The suburb of Marina da Gama, located in the greater Muizenberg area of Cape Town, may well be one of the city’s best kept residential secrets. Established in the 1970s on the eastern shores of Zandvlei, the enclosed waterside community consists of over 1 300 stands, yet it remains largely undiscovered by many Capetonians, thanks to its location set back from major commuter routes.
Pam Golding Properties’ (PGP) area manager for the South Peninsula, Sandi Gildenhuys says the homes in Marina da Gama are grouped around a number of waterways which form part of the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve.
She says these create an idyllic environment for non-motorised water sports enthusiasts, and you can find many residents enjoying an evening kayak, windsurf or stand-up paddle along the canals or even visiting one another for sundowners by rowing boat.
She says the active local Homeowners’ Association ensures all homes conform to approved architectural design guidelines, and the result is a charming village atmosphere with white-washed homes reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Competitive pricing is one of Marina da Gama’s most appealing features, particularly for first-time buyers, retirees and those downscaling after their families have left home. One can still acquire a one bedroom apartment for under R400 000 or a two bedroom apartment for under R750 000.
A modest starter or cluster home can be bought for between R850 000 and R1.2 million, with larger family homes fetching between R1.3 million and R2.5 million. A few top-end homes with multiple bedrooms and luxury features can be obtained between R2.5 million and R4 million. Gildenhuys says demand is currently highest in the R1.5 million to R2 million price bracket.
The suburb’s limited number of controlled entrance points contributes to a secure and family-friendly environment, while its proximity to the Capricorn business node makes it a favourite with younger professionals working in the area.
Another appealing feature is the ease of access to amenities – besides its own shopping centre at East Lake, the suburb is well placed for larger shopping nodes in nearby Lakeside and Muizenberg, which also offer a wealth of recreational facilities including theatres, trendy restaurants and quaint shops.
Gildenhuys says residents enjoy the close proximity to the mountains of the South Peninsula, as well as to Muizenberg Beach, one of the Cape’s warmest and safest beaches for swimming and surfing. She says this beach was recently re-awarded international Blue Flag status, confirming its high standard of cleanliness and safety.
Marina da Gama has a strong community atmosphere, and regular events include the annual Marina Carols, a monthly craft market and an active local Gardening Club.