Specialists in Midrand’s upmarket security estates

Modern Midrand has changed a great deal since its early days as Halfway House, a small settlement surrounded by farms, smallholdings, and veld, approximately halfway between the cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg, hence its erstwhile name.

In those days, this midway point, now Midrand, consisted of a filling station, a smallish hotel, and a few independently owned shops, with little else. Today, Midrand is a thriving area with a host of surrounding suburbs, many of which are frankly and unashamedly affluent, especially those that are home to luxuriously appointed security estates.

It is thought that there are two principal reasons for the huge growth in the security estate property market – a growth which appears to be unabated and remains unsaturated. First and foremost, the security factor of such gated communities is apparent and obvious.

It is, unfortunately, a fact of life that South Africa’s crime rates are high. This is in many cases the result of poor education, coupled with a high unemployment rate, and rapid, unplanned urbanisation. Living in a security estate is one of the most effective ways of ensuring the safety and security of oneself, and one’s family and possessions.

Minimised risks, increased security

Almost of equal importance, modern South Africans prefer a “lock up and go” lifestyle, one which is only realistic within the boundaries of a security estate, again because potential security issues are minimised and mitigated by having one’s residence located in an estate with access control, an electric fence, security guards or patrols, and neighbours that live in close proximity.

The latter factor and the regular movement of people within the estate are also deterrents to criminal activity in these developments. Short-term insurance companies recognise the advantages that security estate living offers, which means that the monthly premiums for household insurance are likely to be more reasonably priced because the risks of theft, burglary, and crime-related damage are far fewer than elsewhere – a clear illustration of increased security.

Choosing the right Midrand security estate

All security estates are not equal; no two are identical in almost any respect. It’s important that you choose the Midrand security estate that’s ideal for you. Fine & Country South Africa is on hand to assist you every step of the way to ensure that you do so, right from the word “go”.

We specialise in the luxury, high-end property market, and we’re highly successful in our chosen sector. One of our professional estate agents will dedicate their time, efforts, and extensive local knowledge of security estate living and life in Midrand to you throughout the entire purchasing (or selling) process, and beyond, as necessary.

Remember that you are thinking of buying into an enclosed community and its lifestyle. As soon as you move into a security estate, you become a member of that community. There are several factors of which you should be aware before you finally decide that living in a security estate will suit you. Some of these include:

• Every security estate, including the ones in Midrand’s affluent developments, has its own set of rules and regulations, by which all residents must abide. The original residents’ association draws up the community’s set of rules, which may be changed or amended by subsequent elected association members, plus a quorum of property owners. It is crucial that you familiarise yourself with the rules..

• Although access control measures vary from estate to estate, all persons entering and exiting the gated community must comply with them. Without a degree of such controls, the all-important security aspect wouldn’t exist.

• Living in a security estate is also a lifestyle choice. Different estates focus on different types of lifestyles.

Regardless of which security estate in Midrand takes your fancy, we’ll have a property specialist at your service to ensure that you choose your dream home wisely.