This five bedroom home with unimpeded views is on the market through Anne Porter Knight Frank at R4.95 million.

A noticeable upswing is taking place in Hout Bay residential property, says Lanice Steward, MD of Anne Porter Knight Frank.

“The entire valley has shrugged off its crime ridden image and is moving ahead,” says Steward. “Granted that the poverty and unemployment in Imizamo Yethu gave Hout Bay a dangerous reputation, it seems that the residents in the 10 000 suburban homes here have learned to cope with this and, by means of neighbourhood watch and other initiatives, are keeping the area stable.”

She says the flourishing security estates are almost entirely unaffected by crime. Most are beautifully sited and landscaped and all of them are now difficult to get into.

“Tierboskloof would, I believe, be seen as award-winning anywhere in the world, whereas Ruyterplaats has superb views and a magnificent mountain backdrop. Almost as attractive are Berg en Dal, Kenrock, Avignon and the many sectional title projects like Spinnakers and Broughton Mews.”

In the traditional housing areas like Victorskloof, Northshore and Beach Estate, says Steward, Hout Bay still offers really good value and she believes it is likely to witness fast price rises in 2010.

“You can find a well-maintained, well built three bedroom house on a well sited erf, possibly within walking distance of the beach and close to schools, a library and some 50 bistros and restaurants, not to mention about 15 mountain trails – for R1.5 m to R3 m. And if you look to the apartments the prices can be as low as R700 000 to R1.4 million.”

Steward lists five homes on APKF Hout Bay’s books which she believes offer excellent value. They are 1 Woodcutters Close at R1.399 m; 17 Milner Street at R1.695 m; 32 Louw Street at R1.535 m; 5 Linda Street at R2.495 m; 15 The Village at R2.2 m.