The Western Cape of South Africa has long been known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse lifestyle offerings. In recent years, this stunning region has been witnessing a significant shift as homebuyers are increasingly drawn to the charm and tranquillity of countryside towns.
These idyllic locales are capturing the attention of urban dwellers who seek a change of pace and a slice of the countryside dream, and it is significantly changing the current real estate landscape in Western Cape, says Antonie Goosen, Principal and Founder of Meridian Realty.
Your dream country home in Mcgregor for R3.6 million
“The Western Cape's countryside towns are growing in allure as urban dwellers seek a change of pace and a slice of the countryside dream. These idyllic locales offer a serene escape from city life, featuring picturesque landscapes, a relaxed lifestyle, strong community bonds, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities,” says Goosen.
"The scenic beauty of these towns are a strong drawcard. “Western Cape's countryside towns are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, lush farmlands, and panoramic mountain vistas create a serene and visually captivating backdrop for residents. The life in the countryside is inherently more relaxed, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. Residents can savour a slower pace of life, where time seems to move at a different rhythm.
These towns often foster a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy close-knit relationships with neighbours and participate in a range of local events and activities. The Western Cape's countryside towns offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and exploring nature reserves are just a few ways to stay active and engaged with the environment. Finally, many towns boast vibrant art scenes, farmers' markets, and cultural festivals that celebrate local traditions and crafts,” says Goosen.
He says the countryside has an array of options for homebuyers, from modest starter homes to luxurious estates. “Entry-level homes typically fall in the range of R1 million to R2.5 million, offering comfortable living in established neighbourhoods. These properties often include two to three bedrooms and modest outdoor space.
“For those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle, high-end homes are available for R5 million and above. These properties frequently feature expansive plots of land, exquisite architecture, and a host of premium amenities, including swimming pools, guest cottages, and top-tier security features,” says Goosen.
Christoff Coetzer, property practitioner for Meridian Realty in Greyton, says towns like Greyton offer a compelling country lifestyle that serves as a refuge from the frenetic pace of city life, providing a serene escape while maintaining easy access to urban centers for work requirements. They embrace the essence of a safe and welcoming community, ideal for families and pets, with a strong sense of togetherness. The presence of robust infrastructure, notably reliable internet connectivity, enhances the quality of life.
“In Greyton, the entry-level for homes is currently around R3.5 million, catering to a wide range of budgets. For those seeking luxury and premium properties, the high-end market in these towns extends up to R19 million, ensuring there's something for everyone. In recent months, a noteworthy trend has emerged – a scarcity of properties coming to the market, and when they do, they tend to be overpriced. Although demand has seen some fluctuations, it remains relatively stable, hovering around pre-Covid levels, underscoring the enduring appeal of these charming towns,” says Coetzer.
Ina Eksteen, property practitioner with Meridian Realty in Struisbaai, shares her insights on this picturesque coastal region. “Struisbaai, Agulhas, and Suiderstrand offer a unique holiday haven, where two oceans converge at the southernmost point of Africa. Surrounded by a nature reserve teeming with protected wildlife and a 170-year-old active lighthouse, it's a significant tourist attraction.
Ocean view home in Struisbaai for R2.7 million
“In recent years, there has been a shift with younger couples choosing to call this place home. The expansion of a private school in Agulhas has further enhanced the region's appeal. Property options range from entry-level homes at R1.9 million to R2.5 million, to luxurious contemporary houses and Cape-style architectural gems, with guest houses offering lucrative business opportunities. The market has seen price reductions for properties on the market for over six months, but the construction sector is thriving, and more houses from construction companies are available for speculative sales.
“While many homeowners are in the 65 to 80 age bracket, new properties and land opportunities are emerging, adding diversity to the real estate market in Struisbaai,” says Eksteen.
Piet Geldenhuys, property practitioner with Meridian Realty in Riversdale, underscores the numerous attractions this town has for prospective buyers. Riversdale, located a mere 40 kilometers from the coast and 100 kilometers from George Airport, enjoys a strategic position nestled close to the enchanting Klein Karoo. The town benefits from the efficient functioning of its municipality, ensuring that essential services are readily available. What's more, Riversdale boasts exceptional educational institutions, contributing to its appeal as top-quality schools offer a strong educational foundation. The presence of a well-operating hospital adds to the town's allure.
Spacious family home in Riversdale for R2.390 million
One of Riversdale's standout features is its remarkably low crime rate, creating a safe and secure environment for residents. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the town provides a serene respite that lures buyers seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. Geldenhuys highlights an intriguing trend he's observed in Riversdale – a shift towards families relocating to town. Many are drawn by the allure of countryside living close to George Airport, allowing them to set up a base in this idyllic setting. Commuting to work via airplane during the week while the families remain in Riversdale is becoming increasingly common, with people returning home for the weekends. This trend underscores the town's growing popularity as a residential destination.
Roline Campher, property practitioner for Meridian Realty in Bettys Bay and Pringle Bay in the Overberg says these towns, nestled between the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and the Atlantic Ocean, offer breathtaking coastal and mountain views. Low crime rates and a strong sense of community make for an ideal living environment.
“Wildlife is abundant, with porcupines roaming the streets at night. The area boasts a penguin colony at Stony Point, along with small bucks, mongooses, baboons, and diverse bird species. Minimal street lighting minimizes light pollution,” says Campher.
In addition to wildlife, the towns provide essential amenities like first responders, medical services, coffee shops, restaurants, hardware stores, and specialty shops.
She says Pringle Bay offers 3-bedroom houses starting at around R2 million, with limited available land. Bettys Bay has 3-bedroom houses starting at about R1.5 million and plots at R450,000. Both towns feature high-end properties exceeding R20m.
