The prediction that he made early in 2014 that the more expensive homes in Simon’s Town, the naval dockyard village 20 km south of Cape Town’s CBD, would once again begin to attract buyers has this year been fulfilled, says Leon Bosman, co-franchisee with Cathy Baker for the Rawson Property Group’s Simon’s Town franchise – which serves the Cape Peninsula suburbs up to Ou Kaapse Weg.
“To our delight,” said Bosman recently, “we are now experiencing a noticeable upswing in demand for houses in Simon’s Town priced above R3 million. Homes, which previously sold once every three months, are now selling at an average rate of one a month.”
In the case of foreign buyers, said Bosman, the motivation often appears to be the fact that at today’s exchange rate it’s “relatively easy” for them to buy a home here. The area is also seeing buyers from upcountry, who are showing an interest in Simon’s Town today because it is seen as a low crime area with a pleasant lifestyle.
Asked to give examples of the more expensive homes on his list which he would reckon to offer good value, Bosman mentioned three properties. These are:
– A three bedroom, two bathroom, 176 m2 home with views across the Simon’s Town village and taking in most of False Bay. Now on the market at R3,5 million, this home offers exceptional value. Parking for three cars is provided.
– A double storey timber home in Dorries Road, Froggy Pond, one of Simon’s Town’s wind free areas. Designed for year-round outdoor living, the home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, a study and a spacious upstairs living room. The kitchen has a scullery and is fitted out with ultra-modern equipment. On the property there is a swimming pool and two single garages as well as parking for a further two cars. Once again, the views across False Bay are breathtaking. The price here is R4,690,000.
– A 700 m2 triple storey Cape vernacular style home sited in Simonskloof – another of Simon’s Town’s windless areas. This home has the potential to be operated as a guesthouse or a B&B while still providing the owners with a comfortable private residence of their own. The home has four bedrooms, all en suite, a large reception, dining area, a state-of-the art kitchen with a laundry room, an entrance hall, a garden and garaging for three cars. There is also parking for a further four. The property is in an immaculate condition and again the views across False Bay are magnificent.
“It is not altogether surprising that we are experiencing an upturn in interest for homes of this sort,” said Bosman, “Simon’s Town and surrounding area homes generally offer excellent value and this is extremely attractive.”