Parkview now firmly in ‘big ticket’ league

Established more than 100 years ago, the heritage suburb of Parkview is today one of the most sought-after areas of Johannesburg in which to live, and property prices here continue to follow an upward curve due to a perpetual shortage of homes for sale.

Home to many bankers, accountants, architects, advocates, attorneys and other professionals, the suburb is renowned for its quiet, safe streets that enable residents to fully enjoy a “village” lifestyle, as well as its character homes featuring pressed steel ceilings, Oregon pine floors and stained-glass windows and door panels.

However, according to Sotheby’s International Realty area specialists Theodora and David Brickhill, many of these treasured properties have been extensively remodelled and modernised now and are much in demand at prices starting from around R6m.

Indeed, their recent sales include four such properties, ranging in price from R6m to R6,55m for renovated homes.  

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Parkview and the dearth of properties for sale here, the agents say, is the suburb’s location in the heart of Johannesburg and its proximity to many excellent schools such as Parkview Junior and Senior Primary, Jan Cilliers, Japari, The Ridge, St Katharine’s, Auckland Park Prep, Parktown Girls’ High, Roedean, Kingsmead, King Edwards, St John’s and the German School.

“In fact, many of current owners originally moved to Parkview years ago precisely because they wanted their children to be able to attend these schools and Wits University, which is also close by, and have never left. Instead they have steadily spent large sums on the renovation of their properties to turn them into ‘heirloom homes’ so that succeeding generations can continue to enjoy living here.”

A large part of that enjoyment – and another big reason for many residents to stay put – is that they feel secure in Parkview. “Residents are safely able to walk to the shops here or take their children to the park, thanks to the constant efforts of the wonderful Parkview Residents’ Association to keep the area crime-free, and its pro-active Safe Parkview security initiative in conjunction with the SAPS,” the Brickhills say.

“Consequently, it is not surprising that any properties that are listed for sale in this area are sold quickly and that prospective buyers are prepared to pay a premium to live here.”