Hatfield, Pretoria

Hatfield

The vibrant suburb of Hatfield has become the mecca of the University of Pretoria (Tuks) student community. Over the years, the

neighbourhood has undergone a huge change, with houses being replaced by apartment complexes and shopping malls. These new

constructions have provided much-needed housing for the students. Most of the residents found in Hatfield today are students and young

professionals. It is these people who invest or rent the type of housing in Hatfield, mostly high-rise apartment buildings. Hatfield is ideally

located close to many of Pretoria's academic, diplomatic, sports, medical, commercial and governmental institutions. This makes it a suitable

area with easy access to public transport, main roads, highways and commuter rail services. Hatfield is bordered by South Street to the south,

Richard Street to the east, Festival Street to the west and Stanza Bopape Street to the north. Features of the area include the vibrant student

complex known as Duncan Court (Hatfield), the trendy Campus On Park (Arcadia) and the brand new Loftus View (Clydesdale) development.

Although the last two properties are outside the borders of Hatfield, they are very popular and attract residents and investors to the area.

Hatfield is close to several excellent primary schools such as Hatfield Primary School, St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls and Laerskool

East End, with Pretoria Boys' High School, Pretoria High School for Girls, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunsskool and Afrikaanse Hoër Meisiesskool in

the vicinity. The main campus of the University of Pretoria is within walking distance and the LC de Villiers Sports Grounds is just a stone's

throw away. LC de Villiers is also home to the High Performance Centre where many national and international sports celebrities have trained.

Loftus Versfeld Rugby Stadium is about 2.6 km from Hatfield and other nearby sports clubs include Harlequins Rugby Club and Pretoria

Old Boys' Club. There are a large number of Foreign Embassies and High Commissions within a 5 km radius of Hatfield, with access to a large

number of Government Departments, excellent medical facilities and a number of shopping malls within the suburban boundaries. The local

Hatfield Plaza provides a wonderful shopping experience for residents and the nearby malls in Hillcrest and Brooklyn have proven to be very

popular for students and young people to relax, enjoy a dining experience or visit various pubs and other unique hangouts.

The Gautrain Station is located in Hatfield and taxis and buses abound on the main roads in the area. The Gautrain Station has not had a

negative impact on real estate trends in Hatfield. In fact, the effect has been positive in that residents have a choice of commuter transport to

and from the workplace or educational institution. The station is located in such a way that it has not influenced property prices, but is close

enough to allow residents to conveniently use the facility. The demand for housing in and around Hatfield will never decline as the main source

of residents is the University of Pretoria's student body. Apartment complexes are very popular with investors who buy and rent apartments

to student tenants. Many residences in Hatfield have been converted into communes, offering a cheaper accommodation solution for students.

The majority of apartment complexes in the area are mainly bachelor's and 1 bedroom units intended mainly for the Tukkies student.

The lifestyle opportunities in and around Hatfield are plentiful. The area is aimed at young residents and therefore ensures access and availability

to many sources of entertainment, academics and business prospects. Employment is increasing as more and more businesses move from the

main business district in central Pretoria to the suburbs.