Franschhoek estate agents describe the property and lifestyle of the area.
Who is buying property in the Franschhoek area?
There is a healthy mix of local buyers upsizing and downsizing within the village, including buyers from Joburg, Pretoria and Durban moving for quality of life reasons and for those with school-age children attracted by the world-class Bridge House Independent School. Overseas buyers from other parts of Africa and Europe are attracted by the weaker rand, and escaping the harsh European winter. In terms of age profile, buyers are a mix of families with school-age children, young to middle-aged local and overseas buyers, and older retired couples. This mix of nationalities and age groups helps give Franschhoek its unique energy and cosmopolitan vibe.
Tom Clode, Principal agent, Fine & Country
What attracts buyers to the area?
Buyers are attracted by the region’s natural beauty and sense of safety, excellent schools, proximity to Cape Town (one of the world’s great cities), and a confidence in the future and the local government, as demonstrated by local services. International clients experience world-class sophistication at a very low cost compared to other global destinations, great weather and opposite seasons. Properties in the area are stylish, well positioned, many with sweeping views and very inexpensive on a global scale – one can buy a stunning freestanding four-bedroom house for R6,6m, the price of a one-bedroomed apartment in other areas of the world.
Doug Gurr, Agent and property consultant, Pam Golding Properties Franschhoek
What do you love most about the area?
I love everything about Franschhoek: the incredible scenic beauty, mountains, farmland, nature on your doorstep, fetching water from a spring in the mountain, and the fact that Franschhoek, despite the influx of day visitors and tourists during season and over weekends, still remains a village. And there are no traffic lights and no parking meters. I love the vibrancy of the village, always something to do, festivals through the year create a buzz over weekends. Good food with an array of restaurants in the village and at the wine farms. Franschhoek offers a lifestyle that would be hard to find anywhere else, and under an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Anita Wessels, Principal and franchisee, Jawitz Properties Franschhoek
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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