South Africa’s coastal towns are attracting local and international buyers, all eager for a slice of holiday living
As summer beckons, are you dreaming of a seaside escape or considering a savvy investment in a holiday home? This year's top coastal holiday home hotspots belong on your wishlist.
Tourism is thriving once again, with holiday rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com soaring back to their pre-pandemic popularity. The Seeff Property Group has witnessed a significant surge in demand for properties along the Western Cape's picturesque coastline. Over the past two years, despite a generally slower sales market, holiday towns have seen remarkable sales, with homes in places like Plettenberg Bay fetching between R10 million and R33 million.
But it's not just about the Western Cape. The allure of owning a second home, especially for those rooted in economic hubs like Gauteng but wishing to invest in coastal serenity, has fuelled a rise in demand. Moreover, the Eastern Cape's coastal gems are gaining attention for their more attainable prices compared to their Western counterparts.
What are the must-see destinations, according to Seeff's experts, and what price tags might you expect in these coveted holiday havens?
Holiday Homes in Clifton and Camps Bay
Clifton and Camps Bay are the most sought-after destinations for affluent holiday home seekers, reports Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard. This year, Clifton has emerged with an awe-inspiring average house price exceeding R50 million, and its apartments command an impressive average of over R22 million. Meanwhile, Camps Bay has made a name for itself with the most significant number of sales above R20 million.
Nestled between majestic mountains and pristine blue flag beaches, these areas are not just about breathtaking scenery and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. They are the crème de la crème of holiday home hotspots, drawing the affluent, the famous, and social media trendsetters alike. Levin emphasises that investing here means more than just acquiring a property; it's about embracing a premier lifestyle in the heart of real estate excellence.
These areas have shown remarkable property growth over the last decade and continue to attract a global audience, with a notable influx of buyers from the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany.
Holiday Homes on the Garden Route
Seeff Plettenberg Bay has achieved remarkable sales in the challenging climate of the past year. Sales have ranged from R17.3 million to a staggering R33 million for a prestigious Beachy Head home, marking some of the highest prices outside the Atlantic Seaboard. Alet Ollemans, the licensee for Seeff, attributes this success to the region's exceptional climate and the vibrant beach lifestyle it offers.
Plettenberg Bay, a jewel of the Garden Route, presents a spectrum of investment opportunities. Apartments start at a welcoming R1.4 million, stretching up to luxury units priced between R6.5 million and R12.75 million. The housing market is equally diverse, with average homes priced between R2 million and R4 million, while high-end luxury homes can soar to as much as R60 million.
Not to be overlooked, Knysna's waterfront properties, especially in the Thesen Islands, have experienced a surge in sales, reflecting buyers' eagerness to be part of this exclusive market. Here, houses range from around R5 million to R15 million. Other sought-after areas include Brenton, Simola, and Pezula Estates, along with Sedgefield, which continues to offer exceptional coastal affordability and charm.
Holiday Homes on the West Coast
The West Coast, with its idyllic blend of seafood, storytelling, and stunning holiday homes, captures the essence of a tranquil coastal retreat. Its proximity to Cape Town makes it a perfect destination for weekend getaways, and its popularity on Airbnb and Booking.com is a testament to its appeal. This year, beachfront homes in Langebaan's Calypso Beach Estate witnessed notable sales, with properties going for R8.25 million and R8.8 million. The latter, sold by Jaco and Tracey Coetzee from Seeff, achieved its full asking price, highlighting the area's rising popularity.
Yzerfontein, even closer to Cape Town, is a hidden treasure known for its untouched charm and lack of commercialisation. Michelle Livingstone-Louw and Nelia Retief from Seeff note its growing appeal among those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. This year, Seeff successfully brokered deals up to R6.5 million in Pearl Bay and R6.785 million in the serene Jakkalsfontein Private Nature Reserve, further cementing the West Coast's status as a sought-after location for holiday homes.
Holiday Homes in the Overberg/Overstrand Region
Just under two hours drive from Cape Town, via the breathtaking Clarens Drive, lies the Overberg/Overstrand region. This area is a tapestry of quaint villages, nestled amongst the rich fynbos of the Kogelberg Biosphere and set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. It's a haven for nature lovers, boasting a diverse array of bird and animal species, vibrant sea life, and exceptional spots for whale watching. The villages here are defined by their rugged coastline and pristine white beaches, offering a serene escape from the hustle of city life.
Security is a priority in this region, with both Pringle Bay and Rooi Els equipped with CCTV cameras. Pringle Bay caters to everyday needs with its array of basic amenities and charming eateries, while Rooi Els stands out for its lack of commercialisation, offering a more untouched experience.
When it comes to property options, Pringle Bay offers a range from modest to grand homes, starting at around R2 million. This year, several properties were sold in the R3 million to R5 million bracket. Rooi Els, slightly more upscale, lists properties around the R3.6 million mark, reflecting its exclusivity and appeal to those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
Holiday Homes in the Eastern Cape
Venture just over an hour's drive from Gqeberha, and you'll find yourself in the picturesque resort towns of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay, jewels of the Eastern Cape.
Famous for their status as world-class surfing destinations, these towns offer more than just waves. Jeffreys Bay, in particular, is celebrated for having one of the best right point breaks in the world. Along with its superb surfing conditions, the town is equipped with excellent amenities and boasts highly accessible property prices, making it a prime spot for holiday home seekers, as noted by Seeff.
St Francis Bay further enhances the allure of the Eastern Cape with its exceptional selection of holiday properties. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, the town presents a variety of choices, including waterfront homes and residences within golf estates.
Prices in this idyllic setting generally range from around R2 million to R8 million, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. These towns are not just about the thrill of surfing; they're about embracing a lifestyle that balances adventure with peace.
Holiday Homes in Blouberg
Blouberg has emerged as a world-class destination, particularly celebrated for its kitesurfing prowess, especially with the Red Bull King of the Air 2023 event currently showcasing the talent of three South African participants. This vibrant area has become a hotspot for those seeking holiday homes and for property investors aiming to make the most of the flourishing Airbnb market.
The region is witnessing a notable uptick in international buyers, attracted not only by the excellent kitesurfing opportunities but also by the lifestyle it offers. Many, including those from the UK, Germany, and wider Europe, are investing here, some with retirement in mind. Both Bloubergstrand and the adjacent Big Bay boast prime locations right on the coast and within easy walking distance of beaches, restaurants, shopping centres, and more.
Big Bay caters to a range of preferences with its assortment of apartments, townhouses, and estate homes, with prices typically ranging from around R2 million to R8 million. Bloubergstrand, echoing the high-end appeal of areas like Clifton, offers apartments starting at around R2 million and luxury houses that command prices in the upper millions.
Whether you're drawn to the serene beauty of the Garden Route, the bustling surf scenes of the Eastern Cape, or the vibrant kitesurfing beaches of Blouberg, there's a holiday home waiting to fulfil your dreams.
Each of these regions offers unique charms and opportunities, ensuring there's a perfect match for every preference and budget. With Seeff's expertise and a vast array of properties, your ideal holiday home is just a conversation away. Contact us.
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