Illovo, Sandton

Illovo at a glance

About the suburb of Illovo

Illovo is one of several suburbs that make up the Sandton area in Johannesburg and is well known for its many fine-dining restaurants. This acclaimed suburb is bordered by Hyde Park, Sandhurst, Inanda, and Melrose.

Although much of Illovo's 2.27 square kilometer area is occupied by the Wanderers golf course and cricket stadium, the suburb still includes over 1 600 properties. These properties are almost entirely sectional title units... some 1 287 apartments at the last count.

In Illovo, apartments for sale range from modest one and two-bedroom units to luxurious penthouse suites with spacious interiors. These properties generally sell between R1 million and R4 million. However, more deluxe units can go for upwards of R7 million, some even exceeding R20 million. Recent sales statistics support the trend that Illovo is popular with young professionals, as they show that most buyers are between the ages of 18 and 35.

While houses are scarce, the homes in Illovo are spacious and occupy large stands with lush, sprawling gardens. Houses for sale in Illovo range in price from R6 million to R25 million.

Interesting facts about the history of Illovo

Illovo is home to the famous Wanderers Stadium, which hosts a variety of premier cricket matches throughout the year. The stadium was built in 1956 to replace the Old Wanderers Stadium and can now accommodate 34 000 spectators. Alongside the stadium lies Wanderers Golf Club: a beautiful 18-hole golf course lined with magnificent trees. It is 6 575m in length and is a par 71.

Schools in the area

Illovo offers easy access to a wide variety of schools in the surrounding suburbs. Fairway primary school, St David's Marist Inanda, Hyde Park High school, Pridwin boys' school, Kingsmead College girls' school, and St Teresa's girls' school are all in proximity.

Medical facilities in the area

Netcare Rosebank is located less than a 10-minute drive away. There are many medical facilities and practitioners in nearby Sandton and Melrose too.

Shopping centers and malls in the area

Whether you're after daily essentials or some retail therapy, Illovo's central location provides residents with convenient access to various shopping and entertainment destinations. Sandton City / Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank / The Zone, and Melrose Arch are all within ten easy minutes' drive. This vibrant suburb boasts its own shopping center, the Thrupps Illovo Centre, situated on Oxford Road.

This convenient center houses several unique stores, terrific restaurants, and specialist medical facilities. There is a yoga studio and the You Bar hair salon and nail bar. There is also a branch of Jetline printers in the Thrupps center.

Restaurants to visit in Illovo

Illovo has plenty of great places to eat. The Fishmonger at the Thrupps center is ever-popular. The freshest seafood and fantastic service keep Illovo residents coming back time and again. If you're after takeaways or a quick bite, the deli café at Thrupps Grocers of Fine Distinction is where you should stop.

Mastrantonio Illovo Square is well known for its authentic Italian cuisine, and Bellagio, also in Illovo, with its "bold flavours," is "a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine." According to their website, it has a "shady terrace ideal for lazy summer lunches."

Parea Taverna is the place to visit for Greek delicacies. Teta Mari in Illovo Square is an American deli-style café that also has several middle eastern dishes.

Things to do in Illovo

Looking for weekend activities around Illovo? Here are our Top 5 things to do in and around Illovo:

1. Bidvest Wanderers Cricket Stadium: This top-class international stadium hosts local and international cricket matches. The atmosphere is fun, and supporters come out full force on match days.   

2. Discovery Soccer Park: This soccer park is a 5-a-side facility that is used for league games, as well as events and children's birthday parties.

3. Acro Branch Melrose: This outdoor adventure is popular with the young crown and for birthday parties. It could also be an excellent team-building day out.

4. Beefcakes: Nightly performances and a pink American diner theme make Beefcakes popular with those looking to paint the town red.

5. Theatre on the Square, Sandton: Just 2 kilometers from Illovo, this performance and event venue is convenient for Illovo residents looking to enjoy theatre productions.

Distance to airports, main roads, and the CBD

Situated just 3 kilometers from the Sandton CBD and 14 kilometers from the Johannesburg inner-city district, Illovo is well-positioned. It is 25 kilometers to OR Tambo International airport and 30 kilometers to Lanseria airport.

Weather in Illovo

As an Illovo resident, you'll enjoy warm summers and cool winters. Rainfall is generally in the summer months, which extend from December to February. Spring and Autumn's months are temperate. Winter temperatures fall to near zero (Celsius), and summer days are regularly at 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Make Illovo your home, your story.

Whether you're a young professional or a family looking to put down roots, Illovo has so much to offer. Seeff Sandton is here to help you find your dream home or investment property in the area. We have estate agents dedicated to the sale of property in Illovo and the leasing of property to rent in Illovo. Reach out to Seeff Sandton to assist and browse our properties in Illovo in the meanwhile by clicking here.