Semigration is fuelling the demand for residential estate living in the Boland and Helderberg regions.
Covering the whole of the scenic Cape Winelands from Somerset West and Strand through to Stellenbosch and Paarl, the Helderberg and Boland areas have seen a boom in residential estates and developments over the last decade with buyers wanting to combine mountain views, proximity to beaches and country tranquillity with the convenience of great security and services.
Semigration is a big factor fuelling development in this area, with many buyers relocating from Gauteng for lifestyle reasons. Being within a 50km radius of the airport makes it possible to commute as necessary, and the excellent schools in and around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West are a drawcard for families.
While retirement villages are still part of the scene, the average age of people relocating to the area has fallen. Statistics from Lightstone Property show that more than 70% of new buyers in estates are younger than 49 years old. Families are drawn by the safe community lifestyle and first-time buyers are also looking to buy within gated estates. There is a growing trend to include sectional title properties and more and more developments are introducing property across all price ranges.
“There is strong demand for houses between 160m² and 220m² in gated estates, price range R2,4m – R3,5m.” says Steve Caradoc-Davies of Harcourts Platinum. “We’ve also experienced strong interest in luxury developments from R5,5m – R8,5m with larger homes of 300m² – 400m² on plots of 800m².”
Luxury golf estates continue to be popular but estates are also diversifying to cater for a broader lifestyle. The new generation of gated estates offer almost self-sufficient living, including shopping, schools, sports, green spaces and leisure offerings from cycle tracks and running trails to communal pools and clubhouses. And estate properties are performing well as investments with house price inflation 1,8% higher than the national average, according to August 2016 Lightstone Property statistics.
Trends are towards estates that offer internet fibre, light interiors, and with significant demand for indoor/outdoor entertainment areas. Security is a top priority in all price ranges. There is still very strong demand from upcountry buyers who specifically want gated estates.
Steve Caradoc-Davies, Harcourts Platinum
Top Estates
- Val de Vie, Paarl
- De Zalze, Stellenbosch
- Pearl Valley, Paarl
- Erinvale, Somerset West
As ranked by New World Wealth 2015 and 2016
Top schools
- La Rochelle Girls’ Primary School
- Paarl Girls High School
- Paarl Boys’ High School
- Boland Landbouskool
- Paarl Gimnasium
- Parel Vallei High School
- Bloemhof High School
- Rhenish Girls’ High School
- Paul Roos Gymnasium
*From WC lists 2013-2015
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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