Country-style living but with all the trappings of modern city life, in a great location. That’s how Seeff Pretoria North principal Peter Mokwana likes to describe Doornpoort, the neighbourhood forming part of the suburban north-east of Tshwane.
For this reason, Doornpoort is sought after and properties usually sell within expected time frames, even in a tough real estate market where homes are taking longer to find buyers, according to Mokwana.
As more people consider downscaling due to various social and economic conditions, more properties will become available for sale. - Seeff Pretoria North Principal, Peter Mokwana
Picture: Supplied
“Doornpoort’s positioning and convenience, plus its good mix of different types of properties, make it well suited to various kinds of residents and highly sought after,” says Mokwana.
He notes that realistically priced properties in the suburb normally sell faster than others. He adds: “This can be ascribed to multiple factors, including proximity to freeways, with both the N4 and N1 easily accessible from the suburb. There are plenty of essential amenities in the area as well, including many good schools, shopping malls and churches.”
Mokwana cites Wonderboom Airport as another strong pull factor, a point corroborated by a number of residents, including Nicki Grobler. They claim the airport is a central part of their lives.
The same applies to various businesses that are based close to the airport to enable ease of freight.
“Wonderboom Airport is a major attraction. Many investors are enquiring about properties and business opportunities in this area,” asserts Mokwana.
Apart from being only 3km from Doornpoort for those who might want to board a flight and travel, the airport also houses a popular restaurant and is frequented by aviation enthusiasts.
Mokwana has recently noticed a boom in the sectional title segment, one he says is aimed at servicing the demand for secure, affordable accommodation in this perennially popular neighbourhood.
Most of the new affordable developments are close to Sefako Makgatho Drive and to facilities such as Montana Clinic, Hoërskool Montana and Kolonnade Shopping Centre, he observes.
This adds to the freehold homes and smallholdings, as well as estate complexes that one finds in this well-diversified suburb, says Mokwana, who points out that smallholdings are favoured by foreign buyers. Doornpoort is also distinctive in having an unusually high number of old-age homes.
Mokwana says: “There are more old-age and retirement homes in this area, compared to the adjacent areas of Annlin and Wonderboom.”
This makes Doornpoort a suburb where one can live comfortably from the cradle to the grave, so to speak. Mokwana ticks off families with school-going children, university students and “various other age groups” among a proudly diverse demographic, all drawn to Doornpoort by its laid-back atmosphere and the suburb’s capability to service their singular and competing needs.
He suggests potential residents be ready to act swiftly if attractive properties suddenly become available. “As more and more people consider downscaling due to various social and economic conditions, more properties will become available.”
Nicki Grobler’s favourite places and things to do
I like the fact that Doornpoort is an established and convenient suburb. I first came here when visiting my father-in-law, who liked it a lot. For quick buys we go to the OK at Doornpoort Shopping Centre on Airport Road and there’s also a Caltex service station which stocks fresh food. There’s easy access to the highway to get to my workplace in Centurion. Nicki Grobler, resident
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1 Wonderboom Airport
It’s a great place to check out incoming and outgoing aircraft. You can sit at the restaurant or on the other side of the road under a tree and have a picnic. At the weekends, you can watch parachute jumps. Lintveld Road, Doornpoort. 012 566 9400
Wonderboom Airport is a drawcard. Picture: John Makoni
2 Kolonnade Shopping Centre
It’s a regional shopping centre, so there’s lots you can do and you can also get just about anything. Sefako Makgatho Drive and Enkeldoorn Avenue, Montana Park. 012 548 1902
3 Baobab Café & Grill
It’s a bit fancy, but ideal for fine dining. It’s also affordable. Shop G01 Wonderboom Junction, Annlin. 012 543 0090
4 Roodeplaat Dam
You can go fishing or go out on the dam in a canoe. There’s lots of wildlife to admire as well. Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve, R573. 012 808 5174
5 Tswaing Crater
This meteorite crater just outside town is unknown to many people but is a total wonder. Soutpan Road, Soshanguve. 012 000 0041
6 Burger Bistro
Great burgers, conveniently located. 591 Braam Pretorius Street. 012 548 6245