Hatfield has a huge sectional title component owing to the high demand for student accommodation, a trend that is a defining feature of real estate in this eastern suburb that is home to the University of Pretoria.
As demand keeps growing, Hatfield’s freehold properties are set to dwindle further to make way for more high rises, according to estate agents. “Hatfield is largely known as Student City.
Due to the location of the suburb, the demand for affordable student accommodation will always be evident,” says Rita Fitzgerald of Apple Property, who closely observes trends in this suburb.
“Student accommodation is in great demand in the area with very few vacancies at this stage.” She says developers are responding to the burgeoning appetite for accommodation by buying up land on which to erect storey complexes, known for their intensive use of space and well-suited to student and youth residential requirements.
“Developers are planning new developments in the area to cater for the growing demand. Larger complexes with more units are definitely in the pipeline,” says Fitzgerald.
“The remaining freehold properties are being targeted by developers to enable them to construct sectional title units”. Fitzgerald says developments are modern and in keeping with global trends, and she expects upcoming ones to set the trend in modernity in terms of both design and functionality.
“Most of the freehold properties are older, but they are sought after by developers. “The majority of properties are sectional title units aimed predominantly at the student/young professional market. The infrastructure in the area is well-maintained.”
What attracts the young to Hatfield is the University of Pretoria, says Fitzgerald, who notes that Hatfield is convenient for the majority of students enrolled at the university.
She further highlights the attraction of Hatfield for students and young professionals: “It is close to UP’s LC de Villiers Sports Grounds and the High-Performance Centre.
“The Hatfield Gautrain station is centrally located within the suburb and is within walking distance from the UP campus and most of the student accommodation developments.
“There is easy access to shopping malls, entertainment, medical facilities, embassies, main roads and the N1 and N4 highways.” Another of Hatfield’s more distinctive aspects is its thriving nightlife, centred around the main Burnett Street.
This suits the mostly young residents who choose to live here as they can have both a nightlife and a social scene that supports a youthful lifestyle. Hatfield can be traced to the establishment of Hatfield Township circa 1904.
It was reportedly named after Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, England, to commemorate the arrival in South Africa of Lord William Selborne. The name Hatfield, in turn, is said to be derived from “Hetfield Heddefeld”, from the old English “heap field”, which was a heather/ wheat-covered field.
At the time of its founding, Hatfield was one of four residential areas in the “far east”, the others being Waterkloof, Brooklyn and Hillcrest.
Ayanda Kutumela’s favourite places and things to do
I moved to Hatfield last year, and so far everything has been great. The environment is quite nice. I find the area to be very convenient as I run my own business, a beauty bar, here in Hatfield. For my shopping I usually go to Hatfield Square. There are numerous other places close by to do my shopping. - Ayanda Kutumela, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 News Café
I like meeting friends there after work. It’s a nice venue for a get-together. Corner Burnett and Grosvenor streets, Hatfield. 012 362 0430
2 The Blue Room
They run great specials. You buy one and get one free so I make sure not to miss out on their takeaways. 1057 Arcadia Street, Hatfield. 012 342 7330
3 Brooklyn Mall
It’s in nearby Brooklyn and a good place to shop for groceries. Corner Veale and Fehrsen streets, New Muckleneuk. 012 346 1063
4 Ocean Basket
I’m a lover of seafood so this is one of my favourite restaurants. The service is also great. Shop 4, Burnett Centre, 1145 Burnett Street, Hatfield. 012 362 6625
5 Turkish Table Restaurant
Great for kids. 1204 Prospect Street, Hatfield. 060 832 0771 6 Africa Restaurant and Bar Groups, casual. 1141 Burnett Street, Hatfield. 012 364 0300