From spring wildflowers to whale-watching, surfing, fishing or simply long walks on the beach, the Cape West Coast has much to offer those in search of a beachside holiday home or a permanent retreat from the rat race. The area is growing in popularity as a full-time residential alternative, while at the same time maintaining its reputation as a highly sought-after holiday destination.

Properties on the market in the West Coast encompass everything from one-bedroom apartments to luxury mansions, Bed and Breakfasts and vacant land. Pam Golding Properties area manager Stephanie Wynne Cole says the appeal of the West Coast region is not only its enviable laid-back lifestyle — be it beachfront or countryside — but also the low crime rates and the excellent value for money which can be obtained in the numerous towns and hamlets. She reports that prices have recently stabilised at reasonable levels as sellers have come to grips with the changing market conditions — although some sellers are still grappling with buyers who are holding out for bargain prices.

Yzerfontein

One of the West Coast towns to experience noticeable growth over the past few years is Yzerfontein. Not only is it enduringly popular with Cape Town holidaymakers, but it now also has a growing community of full-time residents who either work from home or commute to work in the city, which is only a 45 minute drive away. Several professionals from upcountry have opted to move their families here in search of a lower-stress, crime-free environment in which to raise their children. The eclectic residential community also includes retirees, commercial fishermen, artists and media workers as well as 'swallows' from the UK and Germany who escape the European winters here.

There is a broad range of homes on the market at present, including a large number of plots which represent good opportunities for investors. In general, one can obtain a one- or two-bedroom apartment in the town from around R600 000 to R995 000 while smaller homes are priced from R950 000 to R1.45-million. Larger family homes come in at R1.6-million to R3.8-million, while at the top end of the market luxury homes can fetch up to R7.5-million. Smallholdings are available from R5-million to R6-million while plots with sea views fetch between R980 000 and R1.4-million. Seafront plots are priced from R1.6-million to R2.5-million.

Paternoster

Further up the coast the charming fisherman’s village of Paternoster is growing in popularity as a weekend getaway for Capetonians as well as a permanent home for a growing artists’ community. House prices reflect this surge in popularity — entry level homes now start at R1.45-million. Two- or three-bedroom houses set well back from the beach will fetch up to around R2-million while those with partial sea views and more bedrooms can go for R2.75-million to R3.5-million — chiefly due to their potential for income-generating holiday rentals. Blue chip properties situated on the beachfront can achieve prices of R5-million and more. Plots can be purchased for anything from R500 000 up to R3-million depending on size and location.

Wynne Cole says buyers from all walks of life are showing interest in the village — including more young families wanting to leave the stress of city life and relocate to the quieter countryside.

Britannia Bay and Shelley Point

Those seeking exclusive luxury holiday homes on a prime stretch of coastline would do well to consider the village of Britannia Bay and its adjacent secure estate, Shelley Point. Renowned for its three beaches, including a five kilometre stretch of pristine sand, Britannia Bay offers a wide range of property options, from plot and plan developments priced at around R875 000 to luxury beachside homes at R5.5-million and more. There are also several new property developments offering plots from as little as R318 000 — although sizeable beachfront plots will come in at closer to R2.3-million. The bay is popular with weekenders, holidaymakers and retirees as well as investment buyers from upcountry.

The Shelley Point estate is situated on a private peninsula and offers 24-hour security as well as numerous attractive lifestyle features such as a nine-hole golf course, tennis and bowls facilities, a gym, spa and wellness centre as well as a communal pool and children’s centre. Prices here range from around R1.3-million for smaller two- or three-bedroom homes up to R5.5-million and more for larger luxury houses on the beachfront.

Darling

Situated inland about an hour’s drive from Cape Town on the R27, the picturesque village of Darling is growing in renown as a home for the creatively-minded. As well as numerous artists’ studios and galleries it now also lays claim to a burgeoning wine industry with labels such as Groote Post, Cloof and Ormonde making an increasing appearance on connoisseurs’ tables. Darling also boasts a working olive farm, a brand new wind farm, numerous restored Victorian homes and the acclaimed Evita se Perron where Evita Bezuidenhout holds sway over theatre and boerekos evenings.

House prices start at around R700 000 with larger family homes fetching anything from R1.1-million to R3-million. Smallholdings can be obtained from R3.9-million. Darling offers exceptional opportunities for investors with its very reasonably priced plots ranging in price from R320 000 to R900 000. Buyers include holidaymakers and retirees as well as permanent residents who commute to work in Cape Town. PGP also reports increasing interest from Gauteng buyers wishing to relocate to the countryside.

Hopefield

Investment buyers have been showing growing interest in the town of Hopefield, situated some 120 kilometres from Cape Town on the R45. This farming area offers a peaceful atmosphere and numerous historic buildings, among them several old Cape Dutch homesteads which have been declared national monuments. Prices are still extremely affordable with one-bedroom apartments available from R395 000 and small homes from R550 000. Larger family or holiday homes can be obtained for a very reasonable R750 000 while one can buy a luxury retreat for R1.5-million. Plots start at R83 000 and smallholdings at R380 000 while larger farms can be purchased for R980 000.

Wynne Cole says buyers from all over the country are considering the village as a result of its tranquil country atmosphere and mild climate. Other factors working in its favour are the good quality schooling, modern retirement centre and modern sports complex with conference and function facilities.

Velddrif

Velddrif, which includes the smaller areas of Laaiplek, Port Owen and Dwarskersbos, is situated around the estuary of the Berg River and is growing in popularity as a result of its unrivalled hospitality. The town is well equipped with shops, doctors, restaurants and sports facilities and has a burgeoning guest house and Bed and Breakfast industry. One-bedroom apartments can be obtained from R550 000 with smaller homes starting at R650 000 and larger family and holiday homes at R750 000. At the top end of the market, luxury homes are available at around R1.5-million going up to around R6-million for river-front homes with private moorings. Plots can be purchased from R220 000. The Admiral Island development is particularly popular for its charming homes while Port Owen has grown into a lovely residential area with private moorings offering direct access to the sea.

Article from: www.iafrica.com