When it comes to natural beauty, there is no place in the world that can compare with the Western Cape. It has an assortment of various cultural backgrounds, giving the province multi-ethnic flavours. The Centuries of trade and immigration have created a population with genetic and linguistic links to different parts of Europe, South-East Asia, India and Africa.
On the eastern side of the Western Cape is the beautiful town of Somerset West. Situated in the Helderberg area, this town overlooks the majestic Hottentots-Hollands mountain range. According to Wim Gerecke, Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Somerset West, this ensures that property in this area is in a different class to surrounding areas. The region is seen as being more quiet and in a somewhat lower price range than areas in Cape Town CBD and surrounds.
Moving in a north westerly direction you will find some of the most famous towns in South Africa, also known to make up the Winelands region. Danny Pringle, Licence Partner of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek maintains that these areas are known to comprise of some of the most astonishing properties in South Africa, and with its close proximity to Cape Town, more and more people re-locate here, as they are able to enjoy the tranquil surrounds, but are close enough to the CBD to commute. One of the main attractions in the area is the University of Stellenbosch, one of the best universities in the country. It’s neighbouring town, Paarl is also home to some great educational institutions such as Paarl Gymnasium and Paarl Boys High. Danny also added that “Property in this area does have its diversity, offering smaller apartments for students in Stellenbosch to some astounding wine farms in the surrounding areas. In all three towns you will find a variety of property ranging from an abundance of Cape Dutch-style homes, modern homes, and awe-inspiring wine farms.
Move south towards the majestic Table Mountain, just before you reach the iconic Green Point stadium, you will find the Western Seaboard. This area includes suburbs such as Bloubergstrand, Table View, Milnerton and Woodbridge Island. “We have seen an influx international buyers wishing to experience the magnificent views of Table Mountain and the ocean” stated Anisa Visser, Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Western Seaboard. She also added that although the average price of a property is R2,5 million, there is an abundance to choose from. The Engel & Völkers Blouberg shop is one of the most recent additions to the Engel & Völkers network and is set to open their doors shortly, although they are already active in the area.
Neighbouring the Western Seaboard is the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. “The area is generally a primary home market with a very family oriented lifestyle. In areas such as Constantia we have seen an increase in activity, and in Claremont, Harfield Village and Wynberg where properties range between R1 million and R2, 5 million, the turnaround time has increased dramatically,” maintained Craig McIntyre, Team Leader of Engel & Völkers Southern Suburbs. This area boasts some remarkable vineyards and beautiful Victorian architecture. Craig also added that various lifestyle features include Cavendish Square and the Shakespearean stage at the Open Air Theatre in Maynardville.
When moving around Table Mountain you not only find the CBD of Cape Town, but with it comes some magnificent properties overlooking Table Mountain, as well as some fantastic ocean views. George Norris, Team Leader of Engel & Völkers Sea Point said that the area is characterised by high-rise luxury apartments and some of the best entertainment found anywhere in the world, from world class restaurants to some beautiful coffee shops overlooking the ocean. George also added that properties in the area can range anything from R2 million up to luxury apartments ranging around the R50 million mark.
Bordering Sea Point is the sought-after area of Camps Bay, an area synonmous with luxurious properties nestled in the mountain side and overlooking the ocean. Engel & Völkers Camps Bay noted an increase in activity of international buyers over the last couple of months. The area is filled with properties that can not be surpassed by any other in the world. One of the features that make this area such an attraction is the proximity to Cape Town CDB, yet it still preserves a small village feel. There are approximately 20 internationally acclaimed restaurants in Camps Bay, making it perfect for tourists.
When driving south from Cape Town, you will find the South Peninsula. It comprises of towns such as Fishhoek, Kalkbay, Noordhoek and Simon’s Town. The small town of Fish Hoek is a seaside village, surrounded by rugged mountains and has one of the safest swimming beaches in Cape Town. It is a glorious bay with beautiful white sandy beaches, and colourful Victorian bathing cubicles that add a festive flavour. “The property markets are mainly second home making it ideal for international buyers,” indicated Francis Case, Licence partner of Engel & Völkers South Peninsula.
Kalk Bay is more of a fishing village, with a natural harbour, bohemian shopping, antiques, crafts, and superb restaurants. Engel & Völkers Kalk Bay believes that more and more investors are considering this area. With the amount of activities and its proximity to other areas such as Simon’s Town and Cape Town, it attracts a vast number of holiday makers each year and is therefore the ideal holiday home investment.
Moving even further south you will enter yet another amazing small town. “Simon`s Town can be described as tranquil and serene, with unspoilt beaches and breathtaking scenery. It is steeped in maritime history, with Victorian-style architecture adding a charming “olde worlde” touch, said Francis Case, Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers South Peninsula. Francis also added that real estate in Simon’s Town has provided excellent capital returns for local and international property investors over the years. It is a favourite destination for holidaymakers who enjoy the beaches, mountains and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Once again we can see that the features and natural beauty of the Western Cape not only makes it one of the most attractive places to live in SA, but also in the world. This is clear from the amount of international buyers investing in the province. So whether you’re a city goer or even someone who prefers the tranquil sounds of the country side, all of this is within a few kilometres from each other in the Western Cape.
Courtesy of Engel & Völkers
