Convenient, close to the city centre and the V&A Waterfront, these three suburbs are popular with those looking for a seaside lifestyle in an urban setting.
So what makes these areas so special? Sea Point is characterised by the promenade, a paved walkway along the beachfront used by residents and tourists for jogging, socialising and soaking up the sun. Steeped in history and reminiscent of the French seaside town of Cannes, the area boasts grand old buildings and an Olympic-sized swimming pool in scenic surrounds. Last year, the passionate residents of Sea Point won a long battle against commercial development, ensuring that the area remains zoned as public open space.
Safe and secure
Sea Point has shrugged off its reputation as a dangerous area and is seen as an example of successful urban rejuvenation. ‘The very active Sea Point Central Improvement District, which was established in 2002, has championed efforts to keep the suburb clean and crime free,’ says Pam Golding Properties’ area manager for the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl Basil Moraitis. Linda Segal, rental consultant for the Jawitz Atlantic Seaboard branch, agrees: "Various private and civic security upgrades have made for safe and secure use of amenities in the area. The unique microclimate along the seaboard offers cooler summers and temperate winters, and our sunsets are unrivalled. Locals know and value all the advantages Sea Point offers, and this is largely why property prices, including rentals, are rising."
She says the most affordable rental for a one-bedroom flat in Sea Point is R6 000. Two-bedroom apartments are available from, on average, R10 000, while prices in Green Point range from R7 500 for a bachelor unit to R70 000 for a four-bedroom unit in The Odyssey. "What we are seeing is an unprecedented stock shortage due to supply being exceeded by demand, as the area becomes more and more sought-after."
Sales consultants are experiencing a similar squeeze on stock. "The entry level market is experiencing an overwhelming demand from investors, local buyers and European 'swallows' looking for a seaside abode," says Lyonelle Venter, sales agent for Jawitz Properties Sea Point, specialising in property valued at under R3-million. "The highest demand is for two-bedroom apartments between Beach and Main roads."
Rose Polic, sales advisor for Engel & Volkers Sea Point, says she sold an 185 m² sea-facing apartment in excellent condition in Beach Court for R7,15-million late last year. The R30 000 per square metre price tag was the highest achieved in that block.
Platinum Mile
Mouille Point is not known as the Platinum Mile for nothing, says Moraitis. Offering astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, accommodation consists primarily of high-end apartment blocks and boasts some of the most expensive homes along this stretch of coastline — thanks to older sites being redeveloped and the erection of a handful of luxury buildings.
"Ten years ago, no-one wanted to buy in Mouille Point," says Polic. "Now it is more expensive that Sea Point. Whether or not the units have parking, they are snapped up; this is a prime location."
These deluxe buildings include Aquarius, Mouille Sands, The Breakers and Two Oceans, where a three bedroom apartment of 317 m² recently sold for R22-million. Probably the most striking building is the graceful steel-and-glass Amalfi, offering 25 double volume apartments with high-tech security and every modern convenience, where a three-bedroom apartment of 333 m² is on the market for R40-million.
Massive uplift
Green Point has been called the Soho of Cape Town, but it has now shed its Bohemian character and transformed into a cosmopolitan hot spot. It is likely, says Ryan Hamburger, a Rawson Property Group estate agent in Sea Point and Green Point, that no other precinct in Greater Cape Town has, in the past decade, undergone such a massive uplift as Green Point.
Available property includes Victorian cottages, terrace houses and sectional-title apartments. According to sectional-title specialist for Jawitz Green Point Marco Biagio, the area is still seen as affordable — especially to the average young, upwardly mobile couple or single person attracted by its trendy image. Units in the chic, modern buildings on Main Road sell for between R1,5-million for a one-bedroom and R7-million for a penthouse. In upper Green Point, you can get an entry-level one-bedroom unit for R1,3-million. "But we are achieving the highest prices ever for the suburb and anything under R3-million is on the market for less than four weeks," he says.
With the Cape Town Stadium in the background and the Green Point Urban Park in the foreground, the outdoor gym facilities and biodiversity garden provide a relaxing counterpoint to the area’s bustling urban strip. Whether you’re looking for established Sea Point, million dollar Mouille Point or trendy Green Point, the Atlantic Seaboard has a lot to offer.
School available
Primary schools:
Sea Point Primary School, Herzlia Weizman, Primary School
High schools:
Sea Point High School, Reddam House, Herzlia High School
Sea Point property stats 2014 to date*
Seven sales in the up-to-R1-million category: average price per m2 — R19 313
38 sales in the R1- to R2-million category: average price per m2 — R20 420
15 sales in the R2- to R3-million category: average price per m2 — R22 754
Source: Propstats
Take a journey through the Atlantic Seaboard here:
