Finding the Best Property for Your Money in Pretoria: Houses vs. Apartments

Finding the Best Property for Your Money in Pretoria: Houses vs. Apartments

The Pretoria Property Market: Affordable Growth in Action

Pretoria has earned its spot as one of Gauteng’s most balanced property markets — affordable enough for first-time buyers, yet strategic enough for investors seeking long-term value.

Average Prices (2025):

  • Apartments: R650,000 – R1.3 million
  • Townhouses: R950,000 – R1.8 million
  • Houses (3-bedroom family homes): R1.2 million – R2.4 million

Suburbs like Centurion, Montana, Silver Lakes, and Pretoria East offer excellent lifestyle amenities, access to schools and transport, and consistent property appreciation.

For those seeking pure value, new developments in Pretoria North or Akasia are delivering affordable homes without sacrificing comfort or style.


What’s the Best Property for Your Money?

The “best” property depends on your goals:

  • For growing families: 3-bedroom homes in Pretoria East or Centurion give space, resale value, and community security.
  • For first-time buyers or investors: Apartments or duplexes in mixed-use developments like Menlyn or Montana Park offer affordability and rental demand.

At Sondela Homes, our developments are designed around this principle — modern design, secure living, and strong appreciation potential. We build homes that let your investment grow over time.


What’s the Cheapest Property in Pretoria?

If your goal is to enter the market affordably, new housing developments in Pretoria North, Nellmapius, or Mamelodi are some of the best entry points.

  • Starter homes (2-bedroom): from around R750,000 – R950,000
  • Affordable apartments: from around R600,000 – R900,000

These options provide a solid foundation for long-term growth — especially as Pretoria’s northern corridors continue to expand with new infrastructure and transport routes.


Comparing Materials: Durability, Cost & Style

Material Type Durability Cost Style Appeal
Face Brick Very high – weather resistant, low maintenance Moderate Timeless, earthy
Plastered & Painted Walls Moderate – needs upkeep Affordable Clean, modern
Tile Roofing High – long lifespan Moderate Traditional elegance
Metal Roofing Medium – easy to install, needs coating Low to moderate Contemporary, minimalist
Laminate Floors Moderate – budget-friendly Low Modern and versatile
Porcelain Tiles High – durable and elegant Moderate to high Premium finish

When it comes to balancing cost, style, and longevity, face brick and tiled roofing often deliver the best long-term value — keeping maintenance costs low while maintaining curb appeal.


Value-for-Money Recommendations

Best overall investment: 3-bedroom family homes in secure estates (R1.3–R1.9 million).
Best starter property: 2-bedroom apartment in Pretoria North or Centurion (R750k–R1.1 million).
Best long-term growth: Free-standing homes in emerging areas like Akasia or Lotus Gardens.

At Sondela Homes, our developments are built on these same principles — affordability, comfort, and long-term growth. Whether it’s a new 3-bedroom family home or a first investment apartment, we help buyers find the property that matches both lifestyle and financial goals.

Own Quality. Grow Value.

Live Better.
Explore Our Developments

Sondela Homes Property Calculators

Calculate your monthly bond repayments, total interest payable, and see the full cost of your home loan over time

Discover the maximum home loan amount you qualify for based on your monthly income, expenses, and affordability guidelines

Get a detailed breakdown of all transfer costs including bond registration, attorney fees, transfer duty, and deeds office charges

%
Monthly Repayments
R 11 981
Loan Value (Capital) R 1 200 000
Total Interest R 1 675 334
Total Repayment R 2 875 334
Disclaimer: This calculator uses the prime interest rate for convenience. Actual rates may vary. These calculations are estimates and we cannot be held liable for inaccuracies.
%
Monthly Repayments
R 0
Maximum Loan Available R 0
Interest Rate & Term 10.5% for 20 years
Note: This calculation is based on general lender affordability guidelines of 30% instalment to gross income and on your disposable income. The interest rate is set to the prime lending rate by default.
Total Bond & Transfer Costs
R 70 093
Bond Registration Costs R 37 645
Bond registration costs R 28 244
Bank initiation fee R 6 037
Deeds office levy R 1 464
Postage & application fees R 1 900
Property Transfer Costs R 32 448
Property transfer costs R 28 244
Deeds office levy R 1 464
Transfer duty R 0
Postage & application fees R 2 740
Note: Costs are effective as of September 2025 (Transfer Duty rates from 1 April 2025, Attorney fees from 1 August 2025)
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best property to buy in Pretoria?
A 3-bedroom family home in Pretoria East or Centurion offers the best mix of lifestyle, space, and resale value.
What is the cheapest property option?
New apartments or 2-bedroom starter homes in Pretoria North or Nellmapius starting from R600,000–R900,000.
Are houses or apartments better investments?
Houses often grow faster in value, but apartments offer easier entry and strong rental demand.
What materials last longest in Pretoria’s climate?
Face brick walls and tiled roofs are top choices for long-term durability and low maintenance.
Which areas offer good value for money?
Pretoria North, Centurion, and Akasia provide affordable entry points with strong growth potential.