The National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) supports these efforts, and the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority – Gauteng (PHRA-G) offers guidelines for anyone interested in purchasing a Heritage home.

By definition, a Heritage home is older than 60 years. However, it doesn’t mean that because a property is 60 years it is deemed a Heritage property. To establish if it meets the criteria, an owner would need to obtain the opinion of a Heritage Consultant or the PHRA-G.

If it is deemed a Heritage property, which the new owner wishes to refurbish, there are guidelines as to what they can and cannot do with the property. It is also advisable for the new owner to use the services of a Heritage architect who understands the rules and regulations and has a track record in dealing with Heritage authorities.

Depending on its grading, each Heritage home varies greatly as to what you may or may not do.

The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is a further friend of Heritage homes and aims to protect the rich and varied heritage of Johannesburg and its associated social history, through activities such as tours, research, education, conservation and activism.

Those properties with particular significance are signposted by a blue ceramic plaque carrying a short description of their origin and special features.

A full list of the heritage sites in Westcliff can be viewed here. The Heritage Register allows you to do a more detailed search on a relevant Heritage property.

View some of these sites here.