10 luxury estates in Umhlanga, Cape Town and Pretoria selling for higher average prices than their surrounds
Estate living is the fastest-growing luxury property trend in South Africa, and it is not uncommon for estates to achieve higher average selling prices compared to their surrounding neighbourhoods, says the Seeff Property Group.
Luxury buyers continue migrating to luxury gated estates, driving property values ever higher, said Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl.
“We have seen strong international demand, along with Johannesburg buyers who are used to secure estate living. We have also had local Capetonians buying as the estate is ideal for families who want space for their kids to play.”
In the Cape, three of the top five neighbourhoods are gated estates which clocked up growth of 16% to 25% over five years. That is four to five times faster than the national average house price and CPI growth in 2017 to 2021. National growth for 2021 averaged just 4.6% according to Lightstone.
Levin said this reflects the high demand for luxury security estates now evident in the market. Initially, the demand was driven primarily by the desire for security, but the pandemic has brought a major shift to lifestyle and access to safe open spaces.
Estates have been among the best performing neighbourhoods with average price growth of up to 25% over the last five years. The latest Financial Mail Top Suburbs Survey also listed a number of luxury estates among their choice of best growth neighbourhoods over a one, three and five-year period.
While the Cape (25% of estates) has fewer housing estates compared to Gauteng (over 50%), those located in the Cape, especially around the Cape Town metro seem to attract the highest average price growth.
Cape estates also tend to achieve the highest rental rates. Seeff for example concluded a rental of R390,000 per month (paid in advance for the year), in a joint-deal in Val de Vie estates over the last year.
Seeff looked at 10 top estates to invest in right now. These are based on outstanding price growth along with top-class security, leisure and amenities on offer, and proximity to urban and business centres.
Most of the estates offer lifestyle benefits such as open areas with hiking and cycling, leisure activities such as golf, tennis and squash and access to top schools making them popular with family buyers. Lifestyle estates are also popular for second homes, especially in coastal areas according to Seeff.
10 top estates to invest in now include:
- Silverhurst Estate (Constantia, Cape Town Southern Suburbs) – median price R17.95 million
The most exclusive estate in the Cape with 17% price growth over five years. James Lewis, managing director for Seeff Southern Suburbs says it offers a quality lifestyle with open spaces, a lake, trails, tennis, and access to top schools. Priced from R8 million to R28 million-plus.
- The Ridge Estate (City Bowl, Cape Town) – median price R16.5 million (land only)
The only luxury estate available for Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl buyers, designed by SAOTA Architects (Stefan Antoni) with a choice of concept homes or build your own. The elevated views are protected with height restrictions. Plots are selling at record prices, but still plenty available, priced from R8,6 million (excluding VAT) for a plot.
- Welgedacht Estate (Cape Town Northern Suburbs) – median price R6.4 million
The estate offers a fabulous lifestyle for local and semigration buyers with quality homes, amenities and schools, says Fanie Marais, Seeff licensee. Residents have access to the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, wine farms and trails (hike, cycle, horse riding) through the vineyards. Priced from R5.7 million.
- Stonehurst Mountain Estate (Cape Town) – median price R6.2 million
Tertia Barnett from Seeff says prices have grown by 25% over five years. Amenities include a lifestyle centre, gym, lap pool and 5km of trails and proximity to local and international schools, golf courses, wine estates and more. Priced from R8 million (Houses) and R4.5 million (townhouses).
- Izinga Estate (Umhlanga, KZN) – median price R6.15 million
Izinga achieved 20% price growth over the last five years. Brett Botsis, licensee for Seeff Umhlanga says it attracts a broad spread of buyers due to the private schools, proximity to King Shaka Airport, Gateway and business hubs. Priced from R7 million depending on size, views and so on.
- Mooikloof Country Estate (Pretoria East) – median price R5.9 million
Price growth of 15% over five years. Gerhard van der Linde, MD for Seeff Pretoria East says it is ideal for families due to the schools and outdoor enthusiasts. Homes are large on 10 000sqm stands, often with stables. Priced from R6 million to R29 million.
- Applegarth Estate (Hout Bay, Cape Town) – median price R5 million
Hout Bay is renowned for its natural beauty, coastal setting and choice of estates, the latest being Applegarth Estate close to Constantia Nek. Aside from freestanding houses set amidst natural vegetation, there are also townhouses with luxury finishes priced below R5 million.
- Midstream Estate (Centurion, Pretoria East) – median price R4.4 million
Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion says Midstream offers a secure village lifestyle with over 7000 homes, sectional title and freehold ranging to over 800sqm. There are schools in the estate along with medical, shopping and more. Priced from R3.5 million (older) and R4 million (modern homes).
- Copperleaf Golf and Country Estate (Centurion, Pretoria) – median price R3.55 million
14% price growth over five years. Pretorius says families and golfers are the main buyers. Homes range to 800sqm. The estate borders Pinnacle College. Amenities include golf, tennis, squash, cricket, jogging trails, children’s centre and more. Priced from R3,4 million to R7.75 million (highest achieved).
- Blue Valley Golf Estate (Centurion, Pretoria) – median price R3.3 million
A well-run estate with 24% price growth over five years. It has a Tuscan feel with homes ranging to 800sqm. Amenities include tennis and squash, a spa and wellness centre, jogging and cycling trails and more. Priced from R3.5 million to R9.3 million (highest achieved last year).
Read: 6 property law changes taking effect in South Africa from February
Loading ...