This modern 219 m2 Bloubergrant penthouse is for sale through Pam Golding Properties at R13.999 million.
The recent awarding of Blue Flag status to 14 Western Cape beaches is a clear indicator of the value of the province’s coastal property, says Laurie Wener, MD of Pam Golding Properties’ Western Cape metro region.
Run by an independent non-profit organisation based in Denmark, the international Blue Flag programme recognises beaches for their levels of safety, cleanliness, water quality and environmental management. Seven beaches in Cape Town alone received the prestigious eco-label.
“Around the world, prime beachfront property comes at a premium,” says Wener. “And in South Africa it is no different. The Western Cape in particular has some of the most scenic locations in the country, and indeed, in the world. Yet when you compares our prices to those in similar locations overseas, it is clear that our coastal property also offers superb value for money. This international recognition of the quality of our beaches reinforces the value of these properties and their global appeal. We are very lucky that in the Cape metro area, these beaches are easily accessible and offer numerous different lifestyle options for buyers who want beachfront homes.”
Among the local beaches awarded Blue Flag status were two on the Atlantic Seaboard – Clifton Fourth Beach and Camps Bay. The latter is enduringly popular with a wide range of buyers, as it offers everything from compact apartments and townhouse complexes to larger family homes. The location between mountain and sea, the proximity to leading government and private schools, and the easy commute into the CBD, make it a sought-after home for businesspeople, families and young professionals who enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe of its beachfront strip.
Clifton Fourth attracts a smaller, more exclusive market, says PGP’s area manager for the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl, Basil Moraitis.
“There are only about 100 beachfront bungalows in the Clifton area,” he says, “and these are particularly popular with foreign buyers and local captains of industry. Bungalows rarely come onto the market, and offer a remarkable beachfront lifestyle, some with the added bonus of a north-facing aspect, which is very rare in this area. Prices start at around R12 million and can exceed R40 million for a new home. There are very strict regulations on these dwellings, leaving little leeway to change their size or layout. This means that owners’ views and privacy are secured for the long term. Besides the restrictions on structural changes, there are also ownership regulations – for example, bungalows are not permitted to be owned by companies or trusts. The end result is that the character and identity of these homes is being preserved – and this is a major drawcard for foreign buyers who have seen other global beachfront communities ruined by rampant unchecked development.”
On the Cape South Peninsula, Muizenberg beach was again awarded Blue Flag status this year. The beach is one of the city’s most popular for swimming and surfing, and the surrounding village offers an eclectic mix of historic homes, national monuments and modern developments.
PGP’s area manager for the South Peninsula, Sandi Gildenhuys, says: “Muizenberg offers a charming village atmosphere and idyllic coastal lifestyle that is affordable and conveniently close to major amenities and work opportunities. Apartments close to the beach can still be obtained for R550 000, and you can buy a larger family home from R1.2 million. Larger modern homes are more expensive, those on the mountain slopes with sea views tend to be priced at over R2.2 million, and the signature grand homes of the suburb cost well in excess of R5 million.”
A newcomer to the Blue Flag list this year is Big Bay, Bloubergstrand. PGP’s area manager for the Table View area, Michelle Lister, says Bloubergstrand proper is one of the most sought-after suburbs on the Western Seaboard, and there are some spectacular homes right on the beachfront.
“These properties are particularly popular with watersports enthusiasts,” she says, “and foreign buyers look for homes offering the picture-postcard view of Table Mountain. Big Bay offers extremely competitive pricing when compared to other beachfront suburbs in Cape Town – the highest demand at present is in the price range from R2.5 million to R4.5 million.
Further up the West Coast, Yzerfontein was another newcomer to the Blue Flag list this year. The famous 16 Mile Beach offers a stretch of white sand with prime surfing waves and fishing spots. The village is increasingly being discovered by Capetonians seeking a weekend getaway, or even those who want to live there permanently and either work from home or commute into the city, 87km away. Luxury homes on the beachfront are priced from R4.7 million to around R7 million. The nearby Pearl Bay development also offers spectacular beachfront homes, and PGP recently sold a four-bedroom beachfront holiday home here for R4.2 million (cash sale), to Capetonian buyers.
Wener says there is growing awareness worldwide of the potential threat of global warming on coastal areas, including rising sea levels.
“This may result in higher insurance premiums for beachfront homes in future,” she says, “and buyers of these properties need to be aware of the long-term implications, as well as any attendant restrictions on building within certain distances of the waterline. That being said, South Africa is not as highly at risk of coastal flooding as some other countries, as we are not subject to the frequent cyclone or monsoon seasons as in South-East Asia or the Gulf of Mexico, for example.”
