The Cape West Coast stretches across 10 towns, from Yzerfontein in the south to Velddrif in the north, and inland as far as Darling and Hopefield. Dwarskersbos (part of Velddrif) in the north is just 128 km from Melkbosstrand in Cape Town. Yzerfontein is only 96 km or about an hour’s drive from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.
This region’s proximity to Cape Town, combined with the allure of a coastal lifestyle, has made it a popular choice for weekend getaways, holidays, and retirement. In the past decade, and particularly since the emergence of COVID-19, the area has also seen a rise in semi-migration. This trend can be partly attributed to the consisted ranking of the West Coast District Municipality and Saldanha Municipality within the top 10 of South Africa’s best-managed local governments according to the Ratings Afrika Municipal Governance Performance Index. This ranking translates to superior living standards, well-maintained infrastructure, and a secure environment for residential property investment in the region.
The Cape West Coast has developed into a thriving region since the early 2000’s, boasting modern shopping malls, medical facilities, and excellent schools. This transformation makes it possible for young families to join the growing ranks of permanent residents.
The natural beauty of the area along the Atlantic Ocean is undeniable. Beaches, a lagoon, and the West Coast Nature Reserve nestled between Langebaan and Yzerfontein, brings nature or the sea within walking distance of most homes.
The Cape West Coast also caters for those seeking a village character, who prefer to avoid overdevelopment and densification. Here, you can still find housing options in Jacobsbaai, Paternoster, Yzerfontein and the two inland towns of Hopefield and Darling. Additionally, premium sea-view properties in the more expensive Yzerfontein, Langebaan and Paternoster are also more affordable than compared to similar options in Cape Town.
Langebaan, the main commercial hub of the Cape West Coast, boasts well-maintained infrastructure and amenities. These include junior and senior schools, quality healthcare facilities like a day hospital, multiple shopping centres, and restaurants. All these factors make Langebaan a desirable place to live and work.
Yzerfontein offers a true village experience to families, retirees, and remote working professionals. The natural beauty of this seaside town is exceptional, with the Sixteen Mile Beach adjacent to the West Coast National Park, which borders the town, and Table Mountain visible in the distance.
The Ocean Village Shopping Centre provides a diverse shopping experience and there are a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops in Yzerfontein. While Yzerfontein lacks local schools, a good choice is available in Darling (25 km away). Langebaan Curro (54 km) is the nearest private high school. Medical facilities include local general practitioners and a veterinarian. The closest hospitals are in Langebaan and Vredenburg and the closest clinic is in Darling.
Saldanha, a former fishing and whaling village, has been transformed into the industrial growth hub of the Cape West Coast through the Saldanha IDZ. The town provides various amenities, including a convenience shopping center, cafes, eateries, pubs, and primary and secondary schools.
Darling’s tranquillity stems from its easy access to the natural environment. Surrounded by flower and eco reserves such as Khwa ttu and the West Coast National Park, Darling fosters a warm and close-knit community. Residents can engage in local events, groups, clubs, arts, and cultural experiences at Evita se Perron, or enjoy Darling’s 3 wine cellars.
Residential Property Market – 2023
According to CMAinfo, there are 52 952 residential properties in the 10 towns along the Cape West Coast.
In 2023, 1 538 residential property sales were realized, with a total value of R2 489 948 198.
Yzerfontein
There are 2 474 residential properties in Yzerfontein, a town located on the southern side of the West Coast Nature Reserve. There are 2 343 own title houses and 131 sectional title units. Most of those properties nestled against the hill boasting beautiful sea views and are within walking distance of the beach.
In 2023, 86 residential property sales were recorded in Yzerfontein, with a total value of R338 279 000. This translates to an average house price of R4 032 807 and an average sectional title unit price of R2 965 000. The highest own title sale saw a house at 178 Dassen Eiland Drive fetch R16 750 000, while the highest sectional title price was R4 350 000 for Unit 1 at 1 Fynbos Crescent.
Darling
There are 2 741 residential properties in Darling – 2 724 on title property and only 17 sectional title units. Darling is located 23 km due east of Yzerfontein and 15 km from the R27, which connects it with Cape Town.
In 2023, 54 residential property sales were recorded in Darling with a total Rand value of R78 809 000 and at an average price of R1 459 425. The highest price achieved was R3,999 million for 21 Long Street and the lowest price was R50 000 for 72 Denneboom Avenue in Nuwedorp. Only 1 sectional title unit sold in Darling for R700 000 – 3 Kritson in Langfontein.
Hopefield
There are 2 072 residential properties in Hopefield.
36 Property sales realized during 2023 with a total value of R33 401 106 – 35 own title property sold and just 1 sectional title property for R1,05 million .
The highest price achieved was R2,7 million for Erf 1640 in Victoria Street and the lowest price was R13 159 for 31 Buitekant Street in Oudekraalfontein.
Langebaan
Langebaan has 11 556 residential properties, of which 8 070 are own title and 2 317 are sectional title units (apartments).
In 2023, Langebaan saw 391 property sales, totalling R912 182 315. The average price for the 272 own title properties (houses and erven) sold, was R2 582 484, while 81 sectional title units (apartments) sold for R111 162 000 at an average price of R1 372 370.
The highest price achieved for a house in Langebaan was R11 500 000 for 851 Mathilda Drive in Langebaan Country estate. The highest price for a sectional title unit was R3 750 000 for Unit 16 Marina Village, Club Mykonos.
In terms of Langebaan’s property market activity, 32,58 properties sold every month – i.e. 1,071 per day, valued at R2 499 130. That relays to 310 own title properties (out of 8 070) sales – i.e. 3.84%, or one in every 26 homes, while 81 sectional title properties out 2 317 – i.e. 3,5%, or one in every 29 apartments, got sold during the year.
