Strathavon is often described in terms of its centrality of location, a factor which links deftly with the investment imperative as the area is in a good location that offers ease of access to work, shopping and service centres.
It is situated adjacent to Sandton CBD, known as the richest square mile in Africa. “It is also close to the highway for easy travel into and around Joburg. The centrality to Sandton CBD and easy access to Joburg CBD make Strathavon an ideal investment opportunity for the ease with which investors can find tenants,” says Pam Hemmens of Frankie Bell’s.
Nearness to the Sandton and Rosebank CBDs makes Strathavon popular with professionals in the corporate sector, among others. Hemmens says Strathavon is also close to a synagogue.
“Investing in Strathavon, along with most other Sandton suburbs, is always less risky because the area is considered to be great.” - Pam Hemmens, Frankie Bell's Estate Agent
Picture: Supplied
“Strathavon is popular with families with children attending the great schools in the area, such as Grayston Preparatory, which has an excellent name.”
Hemmens says properties in the suburb in general hold their value if kept up-to-date and in a good condition, owing to the positive perceptions about Strathavon.
Such positive attributes also ensure ventures such as Strathavon Guesthouse and Strathavon BB thrive as guest houses and lodges are viable entities, given the numerous visitors and tourists attracted by the suburb’s nearness to top centres and services.
Hemmens says Strathavon has not been unaffected by the prevailing political uncertainty that has resulted in a slowed down real estate market overall.
For the intrepid investor, this can be a window of opportunity, says Hemmens. “A slow market can lead to reduced property prices, and, therefore, is the perfect condition for investors looking at purchasing properties.”
Given that Strathavon is, on the whole, an upmarket suburb, it attracts the kind of tenant and buyer able to absorb the shocks of the current volatile markets, says Hemmens.
“Investing in Strathavon, along with most other Sandton suburbs, is always less risky because the area is considered to be great.
“Properties closer to the highway and bordering the busy Grayston Drive can sometimes be less in demand, but in general the area is sought after and is ideal for exclusive investors.”
The same could be said for top-of-the range properties, which are often slower to move due to their price alone and the attendant smaller pool of potential buyers, says Hemmens.
“To compound this, the current uncertain market means many buyers are less likely to make large purchases.”
The market is currently more driven by middle-of-the-range properties, which in this area sell for about R3.3million, says Hemmens, who places the highest property prices reached here at around R6m. Sandown is considerably more expensive; Wendywood and Eastgate are more affordable.
Greg Turner’s favourite places and things to do
Strathavon is a recommended neighbourhood in which to raise a family. It is centrally situated close to Sandton Central with good private and public schools. It is also close to shops and places of entertainment as well as restaurants for a great social life. We’re on the Gautrain bus route and the new BRT bus route. - Greg Turner, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Innesfree Park
You can walk the dog here and it is close to childrens’ play areas. Katherine Street and Grayston Drive, Sandton. 0829043850
2 Theatre On The Square
It is vibey and a great venue for meetings. Nelson Mandela Square, corner Sandton Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton. 0118838606
3 Sandton City
We’re close to excellent shopping and other services. 83 Rivonia Road, Sandhurst, Sandton. 0112176000
Innesfree Park was popular during World Cup matches in 2010. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)
4 Woodmead Retail Park
We’re situated close to this centre and the strip malls of Woodmead that offer lots of shopping options and are easily accessible via the highway. 1 Waterfall Crescent, Woodmead. 0116567000
5 Reuben’s at The Capital Moloko
This is a great restaurant and bar in a deluxe hotel. 160 Helen Road, Strathavon, Sandton. 0113844949
6 Andiccio 24
Casual, great for children and open all day. Grayston Shopping Centre, corner Helen Road and Grayston Drive, Sandown, Sandton. 0117841530