Strong demand for property in some of Johannesburg?s southern suburbs has prompted solid price growth ? although these homes remain relatively affordable.

Phillip Ratshikhopha, owner and principal of the RealNet Southdale franchise, reports that average property price growth in his area continues to outstrip the national average.

"The agency is active in Turffontein, Kenilworth, Rosettenville and La Rochelle and last year the average property price growth in these suburbs was 22.75 percent ? down from the three year average of 28 percent but far higher than the 10 to 12 percent average for the country," he says.

"This can be attributed to the relatively affordable price range in this area with most houses selling at between R400 000 and R650 000 and flats having a median price of around R300 000."

Growth has remained good throughout this year too, although sellers are typically lowering their asking prices by about 10 percent if they don?t sell within three months, Ratshikhopha says.

He adds that more than half of buyers in his area are from other African countries while black South Africans also account for a large percentage of purchases. "Coloureds, whites and Indians active in our market are almost all sellers."