Security drives home buyers in Helderberg

Security is a top priority for home buyers in Helderberg.

This three bedroom house in Schonenberg Estate, Somerset West, offers open-plan living areas, air conditioning, fireplace, covered patio and braai area. It is available for R3.895 million - click here to view.

This is according to Lee Siebert, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Helderberg, whose office services Somerset West and the surrounding areas. She says due to the fact that so many families in South Africa have been affected by crime either directly or indirectly, home buyers in this country have become some of the most security conscious in the world.

Siebert says for the large majority of home buyers, security has become the most influential factor when it comes to deciding where to buy a home. There is a high demand among home buyers for peace of mind, which is why many purchase properties within security estates.

“Most buyers want to buy a home in a development that allows their children to play and interact with other children within a safe environment. Buyers are attracted to security estates firstly because of the safety aspect they provide, and secondly because of the lifestyle these kinds of estates have on offer.”

Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says properties with top-end security features that are located within security estates often fetch a higher premium than other types of properties and generally have a greater return on investment over the long term.

“It seems evident that the security of a home and its location, directly affect the perceived value of that property,” he says.

Siebert says in her experience, homes within security estates generally have a higher growth curve over the long term than other freestanding properties that are not located within an estate.

This home in Kelderhof Country Village, Somerset West, has three bedrooms, an open-plan lounge and patio with built-in braai. It is selling for R1.67 million - click here to view.

“Due to the high demand for properties within security estates, these homes' values will generally outperform other types of homes within the same area, making them a good investment option,” she says.

Homes within security estates in Somerset West range in price from about R1.8 million to around R3 million depending on the size and features offered. “These prices are within the mid- to upper-level range of properties available in the area. We find that many buyers will start at the lower end of this price range and will work their way up as their financial situation and family criteria changes,” says Siebert. 

“Security estate properties within this price bracket are generally between one and five years old, have three to four bedrooms and feature stands ranging in size from 400sqm to 600sqm, and a home under-roof of between 160sqm and 250sqm.”

Siebert says homes that are more attractive to buyers are those that feature modern design and quality finishes throughout. “Homeowners who have spent a relatively small amount on upgrading the finishes in their homes have seen a significant increase in the value of their properties.”

Siebert says she believes Kelderhof Country Village will provide buyers with an excellent value-for-money offer, due to the newly established Curro School and planned shopping centres.

She says there is currently sufficient supply of property in the estate, which is located within proximity to Somerset West, just 30 minutes from Cape Town. Other high-profile estates that will be highly sought after this year are Croydon Vineyard Estate and Sitari Country Estate, both of which offer high-quality, upmarket homes.