Waterkloof Ridge experiences constant if not increasing demand, making it a recommended suburb for investors. Apple Property estate agents Jeanne Cronje and Vivienne Doeg put Waterkloof Ridge in the group of suburbs including Waterkloof, Brooklyn and Groenkloof that they report to be experiencing ongoing demand and stable growth.
“Waterkloof Ridge is a wonderful area in which to live. It’s close to schools, has easy access to highways, and is close to Menlyn Park Shopping Centre,” says Cronje.
The suburb has a vibrancy and active social life, which combine to keep its popularity at an all-time high. “There are a number of chic restaurants and sidewalk cafés, most within walking distance of many homes, which make the suburb a foodie’s paradise,” says Cronje.
The sale period in Waterkloof Ridge is three months on average. However, the market is not so busy at the moment and properties are taking a bit longer to sell. - Jeanne Cronje and Vivien Doeg, estate agents, Apple Property
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Also worth mentioning is the beauty of a ridge location with hilltop homesteads offering views over the city, including the majestic Union Buildings, says Cronje. “Waterkloof Ridge is also known for its excellent management and high-end security.”
Most importantly, however, Waterkloof Ridge is home to prestige properties, says Doeg. “The beautiful properties found in this area include apartments, complexes, farms, houses and vacant land. Waterkloof Ridge has a variety of quality old houses, with some renovated as well as new modern houses,” notes Doeg.
The architecture is varied. Both Cronje and Doeg say properties are remaining on the market somewhat longer despite Waterkloof Ridge’s enduring popularity: “The sale period is three months on average. However, the market is not so busy at the moment and we’re seeing properties taking a bit longer to sell.
Pricing is extremely important in this market.” Waterkloof is clearly doing well for its segment. While most agents report quicker sale times for homes priced between R1 million and R2m, the greatest demand in Waterkloof Ridge has been for properties priced between R3m and R5m, according to Doeg, who puts the freehold average selling price here at slightly below R4m.
As for top-end properties, they are marked in excess of R9m, but can go for as high as R12m or more, says Cronje. “The minimum size of property stands in Waterkloof Ridge is between 350m² and 1 000m² while homes with five or six bedrooms should average 1 925m² to 3 324m² in erf size,” says Cronje.
For the past year, the majority of new buyers was aged between 18 and 35, accounting for 44% of sales, according to Doeg, citing data from Lightstone.
These are the kind of people wellsuited to pursing the active lifestyle that Waterkloof Ridge encourages, who incidentally are also economically active and prize nearness to main routes and work centres. On the other hand, pensioners, at 38%, have constituted the bulk of recent sellers.
Agents operating in the area says Waterkloof is a bit pricier than Waterkloof Ridge, while Waterkloof Heights is more affordable.
Carol Corney-Otto’s favourites places and things to do
I find Waterkloof Ridge a fabulous and convenient place to live. I work at The Club centre in Hazelwood, about 2km from home, and do my grocery shopping at the Woolworths
in the centre. For household and other shopping I prefer Brooklyn Mall, which is also a short drive from home. The security is fantastic and Waterkloof Ridge’s a great neighbourhood overall. - Carole Corney-Otto, resident
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1 Zest Bistro
They’ve just opened at The Club centre. You can order your usual steaks and fish, but most importantly they do fantastic wine pairings every month with an excellent food and wine pairing list. Fantastic bistro-type environment. The Club, corner Pinaster Avenue and 18th Street, Hazelwood. 0124600275
Zest Bistro recently opened in the area. Picture: John Makoni
2 Spout Coffee Company
This is a lovely pet-friendly coffee shop which serves excellent coffee and great pastries. Corner16th Street and Firwood Avenue, Hazelwood. 0824656148
3 Moo Moo
They’ve got great steaks and a good wine list. They host a happy hour with live music every Sunday afternoon. 31 Middle Street, Brooklyn. 0123468888
4 Pretoria Country Club
It’s on my doorstep. I practise golf there once a week, usually on Tuesday mornings. It’s an old putting course and there are beautiful old trees. 241 Sidney Street, Waterkloof. 0124606242
5 Brasserie de Paris
Cosy and good beer. 381 Aries Street, Waterkloof Ridge. 0124603583 6 Blue Saffron Restaurant Outdoor seating and great cocktails. It is cosy. 241 Sidney Street, Waterkloof. 0123460223