Universitas is one of the most central and established neighborhoods in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State as well as the judicial capital of South Africa.
Houses in Universitas are in high demand due to its proximity to popular schools as well as the sports centre in Bloemfontein.
Furthermore, Universitas has easy access to all the business centres in the city, as well as to the N1 highway.
Universitas properties offer spacious family homes and large stands in tranquil leafy streets, another factor which plays a big role in the popularity of this area.
Universitas is also home to one of the top medical training centres in South Africa, namely the Universitas Academic Hospital.
To add to the diversity of Universitas real estate offering, the area also offers two retirement villages (Striata and Stellenryk) that are very sought after by Bloemfontein property buyers seeking retirement homes.
Universitas Property Information
Properties in Universitas consist mainly of traditional freehold residential houses.
However, there are several stands (a recent trend) which have now been registered as "sectional title" and then sold as duet Universitas houses - a property ownership model traditionally very popular in the likes of Pretoria. The houses built on the sectionalized stand are new and modern and very popular among younger people.
In the main however, townhouse complexes are very much in the minority in Universitas.
The turnover of freehold residential property in Universitas is relatively high by Bloemfontein standards with some 116 Universitas houses for sale being transferred during 2011, whilst the sectional title units (including townhouses and retirement homes) numbered some 110 units for 2011.
Recently two new housing developments, namely Kings Chase and Unilofts, were developed. Both of these developments were sold out before the building was completed - another very good sign for Universitas property owners. There are plans for further developments in Universitas on the cards.
The houses in Universitas tend towards the generally older homes built in the 1970's. These homes are very spacious with large stands up to 2000 square metres in extent. Universitas houses are generally well maintained, and many have been upgraded over recent years to suit more modern tastes.
The areas around the University (such as Green Forest Street) are very popular with investors, where there is a trend to convert these Universitas houses into student homes.
The environment between Besselsen street and Scholtz street is known for its large and more expensive houses (up to R1, 8 million), and is especially popular among academics working at the University.
The fringe of Universitas (Ryno Kriel Avenue Haldonroad, Steven street with President Paul Kruger Avenue other border) are priced between R900 000 and R1, 3 million and consist of mostly family homes.
The area within President Paul Kruger Avenue offers a range of older large homes which sell up to around the R1, 5 million marks. The area is popular because it is near Universitas Primary School and the children do not have to cross a highway getting to and from home.
The two retirement homes in the area, offer a safe home for elderly members of the community.
There is not a specific age group or demographic that it clearly identifiable as property in Universitas really has something to offer all age groups!
Sport Centres
Different sport centres are near this suburb, for example the Free State Stadium, the Cricket Stadium (Chevrolet Park) die Stadion swimming pool and the Athletics Stadium.
The athletic stadium was recently upgraded at a cost of some R10 million to a first class-track of the IAAF and is one of just 88 in the world.
The Free State Stadium is also the home of the Toyota Cheetahs , and the cricket stadium is the home of the popular "Knights".
Churches
Universitas is also the home of several denomination places of worship, including NG Universitas , NG Universitas-Wes and the Full Gospel Church of God
Hospitals
- Universitas Hospital
- Universitas Private Hospital
- Cairn Hall hospital
