Things are picking up in Sydenham as the pre-election foreboding seems to be dissipating and buyers seem to be expressing a keenness for the area again.
This is according to Jodi Dayan, a property professional with Firzt Realty who has been closely watching trends in the area for some years.
She says: “Sales pre-election were slow and with buyers looking for bargains and sellers holding out for election results, sales were down. Having said that, post-election interest from buyers has increased and we’re getting a lot more enquiries regarding properties.”
Sydenham has the potential to become the new Parkhurst of the north-eastern suburbs.
Jody Dayan, Property Professional, Firzt Realty Picture: Supplied
Buyers are, however,still bargain-hunting with offers coming in up to 30% lower than the asking price, says Dayan. “This is not the market to test the saleability of your home. A house needs to be realistically priced to sell fast. An overpriced house can sit on the market for more than six months, thereby reducing the ultimate selling price.”
The average selling price in Sydenham based on the last 12 months of sales is R1.605 million, a figure Dayan cites as offering good value for money with lots of renovation potential.
“The highest recorded price achieved in Sydenham for the last two years is R3.4m, which shows what a good investment a well-priced Sydenham house could be if you compare it to the average selling price.”
It can only get better for Sydenham, a well-established neighbourhood with excellent infrastructure. It is centrally situated with easy access to the M1 and N1 highways and is close to OR Tambo International Airport.
It also borders Orange Grove, Highlands North, Sandringham and Glenhazel and counts Linksfield Clinic, a range of restaurant and entertainment options, including Huddle Park, among prized local amenities. All this underscores the excellent value for money, says Dayan.
Positive surrounding improvements include The Neighbourhood Estate and the Royal Linksfield Development in neighbouring Sandringham, ear-marked for secure estate living.
“Sydenham is a quiet and friendly suburb with tree-lined streets, parks and the Sydenham public swimming pool. It is also close to many places of worship and good private and public schools in a close-knit community.
“Sydenham has the potential to become the new Parkhurst of the north-eastern suburbs,” says Dayan. Stand sizes vary from 495m² to double stands of 991m², she says.
“The area was surveyed for housing in 1905 and the original houses were quite similar when originally built. While not quite the heritage status of Orange Grove, one of its neighbouring suburbs, many of the houses in Sydenham have been renovated into modern beauties while still keeping the retro character of the era.”
She advises: “It is definitely a buyer’s market with a wide range of houses to choose from. My recommendation would be to buy now and buy fast because I believe the market will improve and prices will rise.”
Sandringham is slightly more affordable.
Kirsty Smith’s favourite places and things to do
Fuji restaurant in Grant Avenue serves excellent cuisine. Picture: Supplied
1 Grant Avenue
I like that you can actually walk down this popular street and have some fun. There’s lots of shops and restaurants as well as a buzz in the air.
2 Fuji
They offer the best sushi around and serve fresh cuisine which is also well-priced. 74 Grant Avenue, Norwood. 076 848 0957
3 Sylvia’s Market
This popular market is a short drive from my home. It takes place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm. They have good fresh produce, lovely stalls and the market is child- and animal-friendly. They also host a live band. 59 Frederick Street, Observatory. 073 397 0140
4 Norwood Market
A range of stalls and food vendors, arts and crafts as well as collectables. Norwood Mall, 3 Sarie Marais Road, Norwood.
5 Club Street Kennels
They offer dog grooming, day care and rescue. 119 Club Street, Linksfield. 082 421 3022 6 Tonino’s Portuguese Restaurant Late-night food. Cosy, casual. 3 Dunottar Street, Sydenham. 0114851748