In the Western Cape, many parents are relocating cities to secure places for their children in the province’s top private schools, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Annien Borg, regional head for Pam Golding Properties in Boland and Overberg, reports a surge in demand for homes near these sought-after schools. This trend is driving significant changes in local real estate markets.
Borg notes, ‘The number of parents eager to buy homes in these desirable school districts is rising, while existing residents tend to stay put for 15 to 20 years. This creates a persistent shortage, which fuels ongoing price increases.’
Although the Western Cape Education Department hasn’t set feeder zones for public schools and the new Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act doesn’t limit admissions to nearby residents, high-demand schools often give preference to local applicants. Many parents also prefer to live close to their child’s school to avoid lengthy commutes in traffic.
Areas like Durbanville are particularly appealing, with property prices ranging from R2 million to R5 million. Popular estates include Graanendal, Welbevinden, Avalon, and Pinehurst, with prices from under R3 million to around R9 million.
Boland towns such as Paarl and Stellenbosch attract many families. Borg explains, ‘People move to these towns specifically for the schools, which are challenging to get into. Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gimnasium are two of the most renowned schools in the area.’
In Wellington, family homes start at about R2.4 million, while in Paarl and surrounding secure estates, a small three-bedroom house costs around R3.5 million. Franschhoek homes are priced at approximately R7.5 million, with Mostertsdrift homes also seeing significant price increases, sometimes exceeding R8 million.
Simonswyk’s entry-level prices have risen from the late R3 millions to the upper R4 millions in just three years, with Uniepark now averaging mid to upper R6 millions. Some areas like Rozendal and Brandwacht have seen homes sell for over R10 million due to renovations.
New developments in Paradyskloof, though further from schools, are still within a 15-minute drive and start at around R7 million. Secure estates like Brandwacht aan Rivier, Kingsview, and Welgegund have prices exceeding R10 million.
In the Overberg region, Hermanus and Onrus are also popular for their top schools, with property prices starting just under R3 million. Borg adds, ‘Around 40% of recent buyers in Hermanus are aged between 39 and 49, indicating an influx of younger families post-COVID.’
The increased interest has led to a high demand for long-term rentals in these areas, outstripping the available supply.
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Picture: Stellenbosch University
