Buyers from all over SA, world want to live here

People are still drawn to the Western Cape, writes FAMILIES

WHILE Hout Bay is popular with families , those wanting to set up home in Cape Town generally look to live in Newlands, Bishopcourt, Rondebosch, Constantia, Oranjezicht, Kenilworth and Upper Claremont, says Richard Hardie, Knight Frank residential manager for the Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl and Hout Bay. The y want to move into four-bedroom family homes with gardens, pools and garages.

“They also look for properties close to amenities and good schools, and in areas where there are other families.”

Seeff managing director James Lewis says Constantia, Bishopscourt, Newlands and Rondebosch are particularly attractive to buyers from Jo burg and Pretoria as they have “some of the best schools in the country” and a wide choice of homes.

Lindsay Beck, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the southern suburbs, says there is considerable competition for places at top schools in Rondebosch, Claremont, Newlands and Constantia.

Mike Greeff, chief executive of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, believes the size of the family and personal preferences will also dictate the type of homes they look for. Suitable properties include standalone houses, semi- detached houses and townhouses.

“Sectional titles are also popular as they offer a community lifestyle with security. Many complexes are near schools, healthcare facilities and shopping .”

Generally, families prefer freehold properties with adequate space for all members and pets. Prices here, says Greeff, range from R3.5 million to R8 m.

These areas are attractive to family buyers and those looking for holiday or second homes, says Ian Slot, Seeff managing director in these areas and the Waterfront.

“Wealthy Joburg and upcountry buyers are particularly drawn to the area. Those not yet moving to Cape Town permanently will often invest in a second home here.”

Johan Jacobs, Seeff licensee for Plattekloof and surrounds, says the northern suburbs are popular with semigrants from Joburg and Pretoria and other inland provinces.

“Affordability is a big draw . In upper-income areas there are excellent options such as Plattekloof and estates like Baronetcy. These areas are central and close to the city and top schools and offer excellent facilities.”

Annien Borg, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the Boland and Overberg, says there’s been massive growth in the market outside Cape Town, bringing semigrants to Durbanville and Welgemoed, where investments offers considerable value for money.

“These areas are popular with buyers looking for a safe environment with the attractions of the Winelands and access to excellent schools, yet still close to Cape Town.”

On the False Bay coastline, semigration is mainly driven by the affordability of homes with gardens and proximity to good schools, says Steve Thomas, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty franchise manager in False Bay and Noordhoek. These include the Glencairn areas and Sun Valley/Noordhoek