Characterised by gracious family homes, landscaped gardens and broad tree-lined streets, West Cliff is the kind of suburb to which residents happily commit for at least the duration of their children’s schooling and often well beyond.
So says Beverley Gurwicz, Area Specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, adding that not only is West Cliff one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most established suburbs, it offers everything that families could possibly need, including easy access to top rate schools and universities.
“It’s very much a generational factor. Only once the children have left home – or even finished their degrees – do some homeowners feel the need to change their lifestyles and so younger families will then move into the area.”
However, West Cliff’s appeal runs far deeper than simply being within the catchment area for good schools and, oftentimes, sellers who are making changes, stay within the area when they move.
“With a strong sense of community, excellent security thanks to a strong resident’s initiative and panoramic views over the north of the city to the Magaliesberg Mountains and dramatic southern urban views, Westcliff exudes a palpable air of classic tradition and tranquillity.
“Because, although it’s in very close proximity to major arterial roads and only a short drive from the CBD and several popular commercial nodes, when you’re in Westcliff, it feels as though things slow to a more sedate pace,”
Gurwicz says that many families currently moving into the area appreciate the fact that, in terms of space, quality education, security, sense of community, general access and first-rate amenities, the lifestyle offered in suburbs like West Cliff is incredibly hard to beat.
Gurwicz believes that West Cliff is one such suburb where there really is no such thing as an average selling price because not only are there diverse property options, with some being historic architectural gems, there are also many unique contemporary homes which each have their own intrinsic value.
“Pricing is determined by several key factors such as your lifestyle needs, family size and design and architectural tastes as well as the home’s location, features and condition.
“For instance, featured at the moment is a contemporary six-bedroom family home with all the mod-cons and a lovely outdoor entertainment area for just under R9m and for R18m you can buy a spacious five-bedroom original character home with high-end finishes, a rim flow pool and views.” Gurwicz says that there has been an uptick in upgrades and the modernisation of older homes in recent years, but most notably during and immediately after lockdown.
“The main reason is a recent shift in lifestyle priorities, largely due to the pandemic. During lockdown, we all became aware of the luxury of space and also of the fact that our homes could be so much more than merely places where we eat and sleep after work.
“As a result, a select number of homeowners have installed features such as fire pits, outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens as well as indoor adaptations like games rooms, gyms, heated pools, and home theatres which has added exceptional value for future buyers.
“And we’re also seeing many of the home owners adding energy-producing and saving features whilst some are even taking their properties completely off the grid. And many homes already have solar and boreholes with gas now being introduced.”
That said, with West Cliff being home to some of Johannesburg’s most high-end properties, homeowners don’t have free licence to make sweeping changes to properties without consultation and they do have to consider the existing character of the suburb.
“The Resident’s Association, joint planning committee and Heritage Resource Agency are very supportive of contemporary renovation – provided there is transparent communication between all stakeholders throughout the process towards achieving an end result that enhances rather than detracts from the suburb’s inimitable charm,” says Gurwicz.