Seeff Pinetown has recently reopened its doors at 50 Josiah Gumede Rd, under the new ownership of husband and wife team Thembani and Sibongile Ngcobo. Sibongile is an experienced estate agent (PDCE NQF Level 5), having formally worked in the industry for the last 5 years. The couple has been involved in real estate investments and rental projects since 2005, with Pinetown being one of their focus areas.
Says Sibongile: “While Pinetown was previously regarded as a predominantly light industrial town, things have changed. This suburb of Durban is gaining quite a reputation in the property market, as it offers great value for money with good properties that are affordable even for first-time buyers. For example, we recently sold a beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for just under a million in a sought-after Caversham Glen suburb. We have many well-priced properties for sale, including a very modern two-bedroom townhouse priced at R780 000; a two-bedroom flat priced at R590 000 (perfect for entry-level buyers) and a spacious three-bedroom house at R1.2m.”
Pinetown is situated between Westville and Kloof and is a very diverse area, both in terms of the population and the type of property offerings, which adds to its attractiveness. Adds Thembani: “Of recent buyers in Pinetown, 36% were between 21 and 35 years of age, and 37% were aged between 36 and 49 years, with the 50+ group making up 27%. Our buyers are either relocating from other areas in South Africa due to work requirements, or are downscaling to something smaller and low maintenance. When it comes to secure complex-type living, families will upscale as their needs grow.”
The Ngcobos say that investors also find Pinetown to be a good market for rental properties. “The demand from potential tenants is high, as many of them cannot afford to purchase just yet, so they rent whilst saving for a deposit and costs. Rental returns are good, at between R7000 and R8000 a month for a 3-bed home and around R5000 for a 2-bedroom flat. There are always plenty of enquiries for rental properties!”
Pinetown is not just conveniently close for those working in the industrial areas of New Germany, Westmead and Mariannhill, but is centrally situated for an easy drive to the Upper Highway areas, Durban CBD, and Queen Nandi Drive, and has quick access to the M13, N3 and other major routes. The area is now regarded as a fully-fledged residential suburb, with everything needed to service families, from schools to sports facilities and upmarket shopping complexes. It is surrounded by many great schools, such as St Benedict Primary, St Marys Girls, Westville Boys and Thomas Moore College within a 15 km radius.
Property in the greater Pinetown area is very affordable and yet still central. It boasts several sought-after suburbs, such as Ashley, Caversham Glen, Cowies Hill, Farningham Ridge, Fields Hill, Hatton Estates, Highland Hills, Manors, Mariannhill, Mariannheights, Mariannhill Park, Moseley, Nagina, New Germany, Padfield Park, Paradise Valley, Pinelands, Pinetown Central, Sarnia, The Wolds, Woodside and Wyebank.
For the nature lovers Pinetown offers several beautiful garden parks and nature reserves, such as the New Germany and Paradise Valley Nature Reserves, The Japanese Garden, Giba Gorge, Lahee Park and many more.
Says Sibongile Ngcobo: “Demand for the area has grown rapidly, with houses, flats and apartments being much in demand by middle-class buyers with solid jobs. The 2019 outlook for the area is promising. We expect that demand for properties in Pinetown to continue, as these properties offer stable growth in value.”
Contact Seeff Pinetown on 031 701 4540, cell 081 890 8060, email ptnadmin@seeff.com, or visit the offices at 50 Josiah Gumede Road.
Author: Leverne Gething, 02 May 2019, Area Focus