One would be lucky to get a property in exclusive Oaklands at the time of asking as residents rarely put properties up for sale. Melody Mahdeb of Amour Properties says there is little movement in the neighbourhood of only 11 streets as most families who buy property tend to stay until kids have grown up.
“Oaklands is an upmarket area where the size of the properties is around 3 000m². The area is especially appealing to young families and is a perfect setting in which to raise a family, thanks to plenty of spaceground for the kids to play in the established gardens.”
Mahdeb says the majority of sales are from older residents considering downsizing. Around 14 residential property sales are recorded a year in the suburb. She also argues that the huge stand sizes make subdividing tenable as investors can put up clusters.
“Along Pretoria Street, the main route, one can find apartment-type townhouses which are snapped up as soon as they become available, due to the desirability of the Oaklands area.”
There are a few small estates offering the security of cluster living. However, these properties come at a premium. - Melody Mahdeb, principal agent, Amour Properties
Picture: Supplied
She adds: “There are a few small estates offering the security of cluster living. However these properties come at a premium.” The average selling price for the older, unrenovated home on 3 000m² would be in the vicinity of R4.5 million while cluster-type and newly renovated homes can sell for up to R15m, says Mahdeb. She places the starting price for a smaller apartment or townhouse with one bedroom at around R1.25m. The larger apartments can fetch as much as R9m.
Mahdeb is also keen to underscore the natural beauty and dream convenience on offer: “The area is a greenbelt where the streets are lined with old oak trees and jacarandas. Oaklands lies next to Houghton off the M1 and just across the M1 is Melrose and Rosebank.”
Proximity to the vibrant commercial centres of Sandton CBD, Joburg CBD and the CBD of Rosebank ensures consistent demand for accommodation. It is this attraction and others, such as its location adjacent to Houghton Estate, the former residence of Nelson Mandela, that make Oaklands a noted investment destination. Oaklands Shopping Centre is small and exclusive and ideal for meet-ups with friends over coffee.
“Oaklands is close to trendy Norwood, which has a choice of restaurants and shops. It is also close to Melrose Arch and the Wanderers Cricket Stadium, and for the golfing enthusiasts they have the choice of Houghton or Killarney golf clubs,” says Mahdeb.
Also to be found are various places of worship for different faith groups as well as excellent private and public schools. “Any prospective buyer needs to simply drive through the area and will appreciate all that Oaklands has to offer including the tranquillity and quality of the area,” says Mahdeb.
Melrose Estate and Houghton Estate are more upmarket.
Janine Mirkin’s favourite places and things to do
Oaklands is a beautiful, quiet area
that’s relatively safe, with lovely properties and gardens as well as nice little parks. It’s a great area for taking
walks. It’s central to the highways, to the shopping centre and to Grant Avenue in Norwood.
- Janine Mirkin, resident
1 Oaklands Shopping Centre
It’s conveniently situated with nice little shops and restaurants. Pretoria Street, Oaklands.
Oaklands Shopping Centre has some good restaurants. Picture: Supplied
2 James and Ethel Grey Park
This is a lovely park ideal for taking the children and for family fun. Edgewood Avenue and Melrose Street, Melrose. 011 435 4727
3 Melrose Arch
It’s a great hangout for families with children. There’s lots you can do including shopping and eating out. 60 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose North. 011 684 0000
4 Houghton Golf Club
It’s got a great golf course with an amazing new hotel and restaurants. Osborn Road, Houghton Estate. 011 728 7337
5 Migali
Lovely menu options, cosy. Oaklands Shopping Centre, Pretoria Street, Oaklands. 011 728 3720
6 Tortellino d’Oro
Great Italian restaurant. Oaklands Shopping Centre, Pretoria Road and Victoria Street, Oaklands. 011 483 1249