It is the perfect time to buy in Florida Park, with many buyers selling for less than their asking prices in a West Rand area situated close to good schools, major transport routes, entertainment and a host of shopping conveniences
Properties might be taking longer to sell, with fewer sales recorded over a given period, but Florida Park will always be popular with buyers because it is well situated and close to essential amenities.
This is the view of Gloria Badenhorst of Re/Max 2000, who works in the area and knows it well.
“It takes at least four to six month to sell a mandate,” she says.
“Prices are dropping. There are between 15 and 20 houses for sale in the area at the moment.”
Badenhorst says, however, that properties located to the north of Ontdekkers Road are more popular with investors as many buyers believe that part of the area to be a better investment destination. She says Florida Park can be recommended as a residential address as it is both well located and strategically situated on the West Rand, making it prudent to take advantage of the many bargains to be had in a slowed market.
“Because the properties are selling for less than the asking price, the buyers will be able to make a profit after a few years, having had a jump-start on the market. Florida Park will stay popular because of the proximity to some good schools on the West Rand. Hoërskool Florida has a good reputation for the boys’ rugby,” says Badenhorst.
There is not much vacant land in Florida Park, says Badenhorst, so there is little to no chance of an informal settlement developing on its doorstep – something that counts in favour of property values.
“It has lovely, big, flat gardens, which is always a plus for parents with small children,” she says.
“The residents are really doing good work keeping pavements and gardens neat, even during the water shortage. The area has many tree-lined streets, which creates a park-like
feeling when driving through it.”
The suburb is well situated as it is close to shopping centres such as Flora Shopping Centre and Clearwater Mall. Life Flora Hospital is nearby for residents and there are a few convenient off-ramps from the N1 highway, Badenhorst says.
The presence of armed patrols increases the sense of safety among residents. Badenhorst says properties in the area go up to the R3 million mark. However, statistics from property data company Lightstone show the average price for freeholds for the area is R1.65m.
Most investors who are buying property here are aged between 30 and 50, says Badenhorst. She says there is a growing and sizeable Muslim community because
of the selection of smaller mosques in the area as well as a more notable one in nearby Bosmont.
Badenhorst says Constantia Kloof and Florida Hills may have the same feel as Florida Park, but Weltevreden Park is more similarly priced as the former two are more
expensive.
Henrietta Noortman’s favourite places and things to do
1 Len Rutter Park.
It hosts a parkrun and is a popular hangout. I like taking my family there. Florida Park, Roodepoort. 011 375 5555
2 The Huguenot Restaurant
It’s great for a nice lunch. They also serve awesome burgers and can be highly recommended. Shop 006, Flora Shopping Centre, Florida North, Roodepoort. 011 672 8777
3 Roodepoort Museum
Open by appointment only. Visitors learn about the gold rush and the history of Roodepoort, and about the way the people lived in the 1920s and 1930s. Art objects are on display. Civic Centre, Christiaan de Wet Road. 011 761 0226
4 Clearwater Mall
It’s a top venue for going to the movies and taking the family. Corner Christiaan de Wet and Hendrick Potgieter roads, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. 011 288 5260
5 The Porterhouse Family Restaurant & Steakhouse
This is a well-known restaurant and is conveniently situated. It offers excellent all-round service. 33 Wattle Street, Florida Junction Shopping Centre, Florida Park, Roodepoort. 011 472 6617
6 Founders Restaurant & Grill
Cosy, casual and good for groups. Gordon Road, Florida North. 011 672 3975
