Local property experts talk about the property market in this suburb in the Western Cape.
What types of properties are available and what can buyers expect to pay?
Somerset West offers a range of properties to suit most budgets between R750,000 and R30m. Sectional title properties start at about R750,000 for a two-bedroom unit in a secure complex. Free-standing homes in the suburbs are hard to find under R2m – the majority between R2,5m and R5m. In high demand are properties in gated estates, where a luxury home of 400 m² to 600m² in Erinvale will cost over R10m. A new home in a mid-range estate will cost between R2,8m and R4m for between 175m² and 225m². Top-end homes in Spanish Farm range from R10m to R60m.
Steve Caradoc-Davies: Principal, Harcourts Platinum
How has the area changed over the past five years?
Somerset West is increasingly sought after for its central, convenient location close to Cape Town International Airport and Cape Town itself, and its appealing country lifestyle with all the city luxuries. New homes are being built on several estates filling the increased demand for residential accommodation. Improved infrastructure includes double lanes to ease traffic on Sir Lowry’s Pass, and a new road connecting Sir Lowry’s to the N2. New shopping malls include Vergelegen Plein and The Sanctuary. New schools include Reddam House, while Curro Castle Sitari opened in January. Somerset West is becoming a medical mecca and attracting some of the best doctors and specialists in the country.
Thea Albertyn: Property consultant, Pam Golding Properties
What attracts buyers to the area?
Somerset West, a village, a community, a haven that offers the lifestyle we all yearn for. We fall under the management of the City of Cape Town but we’re certainly no city. Our unique location between the Helderberg mountain and the beaches of False Bay ensures minimal traffic and excellent security. We have the luxury of winelands, beaches, mountain trails, top schools, the world-class Vergelegen Mediclinic, all this within 20 minutes of the airport and 40 minutes of Cape Town. It’s no wonder that our town has become one of the most desired locations in South Africa.
Rose McFall: Principal, Chas Everitt Somerset West
Journey through Somerset West in this spectacular video:
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
