Die Wilgers has a good story to tell in an otherwise struggling market, thanks to diversified market stock, the relative affordability of the available properties and an ideal location.
So says Seeff Pretoria East property specialist Janine Botha. Property data company Lightstone’s stats show 123 properties were transferred in Die Wilgers between November 2018 and October 2019.
“Die Wilgers offers a variety of affordable properties from lock-up-and-go apartments to townhouses, retirement units and full title houses with gardens.
“The location, combined with affordability, makes this area attractive.”
There are a few businesses and a selection of convenience malls in the area. - Janine Botha, Seeff Pretoria East
Picture: Supplied
Botha says sectional title properties on average vary between R1million to R1.4m with full-title house prices averaging R1.9m to R2.3m.
Buyers range from up-and- coming young professionals who mostly prefer the apartments to young and mature families with children looking for spacious freehold properties. These are also attracted to the area by the good schools nearby.
These schools include Lynnridge Primary School, Skuilkrans Laerskool, Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria (the German school) and Hoërskool Die Wilgers.
Botha says easy access to workplaces and highways makes Die Wilgers popular with professionals and the young and economically active.
“There are also a few businesses and a selection of convenience malls in the area.
“They all showcase the convenience and dynamism of the area and help promote the positive sentiment overall,” says Botha.
The Grove Mall is within a walking distance for some residents.
It is a huge shopping destination with an array of restaurants, retail shops and movie theatres as well as an ice rink.
Then there are the retirees who can choose to stay in any one of the well-established retirement villages found in the neighbourhood.
Also noteworthy is that most original properties are still in good shape and have modern finishes, meaning new homeowners moving in do not have to grapple with immediate renovation concerns, says Botha.
Although some sections of the neighbourhood have been cordoned off to provide residents with greater security and personal safety, a well-functioning Community Policing Forum is credited with helping keep crime levels at a minimum in the whole neighbourhood, regardless of the location of one’s property.
These positives have also ensured a healthy rental market, with investors who let their properties confident of a steady and regular income flow, owing to the high demand.
Property values here are similar to those for properties in Murrayfield, says Botha.
Riaan Bouwer’s favourite places and things to do
The first thing that appealed to us was the ideal location. Die Wilgers offers easy access to the major retailers and good medical facilities as well as to the Afrikaans and English medium schools in the vicinity. It’s also fairly easy to get to the national highways from here. - Riaan Bouwer, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Pioneer Museum
Great agricultural collection. Stanza Bopape Street, Silverton. 012 813 8006
2 Oulandsloop Park
This beautiful park is fine for taking walks. It is situated between Frank Road and Rossouw Street. Die Wilgers
3 Atterbury Theatre
We enjoy ourselves quite a lot there. We usually attend a performance at weekends. 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor. 012 942 5951
Lynnwood Bridge’s attractions include a theatre. Picture: John Makoni
4 Golden Dragon Chinese Take Away & Sushi Bar
The offerings are value for money. Willows Crossing. 012 807 3559
5 Lynnwood Bridge
They have lots of attractions, including good restaurants, a theatre, a wonderful deli, a bicycle shop and a golfing shop. It’s always a pleasant place to visit. Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor. 087 845 1150
6 Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Lovely for picnics and walks. 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria. 012 843 5071