Benefits Of Estate Living
Benefits Of Estate Living
Estate Living originated in America in the 1800s and took an odd 150 years to reach Gauteng's Northern Suburbs with Estates like Fourways Gardens, Dainfern Golf Estate, and Cedar Lakes, to name but a few. The options are endless with stand sizes that range between 200 sqm and 3000 sqm amongst the named estates. Let's talk about the benefits of living in a gated estate in the 21st century.
Estates in Gauteng come equipped with several draw-ins that most buyers find appealing in whichever price point they're comfortable in.
Controlled Access:
As crime increases so do the number of new developments cropping up that offer the same features as the established estates. Security guards at the entry/exit gates which follow strict protocol for non-residents with access granted via a code or phone call and the presentation of a valid driver's license. In addition, there are usually electric fences manned by the Estate and cameras on the boundary wall with security guards patrolling not only the boundary walls but within the Estate itself.
Proximity to good schools:
Something that cannot be understated is living near schools that will provide quality education. There are several great IEB based schools in JHB North but a short travelling time from home to school to work will only increase the quality of life one experiences. There are good primary and secondary schools within walking distance of fabulous estates such as Dainfern College, established in 1977 with a history of excellence.
Amenities:
Most gated estates developed from the 1980s onwards will typically feature a wide range of amenities that independently have their own benefits, from a golf course at Dainfern Golf Estate to cricket nets and walking trails at Fourways Gardens, whilst other estates feature restaurants, playgrounds, tennis courts, squash courts, dog parks to name but a few. Estates have a strict adherence to speed limits so children can ride their bikes without parents worrying about their safety.
Events & Activities:
Wine connoisseur evenings, Halloween Trick or Treat, Movie night in the park, Christmas Carols and Easter Egg hunts are only some of the activities available with weekly running, cycling and walking clubs are common across numerous estates. Certain events and activities are localised to specific estates, and it is vital to complete necessary research on what is on offer within different estates.
Investment:
The purchaser typically buys in an Estate for this to be their family home. It is still the largest purchase most people will undertake, and it is still an asset said family own, that has more value than simple sentimental value. Homes inside an estate historically retain and increase in average selling price year on year % over a 5-year period, with few exceptions to the rule it thus makes it a safer buy that a free-standing home.
As our Fourways Gardens expert, Kevin Atwell says, "peace of mind is a way of life and families can enjoy life the way it is meant to be lived".
With the high-level amenities, security, lifestyle living and the close community ties, it makes one wonder why more buyers are not targeting estates if they have the means to!
Written by: Olga McTigue - Branch Manager - Fourways and surronds