The appeal of secure luxury estates in Cape Town

The growth in luxury security estates across the South is in direct response to a real and growing demand for homes that are true sanctuaries. 

This is according to Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Properties an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, who says luxury real estate in Cape Town is synonymous with state-of-the-art security since the jumping off point for a luxurious lifestyle must be the opportunity to relax completely. He says without the peace of mind that top class security offers, this can be difficult to achieve. 

The increase in the number of luxury gated estates or gated clusters around the peninsula is to be expected, and concomitant price tags indicate that this is a growing asset sector, he says.

According to Greeff, the lifestyle offered by this type of property is something buyers will stretch themselves to acquire. He says the advantages are numerous: children can play freely and ride bicycles in streets without being endangered by speeding cars or criminal elements, and the same is true for adult cyclists, walkers and joggers. 

Estates offer homeowners freedom from the burden of maintenance, in that communal gardens, pavements and other shared areas are generally maintained. Lock-up-and-go opportunities also allow for a flexible approach to travel and work. 

They’re seeing an increasing number of interested buyers hailing from other provinces, particularly Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, says Greeff. 

He says they anticipate that ‘semigration’ from these provinces to the Western Cape will not only continue, but grow over the next decade. Greeff says with residential stock across the peninsula in short supply and in high demand, new developments with security features are being snapped up quickly. 

“Furthermore, the availability of land earmarked for residential use is limited, and the number of developments located on sites offering natural, rare beauty are likely to diminish in the coming years.” 

Greeff says Chapman’s Bay Estate is one such example of a rare location, the likes of which they are unlikely to see again. 

Located on the mountainside along Ou Kaapse Weg, among indigenous flora and fauna, the site offers exceptional views of the ocean and mountains. Phase 6 of Chapman’s Bay Estate in Noordhoek is set to go ahead, and along with existing plot and plot-and-plan options, a new design option is being offered. 

The single-level terrace units with three or four bedrooms are priced from R4.635 million. These units will comprise living spaces ranging from 283 square metres to 304 square metres. 

Various other design options are available – these include townhouses priced from R3.25 million, courtyard units priced from R4.185 million, wetland units priced from R4.725 million and avenue units priced from R4.805 million. 

The greater proportion of luxury security estates are located in the Southern Suburbs and the Southern peninsula. With the accolade of most prestigious is Silverhurst, in Constantia Upper, where a record selling price of R38 million was achieved in 2008 for an 800 square metre home set on a 4 000 square metre stand. 

Thanks to demand, more mini estates or clusters of homes within a walled perimeter with a controlled access gate are appearing in top-end suburbs such as Constantia Upper. These estates include Warblers Grove Security Estate, Southern Cross Drive Security Estate, 15 Spaarman Avenue mini Security Estate and Warblers Way Security Estate. 

Currently on the market is a five bedroom, five bathroom home with three garages in Warblers Grove Security Estate, an enclave of eight homes, with high-end security. The 640 square metre home spans two floors and the asking price is R19.9 million. 

The Eight in Upper Claremont is unusually set in the more central and populated Southern suburbs. Greeff says it offers a sanctuary and a secure lock-up-and-go investment opportunity of R6.9 million inclusive of VAT. 

Hout Bay is home to a number of highly sought-after security estates, which enjoy spectacular views and beautiful indigenous surrounds, says Barry Todd, Principal of Greeff Properties Hout Bay. 

He says they are currently marketing four properties on security estates, three of which are on Ruyteplaats – a magnificent estate comprising 34 hectares, 17 of which feature indigenous gardens, with winding walking trails, a small dam, lawns, children’s play area and tennis court. Most properties have great sea and mountain views, he says. Asking prices range from R9.75 million for a five bedroom, four bathroom 521 square metre home with three garages on a 1 506 square metre stand to R13.85 million for a five bedroom, six bathroom 650 square metre home with two garages on a 1 481 square metre stand. 

According to Todd, the estate is close to Llandudno and therefore has easy access to Camps Bay and the City Centre. On the market is a four bedroom, three bathroom home in the sought-after Berg en Dal Estate, which is selling for R8.75 million. 

Tierboskloof is a 16 hectare residential mountain estate which offers spectacular views and natural beauty including waterfalls and fynbos all within an exclusive gated property. On the market are three homes in this estate, ranging in price from R6.9 million for a four bedroom, three bathroom home to R15.9 million for a house with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. 

According to Greef, the last twenty years have seen a steady growth of residential and commercial real estate stretching from Steenberg and Westlake over Ou Kaapse Weg to Noordhoek. He says these were historically areas that were viewed as off-the-beaten-track. With the advent of schools, and lifestyle estates, the far Southern Suburbs and Southern Peninsula are a burgeoning hub in themselves. 

Greeff says astute buyers and investors can seek out properties in Nieuwe Steenberg Estate, Silvertree Estate, Stonehurst Estate, Stonehaven and as mentioned above, Chapman’s Bay Estate. This part of the world offers access to beaches, mountain trails for hiking, equestrian trails and a number of restaurants and farm stalls. Demand for amenities has seen the advent of a hospital, Virgin Active gym, new shopping outlets and schools, he says. 

Currently for sale in this part of the peninsula is a three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse at Nieuwe Steenberg priced at R9.29 million.   

Home to a growing community of families, the luxurious and secure Nieuwe Steenberg Estate enjoys a rare and tranquil setting beneath the Steenberg and Constantiaberg mountains. Built on an elevated heritage site with gentle slopes, Nieuwe Steenberg, which neighbours the Steenberg Golf Estate, offers multi-national views including those of the wine award winning vines,  exquisitely landscaped Steenberg Golf Estate, the majestic mountain range and the Southern Peninsula.

On the market are two five bedroom homes at Silvertree Estate, priced at R10.995 million and R10.5 million respectively. “Silvertree Estate is considered to be one of the best security estates in the Cape Southern Suburbs. The family-friendly roads and leafy surrounds make it ideal for raising children, especially if they attend Reddam House, which is located next door.” 

Greeff says residents enjoy an excellent lifestyle with easy access to golf courses, wine estates, restaurants, shops, forest walks and beaches. He says a Virgin Active Gym and the main highway to the city are nearby. 

Luxury secure living in Stonehurst, an eco-estate with communal recreation facilities and excellent security including strict 24-hour controlled access, is currently up for grabs in the shape of a unique 900 square metre-plus home with 360 degree views and a modern, spacious design. Five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, six reception rooms, garaging for three cars, parking for six cars, and a stand of 1 654 square metres carry the asking price of R25.75 million.