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If you are in the market for a home with character that may have been built in the early part of the last century, and is situated in a well-established and sought-after suburb, turn your gaze on Parktown North as you are likely to find your dream residence here.
You will, of course, have the choice to renovate your new home as many residents in this leafy Joburg suburb have done just that, says Jonathan Davies, Tyson Property Gauteng regional director.
“Many homes in Parktown North date back to the early part of the 20th century. The characteristic Oregon pine floors, pressed steel ceilings and leaded windows are some of the unique features that endear people to the area,” says Davies, who adds that many of the homes have been contemporised to suit a modern lifestyle. He says the average Parktown North home features modernised interiors with open-plan kitchens, multiple en-suite bedrooms and superb entertainment spaces.
“The typical home comprises three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms and will cover approximately 250m² to 400m² under roof.” Although the average plot size is about 1 200m² to 1 300m², many are sub-divisions of larger stands. Davies says there are many pan-handle properties as a result – properties sought-after for security and serenity.
“The characterful homes, treelined streets, great restaurants and superb public spaces offer a unique lifestyle and a sense of community that is unparalleled in our city,” says Davies. He says Parktown North is most suited to families, and mentions captains of industry, an array of professionals and artists among the residents.
Parktown North is centrally situated close to schools as well as the Sandton, Rosebank and Joburg CBDs, a convenience which drives demand for homes in this suburb and results in some good asset growth over time, he says. Davies and his director colleague, Brad Neillie, who is based at the Tyson Properties Parktown North office, have witnessed a remarkable resilience in Parktown North as homes there continue to defy the softer sales environment.
The typical Parktown North home comprises three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms and will cover approximately 250m² to 400m² under roof. - Jonathan Davies, Regional Director Tyson Property Gauteng
Picture: Supplied
They put the current average sale period in Parktown North at four to six months, with the original asking price and final selling price differential at as much as 20% – a fact they cite as indicative of more challenging trading conditions and the softer sales environment. “The sales statistics for the past 12 months from Lightstone reveal 44 sales in the suburb, totalling R188 million,” says Davies.
Neillie reports that, as of last week, about 80 or 90 homes were listed on the market in Parktown North. He believes this is good for the choice available to the buyer. Over the past 12 months, the average price of a home in the area has been around R4.2m, down from a R4.65m high in 2016.
Davies recommends Parkwood, Parkview and Greenside East for potential buyers who do not find what they are looking for in Parktown North. He says homes to the north of 7th Avenue have historically traded at higher-than-average prices while homes to the south of 7th Avenue are zoned for Parkview schools and are popular with families with young children.
Gillian Dawson’s favourite places and things to do
I own and manage a block of flats on 3rd Avenue but I live in Roodepoort now after living in Parktown North. It is becoming a very trendy and fashionable suburb and homes here are sought after. It is one of Joburg’s older suburbs so you find older properties on larger stands. Parktown North is centrally located close to Joburg and Sandton, while the nightlife in Rosebank is also relatively near. - Gillian Dawson co-ordinates the Facebook page
for the Parktown North Community Forum.
Picture: Supplied
1 The Local Grill
A great restaurant just next door to us. They help out with the residents’ association’s meetings. 40 7th Avenue, corner 3rd Avenue, Parktown North. 011 880 1946
2 Patachou Patisserie
It’s a nice French bakery and bistro that’s popular in the neighbourhood. 15 7th Avenue, Parktown North. 011 268 5702
3 Zoo Lake
This is close to Parktown North and is one of the local landmarks. Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, Parkview. 011 483 1017
The Local Grill. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)
4 Motherland Coffee
This is a good coffee shop with branches in locations including Sandton, Rosebank and Dunkeld West. Corner 7th and 3rd avenues, Parktown North. 010 900 4771
5 Simply Asia
Great cuisine. Shop 4, Parktown Quarter. Corner 3rd and 7th avenues, Parktown North. 011 327 6354
6 @Kate's Kitchen
Family-friendly, casual restaurant. 17 4th Avenue, Parktown North. 011 327 6333