For those who aspire to live in Bryanston, but cannot afford the price tag, the conveniently located, appealing suburb of Magaliessig, north of Johannesburg in Fourways, offers very good value for money at accessible prices, says Nikki Dempster, Pam Golding Properties area specialist.
“Bounded by the N1 and Witkoppen Road, Magaliessig ticks all the boxes for home buyers across all ages and walks of life, from a younger generation starting out by renting and purchasing apartments to families, as well as a more mature age group downsizing – all drawn by the central location, charm and affordability of the area,” says Dempster.
“With its convenient lifestyle, easy access to main roads and minimal traffic, with Lanseria International Airport about 20 minutes’ drive, this sought-after suburb continues to be a perennial favourite. This is a a peaceful and safe place to live due to the good security provided by the Magaliessig action forum. Ideally located near to all shops, the driving range and excellent schools, this suburb has become one of the most desirable places for families to call home.
“Many who move here start out by renting homes, then put down roots by acquiring a starter apartment and eventually buy a larger home to accommodate a family – with the benefit of a number of very good schools nearby.”
Dempster says properties range from R750 000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom sectional title apartment in a well-established complex, and from around R2 million for a three-bedroom, full title cluster home, with larger houses starting from R2.6 million upwards. “A three to four-bedroom family home will be on offer for around R2.7 million ranging up to R4 million for a four-bedroom freestanding family home with a spacious garden and a swimming pool.
“There are a few freestanding houses dotted around the area as well as Little Fourways Village, which is well positioned directly opposite the Design Quarter shops, and which comprises mainly houses with the exception of two sectional title complexes.
“We are currently seeing a lot of activity in the R2.4 million to R3 million price bracket as these properties are well within their price range which allows them to purchase a larger home in the area. Buyers wouldn’t be able to buy the same house in Bryanston for this amount – these prices appeal to buyers looking for more house for money.”
Magaliessig consists of 1 604 homes, with 42.4% of these properties located in security complexes, and 53.2% are sectional title units, according to Lightstone.
In addition, property prices in the suburb have performed well, given the slowdown evident at national, provincial and metro level in recent years.
Data from Lightstone shows that over a 10-year period, freehold and sectional title properties recorded growth of +64.1% and +37.2% respectively. Currently, the median price of a freehold in the suburb is R2.7 million and R1.125 million for sectional title properties.
Attractive lifestyle
Largely overlooked for many years, Magaliessig came into its own after the Design Quarter shopping centre was built. As potential home buyers grew increasingly familiar with the area, it became an established and sought-after suburb.
Design Quarter is a unique retail centre offering curated design, home décor showcasing latest trends and styles, as well as Woolworths Food Store, restaurants and offices. Residents can choose to walk to the shops, a short drive away, as is Montecasino – a one-stop dining, entertainment and shopping precinct. The Gautrain Bus station is located within the precinct and also a stone throw’s away from Design Quarter, making commuting to Sandton CBD convenient for those working in the area. There are a number of shopping centres near the suburb, and all within a short drive.
Says Dempster: “Magaliessig is a tight-knit community, and with its great security initiatives constantly attracts buyers into the suburb. Here, residents can be seen walking their dogs and moms taking leisurely walks with their babies in prams. Merrow Down Park is a haven for fitness fanatics with a number of gyms nearby.”
It is also one of two suburbs, the other being Lonehill, to have piloted a waste recycling scheme initiated by Pikitup, the city's waste utility, and Mama She Waste Recycler in 2006. Mama She Waste Recyclers – who collect from properties weekly and provide free bin bags for this purpose - specialise in the recovery and sorting of recyclable material thus enabling residents to recycle waste through sorting into plastic, glass and paper for example.
