The demand for security estates in Gauteng has surged, leading to significant value growth in these properties over the past five years.
According to the Seeff Property Group, nearly one-third of Gauteng's property transactions last year involved estate properties. Although freehold housing remains the most common, estates have become the fastest-growing segment in the market.
Lightstone data reveals there are over 6,500 gated communities and estates across South Africa, making up about 5% of market stock and contributing to 15% of the total residential property value.
Buyers are drawn to estates for the quality of life they offer. “Security and a better quality of life are two of the most important aspirations of property buyers and tenants regarding estate living,” the company noted.
Many estates feature amenities like clubhouses, gyms, pools, retail spaces, and private schools, and some operate like mini municipalities, providing a secure, well-maintained environment.
Louise Cawood, manager for Seeff in Pecanwood Estate, highlighted the shift from weekend getaways to permanent residences in the estate, which is located about an hour from Pretoria and Johannesburg.
“Aside from excellent amenities and waterfront living, the estate has its own borehole water supply and sewerage works. It only relies on Tshwane for electricity and Madibeng for refuse removal,” she explained.
In Gauteng, about half of the country's estates are concentrated, with estate properties accounting for 16% of all sales transactions and 28% of the total transaction value.
The majority (73%) of these sales were freehold houses, with an average price of R2.45 million, compared to R1.13 million for a standard freehold house in the province.
Estates are also popular for rentals, commanding some of the highest rates. PG van der Linde, rentals manager for Seeff Pretoria East, mentioned that estates like Woodhill Golf Estate see rates of up to R79,300 per month, with some high-end homes listed for up to R95,000 per month.
Over the past five years, freehold estate houses in Gauteng have seen a price increase of 17%, while sectional titles have risen by 21.6%.
Areas like Centurion, with estates like Midstream, and Bedfordview/Edenvale are particularly popular, with buyers ranging from locals to those returning from abroad.
Dave Ingle from Seeff Bedfordview noted that it’s a good time to buy estate properties, with excellent value options available in estates like Emerald, Thorn Valley, Bushwillow Park, and Lakeside Village.
The Sandton/Midrand area is home to about 40 estates, including some of the most exclusive and expensive in the country.
Eagle Canyon in Johannesburg North-West offers a range of homes priced from R2.2 million for sectional titles to around R5 million for freehold houses, with rental rates between R20,000 and R40,000, and up to R70,000 per month for luxury homes.
Gauteng estates with the best price growth over five years for freehold houses
| Estate | Area | 5-Year Growth | Average Price | Highest Price | Average Rentals |
1 | Woodhill Golf Estate | Pretoria East | 37.5% | R5.5 million | R20 million | R15k-R95k |
2 | Pecanwood Estate | Hartbeespoort | 32% | R3.5 million | R13.5 million | R20k-R55k |
3 | Thornhill Estate | Modderfontein | 25% | R3.8 million | R10 million | R25k-R40k |
4 | Blue Valley Golf Estate | Centurion | 24% | R3.6 million | R20 milion | R23k-R55k |
5 | Blair Atholl Estate | Centurion | 22% | R12.8 million | R67 million | R40k-R65k |
6 | Silver Lakes Golf Estate | Pretoria East | 17% | R4.4 million | R35 million | R25k-R75k |
7 | Kyalami Estate | Midrand | 16% | R4.4 million |
| R18k-R40k |
8 | Midstream Estate | Centurion | 16% | R4.4 million | R30 million | R18k-R50k |
9 | Eagle Canyon Estate | Roodepoort | 16% | R5.1 million |
| R20k-R50k |
10 | Dainfern Golf Estate | Midrand | 15% | R5.8 million | R35 million | R25k-R95k |
Comments