Currently, Jakaranda Centre is being revamped.

Currently, Jakaranda Centre is being revamped. There are a number of big retail outlets that will be coming on board. This is welcome as the centre experienced something of a decline for a couple of years - Robin Van der Walt, property consultant, Dormehl Phalane Property Group.

Growing demand for property in Rietforntein is partly evident in the increasing numbers of intensive accommodation developments that can be seen emerging in various locations of the suburb of late.

Quite a few complex-style developments that are a direct response to the increasing demand for secure, affordable and centrally situated accommodation have come up in the area lately, says property consultant Robin Van der Walt of Dormehl Phalane Property Group.

These can be seen in Frates Street and in Ben Swart Street on the corner 21st Avenue, says Van der Walt, citing only a few examples of an emergent trend which analysts believe will get more pronounced.

"Sectional titles make up about 30% of the total market stock in Rietfontein, which is quite low compared to other areas of the Moot. This is about to change however as developers respond to demand patterns," notes Van der Walt, who argues that Rietfontein will always be popular owing to its centrality of location in an area of good schools 

She mentions such neighbourhood schools as Rietfontein-Noord Primary, Queenswood Christian School and HTS John Vorster as some of the popular schools that are instrumental in many parents' decisions to settle in the suburb

Rietfontein's ideal positioning and apparent convenience thus makes it a sought after suburb, a magnet for families with children of school-going age and their parents who can commute to various centres of work from here with ease. Van der Walt also states that the availability of a number of public parks also increases the suburb's standing on the family-friendly scorecard.

She further cites the ease with which residents with properties close to Wonderboom Nature Reserve can virtually walk through the recreational facility.

"Rietfontein is situated in the centre of the Moot area. It is close to hospitals, main access and arterial routes as well as shopping centres," notes Van der Walt, adding that it is of little wonder that Rietfontein continually records the highest sales records in the whole of the Moot.

This has no doubt attracted the attention of investors, some of whom buy properties to let, owing to the constant and rising demand. It is a factor shored up by Rietfontein's close proximity to places such as University of Pretoria and medical and other nearby work centres for interns and specialists who choose to reside here. For a letting owner, uninterrupted rental income is assured.

Van der Walt also mentions that Rietfontein is ideal for businesses such as guesthouses and reports quite a number that operate in the area, which should come as no surprise as Rietfontein enjoys nearnesss to tourist attractions and landmarks, including Union Buildings, Loftus Versfeld and shopping facilities.

Says Van der Walt: "Currently, Jakaranda Centre is being revamped. There are a number of big retail outlets that will be coming on board. This is welcome as the centre experienced something of a decline for a couple of years."