The ever-popular Cape West Coast is seeing a fresh surge of interest from property developers who have recently concluded several large purchases of land.
The developers have either already received approval to build or are expecting the go-ahead within the next few months. The anticipated results will include both sectional title and fractional ownership estates, situated in and around a number of the area's small towns and hamlets. Local agents also report a steady trade in stand-alone properties, security village units and vacant single plots in the same area.
"The chief appeal of the West Coast remains its laid-back lifestyle and relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, " says Pam Golding Properties MD for the Western Cape metro region, Mick Joyce, "as well as its stunning natural beauty with magnificent sea views and long sandy beaches. A haven for whales, dolphins and sea-birds, it is also an ideal playground for watersports fans as well as those who simply want to be surrounded by friendly people and the warmth and charm of small-town living. Another benefit is the low crime rate and high levels of security, as well as the excellent value for money which is obtainable as a result of the very reasonable property prices."
Others agree, saying that an added benefit is that these towns are close enough to Cape Town to offer relatively easy access to big city facilities like theatres, large hospitals and shopping malls - yet they are also far enough away to allow a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This range of appealing factors ensures a wide range of buyers, from investors and retirees to those seeking holiday homes or weekend getaways. Sellers are currently enjoying return on investment of around 10 to 15 percent on their purchase prices.
One of the most brisk and best value-for-money markets along the West Coast at present is that in Britannia Bay and neighbouring Shelley Point, the security estate with its 9-hole golf course. The access road has recently been upgraded, and a number of new developments have recently been approved in this area, at extremely competitive pricing.
Prices range from R280 000 – R900 000 for plots, with beachfront erven going at R1.4 - R1.7 million. Completed three-bedroomed homes range from R875 000 to R4.5 million for larger beachfront houses, and a 16-hectare piece of land was recently sold to a property developer for just over R9 million. There are expectations that a small shopping centre will soon be built in Britannia Bay, providing added convenience.
Another favourite West Coast town is Langebaan, particularly popular for its proximity to Cape Town and its watersports appeal, as well as its facilities including restaurants, shops, casino, golf course and a National Park with prolific birdlife.
Stephanie Wynne Cole of PGP says value for money is also a drawcard here: "One can still secure a two- or three-bedroomed apartment or townhouse for as little as R650 000 up to R1.1. million. Larger three-bedroomed homes with gardens sell for R875 000 to R1.4 million, with even larger homes available up to R5.5. million. Plots are priced from R330 000 up to around R1.52 million for those with lagoon views, while beachfront erven sell for R1.9 to R2.7 million."
The towns of Velddrif and Port Owen have been fairly recently "discovered" by holidaymakers, and hold enormous appeal with their proximity to miles of unspoilt beaches and their reasonable prices. Three- or four-bedroomed houses can be purchased for R530 000 up to R4.5 million, while plots start at R280 000 and go up to R1.5 million for those with direct access to the waterways. Two large development blocks of land were recently sold in this area, including one plot of 368 hectares on the Berg River for R10 million, and another closer to the sea for 261 hectares at R11 million.
There has also been renewed interest in Saldanha Bay and nearby Jacobsbaai, as a result of the numerous industrial development plans in the pipeline for this area, including the expansion of the deep, well-protected harbour. As a hub of the steel and fishing industry as well as home to the naval training base, Saldanha Bay is a natural choice for those who wish to live and work along the West Coast. A number of new residential developments are expected to materialise within the course of this year.
All of these towns enjoy access to Cape Town in under two hours, while further facilities are available in the West Coast's commercial hub, the town of Vredenburg, which offers schools, garages, two shopping centres and a private hospital, as well as an outstanding 18-hole golf course.
