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Despite the many transformations seen by Johannesburg’s suburbs over the decades, Bedfordview stands as one that stood the many tests of time. Timeless in its popularity, and steady in terms of house price growth through all markets, Bedfordview, situated in Ekurhuleni is one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most affluent suburbs.

Originally, a very large farm with mineral rights called Elandsfontein, it was an area comprised of small holdings for a retired mining community and a base for British cavalry during the Anglo-Boer War. By contrast, today’s Bedfordview of sprawling, luxury homes and chic apartments, along oak-lined avenues, still offers a sought-after lifestyle for a diverse range of property owners and tenants.

Buzz of a city, appeal of a village

Despite the size of the area, which offers every amenity and convenience, the appeal of Bedfordview is that it has somehow retained its village feel. From the super-sized Eastgate Mall with its cinemas and exclusive shops to more intimate neighbourhood malls and local delis, there are options in Bedfordview to suit every kind of shopper and entertainment seeker. Not only that, but for those who need a change of scenery, the buzz and style of Melrose Arch, and all that Sandton has to offer, are only a reasonable drive away.

Reminiscent of its farm-land roots, Bedfordview still offers beautiful nature walks on Linksfield Ridge and mountain bike trails in Huddle Park, a popular outdoor activity and dog-walkers meet up.

In terms of education, Bedfordview and its surrounding areas offer a mix of public and private schools including the popular Reddam House Bedfordview. In addition, there are a handful of private and government medical institutions, including Life, Netcare and Medicross hospitals within easy access to all parts of the suburb and OR Tambo International Airport is only a 15-20 minute drive away.

For the foodies, Bedfordview offers a plethora of restaurants and well-known franchises like Hudson’s and Tasha’s and is well-known for its fine Portuguese and Greek cuisine.

Why we love the investment potential of Bedfordview

If there is one suburb that has shown consistent reliability in terms of holding its value, it is Bedfordview, says Rupert Finnemore, CEO of EasyProperties.

“Despite the general housing market challenges of 2023, Bedfordview delivered a unique performance last year that showed an increase in average sales prices from just over R2 million in 2021’s favourable interest-rate environment to between R2 million and R2.5 million. In addition, its average sales price weathered Covid and a sluggish 2022.

(Source: Property 24)

According to Finnemore, the prognosis for potential rental income and capital appreciation in Bedfordview’s sectional title market is good.

“Bedfordview’s sectional title market, by comparison to its larger freehold homes is tiny. In January 2024 only 19 studio apartments and 187 1-bedroom apartments were listed for sale, compared to 762 3-bedroom homes.

“In addition, in 2023 the number of sectional title sales dropped, while average prices increased from R1.2 million to R1.4 million in 2022, to R1.5 million to R1.6 million. This indicates that demand in this sector, where the average buying age is 36-49, is high,” says Finnemore.

“Given all of these factors, and that property in the long term is still an excellent investment opportunity, Bedfordview, one of the most stable suburbs offered by the economic powerhouse of Gauteng, certainly seems poised for growth,” concluded Finnemore.