edge in the marketplace. “Huddle Park has provided a safe environment and top-class recreational facilities which are perfect for families who can relax and play.”
Like anywhere else, sales have slowed in Linksfield over the past couple of months due to a mix of economic and political factors. The well-maintained parks and increasing lifestyle benefits are, however, attracting more buyers to Linksfield, thus contributing to stimulating the retail and commercial components of the area.
Martins says the area has long enjoyed a reputation as convenient, thanks to easy access offered by the Linksfield off-ramp, with good access to OR Tambo International Airport, Rosebank, Sandton and Melrose Arch.
“Top private schools such as King David, St Andrew’s School for Girls and Saheti are some of the traditional pull factors for families,” notes Martins.
The essential amenities in the vicinity include private hospitals and excellent shopping centres such as Linksfield Terrace Shopping Centre, Bedford Centre and Eastgate Shopping Centre, to mention a few.
“It is possible to buy apartments in the area for just over R1 million up to around R3m, with the greatest demand below R1.5m,” says Martin. Freehold homes can be found for between around R2.8m and R3.5m for entry-level properties and midlevel priced homes from R5m to R15m.
“With this in mind, there’s been an increase in purchases of older homes which are being torn down and replaced with modern ones, taking the values of the properties up to R20m to R30m, thereby illustrating consumer confidence in the area,” says Martins.
The older homes in the area are in demand but are becoming scarce as they are sought after for refurbishment or redevelopment into smaller cluster developments. Linksfield Ridge is more expensive than Linksfield proper.
Daniela Erasmus’s favourite places and things to do
My husband and I have never been attracted to estate living. We’re a young family with energetic children. Our home in Linksfield North is large enough for garden cricket and much therapeutic gardening. Linksfield is conveniently close to our children’s schools. Linksfield is buffered from the noise of traffic, mostly due to the abundance of mature trees and the expanse of the ridge to the south. - Daniel Erasmus, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Huddle Park
It has so much to offer from a car wash to a cross-fit gym. We enjoy the dog walking trail in the wooded area, followed by milkshakes at the dog-friendly restaurant. Acrobranch on site also provides a few hours of tree-top fun. Club Street, Linksfield. 011 640 6693
2 Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club
A lovely spot for a steelworks or a satisfyingly large and delicious cappuccino. 1 Fairway Avenue, Linksfield North. 011 640 3021
The golf club is a big attraction. Picture: Supplied
3 Sylvia’s Market
This little market is open on Sundays. It’s not overwhelmingly large, therefore not tiresome to explore. It’s quite common to find original oil paintings by South African artists for an absolute bargain. 59 Frederick Street, Observatory. 073 397 0140
4 Much More Flowers
This flower shop on Club Street has the most wonderful selection of fresh flowers. I was recently given a bunch of magnificent king proteas bought from this shop. Shop 6, Linksfield Square, Club Street, Linksfield. 011 485 4747
5 Mozambik
Portuguese-style cuisine. 110 Cnr Club Street and Linksfield Road, Linksfield. 011 264 1131
6 Sushimi
Shop No.07, Linksfield Square, Club Street, Linksfield. 076 742 500