4 Langebaan suburbs generated 75% of all residential sales in the town:
The Mykonos suburb with 2 225 own title property and 610 sectional title units forms 27% of all residential property in Langebaan. It also generated the biggest share, i.e. 30% of all residential sales in Langebaan with 159 registrations valued at R272 519 741 – of which 33 sales were sectional title units worth R38 092 500.
Langebaan Country Estate’s 2 084 residential properties form 20% of the Langebaan residential market. The suburb generated 61 sales valued at R211,084 million (including 41 own title sales), which formed 23% of all residential sales in Rand value. The highest sold price achieved was R11,5 million for 851 Matilda Drive.
Langebaan Central generated 65 sales valued at R138,112 million (including 50 own title sales), which formed 15% of all residential sales in Rand value. The highest sold price achieved was R6 million for 7 Oostewal Street.
Myburgh Park generated 41 sales valued at R120,61 million (including 39 own title sales), which formed 13% of all residential sales in Rand value. The highest sold price achieved was R11,5 million for 851 Matilda Drive.
Saldanha
There are 8 457 properties in Saldanha. Of the 7 838 residential properties, only 87 are residential sectional title units (apartments).
In 2023, Saldanha saw 194 residential property sales with a total value of R113 582 299. There were 144 own title sales valued at R113 582 299 and 5 sectional title sales worth R4 995 000.
The highest price achieved was R3,3 million for 38 Gracillaria Crescent, Blouwater Bay, and the lowest price was for 26 Noordzee Street which sold for R3 391.
Jacobsbaai
There are 764 properties in Jacobsbaai (which includes Swartriet) of which 631 properties are residential. Included in the 630 residential full or own title properties, are 188 vacant erfs. There is only 1 residential sectional title property.
20 Residential full title property sales realized during 2023 with a total value of R63 739 696. The highest price achieved was R5,5 million for 3 Seventh Close and the lowest price was for Erf 705 in Jacobsbaai Security Village which sold for R244 696. The average price was R3 186 985, and the average days properties stayed on the market before selling, was 138 days.
Vredenburg
There are 9 101 residential properties in Vredenburg – 9 053 own title and 48 sectional title.
149 Residential property sales realized during 2023 with a total value of R138 125 342. The highest price achieved was R2,75 million for 8 Van Molsbergen Street and the lowest price was for 5 Ivy Street which sold for R24 190.
There was only 1 sectional title sale – 18 Northwest Village in Dorp Street which sold for R750 000.
Paternoster
Paternoster has 1 292 properties of which 982 are residential own title and 29 are residential sectional title properties.
In 2023, Paternoster saw 38 residential property sales with a total value of R83 041 110. Of these sales, 33 were freehold properties (houses and vacant plots or erven). The average price for freehold properties was R2 142 657, while sectional title properties (apartments) sold for an average of R2 466 680.
The highest recorded price for a house was R11 000 000 for 11 Langstrand Close in Mosselbank. The lowest price was R17 250 for 3 Anemoon Street.
There are 8 995 residential properties in St Helena Bay – 8 951 own title properties and 44 sectional title properties.
175 Residential property sales realized during 2023 with a total value of R310 378 738 – there was no sectional title sales. The highest price achieved was R10,8 million for 5 Kalkoond Close, Duyker Island, and the lowest price was for 21 Bokbaaivygie Street for R15 000.
The suburb with the biggest combined sales value was Shelley Point – its 55 sales contributed 41% of the sales value with R127,458 million. The highest price achieved in Shelley Point was R9 250 000 for 11 Fourth Street. The lowest price paid was R525 000 for Erf 8570.
18 Sales valued at R52,84 million took place in Brittania Bay at an average price of R2 935 556 – with 19 Linaria Street achieving the highest sale price of R6,5 million.
15 sales valued at R40,465 million at an average price of R2 697 667 realised in the Golden Mile, with 6 Maalbaai Street achieving the highest sales price of R8,05 million.
Velddrif
There are 6 533 residential properties in Velddrif – 6 533 own title properties and 167 sectional title properties.
395 Residential property sales realized during 2023 with a total value of R418 409 592 – of which 14 were sectional title sales valued at R18 589 000. The highest price achieved was R7 million for 21 Admiral Island Boulevard, Port Owen, and the lowest price was for 12 Saturnus Street in Noordhoek, for R50 000.
The suburb with the biggest combined sales value was Port Owen – its 62 sales worth R132,3 million contributed 32% of the total sales Rand value of Velddrif. The lowest price paid in Port Owen was R440 000 for a plot, 36 Elizabeth East Drive.
157 Sales valued at R85,4 million took place in Noordhoek – with 7 Glasogie Crescent in Silversands Security Village achieving the highest sale price of R2,7 million.
61 Sales valued at R82,4 million realised in the Velddrif Central, with 13 Spoonbill Street achieving the highest sales price of R3,5 million.
Future Developments – To Influence The Residential Property Market In The Cape West Coast:
3.1 Commercial:
The Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone has an anticipated R21 billion investment pipeline which includes an agreement between Sasol and ArcelorMittal SA to produce sustainable fuels and chemicals as well as green steel development, through supporting the establishment of a green hydrogen (GH2) hub in Saldanha Bay. The planned upgraded port and the roll-out of the GH2 hub are expected to provide a significant number of jobs, infrastructure investment and skills development in the associated industries and will result in an influx of qualified professionals to the region.
3.2 Tourism:
South African National Parks (SANParks) will over the next 3 years upgrade the West Coast National Park’s infrastructure and tourism facilities to ultimately improve the visitor’s experience in the park and to boost income generation.
Author : Benhard Wiese (Principal Agent – CCH)
