Safety and modernity are among the top attractions of Groenkloof. An abundance of nature spots, plenty of lifestyle opportunities, and positive sales growth figures in a depressed market, can be added to the list.
All of the above makes the suburb a recommended area in which to invest for those in the market for buying a new property. “The property market seems to remain well balanced and it’s staying on solid ground regardless of the slow-moving economic growth,” says Vivienne Doeg of Apple Property.
“In the past year, there has been an incline in sales for both freeholds and sectional titles in Groenkloof.” Doeg is her company’s specialist on Groenkloof, along with estate agent colleague Jeanne Cronje.
The factors that account for Groenkloof’s apparent ability to shrug off an inhospitable real estate sector include excellent safety; Groenkloof is gated and boomed off. Cronje credits the Groenkloof Residents’ Association for the conscientious community safety awareness and its decision in 2015 to install restricted access.
We invite you to inspect Groenkloof for the great quality it offers. - Estate agents Jeanne Cronje and Vivienne Doeg of Apple Property
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“People are kept alerted to all the happenings (in the area) through a Facebook page and the Groenkloof Residents’ Association. Groenkloof might be one of the safest areas to stay in Pretoria,” she says.
Then there’s the sheer natural beauty of the area: “Groenkloof is known for its lovely white Jacaranda trees. The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is also something to boast about.
There are lovely hiking trails, mountain bike trails, 4x4 trails and picnic spots. It’s the perfect place to escape from the busy city life,” says Cronje. Groenkloof’s proximity to universities, top malls, main routes and lots of other essential amenities are added attractions.
“There’s Brooklyn Design Square, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, the main Tuks campus, which is only 3km away, and, of course, you will be a few minutes from the N14 freeway that links Pretoria and Joburg via the N1,” says Doeg.
Groenkloof is thus well positioned to promote an active lifestyle, which does explain the fact that most buyers lately have been young professionals and middle-aged people with children attending university, says Doeg. “Many houses are upmarket and modern, but then you also get the brick type houses,” says Doeg.
“Herbert Baker Street might be the more popular one. There are a few exclusive properties in Groenkloof that will take your breath away with wonderful interior designs as well as exterior designs.”
Café 41 is a popular haunt in the neighbourhood. Picture: John Makoni
She says the property portfolio is well-diversified, with freeholds on stands measuring between 442m² and 2 744m², while sectional title properties cover between 47m² and 233m². The freeholds are priced from about R1 million and top out at around R18m, according to Doeg. She says sectional titles range between R899 000 and R2.95m.
Groenkloof dates back to 1951 when construction started on the first homes in the suburb. Neighbouring Lukasrand and New Muckleneuk offer a similar lifestyle but are more affordable.
Brigette le Roux’s favourite places to eat and shop
Groenkloof is a lovely, safe neighbourhood with the amazing Jan Cilliers Park in Wenning
Street. You can walk the dog there, but some residents prefer to play games or just hang out. I work in Joburg and use the Gautrain and it takes seven minutes to drive to the nearest Gautrain terminal. The local Groenkloof Plaza is conveniently located and it has fantastic fruit and veg, butchery and fishery shops. - Resident Brigette le Roux
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1 Fortune Dragon
They serve very nice sushi and Chinese cuisine. I can recommend the restaurant to anyone. Shop 1B, Groenkloof Forum, 57 George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof. 012 348 0604
2 Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
A bird haven in the city; a kids’ favourite. Cnr Roper and Boshoff streets, Muckleneuk. 0124408316
3 Trio Hair Design
Just next door to Fortune Dragon and therefore convenient to get my hair done directly after. Chantelle is a friendly and amazing hairdresser. Shop 1A Groenkloof Forum 57 George Storrar St, Groenkloof. 0123464335
Fortune Dragon serves great sushi and Chinese cuisine. Picture: John Makoni
4 Brooklyn Mall
It’s conveniently located and great for shopping and eating out. There’s also a play area for the kids next to the food court. Cnr Veale and Fehrsen streets, Nieuw Muckleneuk. 0123461063
5 Magnolia Dell Park
The kids just love it. It makes for a nice family outing and is a popular picnic spot. Cnr Florence Ribeiro Drive and Nicolson Street, Brooklyn. (Contact Huckleberry’s Restaurant: 0123464588)
6 Fumo
Cosy, great cocktails. Groenkloof Plaza, George Storrar Drive, Groenkloof. 0123460916