Already recognised as one of the Western Cape’s fastest growing residential areas, picturesque Somerset West is also establishing itself as a burgeoning economic and investment hub.
With more industry leaders moving into the area, not only because of the many opportunities available but also because of its many attractions and strong sense of community, there has been an increased demand for luxury homes, says Louise Varga, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the Helderberg region.
Notwithstanding the current property market conditions which has seen a price slowdown in many areas, particularly at the top end of the price spectrum, the demand for luxury properties in Somerset West remains robust, says Edelweiss Hankey, Pam Golding Properties agent in the Helderberg region.
According to New World Wealth data, Somerset West has the eighth highest concentration of R20 million properties in South Africa.
Hankey says several factors are driving this end of the market.
Many of the buyers who have semigrated to the Western Cape from Gauteng, or other parts of the country, choose Somerset West because of its enviable location - central to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and the Elgin Valley - as well as its cosmopolitan culture. Buyers are also coming in from overseas, particularly from Holland, Germany and the United Kingdom, to experience the natural beauty and peace of mind Somerset West offers.
There are a choice of excellent schools in the area, as well as world-class medical facilities.
“Furthermore, not only does Somerset West offer an appealing lifestyle to overseas buyers, it also offers good value for money,” says Edelweiss.
According to property data, just over a quarter of the 1 553 homes sold in Somerset West in the past 12 months (August 2018 to July 2019) were estate homes, says Sandra Gordon, Pam Golding Properties senior research analyst.
Offering a secure lifestyle, often with breathtaking mountain or sea views, these estates are well located near to popular schools in the area.
Gordon says demand for property is seen across all market segments, with investor interest from a broad demographic. The average price of the 130 repeat sales in Somerset West over the past 12 months was R5.5 million.
Increased commercial growth has contributed to the surge in residential development, to cater for the growing population.
“Shopping centres and offices are being developed to service the newer outlying areas of town, while new residential developments along the N2 now also include commercial and industrial components,” says Burger Van Dyk, Pam Golding Properties agent for the area.
More than 20 new developments in Somerset West attest to this region’s growing popularity and the increased demand for homes.
The higher priced properties on the slopes of the Helderberg offer spectacular views of the entire False Bay, with houses in areas such as Boskloof or Spanish Farm being listed for upwards of R25 million, says Van Dyk.
One of these is a luxury home on the Silvertree Heights Estate in Spanish Farm, currently listed through Pam Golding Properties for R39.95 million. With its elevated position, the three-tiered home enjoys uninterrupted views from all levels. Contemporary in design, the elegant home offers expansive living spaces and high-end finishes throughout. All five of the bedrooms are en-suite and there are two studies providing private workspaces.
Panoramic views and a seamless flow between the living spaces and landscaped garden outside make this the perfect spot for effortless entertaining. The dining room, for example, can accommodate a 16-seater table. There is a wraparound Balau-deck patio, an outdoor braai area and a pizza oven. The garage parking fits up to ten cars, and has a lift from here to all three floors.
Not only is the property in a secure estate, but it also comes with state-of-the-art security that includes CCTV cameras and beams. An additional fully-fitted flat adds another living space to the property.
“This is an exceptional home, typical of the type of luxury properties sought after by buyers at the higher end of the market,” says Van Dyk.
Situated at the base of the Helderberg mountain range, scenic Somerset West has plenty to offer residents. From pristine parks and nature reserves, to one of the best golf courses in the country at the Erinvale Golf Estate, there is something for everyone in this flourishing town. Animal enthusiasts can visit the Cheetah Outreach or Monkey Town, both close to Somerset West. The Eagle Encounters conservation programme at nearby Spier in Stellenbosch, is also a must-do.
Somerset West is only 45 minutes away from Cape Town, and close to beautiful beaches such as Strand and Gordons Bay. It is also part of the Cape Winelands, and has some of the best wine farms in the region, including Vergelegen, recently voted top wine estate in Africa, and Lourensford Wine Estate. The Helderberg Wine Route also offers craft beer tastings. There are several breweries in the area, including Triggerfish and the Helderberg Brewery. Eight of the country’s top restaurants can be enjoyed in and near Somerset West, including Waterkloof - voted South Africa’s leading restaurant.
“Despite Somerset West’s expansion that has seen several new residential developments in the area, it has managed to retain the welcoming ambience that makes it so appealing to families,” says Varga.
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