Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Young buyers drive demand in Lynfrae, Claremont
THE SUBURBS of Lynfrae and Claremont, east of Main Road, are becoming popular with buyers looking for affordable family homes in a convenient location, according to Pam Golding Properties.
PGP agents Annabelle Bennett and Mary Davidson say well-priced homes are selling within a month of being listed, to buyers, including mainly young professionals, newly married couples, young families and single parents.
Property options in these suburbs include solidly built family homes, secure villages and a few flats, and the area has a f a i rl y hi g h t ur nover o f homes.
“The typical plot size is around 5 0 0 m s ometimes larger, which suits most young professionals or parents with young children. But as they need more space many home owners upgrade to larger properties in neighbouring areas,” says Bennett.
Affordable pricing is one of the key factors driving demand in these suburbs. In Claremont east of Main Road you can still buy a two-bedroomed cottage for under R1.5m, or a basic three- bedroomed house for under R2m. Larger f amily homes tend to cost from R2.2m upwards, with luxury properties fetching R3m and more.
Lynfrae is pricier, with the entry level at around R2.2m for a home in need of renovation. An average family home will cost between R2.8m and R3m, and larger homes with ample parking and more luxury fea- tures can fetch between R3.5m and R4.5m.
“This is a central area with easy access to major transport networks, and is just 15 minutes’ drive from the city and the airport,” says Bennett. “It has a strong sense of community and a number of play parks for children, including the Choo-Choo Park with the only example of a historical Brooks locomotive anywhere in South Africa.
“The suburbs are also close to a number of popular sporting facilities such as Newlands cricket and rugby grounds, Western Province Cricket Club and Villagers.
“They are well placed for leading private and government schools, such as Rondebosch, Cedar House, Groote Schuur, Bishops, Claremont Primary and Livingstone High. Excellent private medical care is available close by at the Life Claremont/Kingsbury hospital cluster, and there are several doctors’ practices along Belvedere Road.
“The cherry on top is an excellent selection of local small shopping centres, includi ng Palmyra Junction and Belvedere Square, as well as easy access to larger malls such as Kenilworth Centre and Cavendish Square.”
Davidson says a number of owners are renovating their homes.
“We are also receiving ongoing requests to conduct valuations for owners who are contemplating selling,” she says.
“There certainly seems to be a sense that the market is shift- ing towards a positive trend.”
The City of Cape Town is considering whether to rezone Belvedere Road from Imam Haron (Lansdowne) Road to Clare Park Avenue for business use, consolidating local businesses into a single area. Bennett says buyers are avoiding the area due to uncertainty about its future, so a decision on the matter should improve buyer sentiment.
Among the homes for sale is a t hree- b e d r o o med s e midetached Victorian home which has been modernised for family living on a 450m erf. Original features include high pressed ceilings, wooden strip floors and sash windows. Two c overed parking bays are secured behind automated gates. The price is R3.2m.