Secure Estate Living Delivers a Premium South African Lifestyle

Estate living in South Africa is not just about security; it's about taste and sophistication and an opportunity for independent living within like-minded social communities, where families aspire to a luxury lifestyle played out within suburban, country, golf, equestrian, wildlife and sustainable coastal estates.

Home buyers in the Western Cape enjoy premium opportunity and access to superior estates offering expansive vistas, lifestyle-orientated features from lockup-and-go to quality-designed homes covering spacious proportions, all with an accent on comfort and wellbeing, sporting activities, private schools, gyms and bespoke retail stores.

"Our country is believed to have over 6 000 gated communities and the figures rise annually. Buyers are flocking to enjoy the social benefits, feeling of community and the peace of mind that the heightened security features bring," says Knight Frank COO Nick Gaertner.

"The current South African estate living market is estimated to be worth over R600-billion and comprises almost 320 000 households with buyers prepared to pay a premium for their safety and the convenience of on-site amenities," with according to Gaertner "many South Africans seeking to raise their families within a secured community."

The Western Cape has always enjoyed the prestige of abundant natural beauty and buyers in the region are undoubtedly spoilt for both security and choice.

#1 First-class Cityscapes

Cape Town's renowned Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a model in urban coastal sophistication with Table Mountain and the glittering CBD in easy reach, which is seeing a flurry of activity from buyers in Johannesburg and the many clients who own multiple apartments in the Waterfront complex already, who are looking to further expand their investment.

"Located on the water's edge, the Waterfront is unique, and I would say, has always been ahead of its time. It's a one stop lifestyle estate where you can live, work and play. All new builds going up in the city now feature mixed-use living making it the hottest urban trend," says Gaertner.

"Buyers can expect an average price per sqm of R77 457.60 in 2019. Currently, we have a 2-bedroom apartment available for R11,600,000 featuring a generous terrace, underground parking, access to four communal pools, and gym making it ideal for a lock-up-and-go lifestyle.

"Featuring on the luxury end of the scale, we have a spacious lateral apartment measuring 491 sqm with three bedrooms, a study and three parking spaces. This apartment offers spectacular Marina views and beyond to the city and Table Mountain and reflects a guiding price of R49 900 000."

#2 Wine Country on the edge of the CBD

The lush Constantia Valley sheltered by the mountains with beautiful views out to sea attracts luxury buyers wanting a complete lifestyle close to the CBD. According to Knight Frank agents Karin van Niekerk and Shahad Jafar, the average price in 2019 for secure estate living averages at R10 979 167 compared to the average home at R/m2: R 8 124. Sectional title homes average at R4 800 000 with an average R20 987 per sqm.

"The bustling Constantia Village is the place-to-be-seen and is right on your doorstep. Then it's a gentle drive to coastal favourites such as Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, Simonstown, Noordhoek and Fish Hoek which enjoy warm Indian Ocean temperatures," says van Niekerk.

#3 Upmarket Atlantic Seaboard

According to Knight Frank Agent Dion Oliveira, with sole mandate on properties in Tierboskloof in Hout Bay, this well-established estate offers a secure lifestyle for a broad range of homeowners with opportunities starting at R4.8M to R17.9M.

"A new high was recently set with our R17.9M property which sold for R17.5 to European buyers who find the Tierboskloof estate a great balance between community living and nature. The estate boasts a private hiking trail, a tennis court, squash court and swimming pool with spectacular views of the ocean, surrounding mountain ranges, and adjoining nature reserve."

#4 Sports Score

With 16 residential estates in the Newlands area, Knight Frank agent Sandra Evans says the many excellent schools, shopping centers, sport complexes, universities, hospital and access to the airport sees a variety of estate living options.

"Depending on your budget, we can offer estate buyers R30 409 as average/sqm on a sectional title home or R11 228.00 per sqm on a full title estate home. Our average sale for full title home in 2019 is R7 209 200."

#5 Country Life

The Country Village is the secure retirement estate in the quaint village of Greyton, which was purpose built 10 years ago with just 44 units. According to Knight Frank consultant Tober Reilly it offers a practical alternative to country living without the daily obligations of upkeep.

"Think generous entertainment spaces, 24-hour concierge, communal gardens and low maintenance living where each cottage is architect-designed yet retains raised, vaulted ceilings. A rare kind of estate with spectacular mountain views, the average selling price is R2,2 - R2,6 million," says Reilly.

#6 Coastal Golfers Delight

According to Knight Frank agent Gail Gavrill, Plettenberg Bay sparkles as a popular international playground on the Garden Route and offers the most prestigious secure estate living in the province, such as Brackenridge Estate, Whale Rock Ridge and Schoongezicht, which outperform the general property market.

"Brackenridge Estate has been crime free for the past 5 years and enjoys direct access to the ocean, modern shopping, private schools, hospitals and both a private and national airport. Golfers especially are spoilt for choice as the Garden Route is a paradise of many award-winning greens."

Looking for a secure luxury lifestyle with all the modern amenities at your fingertips? Ask one of our Cape agents for a bespoke viewing portfolio to suit your buying imperatives