Notes on Westdene

The main factors currently driving sales in Westdene are the fact that it offers good property value below R2m, and that it is a convenient, central location close to the Johannesburg CBD, Parktown, Braamfontein, Rosebank and both Wits and UJ as well as several top schools.

According to Sotheby’s International Realty area specialists Willem Prinsloo and Cornel Ridgard, the area offers character starter homes for young families and professionals starting out in the property market, as well as more expensive homes in the section closest to Melville. Prices range from around R1,35m to around R1,85m. Demand has been high for fixer-uppers in the past couple of years and there are very few available now. 

Westdene is very “arty” and mostly populated by young marrieds / professionals,  journalists, psychologists, academics, designers and architects working in Auckland Park, Parktown and Braamfontein offices, at Media Park or the SABC, at either of the universities, or at one of the two major hospitals close by. A large number of students also rent accommodation in the area.     

Schools in and near the area include Orban, which is a 100-year-old private pre-primary and primary school; West Rand SDA Primary, Auckland Park Prep for girls; McCauley House, Vorentoe High School and the German School.

There are convenient shops and restaurants in Melville and the huge Cresta Mall is within easy reach, while recreation facilities close by include the Melville Koppies nature reserve, Emmarentia Dam and the nightspots of Greenside.

Planned developments that could affect home values in Westdene include the Corridors of Freedom project aimed at providing high density housing for students along Perth Road. This should, the agents say, tidy up the Perth Road precinct and at the same time do away with the remaining problematic (unregistered) student communes in Melville, Westdene and Auckland Park.

*18 February 2015, Saturday Star