The property scene in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs, specifically Bellville and Parow, has evolved into a vibrant landscape.
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With diverse demographics, these areas are vital economic hubs, featuring growing healthcare initiatives, well-known educational institutions, and promising infrastructure projects.
Mariël Burger, area manager at Pam Golding Properties for Durbanville, Bellville, Parow and surrounds, says residents are attracted to the area for its well-established infrastructure, access to quality education, and a mix of residential and commercial amenities.
‘Both suburbs boast a safe, family-friendly environment, which appeals to those seeking a balanced lifestyle.’
Bellville boasts a larger housing market compared to Parow, featuring more homes in estates and fewer freehold properties. Recent buyers tend to be younger, and the average selling price for freehold homes is slightly higher than in Parow, Bizcommunity reports.
According to Lightstone statistics, both suburbs have seen an impressive 80% price growth in freehold homes from 2014 to 2023. In addition, sectional-title homes are slightly pricier in Bellville.
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Popular areas such as Boston, Oakdale, Oakglen and Heemstede in Bellville, along with De Tijger in Parow, have seen significant price growth for freehold homes, rising by around 80% or more since 2014.
- Oakglen, with a total of 2 338 homes, has less than half as freehold, including 159 homes in estates, experiencing an 86.8% price increase since 2014.
- Oakdale, with a housing stock of 1 950, has over two-thirds as freehold, and without any security estates, prices have gone up by 73.8%.
- In Boston, where 89.2% of the 1 366 homes are freehold and with no estates, prices have seen an 84% increase.
- De Tijger comprises 932 units, with just over half being freehold and nearly 16% in estates. Prices in De Tijger have risen by 83.9%.
Heemstede, an estate with 88 freehold homes, rarely sees properties on the market, and prices have doubled over the past decade. In 2023, only one home was sold to a middle-aged buyer. The highest number of sales in a single year was eight in both 2015 and 2016, with five sales in 2020, four in 2021, and two in 2022. As of 2024, there has already been one sale.
Since its establishment as a railway station in 1861, Parow has evolved into a general residential area with excellent public transport facilities. Bellville, originally named 12 Mile Post because of its distance from central Cape Town, officially adopted its name in 1861.
Over the years, both areas have transformed into thriving suburbs within greater Cape Town, boasting a diverse population that includes young professionals, families, and older residents and reflecting a rich mix of cultural backgrounds.
According to Bizcommunity, several businesses and major corporations have acknowledged the benefits of setting up operations in these suburbs, thanks to their easily accessible road system, making a substantial contribution to the local economy.
‘The corporate presence in the area creates employment opportunities, attracting a diverse workforce,’ says Burger. ‘This economic stability enhances the real estate market, as most people prefer living close to their workplaces.’
‘The ongoing multimillion-dollar project at Tygerberg Hospital – Stellenbosch University’s medical campus – will have a significant impact on the region’s healthcare landscape. The modernisation and expansion aim to attract skilled healthcare professionals, potentially influencing the demand for nearby residential properties.’
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Close access to medical facilities such as Tygerberg Hospital, Karl Bremer Hospital, Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, Melomed Bellville, and Panorama Mediclinic also adds significant appeal.
Buyers also tend to prioritise living close to reputable schools, driving up property prices due to limited availability in proximity to excellent schools in the area.
Furthermore, the upcoming redevelopment and expansion of the Cape Winelands Airport into an international commercial airport, set to open in 2027, is a notable development, says Burger.
The project includes runway realignment, passenger terminal construction, and future plans for cargo terminals, aircraft hangars, a hotel and commercial real estate. This expansion is expected to contribute to economic growth and improved connectivity.
The Northern Suburbs are set to undergo various infrastructure enhancements, including road upgrades and the creation of new road links. A crucial project is the extension of the R300 from the N1 to the urban edge north of Wellington Road in Durbanville.
This extension is crucial for future development and will establish a ring road encircling the Cape metropole, addressing the growing traffic demands on the primary road network.
‘From being on the fringes of the Cape Metropole, Bellville and Parow have evolved into vibrant well-located suburbs with all the amenities necessary for modern living,’ Burger adds.
‘The property market here has stood the test of time and represents real value for money.’
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Picture: vanclark / Wikimedia Commons