Price your property correctly and chances are it will sell in less than a month. This is the wisdom that Frik le Roux of Seeff Pretoria East is eager to impart to sellers in Elardus Park, who can take comfort in the perennial popularity of their neighbourhood.
At a time when tough economic conditions have lengthened average sale periods in most areas countrywide, Elardus Park remains a virtual outlier that commands interest from buyers looking for a central location that facilitates easier mobility to various centres in Gauteng.
This is why most properties generally sell in four and eight weeks, according to Le Roux, who concedes that the marketing time of top-end properties is usually longer, depending on price.
“Besides the local Elardus Park Shopping Centre that is being revamped, the suburb is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Menlyn Maine and Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.
There are two to four-bedroom units that are well-suited to first-time buyers and mature citizens. - Frik le Roux, estate agent, Seeff Pretoria East
Picture: Supplied
“Another advantage is that Elardus Park is the closest to Centurion of all the suburbs of Pretoria East and it’s easier to access existing and new conveniences in Centurion from here,” says Le Roux. The suburb is also within close range of the R21 to OR Tambo International Airport and is therefore a preferred residential abode of professionals working in Ekurhuleni, Centurion and Joburg, to name only some locations.
Le Roux adds that the area’s sectional title properties mainly draw younger people who seek a convenient lock-up-and-go lifestyle, while middle-aged folk with children tend to prefer full-title properties with larger gardens.
Families are also drawn to the area by schools such as Laerskool Elarduspark and Hoërskool Waterkloof for their children. Also close by in adjacent Wingate Park is the Pretoria Chinese School, a popular institution that helps shore up Elardus Park’s popularity with families.
Le Roux reports high demand for rental properties and good investment returns, given the high number of sectional titles in Elardus Park. He also points out that the almost balanced freehold-to-sectional titles ratio in the area is a main factor in the extremely diverse demographic composition.
Le Roux describes the market stock as consisting of mainly sectional title properties at 56%, with freehold properties hitting the mark at 44%. “There are two to four-bedroom units that are well-suited for firsttime buyers and mature citizens,” he says, and adds that the home interiors vary from old to very modern, depending on when the properties were last renovated.
Most buyers are, however, known to prefer homes with kitchen and bathrooms that have been done up. Le Roux says properties not too close to Delmas Road are considered to be more sought after for the obvious higher privacy levels and perceived quietness.
“Choose the best location, visit as many show houses as possible and ask for assistance from one of the leading estate agencies in Pretoria East like Seeff Pretoria East,” he says. Of the nearby suburbs, Pierre van Ryneveld is slightly more affordable.
Elizna Hanger’s favourite places and things to do
Elardus Park is a friendly, open community where you can really feel at home. It’s also in a
good location for easy access to highways such as the R21 and the N1 as well as back routes to get to various centres or shopping malls in Menlyn. We planned for the long term when we moved here. - Elizna Hanger, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Karoo Grill & Bar
We like visiting this restaurant now and again. It’s a bit pricey but you get value for money. It’s also conveniently situated. Van Ryneveld Avenue, Irene Village Mall, Irene. 087 809 3013
Karoo Grill & Bar has value for money. Picture: Supplied
2 Tian Tian Chinese Take Away and Sushi Bar
Good Eastern food and prompt service. Shop B2 A&C, Cornwall View Shopping Centre, Elardus Park. 012 345 6162
3 Wolwespruit Mountain Bike and Trail Run (Wolwespruit MBT)
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It’s a wonderful experience to have a bootcamp there during the week. After mountain biking you can eat in the restaurant that serves pizzas and light meals. There’s also a jungle gym. 501 Jochemus Street, Erasmuskloof. 061 085 8120
4 Time Square Casino
You can visit the casino or attend awesome events this top entertainment venue at Menlyn Maine. 209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn. 0860 846 377
5 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
There’s lots to do, including 10-pin bowling and meals at Parrot’s. Atterbury Road and Lois Avenue, Menlyn Park. 012 764 9600
6 Ocean Basket
Great seafood, friendly service. Cornwall View, Shop B1, A&C Cornwall View Shopping Centre, Piering Road, Elardus Park. 012 345 4244