Homes in Ashlea Gardens will likely be beyond the reach of most aspiring buyers in the near future, as continuing developments around the Menlyn Maine precinct push up demand for property in the suburb.
This is the assessment of Vivienne Doeg and Jeanne Cronje of Apple Property Connection. They say Ashlea Gardens has become an extremely popular location, being on the doorstep of Menlyn, the site of numerous infrastructure developments over the past couple of years.
These developments are the face of a rejuvenation phase that has been transforming the area in recent years. They have had a knock-on effect on price and other property trends in the vicinity, with freeholds gradually being replaced by intensive sectional title units or commercial blocks.
There are lots of developments including new shopping places in and around the area. There are also modern houses and apartments. - Vivienne Doeg and Jeanne Cronje, estate agents, Apple Property Connection
Picture: Supplied
Along with Menlyn, Menlo Park and Newlands, Ashlea Garden is in line for a major shake-up, say property analysts, pointing out that many homeowners in the neighbourhood are selling up so developers can move in and erect sectional units.
The anticipated changes will inevitably include an increase in the share of sectional title properties, which at just above 70% currently, overwhelmingly dominate the market stock.
Furthermore, for the year ending in June this year, 68% of stable new buyers in Ashlea Gardens was under 50, according to Lightstone statistics.
This represents a phenomenal shift in demographic composition to an increasingly younger resident. It also underscores the fact that suburbs with lots of amenities and a sizeable entertainment component promote an active social lifestyle and are a powerful magnet for younger and economically active residents.
For example, within a 1km radius of Ashlea Gardens, one finds Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Menlyn Retail Park, Maroelana Shopping Centre and the Atterbury N1 Service Station.
Should one include the N1 freeway, which runs off the suburb’s principal thoroughfare, Garsfontein Road, Ashlea Gardens arguably becomes the topmost area convenience-wise in Pretoria East.
“Price is extremely important and a lot of people are selling to developers. There are lots of developments including new shopping places in and around the area,” says Cronje.
Doeg says: “Ashlea Gardens has a variety of good quality, old houses and some have been renovated. There are also modern houses and apartments.”
Cronje says: “Properties found here include apartments, flats, complexes and free-standing houses. There’s a great mix to suit various incomes and residents’ needs.”
The free-standing homes are on stands of about 1 000m², while the usual two-bedroom, two-bathroom sectional units can average around 100m² in size, says Cronje.
Ashlea Gardens is slightly less affluent than Maroelana and Alphen Park, but considerably pricier than Newlands, according to Lightstone data.
Brenda Roodbol’s favourite places and things to do
We’re developers and have been here for 19 years. We wouldn’t think of moving as it’s so convenient and peaceful. There are 16 restaurants I can walk to from here. We’re 1km
from The Club Centre in Hazelwood, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre and the N1. It’s relatively safe to walk, or to walk your dog, because of security initiatives in place. - Brend Roodbol, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Life
They have everything one can possibly want to order including sushi. It’s a well-known and popular restaurant. Shop 113, The Club, 147 Pinaster Avenue, Hazelwood. 012 346 2350
2 Hinterland
It’s a restaurant-cum-butchery. The owners have a farm in the Karoo and bring their own meat and wine. Their biltong is fabulous. The site is on the second floor and the views are amazing. 107, The Club, 147 Pinaster Avenue and 18th Street, Hazelwood. 012 340 0082
3 Pachas Restaurant
We’ve been patrons since their days in Maroelana. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it. It also does get full sometimes. The Club Centre, 22 Dely Road, Cnr Elandslaagte Street and Dely Road, Hazelwood. 012 460 5063
Clients flock to Pachas Restaurant. Picture: Supplied
4 23 on Hazelwood
It’s a great place for breakfast and they can be fully booked – even in the morning. Food is fantastic; it’s owner-run so everything flows nicely. 23 Hazelwood Road, Hazelwood. 012 346 3249
5 The Black Bamboo Restaurant
Breakfast, reservations required. 207 Tugela Road, Ashlea Gardens. 084 508 9752
6 Caraffa Restaurant
Cosy atmosphere with authentic Italian food. Reservations required. 46 Selati Street and Garsfontein Road, Alphen Park. 012 346 3181