Serene and peaceful living in The Vaal with Regan Harris

Situated just under an hour's drive outside of the frantic pace of the Johannesburg lifestyle lies the serene and tranquil setting of the Vaal. The Vaal is located on the borders of both Gauteng and the Free State and is named after the iconic Vaal River which boasts 57km of meandering waterways and natural splendour.

Property in The Vaal 

Although many of the properties on offer are second homes and weekend getaways, the area's infrastructure has seen an increase in development over the years. This is due to the growth of Vanderbijlpark, within the Vaal Triangle,  which offers convenient and upmarket amenities for more and more people looking to secure the benefits of a quieter setting.

Area Offerings

While the area still remains a quiet and reserved location, many of the amenities you would expect to see in an upmarket Johannesburg suburb are available as well. 

The Vaal also provides a comprehensive shopping experience catering to just about any taste. The Vaal Mall, for example, offers the majority of the retail opportunities alongside foodcourts, restaurants and a cinema. Riverside Boulevard offers a more convenient selection for quick stops to supermarkets. Beyond this, there is also The Emerald Casino, various different restaurant franchises, a bowling alley, and a country lodge.

Other amenities such as healthcare facilities are also available to residents and homeowners. These include the Mediclinic Emfuleni and the Netcare Vaalpark.

Agent Q&A - Hamilton's CEO, Regan Harris

In order to achieve a true understanding of the lifestyle which details the luxury that The Vaal has to offer, one needs to speak to an expert. Luckily, Hamilton's very own CEO and Principal, Regan Harris, is here to provide first-hand knowledge of the area's most attractive and well-kept secrets.

Q: When touring the tranquil setting of The Vaal, what are the sort of homes and properties one would expect to encounter?

A: The most sought after properties within The Vaal are located along the riverside: providing a popular location and getaway for city dwellers and water sports enthusiasts. Options for both north and south-facing stands and properties range from apartments within sectional titles to expansive "gentleman's estates" covering multiple hectares.  We currently offer a large variety of freehold listings although undeveloped stands are also available.

Q: Let's explore prices, what are the trends? 

A: The area boasts more suburban and more rural offerings. For example, 2 hectares of undeveloped land, area-dependent and, featuring river frontage, within a boomed off area could go for approximately R2.5m. 

Whereas developed property, with established infrastructure in place, could be purchased for just under R5m. Given the costs of installing water, electricity, jetties and revetting along waterways, depending on the condition of the infrastructure, developed properties may end up offering better value.

Q: What features set The Vaal apart from similar areas around the greater Gauteng area?

A: This can be answered in one word: lifestyle. Whether you are applying the concept to a more rural setting, the plethora of watersports available, the absence of constant traffic and its soundtrack, all contribute to the lifestyle benefits. There are very few places where you can drive away from the commercial hub of Joburg and within an hour you can be enjoying skiing and a sundowner on the water.

Q: What makes this area great for young families? Are there any good schools in the nearby vicinity?

A: The vast array of watersports available encourages young families to live outdoors, enjoy the scenery and be able to interact without the need for tablets, cellphones and other distractions. Selections of both government and private schools can be found in nearby Vanderbijlpark such as the notable Curro Vanderbijlpark, Vaal Triangle Primary, Emmanual Private School and government schools such as Pinedene Primary.

Q: What are the nearby healthcare facilities like?

A: The usual providers of medical, dentistry and allied health services are plentiful  Other amenities such as healthcare facilities are also available to residents and homeowners. These include the Mediclinic Emfuleni and the Netcare Vaalpark. 

Q: What are some of the highlights of living here?

A: During summer the emphasis lies on watersports: tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding or wake surfing. Depending on interest and ability, some of these can be enjoyed by youngsters and seniors. These all allow visitors or residents to take advantage of Gauteng's enviable summer climate. Fishing and river cruises in a variety of watercraft are enjoyed all year round.

Q: What advice would you give to people looking to purchase property on the Vaal River and its surroundings?

A: It can take a lot of resources to develop a property, especially if it is in an area zoned as an Agricultural Holding. Make sure you consider these development costs accurately when making a decision regarding which type of property to purchase. Other more lock-up-and-go lifestyle estates are available which minimises the running costs and enhances possible security concerns

Q: What effect has Covid had on people living and buying property here?

A: While the majority of "semigrants" have focused on international or national coastal destinations, there are buyers who have escaped to the calmer environs of the Vaal on either a permanent or weekender basis if they require closer proximity to Johannesburg.

Q: What are your favourite aspects of the Vaal, personally?

A: I can be out on the water, in a different world to the one I inhabit during the working week,  within an hour of leaving the Rat Race, traffic permitting. It is peaceful and tranquil and a mere hour's drive leaves one feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/the-digital-boutique-experience/ 

Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:

Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155

Cape Town: 021 418-0328 

Garden Route: 044 050 3295

Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787

Or email reception@hamiltons.co.za