“The best time to buy a home is always five years ago,” American jazz musician Ray Brown once quipped. Brown’s statement may have been uttered in jest, but it does underscore an enduring reality: even in times of economic turbulence, a real estate investment is most likely to pay off, and in more ways than one.
This brings us to Ruimsig, where a noted appreciation in property values over the past few years bolsters the case for real estate as a much safer store of value at all times. This is because statistics for this popular neighbourhood in Roodepoort have shown an increase in the value of mainly residential estate and sectional title properties.
Johann Malan, a specialist area agent for Remax 2000, says: “Despite the national downward trend in the property market, the Ruimsig residential area has a positive story to tell, which is good news for prospective buyers and investors who want to enter the market.”
Ruimsig is a diverse upmarket area. Whether you’ve just started out or are established, it can be recommended for investors for its market stability. - Johann Malan, estate agent, REMAX 2000 Picture: Supplied
He points to stable sales averages “with a slight increase” in upmarket residential estates, which make up around 48% of the suburb’s market stock and on sectional titles, comprising about 29% of the available housing stock.
Citing Lightstone data, Malan says between 2017 and 2018, the average value for units in upmarket estates increased from R2.835million to R3m and jumped to R3.088m between 2018 and 2019. “These estates are well-built with modern finishes and can vary in age from one to 25 years old,” says Malan.
The starting prices for homes in the luxurious residential estates go from R2.5m all the way up to R8m, with stand sizes ranging from 800m² to 2 000m². Unit sizes are between 200m² to around 600m². Sectional titles also weighed in with their own notable contribution, by going from an average of R1.35m in 2017 to R1.092m in 2018 and R1.36m in 2019, says Malan. Sale prices on these vary from R430000 to R2.5m.
They have one to four bedrooms and are between 60m² and 250m² in size, and are also decked with modern finishes. Although freeholds make up slightly over 20%, one finds smallholdings ranging from about 1ha to 80ha or bigger, according to Malan, who says these are priced from R3.5m to R20m and more.
“Ruimsig is a diverse upmarket area. Whether you have just started out or are established, it can be recommended for investors for its market stability.”
The suburb is perfect for family living, thanks to a host of local amenities, including Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, a selection of shopping malls, five private schools and a local campus of Monash University as well as leisure and entertainment hotspots, among them Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Silverstar Casino and Roodepoort Country Club.
This partly explains the stable owner base, says Malan. Sellers must, however,price their homes realistically. After the first two weeks of listing, buyers tend to express less interest, he cautions
Tshepiso Mahlangu’s favourite places and things to do
I moved here about two years ago. I have always been attracted by the houses and the area itself. Ruimsig also looked a lot safer than most of the areas I inspected. It gives great access to lots of places of interest, shopping centres, main routes and centres in the northern suburbs. I work in nearby Randburg and the convenience of being closer to the workplace cannot be overstated. - Tshepiso Mahlangu, resident
1 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
They host amazing concerts and the great scenic beauty is ideal for photo shoots. It’s also within a short distance of home and takes about 10 minutes to get there. Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort. 0861001278
2 Swartkrans Go-Karts
It’s relatively close to us and a great source of thrills for my son. I take him there every so often. 56 Hekpoort Road, Swartkrans, Krugersdorp. 0723083034
Swartkrans Go-Karts is great for thrills. Picture: Supplied
3 Cradle of Humankind
This is one of the nicest places I can think of close to me. It’s always great fun to visit Maropeng. There’s lots of history and lots to learn. R563, Gauteng. 0145779000
4 Clearwater Mall
It simply is one of my favourite shopping destinations. There’s lots to shop and do. Corner Christiaan de Wet and Hendrik Potgieter roads, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. 0112885260
5 Shallow Waters Chinese Sushi Restaurant
Great atmosphere. Doreen Road, Ruimsig. 0119582288
6 The Porterhouse Family Restaurant & Steakhouse
Fabulous steaks. 33 Wattle Street, Florida Junction Shopping Centre, Florida Park, Roodepoort. 0114726617