One of the very few markets which did not crumble under the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic is property. Turns out that being locked down is exactly what real estate groups needed. Rentals and foreign investment boomed, with some record-breaking sales in the mix.
In early January a Fresnaye’s mansion was sold for a whopping R160 million, making it the second-highest highest recorded sale of a residential property ever in South Africa. Popular real estate agent Lance Cohen was behind the lavish move.
Also read: Look! Cape Town home sells for R160m – second most expensive sale in SA
It’s a money-market and the increase in sales is largely due to the allure of low interest rates, says Alexa Horne, managing director of Dogon Group Properties to Business Tech.
Essentially this means that buyers could get their hands on exceptional property at the most reasonable prices the market has seen in years.
Couple these factors with the landscape and lifestyle of the Mother City and it’s no wonder buyers came flocking. Looting and unrest in KwaZulu-Natal also saw people make their way to Table Mountain.
Also read: A tribute to my home in ruins, KwaZulu-Natal
The scope of the market flourished across all sectors and price brackets, including the luxury homes market from R10 million upwards, Pam Golding Properties says.
So, let’s take a look at what luxury homes are available in some of Cape Town’s most sought-after locations.
Bakoven
Seaside Cottage as listed on Private Property
- Price: R15 995 000
- Basics: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage
- Floor area: 200 m²
- Land area: 211 m²
Set over two levels, this characterful cottage is made of two spacious bedrooms both with stunning en-suite bathrooms, two separate lounges and dining areas, kitchen with laundry, scullery as well as a direct access garage for a single vehicle. It also has a compact sunny garden and is on the oceans doorstep.
Waterfront
3-Bedroom Apartment as listed on Pam Golding
- Price: R55 500 000
- Basics: 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, parks 3 cars
- Floor area: 509 m²
A seriously sensuous duplex apartment of vast proportions where all extras come standard. Adventure is not outside – it is thoroughly within. The views over the Marina are simply unsurpassed. North, South, East and West vistas.
The upper level contains the massive main bedroom en suite with Marina facing views. There are also two separate offices that enjoy unbelievable outlooks. Between the two offices, there is a casual informal lounge for relaxation and discussion. level enjoys the three reception areas.
Clifton
145 Kloof Road as listed on Sotheby’s
- Price: R189 000 000
- Basics: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 garages
- Floor area: 7,836 Sq Ft
- Land area: 0.18 Acre(s)
The home spanning 6 levels, with 2 lifts, one entrance and one internal secure lift servicing each level. Open plan living expanding onto numerous terraces with idyllic vista views of the Atlantic, complete with koi pond and designer rim flow pool.
Franschhoek
Franschhoek Villa as listed on Sotheby’s
- Price: R90 000 000
- Basics: 14bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, 5 + garages
- Land area: 61.78 Acre(s)
Significant residences flank either side of the property, built in the French Provencal style and positioned to maximise their individual privacy. Views sweep through the valley towards the Simonsberg and Jonkershoek mountains.
Constantia
7-Bedroom Modern Contemporary as listed on Pam Golding
- Price: R50 000 000
- Basics: 7 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 7 garages
- Land area: 6,332 m²
Brilliantly designed over two levels, the home has views in every direction. The ground-level living spaces stretch the length and breadth of the ‘barn’ that lies along the property’s east-west axis, and light floods through the tall stacking doors that line the northern face. The entrance hall gives way to a family lounge-cum-play area, and then the kitchen area. Two lushly planted internal atriums separate the communal spaces from the tranquil bedroom wing that runs parallel. Veggie and herb containers and fruit trees allow for sustainable self-sufficiency. Complementing this are the borehole, water storage and filtration systems, as well as the pellet burner that heats the floors, the pool and the hot water. The veranda includes comfortable shaded seating and an area for alfresco dining. Sundowners around the fire-pit on the far end of the veranda are almost obligatory, although, in the height of summer, the martini seat that runs the length of the sparkling pool is the perfect place to toast the end of another day in paradise.
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Picture: Sotheby’s