Planning a coastal retreat for the summer holidays and considering an investment in a holiday home or Airbnb rental? Seeff explores some of this year’s top hotspots.
Also read: The Cape Town property market surges as international buyers swoop in
The Seeff Property Group noted a significant surge in demand for Western Cape coastal towns over the past two years, fuelled by the return of tourism and a demand for holiday rental interest on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
Despite a slower sales market, homes in holiday towns have sold (by Seeff) for between R10 million and R33 million.
The property group found that there is a strong demand for coastal homes, driven not only by the semigration trend but also by a keen interest in owning a second home among individuals in economic centres like Gauteng who wish to invest in these areas.
Additionally, there is a rising demand for Eastern Cape coastal hotspots, known for their more accessible pricing in comparison to the Western Cape.
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These are Seeff’s recommended holiday home hotspots, and what you can expect to pay for them:
Clifton and Camps Bay on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard
According to Seeff, Clifton leads the list with an average house price exceeding R50 million and apartment prices surpassing R22 million based on this year’s sales, while Camps Bay takes the spotlight for the highest volume of sales above R20 million this year.
Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, says the allure of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, set against a backdrop of picturesque mountains and beaches, positions these areas as prime holiday home hotspots.
Investing in these areas means more than just acquiring a property; it’s an investment in a high-quality lifestyle within a real estate belt that has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, he adds. This appeal has attracted buyers globally, particularly from the UK and Germany.
Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the Garden Route
Despite a challenging year, Seeff Plettenberg Bay closed sales in the range of R17.3 million to R33 million for a residence in Beachy Head, marking some of the highest transactions outside of the Atlantic Seaboard.
Alet Ollemans, licensee for Seeff, says a big drawcard is the climate and cosmopolitan beach lifestyle. Plett still features well-priced apartments from R1.4 million, and luxury units between R6.5 million and R12.75 million. While houses average between R2 million and R4 million, the prices of luxury homes can reach up to R60 million.
Knysna waterfront properties in Thesen Islands have experienced strong sales in recent years as buyers seek to enter the market. Houses vary in price from approximately R5 million to R15 million. Other well-liked areas include Brenton, Simola, and Pezula Estates, as well as nearby Sedgefield, which still provides coastal affordability.
Langebaan and Yzerfontein on the West Coast
A major part of the attraction of the West Coast is the lifestyle of seafood, stories and beautiful holiday homes. Its proximity to Cape Town makes it convenient for easy weekend getaways, and it is home to many holiday homes, which are also popular on Airbnb and Booking.com.
This year, beachfront homes in Langebaan sold in Calypso Beach Estate for R8.25 million and R8.8 million. Seeff’s Jaco and Tracey Coetzee sold these properties at the full asking price, highlighting their increasing popularity.
Yzerfontein, in proximity to Cape Town, stands as an uncommercialised gem. According to Michelle Livingstone-Louw and Nelia Retief, agents for Seeff, it is increasingly favoured by those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Seeff achieved prices of up to R6.5 million in Pearl Bay and R6.785 million in the nearby Jakkalsfontein Private Nature Reserve this year.
Pringle Bay and Rooi Els in the Overberg/Overstrand Region
These villages, nestled among the natural fynbos of the Kogelberg Biosphere, are located under a two-hour drive from Cape Town via Clarens Drive on one of the most beautiful coastal routes.
The villages feature a diverse array of bird and animal species, thriving sea life, and offer an excellent spot for whale watching. The area is defined by its rocky coastline and picturesque white beaches.
Both towns have good security with CCTV cameras. While Pringle Bay has necessities and eateries, Rooi Els lacks commercialisation. Pringle Bay’s property choices range from small to large homes, which start at about R2 million. This year, sales were recorded in the R3 million to R5 million range. Rooi Els tends to be somewhat pricier, with listings around the R3.6 million range.
Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape
The resort towns of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay, both just over an hour’s drive from Gqeberha, are known as surfing hotspots. For example, Jeffreys Bay is known for one of the best right-point breaks. According to Seeff, the town provides amenities and accessible property prices.
St Francis Bay has a selection of holiday properties for rent or purchase, including waterfront and golf estate homes, typically priced from around R2 million to R8 million.
Big Bay and Bloubergstrand in Blouberg
Blouberg is globally renowned as a premier kitesurfing destination, currently hosting the Red Bull King of the Air 2023, with three South Africans participating. The area has evolved into a sought-after destination for holiday home buyers and property investors aiming to leverage the thriving Airbnb market.
Seeff notes that there has been an increase in foreign buyers venturing into property investments in these areas. This includes individuals with interests in kitesurfing as well as prospective retirees from the United Kingdom, Germany and Europe. Both locations, situated right along the coast and within walking distance of beaches, feature convenient access to amenities like restaurants and shopping centres.
In Big Bay, options include apartments, townhouses and estates, typically ranging in price from around R2 million to R8 million on average. Similarly, Bloubergstrand offers apartments starting at approximately R2 million, along with luxury houses that have transformed the area’s landscape, resembling Clifton. Prices for these upscale residences can reach into the upper millions.
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Picture: Supplied