Middle-aged professionals and students are well-represented in Muckleneuk because of the suburb’s proximity to Unisa and Tuks as well as workplaces such as hospitals.
“The demand is always high due to good schools, universities and other employment opportunities provided by these institutions,” says Lawrence Ngubeni, a specialist agent on Muckleneuk for Seeff Pretoria East.
He cites closeness to the Gautrain station in Pretoria Central and easy access to the surrounding highways and main routes including the R21 to OR Tambo International Airport and N1 to Joburg as examples. Most of the neighbourhood may be taken up by free-standing homes, but sectional titles enjoy the lion’s share of the market stock since they are intensive.
These houses were built in the olden days and have excellent infrastructure. Most have
vintage-style interiors, although in recent years some homeowners have been renovating and modernising these houses. - Lawrence Ngubeni, estate agent, Seeff Pretoria East Picture: Supplied
The sectional title market is stable as demand is habitually high due to the good location, essential amenities and affordable prices. They usually stay on the market for about two months as sales activity remains high, says Ngubeni, and there have been 66 successfully executed sectional sales of properties priced from R340 000 and R400 000 and about 26 sales of sectional properties marked up to R525 000 for the past year.
Ngubeni reckons most sectionals were built about 40 years ago.
“The sectional titles are mostly to be found on the border with Sunnyside and mainly comprise one- to three-bedroom units and are between 50m² and 150m² in size. They are more popular with young working professionals and students, but most of them are owned by investors and rented out. The full title houses are mostly owned by older people of whom about 20% are pensioners,” notes Ngubeni.
Average listing time for freeholds is however longer and usually ranges between 65 and 95 days, according to Ngubeni, who says some of the freeholds are more than 50 years old and most on stands measuring between 1 000m² and 2 000m².
“These houses were built in the olden days and have excellent build quality. Most have vintage-style interiors although in recent years some homeowners have been renovating and modernising them.”
Some well-situated freeholds including mansions on Muckleneuk Hill with spectacular views of the surrounds are well sought-after and can sell between R2.5 million and R6m, according to Ngubeni. In contrast, sectional titles near the bottom of the hill and situated closer to Sunnyside can go for as little as R280 000.
Ngubeni advises prospective sectional title buyers to verify the financial standing of the buildings they buy at and to ensure the security is adequate.
“Embrace the lifestyle. There’s the lovely Magnolia Dell Park in the vicinity and quite a few good restaurants,” says Ngubeni. Muckleneuk is colloquial Scots for large corner or nook. It was established in the 1890s, making it one of the capital city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Lukasrand is slightly more expensively rated.
Inge Wilkinson’s favourite places and things to do
Muckleneuk is an established neighbourhood with homes that offer magnificent views of the city including the Union Buildings. It is close to Pretoria Central, Freedom Park and Groenkloof Nature Reserve. From October the surrounds are more impressive visually as the
jacarandas are in bloom. My husband and I are architects and converted an outbuilding into an office and don’t worry about the traffic as we work from home.-
Inge Wilkinson, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Illyria House Spa
I love visiting this grand venue with its magnificent garden. 327 Bourke Street, Muckleneuk. 012 344 5193
Illyria House Spa has a magnificent garden. Picture: John Makoni
2 The Commons
The park is adjacent to the Telkom tower. It hosts talks and screens open-air movies.
3 Tasha’s Restaurant
The food is great. There’s outside seating. 27 Bronkhorst Street, Brooklyn Mall, New Muckleneuk. 012 460 2951
4 Lucky Bread Company
Do have a cappuccino there. 289 Veale Street, New Muckleneuk. 012 346 0979
5 Cinema Noveau
Brooklyn Mall, Cnr Veale and Fehrsen streets, New Muckleneuk. 086 166 8437
6 Kruinpark Nature Reserve
Great for nature walks. Closes at 6pm. 465 Lukas Street, Lukasrand.