Cape Town’s Plattekloof and Panorama offer buyers good value

Ideally situated in Cape Town’s hugely popular Northern Suburbs, the adjacent suburbs of Plattekloof and Panorama share more than alliteration.

This four bedroom, four bathroom home in Plattekloof has an indoor entertainment area opening up to a patio and pool. It is on the market for R21.5 million - click here to view.

This is according to Pierre Nel, Pam Golding Properties area principal, who says the main attractions of both suburbs are their prime location close to the N1 to Cape Town and sweeping views right across to Table Mountain.

Nel says an interesting fact perhaps not commonly known is that apparently the names of Panorama and Plattekloof were ‘transposed’. “We’re not sure how this occurred, but originally, and with its very elevated position and panoramic views, Plattekloof was intended to be called Panorama.”

However, Nel says Plattekloof, which borders the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, offers arguably one of the best views in Cape Town, all the way from Southern Suburbs to Melkbosstrand, while Panorama, which also boasts scenic views, is one of the first steps into the increasingly sought-after Northern Suburbs.

“For residents of both suburbs it’s a short drive to Canal Walk and Tyger Valley shopping centres, with N1 City just ‘around the corner’,” says Nel.

He says restaurants are a few minutes away on the Durbanville wine route, with the popular local Greens and De Grendel, Plattekloof Village Shopping Centre and the Spar centre, as well as Panorama’s Pick n Pay shopping centre, convenient for both suburbs. Also within easy reach is Cape Town International Airport and the world-renowned Cape Winelands Route.

This four bedroom, two bathroom home in Panorama has a pool, undercover parking and braai area. It is on the market for R3.745 million - click here to view.

Nel says the sprawling suburb of Plattekloof includes Plattekloof 1, 2, 3, and the sought-after security estates situated in Plattekloof 4 - Baronetcy Estate, Leopard Rock Estate, Kleinmeer Estate, La Vie, as well as complexes Villa Caponero, Little Rock, Silwerkloof and Plattekloof Gate.

According to Nel, the area incorporates homes across a broad cross-range, catering to a variety of home buyers and their requirements. He says freestanding homes average above the R5 million mark in Plattekloof, with the entry-level price of homes in upmarket Baronetcy Estate currently around R8.5 million.

The highest priced listing in the Plattekloof area at the moment is R35 million, and situated within this estate, where some of the very latest, architect-designed homes are being built. This area will be home to some of Cape Town’s modern masterpieces and world-class designs, says Nel.

He says smaller properties in complexes in Plattekloof comprise mainly two or three bedrooms that average from about 143sqm to 240sqm in size and are priced from R2.7 million, with prices in the smaller complexes currently ranging up to R4.8 million.

“There are, however, high-end investments taking place in the area with newly-built properties which far exceed R35 million, and ceiling prices in the area will certainly increase in the near future,” says Nel.

This three bedroom, two bathroom home in Plattekloof has a TV room with fireplace and sliding doors opening up to a wooden deck with built-in braai. It is on the market for R3.5 million - click here to view.

He says most buyers are corporate professionals and executives with families, and the smaller complexes attract younger couples and smaller families, or people who tend to scale down and want to continue living within the area.

“The fact is Plattekloof is perfect for family living, and people who want to escape a busy city lifestyle are mostly attracted to this area for its scenery, views, tranquillity and modern, spacious homes. With its easy access and the city lights captured within the spectacular view, it feels as if you are still in the city,” says Nel.   

“Not surprisingly, the property market is doing phenomenally well, and spectacular new homes complete with the latest ‘green’ features are rising out of the ground while older homes are being renovated. Security estates as always are exceptionally high in demand, however the entire Plattekloof area in general is highly sought after among home buyers.”

As a result, Nel says the price of vacant land has increased and prime plots sell far above the R4 million mark. He says notable sales include a 1 033sqm piece of vacant land they sold in February for R4.35 million, the highest price achieved for vacant land in Plattekloof, exceeding the previous highest price of R4 million.

“Show days are always busy, and given the new homes in the area, prices need to be realistic in order to compete. You can still get exceptional value for money, especially if you are purchasing an older home that requires some TLC,” says Nel.

This four bedroom, two bathroom home in Panorama has a pool and double garage. It is on the market for R2.95 million - click here to view.

“Properties below R5 million that require some renovations are moving exceptionally quickly, enabling people to get into the area by acquiring such homes. Security estates and complexes are high in demand and listings don’t often stay long on the market. In addition, properties just under the R10 million mark sell at a fast pace compared with a few years ago.”

Nel says Panorama, on the other hand, which incorporates the suburbs of Kaapzicht, Sonnedal and De Duin, offers some of the best medical facilities in Cape Town.

He says apart from Panorama Mediclinic, the recently-completed Panorama Healthcare Centre has already become an iconic landmark and highly-accessible key facility for local residents and visitors in an area which has rapidly emerged as a burgeoning medical node, attracting a host of related services and businesses.

Panorama Primary is one of the top primary schools in the Western Cape, while other high schools are close by in the surrounding suburbs, including private schools, says Nel.

He says residential property in Panorama varies from apartments priced from R750 000 for a small one bedroom apartment through to R1.3 million. Most properties are spacious and have four to five bedrooms.

This five bedroom, four bathroom home in Plattekloof is set on a 2 630sqm erf and has a covered patio, pool and landscaped garden. It is on the market for R12.45 million - click here to view.

Price-wise, Nel says most residential homes can range anywhere between R2.5 million and R5.8 million, depending on size, if the property is renovated, and according to the specifications.

“The most popular price range of homes is in the R2.5 million to R3.8 million price band, and we recently sold an amazing home for R3.85 million in the heart of Panorama,” says Nel.

“Panorama is truly an amazing location, quiet and well suited to quality family living, and for most people working in town or in Century City business hubs, the location offers easy access and the surrounding areas, all combined create an excellent suburb.”

Nel says people move into the area and stay, and many make improvements to upgrade their properties and cater for their changing and growing family needs. If people do sell, they tend to purchase again in Panorama or move up the hill in Plattekloof.

“A variety of home buyers acquire property in Panorama, however, these are mostly families looking for space and good value for money. We also find the area is popular because of its ease of access for commuters, and it also has good train and bus routes and access points,” says Nel.

This three bedroom, three bathroom home in Panorama has domestic quarters and an automated double garage with direct access to the house. It is on the market for R3.35 million - click here to view.

“Interestingly, we also find a high demand from interested buyers relocating from the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. Panorama is extremely popular as a permanent residential destination, and show days are always active.”

Nel says they find a lot of interest, and people tend to look at a property that is ready to simply move in to.

“We also have an overwhelming amount of buyers just looking to get into the market in Panorama - to get their foot in the door, and they are on the lookout for a fix-upper to make their home,” says Nel.

“This is a sought-after area with excellent value, particularly if you compare properties to the current available properties in other desirable areas such as Southern Suburbs. Panorama and the bordering areas of Welgelegen, Monte Vista and Edgemead are perfect for family living and easy access.”