Campher says on average, properties in these two towns sell for about 7% less than the asking price. High demand and cash sales are driven by remote work, attracting a diverse range of buyers, including families with school-age children.
Chris Steytler, property practitioner for Meridian Realty in Robertson and McGregor, says Robertson is witnessing a significant shift in its real estate landscape, driven by its large older community. “Many older residents are choosing to embrace a new lifestyle in retirement estates, making a range of older homes available in prime locations. These properties typically fall within the attractive price range of R2.5 million to R3 million, offering a great opportunity for those looking to downsize or transition to a more retirement-focused lifestyle.
Beautiful stone home in Mcgregor for R2.4 million
“Meanwhile, in McGregor, buying trends remain consistent and appealing, especially to middle-aged buyers who have embraced remote work and seek the tranquil, unhurried ambiance of this charming town. The demand for properties in McGregor remains robust. It's worth noting that some older McGregor residents are also choosing to relocate to retirement villages in nearby Robertson due to their affordability compared to options in city areas, all within the comfort of a familiar environment. This highlights the region's appeal for retirees seeking an enriched quality of life,” says Steytler.
Steytler says like most Western Cape country towns, McGregor and Robertson provide an escape from the fast-paced, noisy city life, offering a quieter, low-stress lifestyle. Buyers are drawn to the clean, unpolluted air and the charm of old-fashioned living. These towns offer a safe environment for raising children in a farming village atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty. Active individuals can indulge in activities like golf, cycling, bird watching, and hiking, with the added convenience of fibre internet for remote work. Entry-level homes in McGregor start at approximately R1.3 million, while in Robertson, it's around R1 million. For those seeking high-end properties, Robertson boasts beautiful older homes ranging from R5.775 million to just under R8 million, while in McGregor, options include a guest house at R6.9 million and a historic guest estate on over 2 acres for R12,995,000.
Sharleen Lomey, property practitioner for Meridian Realty in Napier, says with an excellent municipality and responsive local leadership, Napier offers a blend of heritage and modern homes. “Work-from-home opportunities thrive with exceptional Wi-Fi and fibre connectivity, while low crime rates provide peace of mind. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the pristine mountain water, country air, and stunning landscapes, ideal for hiking and cycling.
Family home with stunning views in Napier for R1.650 million
“Napier also offer a close link to Cape Town, the airport, coastal regions, wineries, and nature reserves. A tight-knit community promotes friendliness, support, and a sense of care, complete with a vibrant church community and thriving local markets. Homebuyers can find entry-level properties at around R1.6 million, while move-in-ready homes range from R2.2 million to R2.5 million, marking a substantial increase from previous years. For those seeking luxury, larger properties, small holdings, and guest houses are available from R4.5 million to R10 million,” says Lomey.
Goosen says in recent years, the Western Cape countryside towns have seen an increase in real estate activity with some notable trends. ‘The demand for homes in these towns has been steadily rising, driven by city dwellers seeking a peaceful retreat and remote work opportunities. Well-priced properties in desirable areas have been selling quickly, often with multiple offers, emphasizing the desirability of countryside living. Buyers are placing a premium on homes with outdoor living spaces, whether it's a garden, a patio with a view, or a swimming pool. Many are also prioritizing homes with excellent connectivity for remote work. The current market tends to favour sellers, with competitive pricing and favourable terms,” says Goosen.
“Whether you're in search of an entry-level home or a luxurious retreat, these towns have a diverse range of real estate options to suit your needs. The recent surge in demand and quick sales in these areas indicate a growing appreciation for what the Western Cape's countryside has to offer. So, if you're considering a move to a place where life unfolds at a gentler pace, it might be time to explore the opportunities in these charming countryside towns,” says Goosen.
Bring your magic to this home in a small estate in Somerset West for R2.5 million
Louise Varga, Pam Golding Properties area manager in Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Strand says In areas such as Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Strand , they see increasing enquiries from semigrators relocating to these towns from major cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, East London and Cape Town. While this has been an ongoing trend as the Covid-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the benefits of coastal living, combined with the ability to work from home, security is high on their list of priorities. Sound investment, beautiful surrounds, convenient amenities and for the younger families, excellent schools, are all factors taken into account by our home buyers. It’s also generally more affordable here than Cape Town, with secure property options across a wide range in Somerset West, Gordons Bay and Strand.
For a sense of small-town community, big city convenience, and the attractions of the Cape Winelands on tap, and with schooling and proximity to Stellenbosch University, Somerset West has it all, while offering better value for money than comparable homes in Cape Town. For Gordon’s Bay home buyers, the mesmerizing views to Simons Town and panoramic mountain backdrop are simply the icing on the cake. In Stellenbosch, the value lies in the beautiful setting, outdoor living, recreational activities offered and quality lifestyle.
Retire to the coast in Simon's Town for R4.450 million
As a student town, Stellenbosch has over the years proven a sought-after destination, with a residential property market which has shown ongoing resilience to price fluctuations. It offers the best of both worlds – country living, but close to the city and all its amenities, while excellent schools and student accommodation in a stable environment are further drawcards. A broad variety of quality properties are available, catering to all requirements from retirement villages and an array of security estates to established, peaceful suburban areas with larger erven and a wide variety of new developments and student accommodation attractive to investors and for students to occupy – being priced mainly between R2 million R4.3 million.
There’s a broad price range catering for residential property buyers in Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Strand, ranging from R800 000 for sectional title units and luxury beachfront apartments between R4million and a penthouse for R20 million and between R3 million and R8 million for houses – with the most popular price range for standalone suburban homes from R4million to R7 million, to security estates.
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