With more people making major lifestyle changes, not only to escape the congestion of city living but also in search of a more tranquil lifestyle in closer harmony with nature, there has been a notable move towards more environmentally conscious building and living, especially in the estate sector.
Arnold Maritz, Southern Suburbs Co-Principal for the group says, “Traditionally, buildings were purposely designed to separate and insulate us from nature, but we are becoming increasingly aware of the myriad benefits of being in a natural environment.”
Once an anomaly, green architecture has become far more commonplace along with construction principles that incorporate conservation of the natural environment and the use of sustainable products made from recycled, recyclable and natural materials, says Maritz.
In the Western Cape, the stunning False Bay coastline lends itself perfectly to this lifestyle idyll and during the past decade, the region has attracted considerable interest from buyers seeking to commune with nature without being isolated from the world.
According to Linette Kempster, area specialist for the group, the once-sleepy seaside village of Noordhoek, which was traditionally home to artists, academics and the horsey set has become especially popular.
Rustic homes on large grounds have always been the properties of choice here, however, a surge in demand and broader investor diversity in recent years has not only changed the resident demographic but also property landscape, says Kempster.
“Noordhoek’s unique charm and scenic beauty attracts buyers who not only prioritise the security and investment potential of estate living, but place equal value on a more holistic lifestyle closer to nature and consequently, the suburb is now home to three eco-estates.”
Maritz says with consistent property values which are proving more resilient than most during these challenging times, well-established eco-pioneer in the area, Lake Michelle is testament to the desirability and investment value of such properties in the area.
After a record median price of R5.198 million in 2016 and a predictable dip in 2017 when the market turned, property values rebounded to reach a new high of R5.2 million in 2018 with the median price for 2020 so far at R5.1 million.
Chapman’s Bay, which is still within the final development phase, offers investors an excellent window of opportunity for maximum capital growth by getting in at the ground level, with the added benefit of no transfer duties being payable when buying developer’s stock.
“The estate also ticks all the boxes for those wanting to get back to nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience,” says Maritz
“Over and above creating stunning homes, the developers have placed specific emphasis on preserving and restoring the biodiversity, including the natural fynbos which flourishes in the gullies between homes and various indigenous species like the rare Leopard Toad which is found nowhere else in the world. The wide roads and abundance of paths allow children to freely explore within the boundaries and wetlands in a secure, protected environment.
Mark Tame of the Chapmans’ Bay Property Development Trust explains that the goal was not only to rehabilitate a degraded derelict site within an area of natural scenic beauty but to restore the pristine natural element back into the very fabric of the estate for the benefit of its residents.
It’s a very low-density estate with widely spaced homes individually separated by 5m fynbos strips in addition to wide green belts, so residents enjoy maximum privacy as well as relaxed, secure living in a natural environment set against the backdrop of Table Mountain Nature Reserve, says Tame.
The contemporary architectural design of each home optimises natural light from every angle, framing the breath-taking sea and mountain views with floor-to-ceiling glass.
Residents here enjoy the quintessential country life with the peace of mind of living in a secure environment in a close-knit community, yet they also have easy access to an array of amenities, from shops and schools to water sports, mountain climbing and kilometres of scenic biking and hiking trails.
Investors have a number of buying options including plot only, plots with approved plans, plot and plan, turnkey and completed houses. Jointly marketed by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, vacant stands start at R895 000 (including vat), townhouses are around R3.7 million and freestanding completed homes range between R4.8 million and R8.9 million.
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