Up-country buyers drawn to city’s beauty and coastal lifestyle

These areas have seen Joburg, Pretoria and KwaZuluNatal buyers spend millions on property – much more than they would pay for a house in Sandton, Joburg, for example, says Samuel Seeff, CEO of Seeff.

Some of the most expensive sales made over the past two to three years were to Joburg, Pretoria, KZN and South African expat buyers.

Sales to Joburg buyers cover R64.8 million in Fresnaye to R110m in Clifton.

Sales to KZN buyers range from R21.5m to R29m in Camps Bay.

“For many of our buyers it is a lifestyle decision – lovely beach and mountain walks, tidal pools, restaurants and art galleries in Kalk Bay and easy access to the city for shows and all that Cape Town has to offer,” says Sue Rosenberg, Pam Golding Properties area specialist for Kalk Bay and St James.

Laura Alan, PGP agent for Kalk Bay and St James, says there’s been a significant migration of Joburg buyers into these areas – mostly families who want coastal living in an area close to a good private school and with easy access to the city centre and other suburbs via the M3.

Here, areas like Melkbosstrand offer a village atmosphere with ocean views and secure estate living with all amenities.

There is ever-increasing upcountry demand for estate homes in Cape Town, with Constantia and Tokai’s scenic developments being sought after for their excellent lifestyle, high levels of security, proximity to top schools and their above-average return on investment on properties priced below R10m, says Dave Burger, estate specialist for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Tokai. Over the past year, 30% to 40% of the upper Constantia inquiries were from Gauteng, he says.