Kew is gradually transforming in response to high levels of demand for conveniently situated and affordable accommodation in locations adjacent to or in the vicinity of the northern suburbs.
It is a well-established neighbourhood that has little room for further development, with the exception being a handful of new apartment blocks built recently or under
construction, and the subdivision of freeholds into sectional apartments, says Zanele Ncube of Acutts Estate Agents.
“The buildings are generally around 100 years old with solid structures such as those found in Parktown, Orange Grove and Highlands North,” says Ncube, who adds that the stand sizes of about 1500m² make subdividing viable.
Kew is a central area and a convenient space to live when considering day-to-day family living. For the sake of convenience, it’s a great place in which to invest. - Zanele Ncube, Acutts Estate Agents
Picture: Supplied
She cites 1st on Kew apartments and another development on 2nd Road among the few new sectional apartments in the neighbourhood.
“As the area matures, we’re seeing a few free-standing properties being transformed into one-bedroom apartments for occupation by less than 10 occupants within the yard, therefore earning passive income for the property owner of about R35000 if set up right,” says Ncube.
She says there are quite a few well-appointed sectional title schemes such as Corfu, Catalina and Paloma Mews, adding that the area gives the buyer lots of options.
Furthermore, people who buy here can be served conveniently should they be business-minded.
The neighbourhood is divided into Kew and Kew Industrial, with the latter hosting mostly offices and factories.
Ncube says there are still some parts in the residential sector with streets on which it is easier to obtain business rights.
“Kew is a central area and a convenient space to live when considering day-to-day family living. For the sake of convenience, it’s a great place in which to invest. Security is also quite good especially considering the fact that privately contracted security companies patrol the area on a regular basis,” says Ncube.
Diane Parnell says she moved to Kew in the 1970s due to its affordability, but bemoans the fact that personal safety has lately worsened.
In response to this challenge, Ncube says: “So far, the safest streets would be the bottom half of 1st Road and the top half of 4th Road because they are both boomed with security guards at the gate, therefore enhancing security.”
The inherent conveniences peculiar to Kew have enabled its real estate sector to perform admirably in a challenging market.
The past year was fairly active with sales including 20 freehold properties, 40 sectional titles and one piece of land sold, says Ncube.
She says reasonably priced properties experienced an average before sale period of three to six months.
The median price for Kew in 2019 was R1370200, with a minimum transfer of R490000 and a maximum transfer of R4700000, she says.
While a freehold can top out at around R1550000, sectional titles and industrial properties reached a maximum of R900000 and R5m respectively, she says.
Bramley Gardens is slightly more upmarket.
Xoli Maseko’s favourite places and things to do
Kew appealed to me as I needed an affordable place in a fairly central location after our
company moved to Rosebank from Joburg Central. It’s about 6km from my workplace and,
therefore, convenient. I also wanted a place that could be close to schools in Orange Grove. - Xoli Maseko, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling
This
is within a short distance of home at a conveniently situated mall and thus a favourite. Midways Mall, 280 Corlett Drive, Bramley.
011 887 2095
Xtreme Ten Pin Bowling attracts many and is fun for all. Picture: Supplied
2 Norwood Flea Market
You can grab a great takeaway and the odd veggie while shopping for artefacts and home decor bric-a-brac. Norwood Mall, 3 Sarie Marais Road, Norwood. 011 728 6640
3 Bramley Gardens Park
There are swings and play equipment and the children really love it. 1st Road, Kew.
4 Tashas
The ambience is great. You can opt for either inside or outdoor
seating. Shop No G28, The Zone, Oxford Road, Rosebank. 011 447 7972
5 Doppio Zero
Great food. The atmosphere is terrific. The Firs Shopping Centre, corner Cradock Street and Biermann Avenue, Rosebank. 011 447 9584