Whale Rock Estate in Hermanus, where units are priced from R1 million.

The hamlet of Hermanus was once a haven for retired people, but it is now the hangout of hip out-of-towners that head here over weekends and holidays to mingle with locals on the trendy beachfront strip, lounge around in the trendy cafes and bars or shop in the upmarket boutiques, says Seeff agent, Jane Day.

“The town’s mild climate, beautiful scenery and laid-back coastal lifestyle are a major drawcard,” she says.

The Western Cape coastal town is renowned as the home of the Southern Right whales that congregate in Walker Bay every year from June to October. Situated along a belt of land sandwiched between mountains and sea, Hermanus is about an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Cape Town and is a growing holiday destination for South Africans from Johannesburg and Cape Town, many of whom now own seafront second homes here.

The town’s popularity has led to a significant increase in prices of beachfront homes with mansions now priced between R5 million and R10m, but these can range up to R17.5m she says. Consequently, there is a growing demand for more affordably priced sea view apartments such as Whale Rock Estate where units are priced from R1m.

“Whale Rock Estate has 24-hour, gated security and landscaped lawns with boardwalks down to the beach. Communal facilities include a clubhouse with a swimming pool, a braai and an indoor entertainment area as well as a squash court. Apartments in the development are in demand and seldom come onto the market. At the moment we are marketing a one-bedroom apartment with uninterrupted views across Walker Bay, an open-plan living area and a shade port parking bay. The unit is priced at R1.09m excluding furnishings.”

Hermanus is a year-round destination for out-of-towners, she says. In the winter, they come for the whales, in the summer they come for the weather. The demand for holiday rentals has been constant, allowing buyers and investors to benefit from rental income.

Call Jane Day on 084 792 1548.