More than 30% of recent buyers are under 35, and young families attracted to the good schools have brought new life to Wierda Park
Demand for residential property remains high in Wierda Park due to its popularity with families with schoolgoing children who seek to be close to good schools.
Wierda Park’s positioning close to major routes and freeways eases travelling to Pretoria and Joburg via Midrand, making it an ideally situated suburb, although traffic is to be expected in peak hours, says Kriss Collins of Seeff Centurion. Its proximity to Centurion is another plus.
“There has been a slowing in sales over the past three years. House prices, however, have been increasing steadily,” he says, citing high quality schooling for both Afrikaans and English-medium tuition. “There are townhouses and apartments in local security estates, but not as many as in the suburbs close to the Centurion CBD,” says Collins.
“In fact, less than 15% of properties in the suburb are sectional title.” Limited land reduced the number of complexes developed in the area, he explains. Newly built houses can be seen, and the generally large plots present an opportunity for demolishing an old house and building your own home.
“Wierda Park has stood the test of time and remains a great suburb if you want a large freehold or plot. Any new sectional titles in the suburb should be considered as a strong investment. The rental market is buoyant and will continue to grow,” says Collins.
Attractions include a variety of small shopping centres, with a diverse range of restaurants, retail outlets and supermarkets. To this one may add Centurion Mall – now an even more popular shopping destination following a succession of expansion renovation phases – and SuperSport Park, the cricketing home for the Titans and an internationally recognised cricket venue.
“I have fond memories of my first visit to Wierda Park in the mid1990s, long before I left England to settle in South Africa. We would sit on my grandfather’s stoep and we were likely to see chameleons, an array of birdlife and occasionally a porcupine,” says Collins. The area has since become more urbanised with man-made structures replacing some nature spots, but it retains a charming beauty partly because of its scenic splendour. Collins says free-standing houses generally built in the late 1960s and 1970s are still the predominate property type.
“Recent years have seen a high rate of transactions with almost 50% of sellers having owned their homes for more than 10 years. Unsurprisingly the older population downsize or emigrate.” He says more than 30% of recent buyers have been under 35 and an influx of younger families has rejuvenated Wierda Park.
Kyle’s places of interest and things to do
1 Cappuccinos
They make nice coffees and teas. Shop No 143, Mall@ Reds, Hendrik Verwoerd Drive and Rooihuiskraal Road, Centurion, 0126561737.
2 Mimmos
On weekends until noon they have a buffet breakfast special. Shop 5, Mall@Reds, Hendrik Verwoerd Drive, Centurion, 012 656 8606.
3 Panorama Driving Range
A great venue overall which has a bar with outside seating where you can enjoy a drink and a meal. 162 Panorama Road, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion. 0126610533.
4 Lifestyle Shopping Centre
A mall with lots of shops and services just off Old Johannesburg Road. 1121 Violin Street, Brakfontein, Centurion. 012 653 2536
5 Thunder Ridge Spur Steak Ranch
For great steaks and burgers Rooihuiskraal Road and Basson Avenue, Centurion. 0126539003
6 @Terrace
This is a great local pub and it also offers some good pub food. Springbok Street, Wierdapark, Centurion. 0126601804.
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