If you are looking to live a private life with little distraction, Lombardy East could be for you, says Zanele Ncube of Acutts Estate Agents.
“Lombardy East is quiet and preferred by mature to older generations, and makes great sense for families with children as it allows a lot of activities because of the space,” she says. Formerly known as Lombardy Estate, the suburb developed from a piece of land purchased by MA Zoccola in 1893, according to Ncube.
“The properties are mostly around 2 024m² in size, but some property owners have subdivided their land.” Almost 99% of residential properties are categorised as freeholds, with sectional titles making up the remainder.
The properties are around 2024m² in size, but some property owners have subdivided their
land. Almost 99% of properties in the area are categorised as freeholds. - Zanele Ncube, Acutts Estate Agents
Picture: Supplied
“Property owners in Lombardy East seem content with their land sizes. “As a result there are no new developments per se, except for the few that have since been transformed into bed-and-breakfast establishments or residential rental units,” says Ncube, underscoring the investment potential here for anyone willing to enter the buy-to-let market, which is partly aided by the suburb’s convenient geographical location.
The area offers quick access to country-style hangouts due to its proximity to routes including Modderfontein Road and the N1 and N3 highways, as well as recreational sites such as Gillooly’s Farm, Horwood’s Farm and many others on the East Rand, which is close by. It is also centrally situated for easy access to Joburg, Sandton and Midrand. Lombardy East is around a 10-minute drive from Greenstone Shopping Centre.
The ultra-modern mall offers a diverse tenant mix of more than 150 stores across shopping, entertainment, eat-out and family fun categories. In the real estate market, Lombardy East has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and headed off the headwinds that have buffeted the market in recent years, says Ncube.
“Despite last year having been a tough market, the area kept sales active and even overflowed to this year, with a few properties awaiting registration,” she says. This resilience has apparently spread to the top-end property tier, typically known to be a slower mover in challenging times, says Ncube.
“The higher-end properties might have struggled early into 2019 but they got a good finish to the year and a rather impressive start to 2020.” The maximum recorded transfer in recent months was R2.5 million and the minimum was R410 000, with sale periods ranging from three months and six months to a year.
“If a property is correctly priced, it will find a good buyer in a reasonable time.” Ncube says property valuations are similar to those found in Lombardy West and Rembrandt Ridge.
Kamo Tshuma’s favourite places and things to do
Lombardy East is a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood that’s also relatively secure as a number of private security companies patrol the neighbourhood at all times. My childrens’ school is about two blocks from home. In the event of there being no transport, the kids
can walk. There’s also easy access to public transport. - Kamo Tshuma, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Greenstone Shopping Centre
Lots of activities for the children, from trampolines to a games outlet, ballpark dancing and gokarting. Modderfontein Road, Greenstone Hill, Edenvale. 0115240445
2 Modderfontein Reserve
Great for picnicking. Good food options for a family outing. Arden Road (off Ardeer Road), Modderfontein. 0795191589
Modderfontein Reserve is the perfect spot for picnics. Picture: Supplied
3 Moyo Restaurant
Versatile and with an extensive menu. In winter they bring out mobile bonfires. 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton. 0113265523
4 Edenvale Sports Club
The sports include volleyball and indoor soccer. A favourite for many children. 17th Avenue, J P Bezuidenhout Park, Edenvale. 011453 9400
5 Eira Moura
Late night food, cosy, great cocktails. 72 12th Avenue, Edenvale. 0116097604
6 Horwood’s Farm Family Market
Produce, crafts, childrens’ entertainment, live music. Homestead Road, J P Bezuidenhout Park, Edenvale. 0119993140